Award-winning country music singer-songwriter, Lainey Wilson, performing at the Grand Ole Opry.
Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp / LPatkos
Discover Nashville’s vibrant soundscape, from legendary honky-tonks to cutting-edge indie venues to the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony.
If you've ever wondered what it feels like to walk right into the heart of a song, welcome to Nashville! Here, the soundtrack of your trip starts the moment you step off the plane.
Known as “Music City USA,” Nashville pulses with a rhythm all its own. This Southern belle is a place where legends are born, guitars are a musical mainstay, and every corner bar might be the launchpad for tomorrow's superstar. Whether you're a die-hard country music fan, a jazz lover, or just someone who appreciates a great toe-tapping tune, this city invites you to experience music not just as entertainment, but as a way of life. Don your boots and get ready to explore a city where every night out could turn into a story worth singing about.
Iconic Venues: Where Legends and Rising Stars Play
Iconic six-foot circle from the original Ryman auditorium sits center stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
As a Nashville traveler, you get a front-row seat to history in the making when you visit the city’s legendary music venues.
First stop: the Grand Ole Opry House, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. More than a venue, this Nashville institution is a living, breathing piece of American music lore. Since 1925, the Opry has been showcasing country music's past, present, and future. Music legends—think Dolly, Garth, and Reba—have graced the same stage where newcomers get their shot at stardom. Catching a live Opry show offers a quintessential Music City experience akin to stepping into a time machine that's always set to “greatest hits.” You don’t even need to be a country music fan to be swept away by the crowd’s contagious energy and the talent's universal storytelling.
Exterior face of the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium.
Less than 10 miles away stands the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry’s former home. Affectionately dubbed “The Mother Church” of country music, the Ryman connects artists and fans in an intimate, electric setting, making every show feel both legendary and personal. (Don't let the pews fool you—this landmark is anything but quiet!) With pitch-perfect acoustics, the Ryman has showcased iconic talent from Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash to Foo Fighters and Lizzo. Pro tip: Take the 1.5-hour backstage tour for a peek behind the curtain and a chance to stand on “hallowed ground.”
Artists perform at one of the world’s premier listening rooms, the Bluebird Café.
For a more intimate experience (just 90 seats!), squeeze into the cozy Bluebird Cafe. Here, songwriters share the stories behind the hits in this world-famous listening room. It's where Taylor Swift got her start and where you might just witness the next budding star. With limited seating and tickets selling fast, you’ll want to plan ahead to snag the hottest ticket in town.
Broadway Experience: Honky Tonks, Piano Bars, and All-Night Revelry
Artists perform at Robert’s Western World, the undisputed home of traditional country music.
Where does Nashville’s music pulse the loudest? The always-buzzing Lower Broadway, a.k.a. Honky Tonk Highway. At the heart of downtown, Lower Broadway boasts blazing neon signs, guitars wailing from open doors, and a crowd that's equal parts locals, tourists, and hopeful musicians chasing their dreams. On Broadway, the music never sleeps—literally. From 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., honky tonks and bars serve up live bands and cold drinks.
Step into any legendary spot—many with multiple bars and levels—and you're instantly part of the show. At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, you might hear a future country superstar belting out covers and originals. Next door at Robert's Western World, the house band keeps the dance floor hopping with classic country music.
Pro tip: If the front door is jammed, slip around to the alley—many of Broadway’s hotspots have a back door for a quick entrance.
If you're in the mood for something a little different, head to an interactive dueling piano bar, where the crowd picks the songs and the pianists keep the party rolling with humor and high-octane entertainment. The Big Bang Dueling Pianos (a long-time Nashville favorite) recently partnered with Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar to open a new 10,000-square-foot venue in April 2025 (at 2nd Avenue North, just steps from Broadway). Or try new-kid-on-the-block Bayou Keys, which boasts high-energy music, a Louisiana-inspired atmosphere, and Cajun cuisine.
The best part? You’ll pay no cover charge at most venues—just wander in, grab a stool, and let the music find you.
Pro tip: Bring some cash, since the bands on Lower Broadway play for tips.
Beyond Country: Emerging Artists, Indie Genres and Classical Music
An integral part of the Music City, the Nashville Symphony performs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp / Bill steuber
Think Nashville is all cowboy boots and country twang? Think again. The city's indie and emerging music scene is as electric and boundary-pushing as it gets, offering music lovers an array of sounds beyond the mainstream country narrative.
