Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by Tori’s VA
It’s no secret that Nashville is loaded with music venues all over the city. I mean it is nicknamed “Music City” after all! And you certainly could spend all your time listening to live music you happen upon up and down Broadway (they’re all amazing!) but instead you should check out the absolute best Nashville Music Venues to have the most authentic experience.
After living in Nashville several years, I have listened to live music more times than I’d ever be able to count. And I’ve been to most of the music venues in the city! And while not all Nashville music venues are created equal, they do all have something great about them and are worth visiting at least once.
I could add alllll the honky tonks on Broadway, but that’s not what you’re looking for. So here’s a list of the actual best live music venues in Nashville.
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Map of the Best Nashville Music Venues
1. The Bluebird Cafe
This is without a doubt my absolute favorite Nashville music venue on the list. It’s a super small place located in a strip mall just a little bit out of the city. Not at all what you would picture!
And yet, The Bluebird is the place where so many of the big stars started out. Yep, even Taylor Swift played here back before she hit it big. Here you’ll get to listen to some of the best songwriters in the city!
But you have to plan ahead to snag a seat in this intimate Nashville music venue. Tickets go on sale about a week in advance, so be sure to be online the minute they go on sale to grab a table.
Tickets here are super cheap, between $10 and $30 depending on the show and often require a food & beverage minimum of $10 as well, but the food is super yummy; get the brie appetizer!
Type of Music: In the Round, Songwriters, Country, Pop, Rock and Contemporary Christian
Cost: $10-30
Website: www.bluebirdcafe.com
Location: Google Maps
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2. The Listening Room Cafe
Another popular intimate music venue in Nashville is the Listening Room Cafe. Not quite as tiny as the Bluebird, it has very similar vibes.
This spot is known for having some of the best songwriters in the city. You’ll often get the chance to hear number one hit songwriters along with a variety of other acoustic artists and bands.
They offer the same style of show, you’ll sit at a table and eat dinner while you watch the performance and there will be a small cover with a food and beverage minimum. But they have a full menu of delicious bites and drinks!
Type of Music: Songwriters, Acoustic, Country, and more
Cost: $5-15
Website: www.listeningroomcafe.com
Location: Google Maps
3. City Winery
Close to downtown and the Gulch, City Winery is an awesome Nashville music venue similar in style to the first two on this list. You sit at your table and dine while the show goes on. But this one has an upgraded experience with a gourmet menu and of course, lots of wine.
It’s a small chain around the U.S. with 13 different locations. And they’re doing so well because it’s such a fun experience! I am already a sucker for a wine-tasting and delicious Italian inspired menu, but add in a live show? I’m sold.
The musicians range from Americana to alternative music to R&B, bluegrass and country music, and everything in between. One of my favorites who performs here regularly is Joshua Radin, but most of the people you’ll see on the lineup are fairly small names, but always a great show! Ticket prices range but can start as low as $15.
Type of Music:
Cost: Varies, Some shows as low as $15
Website: www.citywinery.com/nashville
Location: Google Maps
4. The Grand Ole Opry (The Opry House)
Without a doubt the most famous Nashville music venue is the Opry House, known by most as the Grand Ole Opry. Technically the “Grand Ole Opry” is the show name, and the Opry House is the music venue. Either way, say that name anywhere around the country and they will know what it is.
The show has been around since 1925 and has been famous ever since. The location of the Opry House might surprise you if this is your first time visiting Nashville, since it is well outside of the city. But it is worth making the 15-20 minute drive north to see this famous show.
They have a Grand Ole Opry show almost every single night, featuring several different artists, usually at least 6 different people! You’ll see a variety of singers, from huge stars to up and coming artists. But it’s exclusively country music at those shows.
The Opry House also has concerts for other musicians on select nights, and we had the opportunity to see one of our all-time favorite bands, Casting Crowns, and it was one of the best experiences watching them play at such a special venue!
You can also take tours of the building during the day and visit the gift shop if you don’t want to stay for the show. Tickets are not usually cheap, starting at $45, and going over $100 often. But it’s worth it for the most famous Nashville music venue!
Type of Music: Country
Cost: $45+
Website: www.opry.com
Location: Google Maps
5. Ryman Auditorium
Another famous Nashville music venue is the beautiful Ryman Auditorium, located smack dab in the center of downtown. It’s just steps from Broadway, the main strip in Nashville.
