Girl’s party on the Pontoon Saloon
pontoon saloon
Nashville’s Guide to Unforgettable Occasions
Picture yourself strolling down brightly lit streets, savoring flavorful brunches with friends and singing along to timeless tunes—perhaps off-key, but with undeniable enthusiasm. Welcome to Nashville, a city where every event transforms into an unforgettable celebration. With its dynamic music scene, buzzing nightlife and warm Southern hospitality, Nashville offers an energetic and inviting atmosphere perfect for bringing any gathering to life, from milestones to spontaneous moments worth remembering.
Your Nashville Home Base
Noelle Nashville has a spacious, elegant lobby with high ceilings, modern lighting, bar seating, and a view of the entrance in the background.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp \ emily dorio
Choosing where to stay sets the tone for your entire weekend. Nashville delivers options as diverse as your group, from marquee hotels and boutique properties to bed-and-breakfast inns and vacation rentals. According to Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., Nashville offers more than 41,000 hotel rooms in the city and nearly 60,000 across the greater Nashville area, plus over 9,300 short-term rentals.
If your group wants to be in the thick of things, downtown hotels offer unbeatable access to Broadway's legendary nightlife. The Omni Nashville puts you steps from honky-tonk heaven, while the Hilton Nashville Downtown offers sophisticated comfort with easy access to the action. Boutique spots like Graduate by Hilton Nashville charms with its playful decor and Instagram-ready rooftop pool, while the centrally located Noelle Nashville brings elegance to your celebration with its artsy design.
Prefer a homey vibe? Book a vacation rental in 12South, The Gulch, or Germantown for space to spread out, easy access to murals and a taste of local life.
Pro Tip: Book accommodations early, especially for spring and summer celebrations and check for AAA or group discounts that can stretch your budget further. Find the hotel brands you know and love at AAA.com/Hotels.
Daytime Adventures That Build Memories
Kick things off with an empowering dance class at Studio Goddess or Stompin’ Grounds Nashville Line Dancing. Whether you choose pole, line dancing or hip-hop, you'll leave feeling fierce and ready to take on the weekend.
General Jackson Showboat cruising on the Cumberland River.
© 2025 General Jackson Showboat
For a playful twist on water adventures, book a floating bash with Pontoon Saloon—Nashville’s original party barge that cruises the Cumberland River with music, drinks and plenty of group energy. Or try Nashville Toons, where you can BYOB and customize your own pontoon adventure. For a classic Nashville experience, hop aboard the General Jackson Showboat for a river cruise with live music, Southern eats and skyline views.
Elevate your next celebration with a one-of-a-kind experience at the Toska Spa & Facial Bar.
Toska Spa & facial bar
When it's time to relax and get pampering, Nashville's spa scene delivers relaxation with Southern flair. Treat yourselves to some indulgent beauty treatments at Toska Spa and Facial Bar. The high-tech spa uses a skin analysis system to take an in-depth snapshot of your skin and tailor your personalized skin care solution. Opt for one of the many innovative facials and you’lll leave looking radiant. Some spas, like Urban Oasis and O.liv Body Bar, offer day spa party packages perfect for special occasion self-indulgence. Many spas provide champagne service and can coordinate treatments and services for larger groups.
Colorful, photo-ready mural of Dolly Parton at the 5 Spot, Nashville.
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
No Nashville visit is complete without a mural tour, whether it’s DIY or a guided tour. Check out colorful street art in the Gulch, Marathon Village and downtown with Joyride’s Golf Cart Mural and Instagram Tour. For professional-quality photos, consider booking PhotoWalk Your Travel for a guided tour that combines sightseeing with stunning group portraits.
Culinary Celebrations
Guests enjoy signature sips and live music at TwelveThirty Club, a one-of-a-kind Nashville Supper Club.
Nashville's food scene deserves its own celebration, starting with legendary brunches that fuel your adventures. Head to Kitchen Notes (inside Omni Nashville Hotel) for a traditional, farm-to-fork Southern brunch in a feels-like-grandma’s-kitchen atmosphere. With plates shared family style and large tables, Monell’s is perfect for a group breakfast. Adele's elevates brunch with its elegant buffet and bottomless mimosa service that keeps the celebration flowing.
