The Basement
A small-capacity venue, The Basement is one of the most beloved and longest-running rock clubs in town. Metallica played a secret show there in 2008, and people are still talking about it.
Yola at The Basement East, 5/15/2025
The Basement East
An updated, larger space than its sister venue, The Basement East still carries the same Old Nashville vibe, and hosts some of Nashville’s best rock shows. Locals lovingly call it The Beast — and if you’ve heard someone refer to The Basement as “The O.G. Basement,” now you know why.
At Brooklyn Bowl, 3/1/2026
Brooklyn Bowl
This midsize Germantown venue has great sound, plenty of space and a bunch of very nice bowling lanes. In addition to hosting shows booked by Live Nation — which has a partnership role in the venue — Brooklyn Bowl also puts on tons of concerts organized by independent local promoters.
Claire Maisto at Drkmttr, 2/13/2026
Drkmttr Collective
This nonprofit all-ages club is the best spot to visit if you’re in the mood for something weird, outré, underground or avant-garde.
The Features at Eastside Bowl, 1/30/2026
Eastside Bowl
This completely reimagined space — formerly a Kmart — sports a snazzy 16-lane bowling alley, a cozy bar and a midsize show space, as well as two smaller stages named the Low Volume Lounge and The ’58. Plus it’s got a pretty good burger.
New Translations at The End for 615 Indie Live, 2/7/2026
The End
A stalwart of Nashville’s storied Rock Block, The End was the greatest punk venue of its time, and is still a good spot to catch indie and punk shows.
Marathon Music Works
Located in historic Marathon Village, the spacious 1,500-capacity room features two full bars and hosts pop, rock, hip-hop and country shows.
Joshua Hedley at Skinny Dennis, 10/23/2025
Skinny Dennis
An outpost of the Brooklyn venue named for country bassist Skinny Dennis Sanchez, the Gallatin Pike spot is a solid addition to East Nashville, regularly hosting performances from top-shelf country artists including Chris Scruggs, Joshua Hedley, The Cowpokes and Best of Nashville writers’ choice winner Kristina Murray.*
The Station Inn
The homey no-frills vibe is part of the charm at this world-famous bluegrass mecca. Your odds of hearing jaw-dropping instrumental and vocal talent any night of the week are roughly 1:1 — this is where tomorrow’s bluegrass superstars hone their chops and today’s drop in and unwind.
Robert’s Western World
Lower Broadway is lined with honky-tonk options, and while many of them are a good time, they pale in comparison to Robert’s, with boots lining the walls and incredible fried bologna sandwiches.*
