The Best Musical Experiences in Town

Americana Music Festival and Conference

For six nights, artists fitting the varied-Americana sound fill up venues across Nashville. The festival features nearly 180 live performances, daily conference sessions, and a star-studded awards ceremony.
When: September 20-25, 2016
Where: Nashville, TN
Price: Ticket prices vary
Info + Tickets: 615-386-6936; americanamusic.org

Ascend Amphitheater

Nashville’s newest outdoor venue is ideal for summer concerts on the lawn grooving out to big jam bands while the sun sets. Pro tip: Uber or Lyft to and from the entrance.
When: April - October
Where: 301 1st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-999-9000; ascendamphitheater.com

The Basement

The poster slathered walls of Nashville's most intimate venue speak to its longevity and desirability. Located below indie record store, Grimeys, the iconic spot is regularly packed with artists of all genres.
When: Nightly
Where: 1604 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-645-9174; thebasementnashville.com

The Bluebird Cafe

Now teeming with tourists by way of a popular TV show that will remain unnamed, the Bluebird stays its course offering acoustic, in the round, songwriter-driven sets for anyone nimble enough to get a reservation!
When: Nightly
Where: 4104 Hillsboro Pk, Nashville, TN 37215
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-383-1461; bluebirdcafe.com

Bluebird on the Mountain

From May through October, the Bluebird Café produces this outdoor concert series, bringing an incredible roster of songwriters and artists up to performance at Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory. Full season passes are already sold out, but individual performances are still up for grabs.
When: Monthly on Saturday. May 14, June 25, July 23, Aug 20, Sept 17, Oct 1. 8 p.m.
Where: 1000 Oman Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027
Price: $130; Individual tickets go on sale the first day of the prior month; 2016 Season Tickets are sold out
Info + Tickets: 931-516-9724; dyer.vanderbilt.edu

Bluegrass Underground

The Volcano Room at the Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville is known as one of the most acoustically perfect music venues in all of Tennessee. Set inside the spectacular, completely natural amphitheater, which sits 300 feet below ground, the monthly performances are now aired on PBS. But why limit it to a small screen when you can see it live?
When: Monthly, 1-2 shows
Where: 1437 Cumberland Caverns Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110
Price: $30
Info + Tickets: 931-516-9724; bluegrassunderground.com

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

It's 'anything goes' at the internationally acclaimed music and arts festival. Bonnaroo-ers journey to the 700-acre farm each June for peace, love, and a full roster of seminal and popular artists. Often held on the same dates as Nashville's CMA fest, prepare yourself for a wild week in Middle Tennessee.
When: June 9-12, 2016
Where: 617 Woodbury Hwy, Manchester, TN 37355
Price: $350
Info + Tickets: 1-(800)-594-8499; bonnaroo.com

Carnton Plantation Sunset Concert Series

Neighbors, families, and friends come together on the historic lawn of Civil War landmark, Carnton Plantation. The kids run wild, the parents picnic, and everyone gets a sample of great live music.
When: Last Sundays of June, July, and August
Where: 1345 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin, TN 37064
Price: $TBD
Info + Tickets: 615-794-0903; boft.org

CMA Fest

Since the original Fan Fair® in 1972, country music fans continue to flock to Music City for four days of non-stop music. Meet rising artists, hear intimate performances from contemporary acts, and be among the epic crowds for each nightly bash at Nissan Stadium.
When: June 9-12, 2016
Where: Downtown Nashville
Info + Tickets: 615-862-5800; cmafest.com

CMA Theater

The gentle curves of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's CMA Theater elicit awe from show-goers, and for good reason. The 776-seat venue was designed so that each seat feels like you're in the front row! Completed in 2014, it features state-of-the-art sound and lighting to the caliber of Shakespeare's Globe and Radio City Music Hall.
When: TBA
Where: 224 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-416-2001; countrymusichalloffame.org

Courtyard Concerts

The Nashville Main Library welcomes music fans to its secluded interior courtyard for lunchtime performances that range from bluegrass and Latin to classical cello.
When: August - October. 11:45 am – 1 p.m.
Where: Robinson Courtyard, 615 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
Price: Free
Info: 615-862-5800; nashvillepubliclibrary.org

The Debbie & Doyle Show

This hysterical musical parody duo has been capturing Nashville audiences since 2008 but they’ve made big waves on the road, too. When they’re not busy touring, catch a must-see performance at The Station Inn, where the show began.
When: Every Tuesday. 7-8:40 p.m.
Where: The Station Inn; 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: $20
Info + Tickets: 615-999-9244; stationinn.com

Frist Fridays

Coming into its 14th season, Frist Fridays is a summer soiree celebrating the last Fridays each month in the visual art center's Turner Courtyard. Crowds gather in the heart of the city for an evening of live music, light bites, and a look at the latest museum exhibitions.
When: Last Friday of June, July and August. 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Frist Center for the Visual Arts; 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203-3822
Price: $12
Info + Tickets: 615-244-3340; fristcenter.org

