Top Music Venues

Ryman Auditorium 

There’s a reason they call it the Mother Church of Country Music — with the stained-glass windows, the pews instead of traditional theater seating, and the rich history wafting through the air, concerts at the Ryman feel more like you’re experiencing some kind of spiritual revival rather than just catching another concert. The famed auditorium also offers tours.*

The Basement

This intimate rock club boasts some of the best sound in Music City, with a full calendar of singer-songwriters, rock ’n’ roll bands and soul outfits — not to mention the friendly staff and full bar — that keeps the place filled to the brim most nights.

The Bluebird Cafe

Essentially the CBGB of landmark singer-songwriter haunts, this tiny, no-introduction-necessary hole-in-the-wall is where struggling and established songsmiths alike often woodshed and showcase future big hits for the first time. 

City Winery

This spacious Pie Town venue hosts a menagerie of events, from live music to trivia to the occasional happy-hour yoga session. The space is broken up into a few different rooms — there’s the restaurant, which serves lunch, dinner and brunch; the lounge, where they have trivia, DJs and happy hours; and the main showroom, featuring both local and touring acts. 

Drkmttr  

Nashville’s only DIY all-ages venue, Drkmttr hosts an array of music from hip-hop to hardcore punk to dance, with local artists and touring acts equally represented.

The Nashville Palace

This honky-tonk-style music venue opened in 1977, and has become legendary in the years since. Musicians who have graced the Nashville Palace stage include everyone from Randy Travis and George Jones to Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Current offerings include live music from some of Nashville’s best, and line-dance party nights every weekend. *

Grand Ole Opry House

The main home of the Grand Ole Opry since 1974, this opulent 4,400-capacity hall is the crown jewel of the Opryland complex. Standing on its stage is a rite of passage for anyone who’s anyone in country music. 

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. 

Play

As Nashville’s hottest dance bar, this place has everything: female and male impersonators (known as The Play Mates), DJ nights, themed dance-party nights and much, much more.

Robert’s Western World (See p. 13.)

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center 

Home of the Nashville Symphony, the Schermerhorn is a gorgeous downtown venue that hosts a variety of classical, pop, blues, jazz and even the occasional comedy performance. 

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. 

The Basement East

The Blue Room at Third Man Records

The Pinnacle

Eastside Bowl

Exit/In

Cannery Hall