Renowned for its signature hot chicken and popular landmarks like the Parthenon, Nashville, Tenn., is a metropolis for all kinds of fun and live entertainment. It has been appropriately dubbed “Music City,” due to its roots in the cultivation of country music and other genres of music. Read on to discover amazing things to do in Nashville and how to make the most of your visit to this historic American city.
Nashville’s Music Scene
From country to folk, Americana to Southern rock and more, Nashville has created a diverse music culture that has kept the city’s entertainment scene thriving. Having seen the rise of famous country artists like Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch, Nashville earned its title as the “Country Music Capital” of America. The city is filled with hundreds of amazing live music venues like The Bluebird Cafe, The Basement East, 3rd & Lindsley and more. This southeastern city is also home to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry.
The Grand Ole Opry House has been a Nashville staple for almost 100 years. From its origins as a radio show to present live shows, the Opry has produced thousands of episodes that have showcased the evolution of country music. Popular guests that have helped keep the Opry tradition alive include Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and other country music stars. Check out our Grand Ole Opry guide to learn more about this historic landmark of live entertainment. You can also explore tour options and VIP experiences in this guide to the Grand Ole Opry House, or secure Grand Ole Opry tickets to catch a show while you are in town.
Beyond Its Country Roots
Nashville is a city that preserves the history of and celebrates all kinds of music beyond the country music genre, like rock, jazz, hip-hop, alternative and more.
Several modern non-country musicians that originated from Nashville include Miley Cyrus, Kings of Leon, Paramore and Soccer Mommy. And many musicians have made major steps in their careers thanks to “Music City” from legends like Jimi Hendrix to modern icons like Taylor Swift.
See big-name stars across all genres like Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Olivia Rodrigo live at Bridgestone Arena. Ascend Amphitheatre is another great Nashville concert venue that has seen a variety of artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Styx and Odesza grace its stages. For upcoming schedules and seating info, browse Bridgestone Arena events and Ascend Amphitheater shows.
If you prefer learning about the history of music, be sure to explore the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). The museum, located in downtown Nashville, is the only one of its kind in the United States; the National Museum of African American Music is devoted exclusively to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced and inspired by African Americans, and it hosts rotating exhibitions, theaters and interactive education programs year-round, making it a comprehensive place to learn about Black musical influence across genres (National Museum of African American Music). Or check out the RCA’s historic Studio B, where the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley, recorded hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Nearby, the Johnny Cash Museum and Hatch Show Print add depth to any culture-focused day with interactive exhibits and classic poster art.
Small Venues for Emerging Artists
To discover rising songwriters and Americana artists in intimate rooms, plan ahead for The Bluebird Cafe, which often requires reservations months in advance for evening shows. The Bluebird Cafe is an intimate listening room with fewer than 20 tables and limited reserved seats; most shows use an online reservation system with releases typically one week before the show and limited walk-up seating, so tickets often sell out quickly (Bluebird Cafe Reservations). Add The Station Inn for bluegrass and roots, The 5 Spot and The Listening Room Cafe for songwriter sessions, and East Nashville’s The Basement East for rock and alternative sets with typically affordable covers. These stages are where new voices break through in Music City.
Festivals Across Genres
Nashville also hosts annual music festivals including the CMA Music Festival, Bonnaroo and Americanafest, which draw in thousands of guests all gathered to connect with others through good music. If you are planning for 2026, CMA Fest hotel packages typically bundle four-night stays, a four-night stadium pass, Fan Fair X access and extra perks; CMA Fest offers four-night stadium passes that include nightly Nissan Stadium admission and Fan Fair X access — the festival’s official site describes the four-night stadium pass and details the Fan Fair X programming and included admission (CMA Fest Tickets & Passes). Bonnaroo brings four days of camping and multi-genre programming to The Farm in Manchester, creating a temporary city-sized community of music fans. No matter which genre of music you prefer, Nashville has you covered.
For Arts and Theatre Enthusiasts
If you prefer the fine arts and theatre productions, Nashville has plenty of related attractions to experience. Stop by the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), home to the Nashville Repertory Theatre, to enjoy a variety of musicals, plays, recitals and more. The TPAC is also home to the Nashville Ballet, where patrons can marvel at classic and contemporary performances like Romeo and Juliet or Attitude as well as seasonal favorites like The Nutcracker.
Another great option for music lovers who want to experience more than the country scene is the Nashville Symphony. Located at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, guests can enjoy orchestral masterpieces and classical melodies or contemporary performances by artists like Samara Joy.