Lunch calls for something special, and Lockeland Table offers a warm, neighborhood vibe and James Beard-nominated cuisine—think wood-fired pizzas, creative Southern dishes, and craft cocktails. Bartaco in 12South brings California-meets-Nashville vibes with creative tacos and pitcher margaritas that encourage lingering conversations and laughter. At The Finch, enjoy a bright, modern eatery dishing up creative entrées, fresh seafood and craft cocktails—the perfect spot to celebrate special meals without breaking the bank.
When evening arrives, Nashville's dinner scene rises to meet the occasion. Etch impresses with inventive global cuisine (and two private dining rooms), while Drusie & Darr provides the glamorous atmosphere perfect for toasting the honorees. Husk reimagines Southern classics with modern techniques and locally sourced ingredients that showcase Nashville's culinary evolution.
For groups seeking both dinner and entertainment, The Twelve Thirty Club combines supper club elegance with live music. The Hampton Social delivers coastal vibes and Instagram-worthy seafood towers in its three-story restaurant—including a “Rosé All Day” lounge. Black Tap keeps things playful and casual with their signature Crazyshake milkshakes and gourmet burgers that fuel late-night adventures.
When Nashville Comes Alive
Aerial View of Nashville Nightlife on Broadway Street.
adobe stock
As darkness falls, Nashville transforms into the entertainment capital you've heard so much about. While everyone knows Broadway, smart planners venture beyond the obvious choices. Nudie's Honky Tonk offers vintage charm with its rhinestone-studded décor and rooftop patio perfect for group photos. Legends Corner immerses you in country music history with album-covered walls and authentic honky-tonk atmosphere.
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row provides a modern twist on tradition with its rooftop views and craft cocktails, while Rippy’s Honky Tonk combines great BBQ with live music—a popular spot to pre-game before a night on the town.
For something completely different, Skull's Rainbow Room delivers burlesque shows and expertly crafted cocktails in a historic setting that oozes old-school glamour. Zanies Comedy Club provides laugh-until-you-cry entertainment, perfect for groups who appreciate good humor with their cocktails.
No Nashville group or couples outing is complete without wheels that roll. Nashville Pedal Tavern lets your group power your own mobile party, while The Big Drag Bus elevates the experience with drag queen hosts who keep entertainment levels high. The open-air Honky Tonk Express boasts over 40 speakers pumping your favorite tunes while a VIP bartender keeps the drinks flowing for a rolling Nashville party.
Want a break from the bar scene? Adventure-seeking groups should consider a glow-in-the-park night climb at Adventure Park where you can navigate treetop obstacles and ziplines high above the ground.
Insider Tips for Special Event Success
AAA Members can take advantage of exclusive discounts at many Nashville attractions, restaurants, and hotels. Check the AAA mobile app before booking to maximize your celebration budget.
Smart planning makes all the difference between a good weekend and an unforgettable celebration. Book accommodations, restaurants and activities well in advance—Nashville weekends fill quickly, especially during peak celebration seasons. Many venues offer special bachelorette, wedding, anniversary and birthday packages that include group discounts, priority seating and complimentary celebrations for the guest(s) of honor.
Pack comfortable shoes for Broadway's historic cobblestones and long nights of dancing. Consider bringing backup flats for your entire group—tired feet can derail even the best-planned celebrations.
Transportation deserves special attention. While rideshares are readily available, booking party buses or pedal taverns in advance ensures your group stays together and arrives safely. Many services offer package deals that include multiple stops and professional photography.
Stay hydrated and pace yourselves—Nashville's legendary nightlife requires stamina. Plan strategic breaks between activities. And consider booking spa treatments or quiet meals to recharge between high-energy adventures.
Your Nashville Finale
A range of western wear stores throughout Nashville sell beautiful, handcrafted cowboy boots to visitors and locals alike.
Whether your crew prefers luxurious spa days or all-night honky-tonk adventures, Nashville provides the perfect stage for celebrating friendship and marking life's milestone moments. From sunrise mimosas to neon-lit Broadway selfies, Nashville ensures your celebration is as memorable as the friendships that brought you together. Pack your cowboy boots, charge your phones, and prepare for a weekend that perfectly captures the joy, excitement and love that define the best celebrations.
Ready to celebrate life’s big moments in Music City? Let a trusted AAA Travel Agent take care of all the planning and booking, so you can focus on the fun.