Originally built as a tabernacle, this gorgeous building is most famous for being the venue of the Grand Ole Opry show back in the day, before the Opry House was built.
With several shows each week, you can see a wide variety of acts at the Ryman. Most are smaller artists as the venue isn’t huge. By there are also well-known famous acts like Ed Sheeran, Dustin Lynch, Bob Dylan, Harry Styles and more.
Type of Music: Everything
Cost: Varies
Website: www.ryman.com
Location: Google Maps
6. Nissan Stadium
If you’re looking to see the biggest, best and most famous acts while you’re in Nashville, look no further than Nissan Stadium. Home to the Tennessee Titans, this football stadium can hold 70 thousand plus people for a concert, and they do, several nights each summer. It’s located directly across the river from the bars on Broadway, and the pedestrian bridge makes it just a quick walk away from the action!
Usually concert season runs from April through August when the weather is warm. I highly recommend Springtime in Nashville! But in 2027 they will have a new indoor stadium built right next door and will host concerts year-round.
This is where you’ll see artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, Billy Joel, Luke Combs and more! And yep I saw them all here just last year alone! (That’s me, 36 weeks pregnant at the Eras Tour!) They also host the largest stage for CMA fest, four nights of back-to-back country music. It’s a fun time.
I recommend you eat before you get to the show for this one…but if you do plan to eat here, go to the spots in the end zone; the local places like Party Fowl and Martin’s BBQ are the best options!
Tickets to this Nashville music venue will range wildly as the tours are the ones to set the prices. But having the upper level options does typically mean you can get seats for somewhat reasonable prices.
Type of Music: Everything
Cost: Varies
Website: www.nissanstadium.com/upcoming-events/
Location: Google Maps
7. Bridgestone Arena
While Nissan hosts the biggest names in the music scene, Bridgestone holds every other top level artist. They can hold about 18 thousand people for a concert and have shows frequently, as many as 10 a month sometimes!
This Nashville music venue is located right on Broadway, you literally can not miss it, it’s in the background the whole time you explore downtown!
You’ll see artists like Drake, Cody Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Dan and Shay and more. They also host the CMA awards and they used to hold the CMT awards too, but that recently got moved to Austin, Texas.
I’ve been to tons of events here over the years and it’s a great place to hear live music in Nashville! We recently attended the CMA Awards and it was amazing. Fun fact: I actually interned here back in the day when I was in college!
My favorite things to eat here are the gourmet grilled cheeses and the warm cookies, both close to the main entrance!
Ticket prices are typical for what you’d expect, they range based on the artist since the tour sets the prices.
Type of Music: Everything
Cost: Varies
Website: www.bridgestonearena.com
Location: Google Maps
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8. Ascend Amphitheater
The third option for typical artists on tour would be Ascend Amphitheater. It’s an outdoor venue just two blocks from Broadway, that holds about 7k people with a variety of seats and lawn options.
Since the venue is outdoors, shows run from April through September. The acts are typically smaller here, like Thirty Seconds to Mars and Sarah Mclachlan, however occasionally you might see bigger names. Lainey Wilson will be here this year, for example!
Ticket prices are still fairly expensive here, but the lawn option helps a lot! Those typically start around $50 per person.
Type of Music: Everything
Cost: $50+
Website: www.ascend.org/amphitheater
Location: Google Maps
9. Marathon Music Works
This is a music venue and private event space, and we actually attended my husband’s company holiday party here one year.
It’s a big open venue with a stage and some bars and the shows are standing room only, no seats! Normally that is perfectly fine as you’ll likely be standing either way, but when I wanted to see Lauren Daigle when I was 8 months pregnant, that sadly had to be a “no” for me, haha!
Here you’ll be able to see any of the smaller artists you love, and typically, but not always, they tend to be a little…well, edgy. Hip hop, rap, hardcore punk, r&b, that sort of thing!
Ticket prices vary, but are typically much more reasonable than some of the bigger venues. You can usually get in for $25-50.
Type of Music: Small Acts
Cost: $25+
Website: www.marathonmusicworks.com
Location: Google Maps
10. Wildhorse Saloon
**Wildhorse Saloon is temporarily closed for remodeling as of January 2024**
The live music at Wildhorse Saloon is always awesome, but that’s probably not why you’re heading to this Nashville music venue. You’ll come here for the dancing. Line dancing that is!
