Nashville, Tennessee aka Music City. It’s what we do… So when it comes down to finding the best spots to catch this legendary music scene, you’re in the right spot. From Broadway insiders suggestions to hidden gem venues and information on weekly events, here’s my list of the best places to catch live music in Nashville, Tennessee.

Broadway

Lets go ahead and rip the bandaid off on this one… YES. It goes without saying that Broadway is where all our minds go to when we think about hitting the town in Nashville. You’d be spot on though, because the bars down there have someone on stage from the minute they open, to the minute they close. And we have some buddies who play downtown and we’ll hit up their shows every once in a while. 10/10 recommend Nudies, The Stage, and Robert’s Western World!

There are all sorts of events downtown as well including Live on the Green, CMA fest, and other concerts over at Nissan Stadium and Broadway. Those usually happen around holidays like 4th of July and Pride. Also home to the Tennessee Titans. YAY SPORTS!

Ascend Amphitheater

Nashville’s most epic outdoor amphitheater is Ascend. Right on the Cumberland, the views of the sunsetting over downtown and the river curates the perfect summer evening. Rent a chair from the venue and get there kinda early to get a good spot on the lawn. Or luck out with front row tickets, like I did to Sting (hell yeah The Police lol!). I have seen other acts like Kings of Leon, Ben Rector, Brothers Osbourne, and more epic bands here. Click here to snag your tickets!

First Bank Amphitheater

The First Bank Amphitheater is in Franklin, TN just 30 minutes from downtown Nashville. Besides the horrid parking situation and being a little far from town, this place is epic. It reminds me of the Red Rocks amphitheater in Colorado a little bit because it is in an old quarry. The lights on the walls of the rock make for an epic show, like the NIN one I saw here in 2021. Check out their lineup if you are local or ever down near Franklin.

The Ryman

The Ryman aka the Mother Church was the original home to the Grand Ole Opry. Keep scrolling to see where they moved to and still operate out of. To this day, they have kept the integrity of it’s Music City history and host the world’s largest names on stage. Catch a show or book a backstage tour to get the full Nashville experience.

Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is one of Nashville’s most notable contributions to country music. The original show premiered in 1925 on radio, launching country music into the national spotlight. George Hay launched the WSM Barn Dance with Uncle Jimmy Thompson, a 77-year-old fiddle player, on November 28. By the 70’s, the show was being televised and the rest is history!

Some of it’s most notable appearances have been Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the queen of Tennessee herself, Dolly Parton. The Opry family continues to grow, with Lady A, Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, and many more inducted in the last few years. Book the VIP experience with access to the lounge backstage and artist meet and greet here!

Bridgestone Arena

Bridgestone Arena is the home of our Nashville Predators hockey game and I have seen so many different kinds of music here. From the Weekend to Chris Stapleton, you get a great show and the world’s biggest acts. Check the line up for this year here!

Winner’s

Winner’s in Midtown is an almost weekly spot for many locals. On Monday and Thursday nights, they host an event called Whiskey Jam. Whiskey Jam is hosted by one of Nashville’s best MC’s and hosts artists of all kind from around the WORLD. It’s rumored this is where Chris Stapleton got discovered. We’ve seen all sorts of celebrities pop in and surprise everyone with a cameo. Or even headline at their summer outdoor concerts. So, this is a definitely fan fave.

Loser’s

Right next door to Winner’s is Loser’s. And it might be this duo’s better half. We freaking love this bar cause it has the best house band in the whole town. Even if you are not a country music fan, doesn’t matter. You won’t be able to make your boots behave on their dance floor. The drinks are strong and they have adult Capri Suns. Sold.

The Basement

The Basement (and the Basement East) are great venues for up and coming acts. They have more indie, punk, and rock shows rather than country so make an evening out of it with dinner at Waymore’s and then post show drinks at the arcade next door.

Their East location was hit by a massive tornado in March of 2020, BUT THEY ARE REBUILT AND OPEN. Help support them with their amazing line ups of amazing, non-country shows! Click here for their schedule!

5 Spot

Great local East Nashville hang that features a diverse selection of genres. All shows are $10 cash. They have a dance party every Monday called Motown Monday and cheer drinks! Check out the line up at the 5 Spot here!