Start your indie adventure at venues like The Basement East, where you might catch a surprise set from established artists (like Chris Stapleton, Lukas Graham, and Alice Cooper) or stumble onto your new favorite band before they hit it big. In the Soho District, 3rd & Lindsley offers a diverse and eclectic blend of local, regional, and national talent ranging from blues to folk to jazz. The 5 Spot famously hosts throwback dance parties and a calendar packed with rising stars in genres ranging from country and rockabilly to R&B and indie rock.
Don't miss the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony at the magnificent Schermerhorn Symphony Center, where classical masterpieces harmonize with pops, jazz, and film scores. The venue's perfect acoustics and striking neoclassical architecture offer a refined musical experience, proving that Music City's creative brilliance resonates as powerfully in elegant concert halls as it does in honky tonks on Broadway.
Mark Your Calendars!
Flamboyant, indie-rock musician, Molly Martin, performing at the East Room.
No Nashville music experience is complete without mentioning greater Nashville’s signature festivals that draw fans (maybe you?) from around the world. Festivals let you sample everything from soulful singer-songwriters to disco-fueled dance parties to toe-tapping country, offering an affordable, choose-your-own-music-adventure!
January/February
If you're in town during the annual 615 Indie Live festival you're in for a treat. More than 50 local artists perform across 14 independent venues, from Rudy's Jazz Room to The Blue Room Bar at Third Man Records.
March/April
Head to Tin Pan South for the world’s largest songwriter festival (with a side of great food events). And don’t miss Rites of Spring, the premier music festival put on by Vanderbilt University that connects the campus with the Nashville community.
May/June
Bluegrass fans rejoice! The Full Moon Pickin’ Party (a beloved Nashville tradition for almost 30 years) kicks off its five-month summer bluegrass series in May. And the two-day, family-friendly The Kilgore Station Bluegrass Festival (held in Cross Plains) showcases top bluegrass artists, the Dan Kelly Junior Fiddle Contest, and live performances.
As the world’s longest running country music festival, the iconic CMA (Country Music Association) Fest transforms downtown into a country music paradise with hundreds of artists performing across multiple stages. Just an hour south of Nashville (in Manchester), you can experience the four-day Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which boasts more than 150 musical performances along with comedy, cinema, and art.
Cumberland Park, an innovative Nashville play space, at the Cumberland River.
getty images
August/September
Summer winds down, but the music doesn’t stop in Nashville. In August, the Live on the Green Music Festival returns to Public Square Park downtown with free outdoor performances from local favorites and nationally known acts. The family-friendly festival spans several weekends and celebrates Nashville’s vibrant music scene with a mix of indie, rock, and roots artists.
The Tomato Art Fest in East Nashville blends quirky fun with creativity, music, and Southern charm—think parades, costume contests, and plenty of tomato-themed art and eats.
In September, the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin invites guests to enjoy top-tier music acts, artisanal food, and local crafts, all set on a picturesque farm.
September/November/December
Fall brings a cooler tempo—but the music still plays on. In October, Nashville’s Oktoberfest in Germantown mixes German heritage with local bands, oompah music, and modern live performances across multiple stages.
As the holidays approach, the Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas in Nashville transforms into a wonderland of lights, ice sculptures, and holiday performances. The season closes with the New Year’s Eve Music Note Drop downtown, where thousands gather for fireworks, live music, and a midnight countdown to ring in the new year—Tennessee style.
Ring in the new year at Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville, where fireworks, food trucks, and chart-topping artists cap off the year with a full-scale celebration and the iconic music note drop at midnight.
Practical Tips & Local Wisdom
Ready to make your Nashville trip smooth, affordable, and unforgettable? Here’s the lowdown from locals and seasoned travelers:
Book Smart, Save Big: AAA members score exclusive discounts on hotels, car rentals, and even some attraction tickets, so flash that card and check AAA’s Trip Canvas before you book anything. And don’t forget—AAA Travel Agents can help plan your whole trip, often unlocking extra perks and peace of mind.
Getting Around: Skip the downtown parking scramble by using WeGo Public Transit ($2 rides, $4 all-day passes), or hop in a taxi or rideshare—especially when bar-hopping on Broadway.
Parking Hacks: If you must drive, use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find and reserve a spot in advance, and check for $5 evening garage deals downtown.
Explore for Free: Enjoy live music in bars (no cover!), stroll the Music City Walk of Fame, or picnic at Centennial Park.
AAA Members can access special savings on select tickets to some of Nashville's biggest country music events. Score tickets to iconic attractions like the Grand Ole Opry, the historic Ryman Auditorium, performances by the Nashville Symphony or the CMA Fest. With a little planning and these insider tips, you’ll experience the best of Music City without missing a beat—or blowing your budget.
