12 INSANE Things to Do in Nashville at Night (Beyond Broadway!)

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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: 12 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Things to Do in Nashville at Night:

Are you keen to expand your knowledge of the best things to do in Nashville at night? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about the best nighttime activities in Nashville.

Is Nashville a good night out?

Yes, Nashville is a good night out! The city offers a fantastic night out for all kinds of visitors. Whether you’re into live music, delicious food, unique bars, or cultural experiences, the city has something for everyone. The vibrant atmosphere, especially around areas like Broadway and Midtown, is contagious. You’ll find live music venues, ranging from country to rock, and restaurants serving up everything from traditional Southern cuisine to innovative dishes.

Where can I walk around Nashville at night?

Broadway Street is the heart of Nashville’s nightlife and a great place to walk around. It’s lined with honky-tonks and bars, each offering live music. Another great area is The Gulch, known for its upscale restaurants and chic bars. For a more relaxed vibe, the 12 South neighborhood offers a lovely mix of eateries, boutiques, and bars, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.

Is Nashville fun if you’re not 21?

Definitely! Nashville has plenty of options for those under 21. You can enjoy live music in many venues like the famous Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry. Cultural attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are also great choices. Plus, there are all-ages events and activities, especially in areas like Centennial Park and along the Cumberland River.

What is the best area in Nashville for nightlife?

For the quintessential Nashville nightlife experience, Broadway is the top choice. It’s where you’ll find a high concentration of bars, live music venues, and vibrant street life. Midtown is another popular area, especially among locals, offering a diverse range of bars and eateries. For a more upscale night out, The Gulch has trendy bars and fine dining options.

Is it safe to walk in downtown Nashville at night?

Downtown Nashville is generally safe to walk around at night, especially in well-trafficked areas like Broadway, Second Avenue, and The Gulch. As with any city, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, stick to well-lit areas, and avoid walking alone late at night. The city is quite lively, especially on weekends, which adds to the sense of safety. I’ve always felt comfortable walking around these areas, even after dark.

What time does Broadway Street in Nashville close?

Broadway Street itself doesn’t close, as it’s a public street. However, the establishments along Broadway have varying closing times. Most bars and honky-tonks on Broadway are open until 2 or 3 AM, especially on weekends. Some restaurants may close earlier, around 10 or 11 PM. It’s always a good idea to check the specific hours of places you plan to visit.

Concluding Comments: Best Things to Do in Nashville at Night

As we wrap up this guide to Nashville’s best nightlife, I can’t help but share my personal favorite: live music performances. There’s something magical about catching a show at the Ryman Auditorium, where the history and talent resonate through every note. It’s one of the coolest things to d at night in Nashville that truly captures the spirit of the city.

Nashville at night is a world of its own, offering a variety of experiences that cater to every taste. Whether you’re strolling down Broadway, exploring the art scene, enjoying a meal at a unique restaurant, or opting to stay in Nashville, each moment in this city is a chance to create lasting memories.

My biggest tip? Dive in with an open heart and let Nashville’s charm sweep you off your feet. You’re not just visiting a city – you’re experiencing a slice of American culture that’s as rich as it is welcoming!