Things to do at night in Nashville to experience the city like a local 

In the last decade, no place has gained more hype than the Nashville nightlife scene. The home of Honky Tonk has been discovered in a big way and it now rivals Las Vegas and New Orleans for travelers looking for a lively time. Bachelor and bachelorette parties flock to Broadway and other hotspots.

Downtown Nashville is known as Music City for a reason. With dozens of live music venues, Nashville is the undisputed country music capital of the world. There are also plenty of landmarks that add to its appeal as a destination for music fans, including Music Row and the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s not just music, either. The Frist Art Museum is revered and Nashville is home to the NHL’s Predators and NFL’s Titans. 

The energy will be high, especially along Broadway where visitors flock to honky tonk clubs and bars, but it's generally a welcoming place to head for a night out, and the locals are especially friendly. While you don't necessarily have to don your best country western getup, it’s a fun way to lean into the spirit of Music City. Nashville’s nightlife remains comfortable and approachable, even for families. 

Here's what you need to know: 

What to do in Nashville at night if you’re looking for… 

The quintessential Nashville night out 

While you may be tempted to head off the beaten path (if you’ve just moved to Nashville or visit regularly, this is absolutely worth it), you’ll want to indulge in a few of the “greatest hits.” It’s the epicenter of live country music, so a honky tonk is an obvious choice. There are also a few landmarks and a thriving dining scene to unpack. 

Hit the honky tonks

Nashville's music scene is by far its best attribute, so you should absolutely be planning an adventure on the Honky Tonk Highway. Situated on Lower Broadway near downtown Nashville, this is by far the liveliest place in the city (at any time of day). Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Chief’s On Broadway, and Rippy’s Honky Tonk are a few of the top spots. Obviously, you won’t want to lug your roller bag into each venue, so stop by a Nashville Bounce location on Broadway to free yourself up for line dancing and beer drinking! 

Pro tip: Most of these bars have live music without a cover charge, so you’ll be able to pop into a few of them as you explore up and down this iconic stretch.

Visit the legendary Grand Ole Opry

One of the world’s most iconic music venues, the Grand Ole Opry was founded as the stage for country music broadcasts on the radio. In its 100-year history, it’s since turned into a theater for live performances and tours. You’ll find a rotating program of up-and-comers and country legends. There isn’t a reliable place to keep bags, so it’s best to drop by a Bounce location downtown before heading out to its location in Music Valley on the outskirts of town.   

Pro tip: If you can’t make a performance, you can always take a tour.

Old Town Trolley Tours

If you’re in town for a short time but want to quickly see the top sites, taking a trolley tour of Music Row is the ideal solution. You’ll travel through 16th and 17th Avenues and will see historic landmarks like RCA Studio B and Columbia’s Quonset Hut (the oldest recording studio in the city). Don’t cramp the trolley with your bags! Bounce has plenty of locations near Music Row. 

Sample some spicy Nashville hot fried chicken

If you can handle the heat, heading to a famous chicken joint is the best way to experience Nashville’s culinary scene. Sure, there are dozens of worthy barbecue joints, but nobody does hot chicken quite like Nashville.

Pro tip: Hattie B’s, 400 Degrees, and Party Fowl are just a few of the top spots for Nashville’s fiery staple. 

Family fun at night

While nightlife is the obvious draw for Nashville, you can still put together a perfectly serviceable itinerary if you're bringing the kiddos. Some honky tonks will allow kids during the day, and it's worth at least walking down Broadway with the family, but you'll want to make arrangements for evening activities. 

Take a Nashville ghost tour

While you may not associate Nashville with hauntings, ghost tours are at their best when they take place in a unique setting. Music City has seen its fair share of paranormal activity, and a nighttime walking tour of the historic quarter is a great way to see the city without having to spend time in a bar. Your guide will give you insight into the town’s history that you cannot learn in a honky tonk. 

Test your skills at Escape Game Nashville

Escape rooms are nothing new, but a cheap way to keep the kids engaged after a day of sightseeing is by testing their problem-solving (rebranded as “survival”) skills in this fun setting.

Take an evening boat tour

Cumberland River snakes its way through downtown Nashville and provides boaters and kayakers epic views of the city. You can hop on the General Jackson Showboat for a charming tour of the city. There are dinner tours that include music and hilarious tour guides. Don’t cramp the boat! Leave your bags with Bounce before heading to the riverfront to board the tour. 

 Catch the best sunset views

You can take a quick stroll to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for amazing sunset views of the Nashville skyline.

Pro tip: On show nights, you’ll be able to hear and see the lights from the Ascend Amphitheater! 

Planning a trip here has one downside: there are simply too many things to do at night in Nashville. But a little effort before you travel can go a long way in making your nights out even more enjoyable! Just remember to arrange luggage storage for travel days so you can hit the ground running on the Honky Tonk Highway!