The Local

The Local is a great small venue to catch singer songwriter nights, small bands of all genres, and a rock series with Cody Parks. Some of Nashville’s biggest names have performed here before making it big so make sure to stop by for a bite to eat or some good priced cocktails.

It is located right next to Centennial Park which hosts a concert series each summer called Musician’s Corner. This series hosts local acts and is free! Click here to see the event lineup and schedule! Pack the lawn chair and cooler cause it is a great time.

The Listening Room

The Listening Room holds a special place in a lot of Nashvillians hearts. It is the venue that industry members frequent to hear songwriter nights, artist rounds, and unique opportunities to hear up and coming talent. Here’s their list of upcoming shows!

The same holds true for the Bluebird Cafe. Another famous songwriter spot where you are sat on eye level with Nashville’s biggest song writers.

The Blue Room

Jack White’s recording studio has now opened the famous Blue Room to the public for regular release parties, live shows, and other events like trivia & burlesque. They are always doing something cool over there, cause duh there’s an elephant on the wall. Click here to check out their events coming soon!

Printer’s Alley

Historic Printer’s Alley was once home to the speakeasies of Nashville, making the bars located on this street the perfect places to catch a show. Check out Skulls for burlesque/jazz shows, Blues Bar for blues/bluegrass, Snitch for club/house music, a karaoke bar, and more! Click here to learn more!

Brooklyn Bowl

Brooklyn Bowl is right next to the baseball stadium in Germantown. There is a huge stage in the back where I saw a charity show for a local family whose home had burned down (I love the community love here). Enjoy two levels of standing room for a good view no matter where you stand. There are two large bars to get a drink super quick and other bars/restaurants in other parts of the building. Including a bowling alley.

Click here to check out their line up, including the GIMME GIMME disco, Shrek raves, and Emo nights.

3rd and Lindsley

Some amaaaaazing shows have happened in this space. There are stories upon stories about friends getting to meet the bands and interact with artists who brush shoulders here. It is a unique space! Click here for their lineup!

Analog at Hutton

Analog at the Hutton Hotel is a more exclusive music venue. It has private parties and event space that is true to its Music City home. The bar is decked out in cool, vintage music gear. The last show I saw there was a writers round with Cassidy Pope. And the stage is so beautifully decked out with chandeliers and curtains.

Eastside Bowl

This is a new-ish venue in deep East Nashville. Not only is Eastside Bowl a live music venue but they also have a bar, bowling alley, and arcade. It’s like a teenager’s dream. The venue was designed by Urban Cowboy designer, Lyon Porter, so it is super groovy and designed with retro themes in mind. Their two stages make this the spot to be scene with the hipster crowd!

Exit/In

This iconic rock venue has been apart of many local scandals recently. Exit/In is reopened under new management and the locals who have been loyal to this establishment since the days of Steve Martin and more. Another venue due to open this year is the BEST Cannery Hall- formerly Cannery Ballroom. Super pumped to see that people purchasing these music venues are renovating and reopening rather than demolishing for more high rise condos. Read more about the plans here!

Twelve Thirty Club

The 12/30 Club is Justin Timberlake’s bar in downtown Nashville at 5th and Broad. The first floor is their honky tonk level, second floor “the Supper Club” is their swanky, big band vibe of a venue, and then their rooftop. Loads of stages. In fact there are multiple stages inside the entire 5th and Broadway complex. There is a rooftop stage on top of Assembly Food Hall and they have songwriter nights inside the food hall while guests eat.

Rudy’s Jazz Room

Looking for a little jazz for a sultry date night or a change up from the usual country bar? Check out Rudy’s Jazz Room (cred to them for the photos above) for cozy martinis and smooth jazz. The sultry setting is meant to give "New York City meets New Orleans" vibes. They have a wonderful happy hour, open 6 days a week at 5pm.

Other places to note:

-Electric Jane

-Supper + Song at Imogene and Willie

And there you have it… the best places to catch live music in Nashville, TN! No matter where you go in Nashville, you won’t be able to go far without hearing someone playing a guitar. There is even live music in our airport. So when you are in Music City, tip the band and have a damn good time! Catch ya on the dance floor!

Best Places to Catch Live Music in Nashville, TN