Nashville’s got this reputation – neon lights, honky-tonks, drunk tourists stumbling down Broadway. But here’s the thing: after the bachelor parties pass out and the tour buses leave, that’s when the real magic starts. I’m talking about backroom bluegrass jams where legends drop in unannounced, secret bars where Nashville’s best songwriters test their new material, and late-night hot chicken spots that’ll change your life. Here are the best things to do in Nashville at night that the party buses don’t know about.
Between underground speakeasies where bartenders play vinyl and hidden venues where tomorrow’s stars cut their teeth, there’s a whole other Nashville waiting for you after dark!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this party tractor ride through downtown Nashville! They take you cruising on a rolling dance club with DJ beats and a full bar, plus saddle seats for when you need a break from the light-up dance floor. Skip the regular bars and join 40 new friends for the wildest ride in Music City. This party tractor is absolutely a must-do on a Nashville itinerary in my opinion!
Best Things to Do in Nashville at Night: 20 Nighttime Activities
Nashville’s nightlife sparkles with an array of unforgettable experiences, and we’re here to guide you through the coolest nighttime activities in Nashville!
1. Listen to live music at iconic Nashville venues
The Bluebird Cafe is where you’ll actually hear the people who wrote your favorite songs perform them – it’s honestly pretty mind-blowing. I’ve been there three times and each show was completely different. You need to book reservations online way ahead of time because this tiny 90-seat venue sells out fast. There’s a $12 minimum per seat (food or drinks) and cover charges vary by show.
Don’t sleep on The Station Inn for bluegrass or The 5 Spot for eclectic acts either. These smaller venues give you that intimate vibe where you can actually see the artists sweat. The cool thing about Nashville is you never know who might show up – I’ve seen Grammy winners just randomly hop on stage at these places.
Broadway gets all the attention, but the real music happens in these listening rooms where people actually shut up and pay attention to the songs. Just remember – The Bluebird has a strict no-talking policy during performances, so save the chatter for between sets.
2. Hunt for hidden speakeasies and secret bars
Nashville’s speakeasy scene is honestly way cooler than I expected. Attaboy in East Nashville literally looks abandoned until you knock on the door and step through a blackout curtain into one of the darkest bars in the city. Old Glory requires you to go through a gate, down an alley, up some stairs, and through a door marked “No. 103” just to reach this old boiler room turned cocktail haven. I’ve had some of my best drinks here, including this crazy yogurt-washed vodka cocktail named after Dolly that actually tastes like an alcoholic salad.
Four Walls inside The Westin has this spaghetti-western vibe that doesn’t feel cheesy at all. They’re mixing stuff like rhum agricole with wasabi, which sounds weird but works. The 1865 Club down in the basement teleports you straight into a Great Gatsby fever dream with porcelain bars and Art Deco chandeliers. Coral Club in East Nashville feels like Pirates of the Caribbean but with better drinks and no animatronics.
Most speakeasies don’t take reservations for small groups, so expect to wait. Cocktails usually run $12-18, but honestly, you’re paying for the experience and the craftsmanship. I’d start early if you’re planning to hit multiple spots – these places fill up fast and some have strict capacity limits.
3. Walk Broadway Street for honky-tonk bar crawling
Broadway is touristy as hell, but there’s a reason millions of people flock here every year – it actually delivers on the chaos you’re expecting. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has live music literally all day and night, and the walls are covered in decades of country music history. Legends Corner is right next door if Tootsie’s gets too packed.
I always tell people to hit the rooftop bars for the best views. Acme Feed & Seed has a killer rooftop with views of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium. The drinks aren’t cheap (expect $12-15 cocktails), but the view is worth it, especially at sunset.
Pro tip: Broadway doesn’t really get going until after 8pm, so don’t show up at 6 expecting the full experience. Also, most places don’t charge covers during the week, but weekends can be $10-20 at the bigger spots. The music starts around noon and goes until 3am every single day – it’s actually insane how much live music happens on this one street.
