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Performing arts in Downtown

You seek out live performances that demand your full attention and presence.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
The Station Inn image 1
The Station Inn image 2
The Station Inn image 3
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Live music venue

Small venue offers intimate stage proximity and excellent sound quality for authentic bluegrass shows. Passionate local musicians deliver raw energy and impeccable chemistry that transform the atmosphere. Cold beer and good pizza add to the warm, divey vibe.

Musical events feel close and personal with raw energy and impeccable chemistry among artists. Performances blend spiritual and musical talent that creates a transforming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The music here is authentic bluegrass, just incredible."

"I found the live music here to be raw, real, and top-notch."

"The live music here is raw, real, and top-notch."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to secure a good seat, especially for popular performances.

2

Entrance fee varies by performance; check ahead for pricing.

3

Children under 12 can enter for free with an adult.

02
Pete's Dueling Piano Bar image 1

Two baby grand pianos create an electric vibe with nonstop musical showdowns. Talented musicians play any song by request, keeping energy high and crowd engaged. Impeccable lighting and intimate design boost the lively, fun atmosphere.

Musicians show incredible talent and can play almost any song by request. Performances cover a wide range of music, keeping the energy high and engaging.

People are saying

"The piano bar performers had phenomenal voices and interacted with the crowd."

"The party vibe here is electric with interactive singalongs."

"The live performing arts here are fantastic, playing anything you request."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table before visiting.

2

The venue hosts live performances that are entirely based on audience requests.

3

Drink prices are reasonable for Nashville, especially given the live entertainment.

03
Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center image 1

Concert hall features amazing acoustics that enhance every note from orchestras playing classical and jazz. Elegant design and comfortable seating create a refined atmosphere. Guests enjoy modern amenities like indoor and outdoor lounges and a cafe with a bar.

An orchestra with a wide range of music including classical favorites, movie scores, and jazz performs here. The theater offers excellent acoustics and a great setting for musical events.

People are saying

"The Symphony hall is beautiful and prestigious."

"The staff here are so pleasant and helpful with all your performing arts needs."

"Watching movies with live symphony music was a unique and fun activity."

Good to know

1

Tickets for performances can be purchased online or at the box office.

2

Seating options include standard padded seats and high-quality chairs for comfort.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during events.

04
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar image 1

Intimate blues club offers a laid-back vibe with multi-level seating and a good sound system that fills the space evenly. Live jam sessions feature a Hammond B3 and energetic performances on acoustic and electric guitar. Crowds enjoy close-up views in a chill atmosphere.

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."

"It's a cozy, intimate place with no bad seats."

"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.

05
Legends Corner image 1
Live music bar

Split-level honky tonk bar buzzes with live bands playing classic country through open windows. Lefty's versatile performances keep the music fresh and engaging. Walls decked with memorabilia create a lively scene for fans of traditional country sounds.

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 bathrooms here were really clean."

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

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.

06
James K. Polk Theater image 1
Performing arts theater

Small theater with intimate atmosphere and historic architecture offers great views from every seat. Staff are fantastic and the space is clean and cozy. Perfect for ballet and opera performances.

Intimate theater with no bad seats offers clear views of the stage. Staff are consistently fantastic and the space is clean and beautifully made, creating a great setting for performances.

People are saying

"The performing arts venue felt so quaint and intimate."

"The seating here is really comfortable."

"Parking was easy and great here."

Good to know

1

Polk Theater upstairs does not have an elevator or wheelchair access.

2

Parking is available at the Nashville Public Library to avoid downtown parking issues.

3

Expect long lines for women's restrooms during popular shows.

07
Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ image 1

Rooftop bar shines with live music from artists like Megan Golden, creating an intimate vibe. Its military theme adds unique charm, while pet-friendly policy boosts lively, inclusive energy.

A band sets up in the corner, creating a more intimate feel than other bars. Performances include artists like Megan Golden, who is a musical treasure.

People are saying

"The bar's live music was so entertaining and energetic."

"It's cool how they display all the first responder patches."

"Megan Golden was absolutely fabulous, a true musical treasure."

Good to know

1

Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ is one of the few places on Broadway that accepts pets.

2

Prices for drinks can be high; two beers cost around $20.

