Music and Entertainment

Nashville's music scene is as diverse as the talented songwriters and musicians who shape it. Dive into the nightlife, catch a live show, and immerse yourself in the heart of Nashville's music scene.

From the beginning, music and storytelling have been a part of Nashville’s culture, so it’s no surprise the city’s creative roots have flourished and grown into an entertainment mecca where artists share stories through music, dance, theater, the visual arts, and comedy.

The ways to immerse yourself in Nashville’s creative climate are as diverse as the entertainment options. Gain a historical perspective at museums, channel your creativity with hands-on activities, and tap into the American soundtrack with live music on stages big and small throughout the city.

Music Lovers

Music City lives up to its name with over 250 performance venues. From small clubs and honky tonks to large concert halls and arenas, enjoy nonstop entertainment throughout Nashville.

Upcoming Events

Honky Tonk Highway

Concert Calendar

Nashville Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Performing Arts

We Are Music City

Music Experiences

Noteworthy Member

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum collects, preserves and interprets country music and its history for the education and entertainment of diverse audiences. In exhibitions, publications, digital media and educational programs, the museum explores the cultural importance and enduring beauty of the art form. The museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The museum is accredited by

SoBro

Noteworthy Member

Founded by brothers Charles and Herbert Hatch, Hatch Show Print opened in Nashville in 1879. For much of the 20th century, the shop’s vibrant posters served as a leading advertising medium for Southern entertainment. Hatch Show Print produced posters for many members of the Grand Ole Opry such as Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl and Ernest Tubb, as well as a variety of performers from across the musical spectrum, including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Bessie Smith. Thousands of posters and billboard

SoBro

Noteworthy Member

Historic RCA Studio B—once home to musical titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers—is one of the world’s most famous recording facilities. Today it serves as a popular cultural attraction and as a classroom for students who visit the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Visitors can stand where Roy Orbison recorded the heartbroken “Only the Lonely” or Dolly Parton tracked the classic “Coat of Many Colors.” Built in 1957, Historic RCA Studio

Music Row/Demonbreun

Imagine Recordings takes you right into the heart of a 90-minute live recording session at legendary Sound Stage Studios, a state-of-the-art studio facility loved by Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini and a host of other Music City hit-makers. The historic studio is also the home of the countless hits for Hall of Fame stars like George Strait, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Reba McIntyre, Conway Twitty

Music Row/Demonbreun

Legends of Country Music Museum celebrates the icons of traditional country music with an impressive collection of memorabilia from Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and more. Located in Nashville, it’s a must-visit for fans wanting to connect with the history and legends of the genre.

Opryland/Music Valley

Madame Tussauds Nashville is a captivating tribute to country, rock, jazz, soul, and pop legends. Step into an immersive world where lifelike wax figures of iconic celebrities come to life. From strumming guitars with Hank Williams to covering top hits in a real recording booth to dancing alongside your Diana Ross, every exhibit is a testament to why we’re called the World’s Greatest Wax Museum. With meticulously crafted figures spanning genres and generations, guests can get up-close and

Opryland/Music Valley

The stars on the Music City Walk of Fame, spanning genres and generations, honor those that make, create, record, perform, and present music to and for the world. The Music City Walk of Fame is uniquely Nashville and completely Music City. Inductees include Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, Little Richard, Hank Williams, Vince Gill, The Crickets, Kings of Leon, Barbara Mandrell, Wynonna Judd, Roy Orbison, and more. Stroll through the free Music City Walk of Fame, find

SoBro

Music Museum and Event Venue

Downtown - North of Broadway

Led by music director Giancarlo Guerrero, the Nashville Symphony has been an integral part of the Music City sound since 1946. In a typical year, the ensemble performs more than 150 concerts annually, with a focus on contemporary American orchestral music through collaborations with composers including Jennifer Higdon, Terry Riley, Joan Tower and Aaron Jay Kernis. The orchestra is equally renowned for its commissioning and recording projects with Nashville-based artists including bassist Edgar

SoBro

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is the only museum of its kind dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Black music in America. The museum’s expertly-curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. NMAAM is the premier global destination for music lovers of all generations and inspires, educates, and transforms your appreciation of

Downtown - North of Broadway

Noteworthy Member

A world-renowned concert hall, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark, former home of the Grand Ole Opry, and music’s most iconic stage, Ryman Auditorium is Nashville’s “Mother Church.” The Ryman’s incomparable acoustics create an authentic and transcendent concert experience for every person in the room (even the performers). Its unique architecture and state-of-the-art sound technology make every show one of the best you’ve ever seen. Even skeptics have called it “spiritual,” making it a sacred