4. Take a nighttime trolley tour through the city
Old Town Trolley does this amazing night tour called the Soul of Music City that starts around 7pm and shows you Nashville when it’s all lit up. The guides are actually local musicians, so they’re singing between stories and giving you the real inside scoop on the music scene. I’ve done both day and night versions, and honestly, the night tour is way more atmospheric. You’ll hit Lower Broadway, Music Row, and the Ryman Auditorium when they’re all glowing.
The Evening Trolley Tour starts at Marathon Motor Works and runs about 90 minutes for around $47. It’s actually a solid deal when you consider you’re getting transportation, entertainment, and a history lesson all in one. The open-air trolleys give you killer photo ops, especially when you’re cruising past the neon lights of Broadway.
Tours run year-round, but I’d dress in layers – it gets chilly on those open trolleys after sunset. You need to check in 15 minutes early, and parking around Marathon Village is way easier than dealing with downtown. The trolleys have wheelchair lifts if you need accessibility accommodations, just call ahead.
5. See a show at the Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium isn’t just a venue – it’s basically a religious experience for music lovers. I’ve seen everyone from indie bands to country legends there, and the acoustics are unreal. Those church pews aren’t the most comfortable, but you forget about that when the music starts.
Tickets range from about $66 to $146 depending on the artist, and honestly, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The venue is small enough that even the back row feels intimate. Book early because popular shows sell out in minutes.
They also do self-guided tours during the day for around $20 if you want to see the space without dropping serious cash on concert tickets. You can walk on the same stage where Hank Williams and Johnny Cash performed.
The area around the Ryman is perfect for dinner before shows – 5th Avenue has tons of restaurants within walking distance. I usually grab food nearby and then walk over about 30 minutes before showtime. The whole experience feels historic in a way that modern venues just can’t match.
6. Try your hand at axe throwing and competitive games
Bad Axe Throwing on Fogg Street is the largest axe throwing venue in Tennessee, and it’s honestly addictive once you get the hang of it. They’ve got 14 private lanes with individual bar tops, so you can drink and throw axes legally (with supervision, obviously). The downtown skyline views from their space are pretty incredible, and they’ve got this full restaurant called Blu Ox with a Northwoods menu that actually pairs well with beer and competitive axe hurling.
Nashville Underground is like a playground for adults – five floors with bowling, arcade games, a mechanical bull, and two rooftop bars. I love that you can literally bowl, grab a drink upstairs, ride a bull, then head to the roof for skyline views all in the same building. TN Axe and Smash is another solid option if you want to combine axe throwing with smashing stuff, which is surprisingly therapeutic after a long day.
Axe throwing sessions usually run $30-40 per person for an hour, and most places have packages that include food and drinks. No flip-flops or open-toed shoes – safety first. I’d make reservations for weekend nights since these places are huge for bachelor and bachelorette parties. The staff teaches you everything, so don’t worry if you’ve never thrown an axe before.
7. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame after hours
The Country Music Hall of Fame stays open late and it’s way less crowded in the evenings, which makes it perfect for actually reading the exhibits without fighting crowds. General admission is around $25-30, and you can easily spend 3-4 hours here if you’re into music history.
The coolest part is seeing stuff like Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac and Dolly Parton’s outfits up close. They rotate special exhibits regularly, so it’s not the same experience every time. I went back recently and they had a whole Luke Combs section that wasn’t there before.
The Historic RCA Studio B tour combo is worth the extra money – it’s where Elvis recorded over 200 songs. That tour happens during the day though, so plan accordingly.
Pro tip: They validate parking at the Walk of Fame Garage for $15 (up to 3 hours), which is way better than trying to find street parking downtown. The audio guide is only $5 extra and actually adds a lot to the experience – it’s not just some intern reading Wikipedia articles.
8. Solve puzzles and escape from themed rooms
The Escape Game has three locations around Nashville, and their themes are actually pretty immersive. I’ve done the Timeliner room (escaping a hijacked train) and the Yeti challenge, and both had me stumped until the very end. The Berry Hill location is convenient if you’re already exploring that area for food, and the staff really gets into character to enhance the experience.
