Nashville is a city that pulses with music. From the small stages of local bars to the legendary Ryman Auditorium, there's a concert to be found every night of the week. Whether you're looking for a big outdoor show or an intimate acoustic performance, Nashville has something for everyone. To help you find the perfect venue for your next night out, here's an expert guide to the best music venues in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ascend Amphitheater - Situated in Riverfront Park, Ascend Amphitheater is the ideal spot to catch big tours while visiting Music City. The outdoor venue offers both assigned seating and a lawn area, so there's no bad seat in the house. At night, the city lights up around the amphitheater and creates a great atmosphere for seeing your favorite band in concert.
Bluebird Cafe
- On Monday nights, Bluebird Cafe hosts an open mic night. Here you'll find everyone from up-and-coming artists to established stars performing without warning.Advance booking is recommended as the venue is quite small, with only 10-12 walk-in seats available each night.
Station Inn
- If you're looking for some of the best bluegrass music in the United States, head to Station Inn in The Gulch. This small venue has been bringing together top bluegrass players for over 45 years and is a must-visit when you're in Music City.Basement East
- Located in East Nashville, one of Music City's “cool” neighborhoods, Basement East is home to artists of all genres. You'll find a show at this intimate venue every night of the week. Check the schedule as you never know when an emerging artist will be announced.3rd and Lindsley
- 3rd and Lindsley is part of the fabric of Music City and hosts major local events such as the CMA and Americana festivals.It also has a Monday night residency with Grammy-winning swing band The Time Jumpers, making it one of the best places to catch live music in town.
The Basement
- The Basement is a classic Nashville club with a studio setup that puts you just inches away from your favorite bands. There are only a few tables at the front if you need to sit down, but being part of the crowd shoulder-to-shoulder is an experience that always pays off. When you need some fresh air, just head out to the backyard.The Basement East
- The Basement East is the sister property of The Basement and offers four times more breathing space than its OG counterpart. Here you'll find local performances, national tours and “tribute nights” on its schedule.It's highly recommended to see a show at this popular local venue when you visit Music City.
The Station Inn
- The Station Inn is Nashville's old school bluegrass venue and has been around for over 40 years. Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs and other legends have performed here, while its unadorned decorations give it an elegant country store feel. Despite being located in one of Nashville's most densely constructed areas, The Station Inn still offers an authentic experience. Nashville is a city that never stops moving and its music venues are no exception. Whether you're looking for an outdoor amphitheater or an intimate acoustic performance, there's something for everyone in Music City.With this guide to the best music venues in Nashville, Tennessee, you'll be sure to find your perfect spot for your next night out.