Downtown - North of Broadway

The Bluebird Cafe is one of the world’s preeminent listening rooms. Over the last 40+ years, The Bluebird has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter performance space where the “heroes behind the hits” perform their own songs. Located in a small strip mall outside of downtown Nashville, the 90-seat venue is unassuming in appearance but some of the most significant songwriters and artists have performed on The Bluebird’s stage; Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kris

Green Hills

More Attractions

Noteworthy Member

Gray Line Tennessee is Nashville's Leader in Transportation. From Executive Black Car services to luxury motorcoaches, Gray Line Tennessee provides a safe, reliable, professional experience with a superior, modern fleet. Celebrating 50 years in business, no one knows Nashville better! Explore Music City with local expert guides on Nashville's ONLY open-air, double decker bus, plus the iconic Homes of the Stars Tour, Discover Nashville Tour, and other popular sightseeing tours.

Downtown - Lower Broadway

Providing Nashville guests with an exciting historic tour of the city. We provide Nashville's only Hop On Hop Off city tour. Also be sure to check out our Soul of Music City tour with your live musical guide, providing music history in a whole new way.

Downtown - Lower Broadway

Sharin' the South is a local Tennessee receptive tour operator creating full itineraries and amazing group trips. We also provide step on guide services and exclusive VIP groups experiences. We specialize in school groups, seniors and military reunions.

Donelson/Hermitage

Country Music Travel is now a part of the Johnny Walker Tour company. We've been serving Nashville TN visitors for many years providing them with the best deals on Nashville and Opryland TN hotel packages, Nashville TN and Opryland TN holiday hotel packages and CMA Music Festival hotel packages which include CMA Music Festival Tickets. We would love the opportunity to help you have a memorable vacation or holiday experience in Music City. We'll work to give you the personal satisfaction and

Opryland/Music Valley

We provide interesting itineraries that fit perfectly for your time, interests, budget. We work with group-friendly hotels. Our step-on-tour guides are very good with reasonable rates for two hour to all day excursions. Since 1979, veteran owned, we’re at your service 24/7. Your Music-City Connection for Good Times & Great Places.

Donelson/Hermitage

In the heart of Music City USA, iRide Nashville gives you the most unique and relaxing way to enjoy downtown Nashville. Within two and a half hours, you'll learn how to ride a Segway and get a guided Segway tour around the most popular sites in Nashville. We'll take you about 5 miles through downtown Nashville covering such landmarks as the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Country Music Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena, Fort Nashborough, Bicentennial Mall, Farmer's Market, and the Tennessee State

Downtown - North of Broadway

More Tours

Band playing at Robert's Western World Honky Tonk

Record wall at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Rows of guitars at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville

Stories Worth tuning into

The Music Lover

Nashville, the city built on music, not only has a deep music history, it is also where music is created and, of course, performed every day. Every kind of music, from country and Americana to pop and rock, classical and blues can be heard around town. From concert halls to hole-in-the walls, experience what makes Nashville a music destination like no other in the world.

Guide to Live Music

Nashville is known for its music scene, and the best part is that most music can be enjoyed for free. That’s right! Many Nashville venues offer free live music 365 days a year. There is no cover charge, just authentic and entertaining live music to enjoy. Even when the music is free, remember that tips to the band are always appreciated.

A Dolly Parton Summer: 11 Iconic Nashville Stops for Fans

From her early days performing at the Grand Ole Opry to her ongoing impact on music and philanthropy, Dolly Parton’s legacy is woven into Music City. Whether you're a dedicated fan or simply curious about her remarkable journey, check out these eleven spots in Nashville to celebrate her life and career.

Dierks Bentley’s Guide to Nashville Hotspots

Get the inside scoop on some of Dierks Bentley’s favorite spots around Nashville—from dive bars and legendary music venues to hidden hiking trails and his go-to for a spicy margarita.

Music Museum Mania

Explore priceless artifacts including countless recordings and photographs, numerous stage costumes, musical instruments, and more in Nashville's music museums. Peek into the past lives of musicians from all genres that have helped shape Nashville into Music City.

Nashville's Guitar Trail

Music City offers an array of unique guitars on display at attractions, shops, museums, and more. Take a trip around Nashville’s Guitar Trail and get to know the musicians and the instruments behind the hits.

Nashville’s musical roots go far, wide and deep, with a mix of music genres taking center stage at historic venues like the Ryman Auditorium, built in 1892, and the Grand Ole Opry, established in 1925—plus a slew of iconic attractions such as the Bluebird Café listening room, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Music Row music district, just to name a few. If any city had a soundtrack, you could hear it playing throughout Nashville."

— 10 Destinations to Put on Your Travel Bucket List in 2025 by AAA