Nashville Escape Experience downtown has some unique themes you won’t find elsewhere, including a submarine escape and a prison break scenario. The rooms reset every hour, so you can literally book back-to-back games if you’re addicted. I’ve seen families with teenagers absolutely crushing these puzzles, and it’s hilarious watching adults argue over clues while the clock ticks down.
Most escape rooms cost $25-35 per person, and you’ll want groups of 3-6 people for the best experience. They’re open until 9pm or later most nights, making them perfect for after-dinner entertainment. Book ahead for weekend nights – these are popular date activities and group outings. If you fail spectacularly like I did my first time, you can always book another room and redeem yourself.
9. Bar hop through Midtown’s local scene
Midtown is where Nashville locals actually hang out, away from the Broadway tourist circus. Winners and Losers are two side-by-side bars that locals swear by – Winners has live music most nights, while Losers is more chill for conversation.
Patterson House is a speakeasy-style spot with craft cocktails that’ll run you $15-18 each, but they’re legitimately some of the best drinks in the city. The bartenders know their stuff and can make basically anything. Rebar is your move if you want to dance – they’ve got a solid DJ setup and stay busy until 2am.
Hattie’s B‘s in Midtown is clutch for late-night hot chicken if you need to soak up all that alcohol. Their hours vary but they’re usually open until at least 10pm.
I spent a whole night bar hopping here last month and met more actual Nashville residents in four hours than I had in three trips to Broadway. The drinks are cheaper, the crowds are friendlier, and you don’t have to scream over bachelorette parties to have a conversation.
10. Experience rooftop bars with killer city views
L27 Rooftop Lounge at The Westin is 25 floors up and probably the fanciest rooftop experience in Nashville. The Asian fusion decor is gorgeous, and they’ve got everything from velvet couches to a pool lounge area. PROOF on the 13th floor of W Nashville in The Gulch has this swanky vibe without being pretentious, plus their cocktail menu actually changes seasonally.
Rivière Rooftop at the Four Seasons is elegant as hell – fire pits, handcrafted cocktails, and you’re close enough to Broadway to hear the music but far enough away to avoid the chaos. Lou/na at Grand Hyatt features live music and outdoor patio seating with some of the best skyline views in the city. I love that most of these places offer cabana rentals if you want to get fancy.
Luke Bryan’s rooftop at Luke’s 32 Bridge is massive and usually packed, but the energy is infectious. Tootsies has added a rooftop that gets wild, especially on weekends. Expect to spend $12-18 per cocktail at the upscale spots, but happy hours usually run until 6pm with better prices. I’d make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights – Nashville’s rooftop scene gets competitive.
11. Watch Nashville Predators or Titans games
Bridgestone Arena gets absolutely wild during Nashville Predators hockey games – the crowd is insane and they play this obnoxious song every time the team scores that somehow makes the whole experience better. Tickets start around $10 for upper level seats, but honestly, there aren’t many bad views in the arena.
The arena is right downtown, so you can walk to bars before and after games. They open doors 90 minutes before puck drop, and I always get there early to grab food and drinks without the rush.
Tennessee Titans games at Nissan Stadium are a different vibe – it’s outdoors with river views and a much bigger crowd. Football tickets are pricier, starting around $50, but the tailgating scene is legendary.
Both venues are super accessible by rideshare or walking from downtown hotels. Bridgestone Arena has multiple levels of concessions, and while arena food is expensive, it’s actually pretty decent quality. I’ve been to probably 15 Predators games and the energy never gets old – even if you don’t love hockey, the atmosphere alone is worth experiencing.
12. Bowl the night away at upscale entertainment venues
Pinewood Social in The Gulch is this amazing concept where you can eat, drink, and bowl all in the same spot. The bowling lanes are right next to the dining room, so you can grab small plates and craft cocktails between frames. It’s got this vintage-modern vibe that doesn’t feel like your typical bowling alley. I’ve spent entire evenings here just rotating between the lanes, the bar, and their outdoor area.
