The 10 Best Places to See Live Music in Nashville

Music City, as it was coined after the Fisk Jubilee Singers put us on the map, is a world-class destination for live music. From honky-tonk bars to historic music venues, the city boasts an impressive array of places to catch a live show. Here are some of the best live music venues in Nashville that every music lover should visit:

a typical saturday night at “the mother church”!

1. Ryan Auditorium also known as the Mother Church of Country Music, is a historic music venue located in downtown Nashville. It has hosted some of the most iconic country musicians in history, including Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. The acoustics in this venue are world-renowned, and it’s a must-visit for any music lover. I prefer the upper level seats for the best experience.

an intimate evening at the bluebird cafe

2. The Bluebird Cafe is the most intimate venue you’ll experience in Nashville. Known for its up close and personal setting, it’s a favorite among songwriters and fans of acoustic music. The Bluebird Cafe has launched the careers of many famous musicians, most notably, Taylor Swift. From rising stars to legendary hit makers, you’ll hear the songs and the stories behind them straight from the songwriter. It has a reputation for being one of the best listening rooms in the country, and it’s not uncommon to see big-name artists in the audience. Tickets for the week go on sale each Monday at 8am CST and sell out in a matter of minutes.

a crowd rocks out at the basement east

3. The Basement East
The Basement East is located in the trendy, artist friendly, East Nashville, but has quickly gained a national reputation as one of the best rock clubs in America since its opening in 2015. The venue sustained a direct hit from the 2020 tornado, but has since been restored to its former glory.

The spacious, grunge friendly vibe of the club can fit 400 patrons and has a huge bar offering craft beer and cocktails. The club’s founder, Mike Grimes, is no stranger to the East side, having founded The Slow Bar, which turned into the iconic 3 Crow Bar as well as founding Grimey’s Record Store and the original Basement music venue on 8th Avenue.

The Basement East has hosted the likes of Chris Stapleton, Anderson Paak, Margo Price, Cage the Elephant, Jason Isbell, and many more.

legendary club exit/in

4. Exit/In
Exit/In is a legendary music venue located in the Midtown neighborhood. Founded in 1971, the venue has played host to many iconic performers and has become a cultural institution in the city's music scene. With standing capacity of approximately 500 people, it has a long and storied history, having hosted a wide range of musical acts from all genres, including rock, punk, metal, country, and hip hop. Over the years, many famous musicians have graced the stage at Exit/In, including The Ramones, The Black Keys, The Strokes, Kings of Leon, and Nirvana.

5. The Original Basement on 8th Avenue
The Basement is an intimate venue located in the basement of the old Grimey’s Record Store on 8th Avenue. The exposed brick walls and low lit atmosphere create an intimate vibe to see tomorrow’s biggest bands getting their start as well as established acts playing secret pop-up shows. Metallica once did a secret show at the Basement! The stage is small and only a little higher than the sloped floor, where concert goers sit at small tables or stand in the back, so you really get to see the performance up close. The sound is incredible down there. 

the stage at the original basement

billy strings treats fans to an intimate show at the station inn

6. The Station Inn
Located in the Gulch neighborhood, The Station Inn has been around since the 1970s and has a reputation for being one of the best places to see bluegrass music in the country. Increasingly surrounded by chic new hotels, restaurants, office towers, and apartment buildings, the humble Station Inn remains committed to their unchanging offerings of homemade popcorn, cheap beer, and world-class bluegrass.

an evening at east nashville’s the 5 spot

7. The 5 Spot
The 5 Spot is a beloved destination for music lovers and locals alike. Located in the trendy and vibrant East Nashville neighborhood, the venue is housed in a modest brick building with a cozy and intimate atmosphere. As you step inside, you're immediately enveloped in the energy of the place, with colorful lighting and vintage decor creating a funky and eclectic vibe. The stage is small but mighty, and hosts an impressive lineup of live music acts every night of the week, ranging from up-and-coming local artists to established national acts. John Prine, Lucinda Williams, and Norah Jones have all played here. If you need a break from the music, you can grab a drink at the bar, which offers a great selection of beers, cocktails, and wines.

3rd & Lindsley - home of lightning 100’s famous sunday night live show

8. 3rd & Lindsley
Located just up 2nd Ave from downtown, 3rd & Lindsley is a popular music venue that has been entertaining music lovers for over 30 years has hosted an impressive array of local and national artists, featuring musicians of all genres and backgrounds, including John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Lucinda Williams, and many more. The venue has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a capacity of approximately 300 people. The stage at 3rd & Lindsley is renowned for its top-notch sound quality, making it a popular choice for both musicians and fans alike. In addition to its live music shows, 3rd & Lindsley also offers a full-service bar and restaurant, with a menu that features Southern-inspired cuisine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails.

9. Ascend Amphitheater is a world-class music venue located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. This stunning outdoor amphitheater offers breathtaking views of the Cumberland River and the Nashville skyline, making it the perfect destination for music lovers looking for a one-of-a-kind concert experience.

downtown nashville is the backdrop for ascend amphitheater

The amphitheater has a seating capacity of 6,800 and features both covered and open-air seating options. One of the unique features of Ascend Amphitheater is its location in the city center. Visitors can easily walk to the venue from downtown hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient destination for locals and tourists alike. The venue also offers ample parking options for those who choose to drive.

Since its opening in 2015, Ascend Amphitheater has hosted a wide range of musical acts, from country and rock to pop and hip-hop. Some of the most notable performers who have graced the stage include Zac Brown Band, Maroon 5, Keith Urban, and Kendrick Lamar.

10. Marathon Music Works
Marathon Music Works is a modern music venue that has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for live music in the city. The venue is housed in a historic former automobile factory and offers a spacious and contemporary setting for concerts and events. The venue features a large open floor plan, a state-of-the-art sound system, and plenty of seating options, including a balcony and VIP boxes. The venue can hold up to 1,500 people, making it one of the largest music venues in the city. Marathon Music Works hosts a wide variety of musical genres, including rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, and country. The venue has played host to many notable acts over the years, including Snoop Dogg, Hozier, Cage the Elephant, Billie Eilish, and The 1975.