What to Do at Night in Nashville

Updated: 19 febrero 2024

Music City is full of things to do at night, particularly for live music venues.

Here we have a list of the best restaurants, attractions, and music venues that are open late, including family-friendly options.

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.


TOP 14 THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

Free Tours By Foot has led more than 100,000 travelers on free tours across the world, so it's safe to say our guides have a lot of experience and knowledge about popular tourist destinations such as Nashville.

We've used that expertise to help populate this list with a variety of fun things to do under the neon lights in Music City!

There are so many attractions and activities to choose from that we made this list of the top 14 things to do in Nashville after dark. 

If you have any questions or concerns about seeing this city after the sun goes down, make sure to read our FAQ for helpful tips from tour guides!


1. Go to The Station Inn

The Station Inn is where every bluegrass music band of note has played throughout the years.

They have regular jam nights, gospel shows, and concerts, all featuring bluegrass.

Ticket prices fluctuate depending on the artist playing, which you can check on their performance calendar.

If you want to see a show, make sure you get there early as tickets are sold at the door for each performance and are cash only.

On Sundays, you can see an informal bluegrass jam session by expert musicians for free.

Seats are first come, first served, so you might want to show up a little early.

Note: Children are welcome at The Station Inn as long as they are accompanied by an adult.


2. Museums Open Late

The George Jones Museum

The George Jones Museum is a museum celebrating the life of the legendary George Jones.

The rooftop of the museum has been turned into a restaurant and bar. It's open Monday 11 am - 10 pm, with the rooftop kitchen closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

So you can enjoy the Nashville weather, drink a cocktail, and refuel after the sightseeing.

The main floor of George Jones is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday it's 11 am to 1 am.


The Frist Art Museum

You can browse through some modern art galleries by both local and international artists, all housed in a beautiful historic post office building.

The museum is open until 8:00 pm on Thursdays. The other nights of the week it closes at 5:30 pm.

Frist Art Museum Nashville

NOTE: Admission to this museum is included with some Nashville tourist passes.


3. Attend a Sporting Event 

Nashville is full of sports teams, whether they are professional, minor league, or collegiate.

Depending on your preferred game and the time of year, you could attend multiple games.

You can find tickets to these team here.

  • Nashville Predators | NHL
  • Tennessee Titans | NFL
  • Nashville Sounds | Minor League Baseball
  • Nashville SC | USL Soccer

Both the Predators and the Titans have practice sessions free and open to the public.


4. Take a Dinner Cruise

The General Jackson Showboat cruises down the Cumberland River that runs through Nashville.

While they do have midday shows, the evening Music City Nights show is their biggest production.

The performers pay tribute to all the genres of music that make up Music City.

The showboat operates year-round with fewer shows per week during the winter and shows every day of the week during warmer weather.

Click here for ticket and departure information. This excursion is included for free or at a steep savings on most tourist attraction passes.


5. Find Live Music 

There is live music everywhere at almost every time of day, but Music City lights up with even more options when the sun goes down.

The Honky Tonk Highway and its close-by SoBro neighborhood are the two most walkable areas to sample the largest variety of music.

Robert's Western World Nashville

Honky Tonk Highway: Walk down the famous Upper and Lower Broadway streets to find street performers, free music venues, saloons, and restaurants with their own live music.

SoBro Neighborhood: Turn off of Broadway to find the SoBro neighborhood. There is plenty of history with converted industrial buildings, some of which are now bars with music.

Bluebird Cafe: Thanks to the Nashville TV show, the Bluebird is now one of the most famous places to find up-and-coming singers in the Nashville area.

Tickets go on sale one week in advance, but you better be quick. Shows sell out year-round. 

Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar: If you’re looking for an interactive and improvisational show, go to the Big Bang Bar.


6. Find one (or a few) of Nashville’s Breweries

Within the last decade, craft brewing has become crazy popular in Nashville. Almost two dozen breweries have popped up close to the city center.

There are plenty of taprooms and restaurants to choose from when looking for local craft beer.

Southern Grist Brewing was founded in Nashville in 2007 with a community focus. They are constantly creating new brews with input from their friends and customers.

Yazoo Brew is a family operation that is well-known throughout Tennessee. Their taproom has a relaxing outdoor patio where you can relax with a craft brew and some friends.

Jackalope Brewing Company has a multitude of microbrews available for tasting. They have four beers that are available year-round and a rotating lineup of seasonal brews.

Black Abbey Brewing is, as the name suggests, located in a building that looks like you might have walked into a monastery. From a coffee porter to a Belgian blonde ale, they’ll have something you’ll love. 

Alternatively, you can also take this hop-on hop-off brewery trolley tour to visit multiple breweries and see what each location has to offer.


7. Take Old Town Trolley Tours' Night Tour

This two-hour night tour in an Old Town Trolley is narrated by an entertaining guide.

You’ll see the neon signs lit up and learn about all the genres of music, and the history of those genres, that make up the Nashville music scene.

