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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown, Nashville's best

Dance spots for performing arts

Made for those who want to transition seamlessly from a seated performance to an active night of dancing.

Based on 862 Opinions
+859
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Updated May 2026
01
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar image 1
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar image 2
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar image 3
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Intimate blues club with multi-level seating offers a laid-back vibe and outstanding live music from blues and jazz artists. The historic setting features a good sound system that fills the space evenly. Crowds enjoy close-up views of energetic performances in a chill atmosphere.

Music that makes you move keeps the energy high and the dance floor busy. Tables and bar areas sit close enough to watch or jump in and dance all night.

Musical atmosphere feels incredible with live jam sessions featuring a Hammond B3. Performers sing and play acoustic, while one excels on electric guitar.

People are saying

"I heard some of the best live music here."

"I danced for hours to the fantastic live music."

"The performing arts here feature some of the most outstanding musicians anywhere."

Good to know

1

Bring cash for the cover charge at the door.

2

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

3

Happy hour features a lively crowd and great music.

02
Robert's Western World image 1

Honky-tonk bar with authentic character and traditional country music creates a lively, nostalgic vibe. Walls display memorabilia under iconic neon lights, inviting a crowd that enjoys top-quality live bands and affordable drinks. Seating is ample but reflects the venue's historic, older style.

A small wood dance floor hosts classic country music performances with old-fashioned musical skill. The setup is no-frills and traditional, encouraging dancing and singing all night.

Musicians deliver old-fashioned musical skill with sets that last around three hours. Performances spark dancing and cheering rather than just basic covers.

People are saying

"You have to try the fried bologna sandwich; it's delicious."

"The live bands here play authentic country music and rockabilly tunes."

"The performing arts here are talented old-fashioned country music."

Good to know

1

Robert's Western World serves a recession special: a beer and a full meal for $6.

2

Live music starts at 6:30 PM, featuring traditional country acts.

3

The venue hosts a band every hour, with a tip bucket for donations.

03
Honky Tonk Highway image 1
Tourist attraction

Broadway strip features live music bars on every corner with colorful neon lights and rooftop terraces offering multiple floors of entertainment. The atmosphere is loud and lively, filled with energetic dancing and nonstop party energy. Crowds are dense, making navigation challenging, but the street pulses with constant live performances and a true party vibe.

Historic venues offer live music and packed dance floors with a true honky-tonk vibe. Neon lights and rooftop DJ sets keep the energy contagious, with dancing spilling into the streets even before noon.

Live bands play in almost every venue, creating a musical experience on every step. Venues cover classic country, rock, and modern hits, with the original theater still standing out.

People are saying

"The live music here is non-stop chaos, day and night."

"The live music performances on Broadway are fantastic."

"This dance spot has nonstop live music and great energy."

Good to know

1

Parking can be very difficult along Honky Tonk Highway.

2

Most bars do not charge a cover fee for live music.

3

Expect heavy crowds, especially during events like CMA Fest.

04
Legends Corner image 1
Live music bar

Split-level honky tonk bar offers classic country music with live bands playing through open windows. Atmosphere is loud and energetic, with a small dance area and walls decorated with memorabilia and record albums. Crowd leans toward fans of traditional country sounds and lively music scenes.

Space for dancing varies; some find plenty of room while others see the dance area as small and limited to one couple at a time between tables and stage.

Bands perform a wide range of songs, avoiding the usual setlists common in other venues. Lefty stands out for his ability to play almost anything, making the performances versatile and engaging.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic honky tonk atmosphere with live music."

"The live music here is amazing, playing all sorts of songs."

"The live music here is top-notch, perfect for dancing."

Good to know

1

Legends Corner doesn't serve food but offers snacks and a variety of great drinks.

2

Expect no cover charge on Friday nights with quick bar service.

3

The bar's bathrooms are the cleanest in the downtown area.

05
AJ's Good Time Bar image 1

Multi-level bar offers live music on every floor with a rooftop view and comfy couches upstairs. Small and cozy space buzzes with happy energy and interactive acoustic performances. Large screen TVs and diverse entertainment create a lively, fun atmosphere.

Two bars and open space create a solid setup for dancing. Country music plays that fits well for dancing, and the vibe encourages everyone to get up and move.

Live music happens regularly with bands playing at the bar and on the rooftop. AJ's Good Time Bar keeps a focus on country music, though bands may not always play requested songs.

People are saying

"The live music and atmosphere at this bar are great."

"I heard live country music from talented bands."

"Rizzi made the Dance Spot so much fun, getting everyone up to sing and dance."

Good to know

1

Entry fee is $20 per person for access to the bar.

2

Karaoke is available on the second and third floors.

3

Live bands perform on each floor except the third floor.

06
Lucky Bastard Saloon image 1

Multilevel bar with two long bars and a large dance floor offers live music downstairs and a DJ upstairs. The open layout creates a lively and welcoming vibe with a chill atmosphere despite loud sound. Frequented by music lovers, it hosts multiple bands in one night and features a cool mural for photos.

A big open dance floor upstairs offers plenty of space to move. Dancing to songs like Chris Stapleton's Tennessee Whiskey happens regularly, especially on lively weeknights.

Live musical performances offer great entertainment with musicians taking tips and playing requests.

People are saying

"The live music here is amazing and really sets the mood."

"The dance floor here is huge and perfect for dancing."

"The live musical performances here are great entertainment."

Good to know

1

Lucky Bastard Saloon offers free jello shots with the purchase of a drink on certain nights.

2

Music events start at 10am and continue late into the night.

3

No cover charge is required to enter Lucky Bastard Saloon.

07
JBJ's Nashville image 1
Live music bar

Live music fills a multilevel venue with loud rock and grunge bands and a rooftop bar offering stunning views. Energy peaks during events, with a vibrant atmosphere and quieter spaces beyond the main stage. Access includes an elevator and a unique path through a gift shop to the rooftop.

Energetic bands keep the crowd dancing and singing along. Performers engage directly, dancing and singing with people, creating a lively and social atmosphere with many enjoying the moment.

An open atrium sets a unique stage for performances, creating a lively atmosphere. The band involves the crowd by letting them vote on songs, but playing a requested song costs $100.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delightful."

"The live bands here make you want to dance all night."

"The performing arts here are on multiple levels, which is cool."

Good to know

1

The next band performs at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays.

2

Bikini bull riding competition happens weekly at JBJ's Nashville.

3

It costs $10 to ride the mechanical bull.

08
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row - Nashville image 1

Live music fills a classic Broadway bar with buzzing crowd energy and bands covering multiple decades and genres. A fun rooftop area offers a fantastic city view despite its small size and many steps. The atmosphere stays lively and vibrant, with music spilling into the street and people dancing.

Rooftop club offers great music and a lively dance floor with happy faces. DJs and bands keep the energy up, playing hip-hop and dance tunes that get people moving anytime.

Noah Garner plays every Monday early evening, offering a consistent live music presence. Some solo artists perform during breaks, sometimes playing better than the booked acts, though musical tastes vary among the bands.

People are saying

"The live bands at this bar are awesome and entertaining."

"The music here makes you want to dance all night."

"You have to see Noah Garner's performing arts; he's there every Monday."

Good to know

1

Whiskey Jam occurs every Thursday night with live performances.

2

Expect a $4 charge for ice with your drinks.

3

A 4% venue charge is added to all bills.

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