Full Moon Pickin’ Party

Warner Park’s seasonal pickin’ parties are moonlit nights of bluegrass aficionados and players circled up under the stars. Set amidst the rolling Tennessee hills, the heartwarming mix of all-ages gather to relax and listen over drinks and picnic dinners.
When: Fridays closest to the full moon, May - October. 7-11 p.m.
Where: Warner Park Equestrian Center — 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37221
Price: Adults $20, Children (7-17) $10
Info + Tickets: 615-370-8053; warnerparks.org

Grand Ole Opry

Way before Blake and years before Yearwood, the Grand Ole Opry radio show broadcast brought country music to all corners of the globe. Ninety years later, the performances continue to draw in the best artists, instrumentalists, and fans in the business. Held in the spacious Opry House, guests pile into pews for a truly sacred experience.
When: Nightly. 7 p.m.
Where: Grand Ole Opry House — 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Price: $35-75
Info + Tickets: 1-800-733-6779; opry.com

Live on the Green

Nashville's downtown lawn party draws big acts (Ben Folds, Passion Pit, Lord Huron) and even bigger crowds (over 100,000 last year). The free concert series caps its season with a three-day fest at Public Square Park with multiple stages, even more bands, and an extensive food truck court.
When: Late August - Mid September. 6-11 p.m.
Where: Public Square Park, 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201
Price: Free
Info + Tickets: 615-256-1777; liveonthegreen.com

Musicians Corner

Going into its sixth year of sunny Saturday concerts, Musicians Corner features emerging and big name artists (Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Chris Stapleton) to the main and acoustic stages in Centennial Park. Guests relax on blankets and chairs as music wafts through the canopy of trees above. They’ve got something for everyone: the Kidsville and Dogville tents as well as a circle of vendors and food trucks.
When: Saturdays in May, June, September, and October. 12 - 5 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: Free
Info + Tickets: musicianscornernashville.com

Nashville Ballet’s Attitude

Each year the Ballet's Attitude features a collaboration between dancers and local musicians. The 2016's segment City of Dreams combines the look, feel, and talents of the Bluebird Cafe (songwriters Georgia Middleman, J.T. Harding, and Victoria Banks) alongside stunning choreography.
When: February 12-14, 2016. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
Where: TPAC's Polk Theater, 505 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243
Price: $28-63
Info + Tickets: 615-782-4040; nashvilleballet.com
Image by Karyn Photography

Nashville Jazz Workshop

The Germantown-based Nashville Jazz Workshop was developed by playing professionals to bring musicians, students, and jazz fans together. Using their improv intuition, the workshop offers non-traditional classes as well as performances. Must see: the Snap on 2 and 4 show in their cozy Jazz Cave.
When: Monthly
Where: 1319 Adams St, Nashville, TN 37208
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-242-5299; nashvillejazz.org

RCA Studio B Tour

This historic studio has seen the likes of Elvis and Dolly record big hits—and it’s open to the public, too. Take a privately guided tour of the space or, bring your best vocals and schedule time for a group recording session (advance reservations are required). When: Daily. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Price: Adult $39.95; Youth $29.95
Info + Tickets: 615-416-2001; studiob.org

Robert’s Western World

Any list you’ve ever read about Nashville includes this downtown honky tonk. With a storied past of its own, the building on Lower Broadway has been home to Sho-Bud Steel Guitar Company, Lynn’s Liquor Store, and Rhinestone Western Wear. What they say is true — grab a partner and hit the dance floor to house band Brazilbilly on Friday or Saturday nights.
When: Daily, 11 a.m.-3 a.m.
Where: 416B Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Info: 615-244-9552; robertswesternworld.com

Ryman Auditorium

This cultural epicenter of Music City (originally the Union Gospel Tabernacle) not only offers clues to the early Grand Ole Opry and Minnie Pearl but continues to add to its list of legendary guests and performers like Theodore Roosevelt, Jason Isbell, and Hozier.
When: Nightly
Where: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-889-3060; ryman.com

Schermerhorn Symphony Classical Concert

In addition to the remarkable architecture of Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the concert hall hosts nearly 140 ovation-worthy performances each year. It's the “Classical Conversations x93 featuring conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and special guests that make their classical concerts something grand. Held an hour before the show, get energetic insights and back stories about the pieces before they are performed.
When: Nightly
Where: 1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-687-6400; nashvillesymphony.org

Tin Pan South

This festival mines the best natural resource in Nashville, songwriters. A week of ‘in the round’ showcases highlight the dazzling talents of local lyricists and well-traveled wordsmiths. Hear a surprising set of well-known songs from their true source at venues perfect for close listening: The Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner Cafe, and The Station Inn.
When: April 5-9, 2016.
Where: Nashville, TN
Price: $125, on sale March 8 at 10 a.m. CST
Info + Tickets: 615-687-6400; tinpansouth.com

The Woods at Fontanel

Go deep in the pines at Nashville’s biggest backyard concert venue. On the estate of country music legend Barbara Mandrell, this wooded wonderland also has a restaurant, trails, and up to 4,500 music lovers. If you’re looking for an especially unique experience, reserve a tree house-like VIP spot carved into the venue’s hillside.
When:
Where: 4225 Whites Creek Pk, Nashville, TN 37189
Price: Varies by performance
Info + Tickets: 615-724-1600; woodsamphitheater.com