It’s the best place in town to listen to live country music and learn step-by-step how to line dance! The place is huge, with several floors, a full kitchen, multiple bars, a huge stage for the band and a dance floor front and center for you to kick up your boots.
This is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Nashville and my first recommendation for any visitors! And the best part? It’s completely free!!! Of course you can and should order food and/or drinks while you’re here, but there’s no cover or cost for the lessons. AND if that wasn’t good enough, it’s totally family friendly! Win-win-win!
However, it’s important to note that Wildhorse Saloon was recently purchased by country artist Luke Combs. He has said that things will be changed, we just don’t know exactly how much will change. I’ll update here when I know more!
Type of Music: Country Line Dancing
Cost: FREE
Website: www.wildhorsesaloon.com
Location: Google Maps
11. The Twelve Thirty Club
One of my favorite bars on Broadway, and another one of the best Nashville music venues, is the Twelve Thirty Club. Owned by the one and only Justin Timberlake, this place has his charm, beauty and swag all over it.
While the first floor is a typical restaurant with live country music, the top floor is where you need to go to listen to live music! It’s a super gorgeous and swanky jazz club-style venue with a small stage, low lights, red velvet chairs and flickering candlelight. It’s beautiful and you’ll immediately feel fancy when you step in.
The music here is great, local acts with a chill vibe and lots of jazz bands. Relax in the lounge or get dinner reservations at the phenomenal supper club just steps away where the food is top notch. Order the focaccia, it’s legitimately the best I have ever had, and one of my favorite spots for a Nashville date night!
Type of Music: Mostly Jazz
Cost: Free
Website: www.thetwelvethirtyclub.com
Location: Google Maps
12. The Stage
I told you I wouldn’t fill this list of Nashville music venues with all of the honky tonks along Broadway, but I figured it was worth pointing out at least one. The Stage is one of the many huge bars with live music, drinks and dancing, but this one in particular is a local favorite. ALL of my friends love this place and head here first when they go downtown.
It’s got the best combination of great bands, good vibes and awesome music. While these artists might be the no-names now, they very well could be seen on the charts some day soon! Plus, every artist who plays along Broadway is amazing so you really can’t go wrong.
Type of Music: Mostly Country
Cost: Free
Website: www.thestageonbroadway.com
Location: Google Maps
13. Rudy’s Jazz Room
Located in the Gulch, a super trendy area of downtown, sits Rudy’s Jazz Room. It’s a take on the traditional Jazz clubs from the prohibition in New Orleans; everything from the music to the decor to the handcrafted cocktails. And they actually have a surprisingly large lunch and dinner menu in addition to the long list of specialty cocktails.
There is a cover charge here, but it ranges from $10-20 depending on the time of day and you can buy in advance or at the door for the same price.
Type of Music: Jazz
Cost: $10-20
Website: www.rudysjazzroom.com
Location: Google Maps
14. Arrington Vineyards
Not your typical type of music venue, Arrington Vineyards definitely deserves a spot on the Nashville music venues list because it is easily one of the BEST places in the area to go to enjoy live music. Now that might also be because there are beautiful views and incredible wine, but there’s nothing wrong with that!
Located about 40 minutes south of the city near Franklin, TN, Arrington Vineyards is worth the drive. Every weekend afternoon year round you’ll get to enjoy live music while sipping on a wine flight. It’s completely free to go here, but of course you would be expected to buy something to drink. Bring your own charcuterie board, but outside alcohol is not allowed.
The artists include a variety of jazz and bluegrass and are the perfect vibes to go along with the rolling hills in the background, the wine and the good company. In the summer they have two stages outside and in the winter they have one in an enclosed tent. It’s comfortable here, no matter the weather.
And Arrington Vineyards is located south of town where many of the best hiking trails in Nashville are, so you can go on a hike then relax at the vineyards after!
Type of Music: Bluegrass and Jazz
Cost: FREE
Website: www.arringtonvineyards.com
Location: Google Maps
15. Brooklyn Bowl
It’s a music venue. No wait, it’s a bowling alley. Or a restaurant? No, it’s a bar!
This place has it all! You can literally reserve a lane to go bowling during the concert, a pretty unique experience!
Ticket prices are super reasonable, typically from $20-40, but it is all standing room only. The artists are primarily rock, but there are some Americana and Country occasionally as well.