Nashville Underground has bowling as part of their massive entertainment complex, and it’s actually pretty fun to bowl with the energy of Broadway right outside. Up-Down combines arcade games with bowling, plus they’ve got Ernie’s speakeasy downstairs if you want to get weird after your game. The atmosphere is totally different from chain bowling alleys – more like adult playgrounds.
Most upscale bowling spots charge around $20-30 per hour per lane, plus shoe rental. Food and drinks are pricier than regular bowling alleys, but the quality is way better. I’d make reservations for weekend nights since these places book up fast. The good news is most stay open until midnight or later, so you can bowl after dinner without feeling rushed.
13. Book a dinner cruise on the Cumberland River
The General Jackson Showboat is cheesy in the best possible way – it’s a massive paddlewheel boat with Victorian theater vibes and surprisingly good food. Dinner cruises run Wednesday through Saturday and cost $45-75 depending on your seating.
I was skeptical about the whole thing, but the views of downtown Nashville from the water are actually incredible, especially at night when everything’s lit up. The show includes live music and dancers in period costumes – it’s definitely touristy, but they commit to the bit completely.
Lunch cruises are cheaper ($45-60) and less crowded if you want the experience without the full dinner theater production. They pick you up from select downtown hotels, which is convenient since parking near the dock can be a pain.
The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours total, and there’s a full bar on board if you want drinks beyond what’s included. Fair warning – this isn’t fine dining, but the Southern-style food is solid and the whole experience feels like stepping back in time. Book ahead because they do sell out, especially on weekends.
14. Dance and get wild at multi-level entertainment complexes
Nashville Underground is absolutely massive – 55,000 square feet across five floors with the largest multi-level rooftop on Broadway. You can start with dinner, move to bowling or arcade games, ride the mechanical bull, then party on two different rooftop levels. The energy changes as you go higher, from family-friendly on the lower floors to full party mode on the rooftops. I love that they’ve got live music on weekends and DJs spinning after 10pm.
Tootsies spans multiple floors with different vibes on each level, from intimate listening rooms to rowdy party decks.
Cover charges vary wildly – some nights are free, others can be $10-20 depending on events. Most multi-level venues don’t really get going until after 9pm, and they stay open until 2am on weekends. I’d wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to dance or explore multiple floors. These places are designed for bar hopping without leaving the building, which is perfect when Broadway gets packed.
15. Explore trendy bars and restaurants in the Gulch
The Gulch is where Nashville flexes its upscale side, and honestly, the area has gotten really good over the past few years. Up Rooftop Lounge has some of the best skyline views in the city – drinks are $14-18, but you’re paying for the scenery.
Biscuit Love is perfect for late-night comfort food if you can get in, and Kayne Prime is where you go when someone else is paying for dinner. I love wandering around the “WhatLiftsYou” wings mural area – it’s become this whole Instagram hotspot, but the mural itself is actually pretty cool.
The neighborhood has this modern, polished vibe that’s completely different from downtown’s honky-tonk chaos. Most of the bars here are craft cocktail focused, so expect to pay $12-16 per drink, but the quality is usually worth it.
Parking is easier here than downtown, and there are plenty of upscale hotels if you’re staying in the area. I spent a whole evening just walking around checking out different rooftop patios and bar scenes – it’s a totally different side of Nashville that most tourists miss.
16. Get your adrenaline pumping with late-night adventures
Helicopter tours are actually available for sunset and evening flights, and seeing Nashville lit up from above is pretty incredible. Helistar Aviation does private tours starting around $150 per person for 15-20 minute flights. You’ll see Nissan Stadium, The Parthenon, and the entire Music Row district from a totally different perspective. The sunset timing is perfect if you want to see the city transition from day to night.
Adventure Science Center has special evening events throughout the year, including adults-only nights where you can explore exhibits with cocktails in hand. Full Moon Pickin’ Parties happen monthly at Warner Park Stables and bring together live bluegrass music, food trucks, and a family-friendly outdoor party atmosphere under the stars. It’s like a mini festival that only locals seem to know about.
