The 18 Best Nashville Music Venues To See Concerts

Nashville Music History 

In many ways, Nashville, Tennessee, is the music capital of the United States. If you ask country music enthusiasts, they’ll tell you that Nashville is also the country music capital of the world. They wouldn’t be wrong, either, because country music got its start in Nashville shortly after the town formed.

Nashville’s first country star was Davy Crockett, an 18th-century politician and folk hero known for both his role in The Alamo and his great fiddle-playing skills. Clearly, Nashville has music in its blood that sets the city apart from the likes of New York or Chicago. 

As a city famed for its music, it only makes sense that the city also boasts a host of live music venues. There are music venues for every listener, whether you want to hear some original Nashville country music, jazz, or rock or anything else you are in the mood for.

Top Venues With Intimate Settings

Nashville has a variety of venues with intimate settings if you want something a little cozier. We included places with grit, like The Basement and The Cobra, and classier places with historic settings, like Rudy’s Jazz Lounge. 

1. 3rd and Lindsley 

3rd and Lindsley is located in Nashville’s South of Broadway, or SoBro, neighborhood. This live music venue is definitely one of the top venues for music enthusiasts. It hosts a variety of acts, including residencies for Grammy Award-winning artists. The venue also hosted the CMA and Americana Festivals, making it a go-to place for people seeking fun and intimacy. 

Live music is played every night here, so be sure to check it out whenever the mood strikes you. 

2. The 5 Spot

The 5 Spot is definitely a place you want to put on your list of Nashville music venues to check out while you’re in the area. Located in East Nashville, The 5 Spot rose to national popularity after being featured on the TV show “Nashville.” The 5 Spot returned to the national spotlight again when it hosted Lady Gaga during her dive bar tour in 2016. 

3. The Basement 

Located in the 8th Avenue South Neighborhood, The Basement is the site of a memorable 2008 surprise Metallica show when the legendary hard rock band came through Tennessee for the Bonnaroo Festival. 

Owned by Grimey, the venue has a back patio space to complement its tightly packed space. The venue has a couple of tables up front, but otherwise, it’s all standing. Many up-and-coming artists perform here, and, of course, so do seasoned bands like Metallica.

4. The Bluebird Cafe

The Bluebird Cafe has seen many top-billing stars get their start, including music phenomenons Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift. Located in the Green Hills neighborhood in a strip mall plaza, the exterior of this venue might be a bit mundane, but this is just another example of why you shouldn’t judge books by their covers. 

5. The Cobra

The Cobra is a live music venue located in the East Nashville neighborhood. The Cobra used to be called Foobar. This is probably one of the most intimate live music venue experiences on this list because the space meticulously curates a grimy dive bar aesthetic. Here, you get to hear a variety of Nashville’s best rock musicians. 

6. Rudy’s Jazz Room 

Rudy’s Jazz Room is another intimate live music venue you should check out if you ever find yourself in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood. If you go, you’ll find yourself in a 19th-century stone basement among fellow lovers of jazz in an intimate setting. 

Top Music Venues That Don’t Charge Covers

Cover charges are not the best part of a night out with friends. Many of the bars along Lower Broadway never charge cover fees, but keep in mind that it’s a norm to tip the musicians who play live. 

7. The Cannery Complex

The Cannery Complex has three of the largest live music venues, including High Watt, the Cannery Ballroom, and Mercy Lounge. All three reside in the historic cannery building and are equally notable live music venues to attend. The Complex hosted many national stars, including Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, The White Stripes, and more. 

8. City Winery 

Located in Nashville’s South of Broadway neighborhood, City Winery is a fantastic space to enjoy some live tunes. The venue also has its own wine-making operation, so you get to enjoy some fermented grapes and good tunes. 

9. The Station Inn

For Bluegrass enthusiasts, you should look no further than The Station Inn. To many, this music venue is one of, if not the best, places to listen to great Bluegrass music. 

10. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge 

Located across from Ryman Auditorium on Honky Tonk Highway, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is one of Nashville’s historic honky tonk live music venues. 

11. The Stage 

Another live music honky tonk venue, The Stage is right on Lower Broadway. The Stage markets itself as a little Texas, a lot Nashville, and 100% a place to get rowdy with your friends. With a dance floor, a giant mural of famous music icons, and an original painting of The Highwaymen, The Stage is a great place to have a night of high-energy fun in the city of music. 

12. Rippy’s Smokin Bar & Grill

Rippy’s Smokin Bar & Grill is great for those looking for space, good barbecue food, cold drinks, and good live music. Private seating is also available.

Best All-Around Live Music Venues  

Not in the least an exhaustive list of the best all-around venues in Nashville, here are our top picks. 

13. The Grand Ole Opry 

What list of Nashville live music venues could be complete without a mention of The Grand Ole Opry? To truly understand Nashville’s music scene, we recommend checking this venue out. Many of Nashville’s music royalty came through this venue and still do. 

14. Ryman Auditorium 

Another must-see live music venue that is quintessentially Nashville, Ryman Auditorium has a long history as the place to listen to the greatest music Nashville has to offer. 

15. The Basement East 

If you’re wondering if Basement East has anything to do with The Basement, then you’re on the right track. The Basement East is the larger cousin of the small and intimate live rock music venue. Go here for an array of pop-up shows and to still get a fairly close experience with the performing artists.

16. Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Wanting to check out Nashvillle’s classical music scene? Look no further than the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, which offers an array of classical music acts, including renditions of beloved pop culture phenomena like Harry Potter and Schoolhouse Rock. Broadway musical acts occasionally perform here as well. 

17. Ascend Amphitheatre

The Ascend Amphitheatre is a great live music venue if you want to enjoy the open air with perfect views of the riverfront. You can also get some great views of Nashville’s iconic skyline while enjoying free performances by a variety of great artists. Previously, Garth Brooks performed a free concert here. 

18. War Memorial Auditorium 

Neighbors to the Tennessee State Capitol building, the War Memorial Auditorium hosted a variety of famous acts over its years in operation. It has a seating capacity of over 2,000, making it a few thousand seats smaller than Ascend Amphitheatre. The venue also hosts a number of monthly concerts that big names attended many times, like Natalie Hemby and Kristian Bush. 

What To Know Before You Go 

Before you check out these clubs, make sure you plan in advance by figuring out the parking details. Some of these venues have parking lots, while others don’t. For some public parking lots in Nashville, you might need to download the city’s parking app or have a phone with a working camera scanner.

Also, be sure to remember that you always save 10% on tickets you get with us. Most of all, enjoy your time in Nashville.