Old Town Trolley at Night Nashville

Note: This tour is for guests 18 and older. Photo ID is checked before boarding the trolley. 


8. Find a Film at Belcourt Theatre

The Belcourt Theatre is a nonprofit, historic movie theatre and film center that has been in operation since the 1920s. 

You can find showings for big Hollywood movies, small screenings from independent filmmakers, or special re-releases of classics.

Check the calendar to see when they might be having a free screening in partnership with Vanderbilt University.

Or you can find that one summer blockbuster you’ve been wanting to see. 


9. Get Spooked on a Nashville Ghost Tour

This open-air hearse tour (or one of their other ghost tours) through Nashville is a fun look at the city’s history with a spooky twist.

Your nighttime tour won’t be restricted by how far or fast an average tour group can walk - you’ll get to see all the most haunted sites. 

  • $30 per Adult (ages 11+)
  • Every day of the week at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm
  • Check with the tour on the day of your reservation - they do cancel for rain.

Tip: If the hearse ride isn’t your thing, this same company also offers a spooky-themed walking tour and a haunted pub crawl. 


10. Wander Through Printer's Lane

In the heart of downtown Nashville lies Printer's Alley, a historic lane once home to a bustling printer scene.

Today, it's a vibrant nighttime hotspot where fans of live music and a unique ambiance converge.


11. Experience Skyline Views from a Nashville Terrace Lounge

Indulge in a craft cocktail at one of Nashville's rooftop bars.

With the city lights serving as a backdrop, it's a perfect location to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy panoramic views.


12. Cross the Iconic Seigenthaler Footbridge

The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offers breathtaking views of Music Row and the shimmering waters below.

It's a serene spot, away from the bustling crowd, ideal for a quiet evening stroll.


13. Relish the Atmosphere at a Moonlit Pickin' Party

The Full Moon Pickin' Party is not just an event, but an experience.

As hosts set the stage under the moonlight, fans of bluegrass music gather to celebrate Nashville's rich musical heritage.

This happens once a month, between 6pm and 10pm in Warner Park, starting in May.


14. Purchase an Attraction Pass

If you plan on visiting many of Nashville's top attractions and tours, then a tourist attraction pass might be good for you. 

You can save up to 55% off of the retail prices for many of Nashville's most popular attractions and tours.

These bundle passes include attractions that are open late, including:


FREE THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

There is no lack of entertainment options when the sun goes down, even if you’re on a budget.

 
Some of our top 10 above are available at no cost:

  • Honky Tonk Highway
  • Bluebird Cafe ($10 table minimum)
  • Station Inn Sunday Night Jam

We go over many more free things to do at night on our main post about Free Things To Do in Nashville

Free Things To Do in Nashville

FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT

Nashville is a family-friendly city with plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Our Top 10 has some great items for kids such as:

  • Nashville Ghost Tour
  • Attending a Sporting Event
  • Take a Dinner Cruise
  • Big Band Dances
  • Frist Art Museum
    • Children under 18 years old are always free. Fine art and children don’t always mix, but the Frist Art Museum is a perfect match for families. The whole family can spend hours exploring the exhibits and the children’s center. The children’s center is full of hands-on arts and crafts. They can even sketch a life-sized stick-man model.

We go over many more things to do at night with kids on our main post about Family-Friendly Things To Do in Nashville.

  • Madame Tussauds
  • Line Dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon
  • Attend a Sporting Event
  • Eat some Southern comfort food
  • National Children's Theatre

Honky Tonk Row with Kids

One of the most popular things to do in Nashville at night is to visit Broadway, known as Honky Tonky Row.

Is it okay to visit Honky Tonk Row at night with kids? Absolutely.

You won't be able to go inside many of the venues, but you'll still be able to hear a lot of live music and people watch on the street.

There may be so interesting characters (but you'll find those during the day, too) and it is crowded and loud so depending on the age and personality of your kids, you may want to skip this.


RESTAURANTS OPEN LATE

There is a never-ending list of restaurants in Music City, and many of them stay open late.

Here are a few of the best restaurants in town that are open past the dinner rush. 


Tennessee Brew Works

This craft brewery has all the ingredients for a good evening.

Beer brewed in-house, live music, sports on TV, and an in-house chef who has developed a menu that pairs perfectly with the craft beer.

We suggest the frog legs!

Tennessee Brew Works is eco-friendly, too. They focus on consuming the least amount of water and energy necessary.

They’re open until 10:00 pm every day except Sunday when they close at 8:00 pm. 


City House

City House has created a menu that is the perfect blend of fresh Italian food made with comforting, Southern ingredients.

Try their lamb dish with pecorino cheese, grits, and chard, or pair your Margherita pizza with some local Bourbon.

Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm. They close at 9:00 pm on Sundays. Closed on Tuesdays.


Loveless Cafe

Loveless Cafe is the only place to go if you’re looking for world-famous Southern biscuits. They have been making traditional Tennessee comfort food for 65 years.

