Live Music Venues
There are more live music venues in Nashville than any one page could ever cover. In reality, you can probably find a stage with a microphone on just about every corner. There are, of course, the honky tonks on Broadway with cover bands and up-and-comers, but so much more music exists here in Nashville. If you’re looking for the best live music venues for all genres, here’s a list to get you started.
3rd and Lindsley
Located in the SoBro area, this intimate venue has regular features each week and welcomes touring musicians for a full calendar with something for everyone.
Ryman Auditorium
The Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium has spread its wings to embrace all genres. Whichever artists you plan to see here, you can be sure they’re legendary.
12th and Porter
Recently renovated, this hot spot often hosts standing-room-only crowds. The stage is huge, perfect for full bands, but the space is intimate enough for acoustic sets.
Exit/In
This legendary spot has been host to more household names than we could ever hope to list. The venue is worth a visit just to check out the names on the wall outside.
Cannery Ballroom, Mercy Lounge, and The High Watt
This entertainment compound is pretty much all you’ll need when it comes to live music. The Cannery Ballroom on the bottom floor is large enough for big names, while the smaller and cozier High Watt and Mercy Lounge feature top up-and-coming bands.
Station Inn
This bluegrass staple has held out while the rest of The Gulch transforms around it. When you need your fix of world-class bluegrass, this is where you need to be.
Bluebird Café
Some of the best songwriters in the world play the Bluebird Café on a weekly basis. You may not know the names, but you’ll know the tunes. These writers have had chart busters for decades, and sometimes they’ll play a new one before you can hear it on the radio.
The End
Located across from Exit/In, this small space hosts some big music. The venue prides itself on featuring some of the hottest indie-rock in town.
The Basement
No other venue in Nashville is quite like it. The Basement is located beneath Grimey’s on 8th Avenue, true to its name, and has played host to some of Nashville’s favorite local bands, as well as some international stars.
Marathon Music Works
Marathon Village has become the place to be for music lovers, with Marathon Music Works and Lightning 100 on the same block. The space is huge—perfect for some big name bands. We can only scratch the surface of the music venues in Music City. Tomorrow, Nashville will have even more. This is a good list to get you started so you can fill your calendar with amazing music as soon as you arrive.