But if you’re planning to rent a lane during the show, be warned…it is NOT cheap! In the $300s!
Type of Music: Rock
Cost: $20-40
Website: www.brooklynbowl.com/nashville
Location: Google Maps
16. The Station Inn
A super fun Nashville music venue located in the Gulch is Station Inn. It’s an old school listening room that’s super intimate and has shows seven nights a week. The Station Inn is also family friendly and everyone is welcome, which is a huge plus!
Here you’ll find bluegrass, classic country, Americana and roots music, and many of the big names you know and love used to play here, like Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill and Alan Jackson to name a few!
They do have a small, simple food menu to choose from, or you can eat before the show at one of the incredible spots in the Gulch.
The Bluegrass Jam happens every Sunday night and is totally free, but the shows the rest of the week will cost you $20-25 per person.
Type of Music: Country, Bluegrass, etc.
Cost: FREE-$25
Website: www.stationinn.com
Location: Google Maps
17. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame is definitely not most known for their concerts, but it is definitely one of the most unique Nashville music venues on the list!
You’ll be more likely to come here for the museum, which is awesome and worth a visit if you’re into country music! But take a look at their event schedule to see their upcoming shows.
I found out about a Florida Georgia Line show here a few years ago (right before the duo split, actually!) and got us tickets for a super intimate show and Q&A when they opened up an exhibit about them in the museum! It was one of the most up close and personal experiences we have had at a show in Nashville and an experience we won’t soon forget!
They have shows here at least once a week, from songwriters sessions to big names like FGL! And the best part? Tickets are typically free with the cost of museum admission! Win-win!
Type of Music: Country
Cost: Free (With a museum ticket)
Website: www.countrymusichalloffame.org
Location: Google Maps
18. General Jackson Showboat
It’s not your typical Nashville music venue, but 100% deserves a spot on the list! The General Jackson Showboat is exactly what it sounds like, a show on a river boat and it is so much fun.
You’ll hop on the boat up at the Opry Mills Mall (next to the Grand Ole Opry) and ride the river into downtown Nashville. This is where you turn around and head back. The boat is quite large with several floors, and decks all around to hang out on and enjoy the beautiful sights.
While you’re on board, they will serve you a full sit-down meal. The food depends on the time of day and season you choose, but it is always really good!
The music you’ll hear onboard is full of oldies and classics, songs you can’t help but sing along to! And the shows are always family friendly.
Now, I will forewarn you, the typical age range on this boat is usually a little on the older side, but that does not mean you can’t still have the best time at any age. But for the most fun experience, I recommend you book one of the holiday cruises.
We did the New Year’s Eve show a few years back with my family and oh. my. gosh. We had SO much fun! My husband said he wished we could do it every single year. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Nashville around the holidays!
And finally, ticket prices. They’re not cheap, but it does include a show, boat ride and a full meal! Prices start at $72 for adults and $45 for children, but on holidays they can be as expensive as $150 per person.
Type of Music: Classics
Cost: $72+
Website: www.generaljackson.com
Location: Google Maps
19. The Basement
If you’re looking for indie music, look no further than this Nashville music venue just south of town. It’s a small place with standing room only, and no food, so eat before you go. I recommend Il Forno which is an Italian restaurant nearby, or there’s a Hattie B’s location just down the street for something more casual!
If you’re in East Nashville, they also have a second location over there with similar setup, music and vibes, but this one does have a food truck on property!
You’ll see lots of small indie names on the lineup here, and it’s always a great time! Ticket prices range from $10-20, so this is one of the most inexpensive options on the list!
Type of Music: Indie
Cost: $10-20
Website: www.thebasementnashville.com
Location: Google Maps
20. 3rd & Lindsley
Located just a few blocks south of downtown is 3rd & Lindsley, another great small music venue in Nashville. They have a good variety of local artists, songwriters and cover bands who play here.
They have a full menu and bar to order from before and during the show. Everything from steak and seafood to salad and wings, so come hungry!
Tickets here are general admission, but there’s enough seating for about half of the guests, so if you want seats get here early. Prices for GA tickets typically range from $15-25, which make it a super reasonable option for tourists and locals alike to enjoy a show!
Type of Music: Everything
Cost: $15-25
Website: www.3rdandlindsley.com
Location: Google Maps