The kid’s menu has traditional catfish and meatloaf, as well as PB&J sandwiches and chicken fingers.

Open from 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Monday through Sunday.


Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

Feel the nostalgia of a traditional general store while enjoying hearty Southern dishes and live music.

Puckett’s has an impressive choice of cherrywood-smoked barbecue, burgers, and delicious old-fashioned desserts.

Open until 10:00 pm during the week and until 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.


The Diner

This *24/7 Diner is a favorite of locals and visitors in the SoBro neighborhood. There are six floors of the restaurant, each one with a different focus.

The first floor is a traditional diner with a familiar fare. We suggest their famous Nashville Cheesesteak.

* They have temporary hours that they hope to end soon. Current hours are Sunday-Thursday 7:30 am - 11 pm and Friday-Saturday 7:30 am- 2 am.


Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is a cornerstone of Nashville's nightlife. It is located at 422 Broadway, a short stroll from landmarks like the Bridgestone Arena and the Johnny Cash Museum.

The venue is renowned for its vibrant music scene, which features bluegrass, country, and other genres. As the sun sets, the Nashville skyline lights up, setting a picturesque backdrop.

Inside, guests can enjoy a selection of traditional drinks while listening to live music. Tootsie's is a popular tourist destination, so it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Hours are 9:30 am - 3:00 am seven days a week.


Mafiaoza’s Italian

Mafiaoza’s is a very kid-friendly Italian pizzeria that will be a hit for the whole family.

They focus on fresh ingredients and tossing their pizza dough in view of the guests. Kids can go over to the pizza counter and try tossing their own!  

  • Monday they are closed.
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday they are open 4pm - 10pm.
  • Friday 4pm - 10:30pm.
  • Saturday noon - 10:30 pm.
  • Sunday noon to 10 pm.

Hattie B's

Nashville is famous for its hot chicken, and Hattie B's delivers on this Music City staple.

They have fiveNashville locations, all of which are open from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm during the week.

On Fridays and Saturdays, you can get your hot chicken fix from 11:00 am until midnight. They do close early at 4:00 pm on Sundays.


OTHER ATTRACTIONS OPEN LATE

Nighttime in Nashville isn't all music venues. In this section, you can find some attractions, museums, and tours that are open late.


Adventure Science Center

The Adventure Science Center has multiple nights per month they stay open late.

They often have night events during the dummer, so be sure to check the calendar.

Some of them are 21+, and others that are great for the under 21 crowd.


The Escape Game Nashville

Get everybody involved in solving the puzzle at The Escape Game. Each room is full of clues you must use to escape in under one hour to win the game.

You can choose from multiple adventures with varying levels of difficulty. Depending on availability, you could start your game in the early afternoon or at 11:45 pm.


TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we've done our best to provide all the information you'll need to have findthings to do at night Nashville, you might have specific questions of your own you need help with.

Thankfully, there is a Visit Nashville group on Facebook that is the perfect place to look for those answers. With more than 22,000 members, there's always someone willing to provide help.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips provided by members of the group.

1. This reader asks where to eat at night before heading to a concert at the Grand Ole Opry. Members provide a number of suggestions below.

2. The main strip of bars in Nashville is on Broadway, otherwise known as Honky Tonk Highway. There are also a lot of great bars on 2nd Avenue, which is quite close to this area, and it's close to Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium.

The question is, is it easy to get an Uber late at night from Broadway? See what members have to say below.

3. This reader wants to know if you can take a young teen to Broadway to see bands at night? One member says she took her teen to places up until around 8 pm.

4. Some folks wonder what one should wear if heading to Downtown Nashville at night.

We suggest you wear something comfortable, perhaps inspired by Elvis Presley's iconic style. During some of the year it's typically quite warm during the day, but it cools down a bit after dark; it might make sense to do some layering.

5. We had a question about what time at night bands start playing in Nashville venues.

Bands typically start playing in Nashville venues in 2 shifts: 6 pm - 10 pm and 10 pm - 2 am. Many of these venues serve great local food including fried chicken dinners.

6. A reader asked if there is there anything to do on Music Row after dark.

There are some decent bars in the area, but most of the popular landmarks and attractions on Music Row close up early in the evening.

7. Regarding whether it's safe to walk in Nashville at night, while it's generally safe, it's always wise to stay alert. We also recommend staying in the touristy parts of town where it is well-lit. As w with any big city note that crime rates do increase at night.

For even more information about Nashville at night, or about anything at all in the Nashville area, please feel free to ask for advice on the Visit Nashville Facebook group.


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About The Author

Paul Whitten

Paul Whitten is an energetic Nashville native and combat veteran with a passion for history. He's a true storyteller, dedicated to preserving the legendary tales that make his hometown so great. From intimate conversations to books and lectures, Paul seeks to bring history alive with contagious enthusiasm and captivating insight. He loves helping others learn more about Nashville, its unique culture, and the countless stories of adventure associated with it.
Updated: febrero 19th, 2024
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