For Sports Fans
While well-known for its musical roots and being the “Country Music Capital,” Nashville also has a variety of sports teams and events to enjoy from thrilling rodeos to baseball games. Some of Nashville’s major sporting teams include the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, the MLS’ Nashville SC, and the Nashville Predators of the NHL.
The Titans’ home field is Nissan Stadium, which also hosts home games for the Tennessee State University football team, soccer tournaments, festivals and concerts. The stadium has filled with fans gathered to see music stars like Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and more live. Over at downtown’s Bridgestone Arena, the Predators share the calendar with major concerts, making it easy to pair a game with a show in one trip. Check dates and details on the Bridgestone Arena venue page.
Visitor Tips for First-Timers
- Book early for iconic shows. The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and Bluebird Cafe often sell out weeks or months in advance.
- Plan your evenings. Lower Broadway, the “Honky Tonk Highway,” comes alive after 6 PM with live music on every floor. Mix in East Nashville or The Gulch for a more relaxed, local vibe.
- Map museum time. Expect two to three hours for spots like the Johnny Cash Museum or the Musicians Hall of Fame, with quicker photo stops at Walk of Fame Park or the Parthenon exterior.
- Consider festival logistics. CMA Fest is walkable across downtown venues, while Bonnaroo typically involves on-site camping and multi-day planning.
Discover The Best of Nashville
Whether you want to enjoy the vibrant live music scene or cheer on your favorite sports team, there is plenty of fun to be had when you buy Nashville tickets with TicketSmarter. Discover exclusive Nashville travel deals with HotelPlanner before you visit this popular city in Tennessee. For more destination ideas and itineraries, explore TicketSmarter’s curated City Guides.
FAQs: Nashville Events, Venues, and Planning
What are the top live music venues in Nashville for discovering emerging country and Americana artists?
The Bluebird Cafe is famed for intimate songwriter rounds and requires reservations well in advance. The Station Inn delivers bluegrass and roots, while The Basement East showcases rock and alternative acts in East Nashville. You can pair these small rooms with shows at Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry for a full view of Music City. Find dates and Nashville tickets on TicketSmarter.
How do I plan a music-focused weekend in Nashville?
Anchor one night with the Opry or Ryman, add a downtown concert at Bridgestone Arena or Ascend Amphitheater, and spend daytime hours at the Country Music Hall of Fame, NMAAM and the Johnny Cash Museum. Leave room for a songwriter session and late-night Broadway. TicketSmarter makes it simple to secure show tickets, then use HotelPlanner for downtown stays.
Where can I find guided information on visiting the Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium?
Start with TicketSmarter’s in-depth guide to the Grand Ole Opry House, which covers history, tips and tour ideas. When you are ready to attend a show, browse Grand Ole Opry tickets. For Ryman concerts, check schedules on TicketSmarter and plan extra time to explore exhibits.
How can I experience Nashville’s non-country music scene?
Look for jazz programs at the Schermerhorn with the Nashville Symphony, indie and alternative lineups at The Basement East, and touring pop or rock stars at Bridgestone Arena events. Hip-hop, R&B and electronic shows also pop up at venues across the city. TicketSmarter’s Nashville tickets pages help you compare genres and dates.
Should I choose CMA Fest or Bonnaroo for a summer trip?
Choose CMA Fest if you want downtown stages, stadium shows and artist meetups across city venues. Packages often include a four-night stadium pass and Fan Fair X access for a turnkey experience. Pick Bonnaroo if you prefer camping and a multi-genre lineup that runs late into the night on The Farm in Manchester. TicketSmarter can help you plan concerts around either festival.
What museums and historic recording sites highlight Nashville music history?
Add the Country Music Hall of Fame, the National Museum of African American Music, the Johnny Cash Museum and the Musicians Hall of Fame to your list. Include RCA Studio B for a look at where Elvis recorded. Pair museum time with a show using Nashville tickets from TicketSmarter.
How do I combine concerts, theater and ballet in one itinerary?
Schedule a concert at Ascend Amphitheater or Bridgestone, then mix in a TPAC performance and a Nashville Ballet production like The Nutcracker in season. With TicketSmarter, you can line up tickets across genres and keep your evenings curated.
What sports events and arenas should visitors consider?
Catch the NHL’s Predators downtown at Bridgestone Arena, the NFL’s Titans at Nissan Stadium and MLS action with Nashville SC. Many visitors plan a day game or match with an evening concert. TicketSmarter lists schedules for teams and venues across the city so you can compare dates and pricing.
Author: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Updated: January 17, 2026