3

Veterans receive discounts, and first drinks are buy one get one free.

08
CMA Theater image 1
Live music venue

Small venue with pristine acoustics and comfortable seating offers clear views from every seat. Beautiful architecture creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for live music and performing arts. Intimate setting makes every performance feel close and personal.

A mid-size venue with beautiful architecture offers an intimate setting and top notch acoustics. No columns or obstructions block views, making every seat feel close to the performers.

People are saying

"The acoustics for performing arts here are pristine and vibrant."

"It's a small and intimate venue."

Good to know

1

The CMA Theater is a mid-size venue with excellent acoustics.

2

There is not a bad seat in the house, ensuring great views from anywhere.

3

Digital tickets are scanned at the entrance for entry.

09
Robert's Western World image 1

Honky-tonk bar offers authentic character with traditional country music and top-quality live bands. Musicians play skillful sets that spark dancing and cheering. Walls show memorabilia under iconic neon lights, creating a lively, nostalgic vibe.

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 music here is great and world-class."

"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.

10
Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar image 1

Live music bar with a dive bar aesthetic and Hank Williams Jr memorabilia creates a genuine country vibe. Atmosphere stays inviting and pleasant, often quieter than other spots, with phenomenal live country bands. Rooftop offers a nice view over the festivities below.

People are saying

"The bartenders here make great drinks and provide personal service."

"It's cool seeing all the Hank Williams memorabilia everywhere."

"I loved hearing real musicians play their own country music here."

Good to know

1

The bar stops serving food at 7 PM.

2

Prices on beer and cocktails are decent for Broadway.

3

Seating is more limited downstairs.

11
Honky Tonk Highway image 1
Tourist attraction

Broadway strip buzzes with live music bars and colorful neon lights. Crowds dance energetically under rooftop terraces while classic country and rock fill the air. Nonstop performances create a true party vibe that keeps energy high.

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."

"It's the best place to enjoy a good beer."

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.

12
Chief's on Broadway image 1
Live music bar

Six floors showcase curated memorabilia and unique furniture. Live music features original songs and dueling pianos, highlighting Nashville's traditions. Rooftop offers a busy seating area with great views of Broadway.

Live music features original songs by local musicians. Performances include piano pieces by artists like Michael Leatherman. The venue highlights Nashville's musical traditions.

People are saying

"This bar's atmosphere is calm and relaxing, a great escape."

"The live music here is top-notch with great sound and high energy."

"I experienced live music and felt Nashville's musical heritage."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

2

Expect a cover charge for live performances, typically around $10.

3

The venue hosts live music every weekend, starting at 8pm.

13
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row - Nashville image 1

Live music pulses through a classic Broadway bar with bands spanning decades and genres. Regular performances by Noah Garner add a steady rhythm, while solo artists surprise during breaks. A rooftop area offers a fantastic city view despite its small size and many steps.

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."

"It's a really fun place to have a great time."

"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.

14
AJ's Good Time Bar image 1

AJ's Good Time Bar buzzes with live country music on multiple floors and a rooftop view. Cozy space with comfy couches invites guests to relax while enjoying interactive acoustic performances. Large TVs add to the lively, fun vibe.

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."

"The karaoke DJ Rizzi really got the crowd going and made everyone dance."

"I heard live country music from talented bands."

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.

15
JBJ's Nashville image 1
Live music bar

Live music pulses through a multilevel venue with a rooftop bar offering stunning views. An open atrium creates a lively stage where bands engage crowds by letting them vote on songs. Energy peaks during events, blending vibrant atmosphere with quieter spaces beyond the main stage.

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 music at this bar is amazing."

"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.

16
The Pinnacle image 1
Live music venue

Contemporary live music venue with intimate vibe and great acoustics throughout. Spacious layout includes balcony views and an outdoor lawn area with food trucks and bars for refreshments. Lighting at bars can be bright, but seating offers no bad spots for enjoying performances.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are easily accessible and always clean."

"I found it to be a really cool, new venue."

"I thought a runway would bring performers closer to the audience."

Good to know

1

Parking in the attached garage costs around $37 for 12 hours.

2

The venue is cashless and has several bars inside.

3

No food is sold inside, aside from popcorn; eat before arriving.

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