Radnor Lake offers guided moonlight hikes that are surprisingly popular – you’ll follow trails led by park staff and learn about Nashville’s natural side. Most adventure activities run $15-50 per person depending on what you’re doing. I’d check social media for last-minute events since a lot of these happen seasonally or during special occasions. Bring cash for food trucks and wear layers since you’ll be outside for most of these activities.
17. Try Nashville’s most unique dining experiences
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden serves legitimately great burgers and has an awesome outdoor space that stays busy year-round. Their beer selection is huge, and the burgers actually live up to the hype – I’ve probably eaten there six times.
Pinewood Social is where things get weird in the best way – it’s a restaurant with bowling lanes and a pool. The food is solid American fare, cocktails are creative, and you can literally bowl between courses. It sounds gimmicky, but they pull it off really well.
For late-night eats, Nashville’s hot chicken scene is no joke. Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original, but there are spots all over the city now. Just know that “hot” actually means “might ruin your night if you’re not ready for it.”
The cool thing about Nashville’s food scene is how it mixes traditional Southern stuff with completely random concepts. I’ve eaten at a place that serves ramen in a converted gas station and a BBQ joint inside a old church. The city doesn’t take itself too seriously when it comes to food, which makes trying new places way more fun.
18. Belt out songs at Nashville karaoke bars
Santa’s Pub is hands down the weirdest and best karaoke experience in Nashville – it’s literally in a double-wide trailer covered in Christmas decorations year-round. Beers are $2-4, it’s cash only (ATM outside), and the owner “Santa” actually looks like Santa Claus. I’ve been there four times and it never gets old.
Karaoke starts at 7pm every night except Sunday (9pm on Sundays), and the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists who’ve heard about this bizarre place. The rules are simple: no cussing, no drinking on stage, and be nice. Break those rules and Santa will kick you out.
Lonnie’s Western Room in Printer’s Alley is more traditional but still fun – it’s got that classic honky-tonk vibe with a smaller, more intimate karaoke setup.
The beautiful thing about karaoke in Nashville is that half the crowd is probably in bands, so the singing quality is way higher than your typical karaoke bar. Don’t be intimidated though – everyone’s super supportive, and honestly, you’ll probably make friends just by being brave enough to get up there and sing something.
19. Join a Nashville ghost tour
Nashville ghost tours are surprisingly entertaining, even if you’re not really into the supernatural stuff. Nashville Ghosts and US Ghost Adventures both run nightly tours that hit spots like the Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee State Capitol, and Printer’s Alley. Tours cost around $25-35 and last about 90 minutes.
The Haunted Tavern Tour combines ghost stories with bar hopping, which is genius – you get the spooky stories plus drinks to calm your nerves. I did this one last year and honestly had a blast, even though I’m pretty skeptical about ghost stuff.
Most tours meet in Printer’s Alley around 8pm and walk through downtown hitting allegedly haunted spots. The guides are usually local actors or storytellers who really commit to the creepy atmosphere.
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, these tours are a fun way to learn Nashville history and see parts of downtown you might miss otherwise. Plus, walking around the city at night when it’s all lit up is pretty atmospheric whether there are actual spirits or not. Just wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking for over an hour.
- Read Next: 12 Best Nashville Neighborhoods to Stay In
20. Attend monthly evening art crawls
First Saturday Art Crawl happens monthly and it’s one of the best free things to do in Nashville at night. You can wander through multiple galleries, most of which have live music and sometimes free wine. I went to the last one and spent three hours just bouncing between different spaces.
Wedgewood-Houston Art & Music Walk is smaller and more intimate – it feels less touristy and more like an actual neighborhood event. This area has gotten really cool over the past few years with lots of new studios and galleries.
Both events usually run from 6pm to 9pm, and you can just walk from place to place checking out local artists. The crowds are mostly locals, which gives you a different perspective on Nashville’s creative scene beyond just music.
I always combine these with dinner in the area – there are tons of good restaurants near both art walk locations. It’s a totally different way to spend a Nashville evening that doesn’t involve honky-tonks or live music venues. The art quality is actually really impressive, and you might discover your new favorite local artist.
- Read next: Top Things to Do in Nashville
