Nashville Night Life – 17 Amazing Things to Do After Dark
The lively riff of a country fiddle, the sweet vocalizing of a local songbird, and a dash of after-dark exhilaration makes Music City a mecca for unforgettable evenings.
Ready to have a great time in Honky Tonk capital? Read on to discover the best of nightlife in Nashville TN. Wet your whistle with a hearty helping of comfort food before you tear it up on the dance floor, or discover the city’s spooky past.
From savoring a bespoke cocktail at a secret speakeasy to watching one of the musical greats perform at the Grand Ole Opry, this city of country and Southern charm can’t help but sneak its way into your soul. After sunset get rowdy on a tractor tour, or snuggle up to celebrity VIPs at the world’s premier wax museum.
Whether you’re wondering where is the nightlife in Nashville, or just looking for an excuse to break out those cowboy boots, Nashville nightlife will never disappoint.
Nashville TN Nightlife
Whiskey shots, line dancing, and loads of live music are what’s on the menu for a night out in Nashville. However, not every evening in Music City needs to involve a bar tab. Visitors can also enjoy tourism after nightfall with sweeping skyline views, trolley tours, and more.
Honky Tonks: Gunning for a good time? Then you must make a beeline for Bourbon Street or Printer’s Alley. Both of these world-famous Nashville neighborhoods are chock full of rowdy honky tonks.
For the uninitiated, a honky tonk is a down-home establishment that includes at least one stage, ice-cold drinks, and live music that lasts all day. So, where to go out in Nashville?
Experience an evening of authentic honky tonk night life Nashville excitement when you head to:
- Robert’s Western World – known as the home of traditional country music, locals and tourists alike flock here for cheap beer and snack specials. Grab an icy PBR and fried Bologna sandwich, and settle in for a few hours of banjo, fiddles, and guitar.
- Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar – blues, boogie, and some tasty Cajun eats? Yes, please! Tuck into some Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo while you watch artists perform on the same stage as legends such as James Brown and B.B. King.
- Tootsies Orchid Lounge – three stages with live musical performances plus a rooftop make Tootsies a Broadway go-to. Swing by for a Jack and Coke and don’t forget to snap a photo outside of their famous purple marquee.
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- Whiskey Bent Saloon – mounted animal heads and a rustic cabin feel bring some rugged allure to this buzzing saloon, which features line dancing, a wide whiskey selection, and unparalleled service.
- Alley Taps – while not technically a honky tonk, this local Printer’ Alley speakeasy is overflowing with ambiance, live music, and a large selection of local craft beer.
The Stage on Broadway: Yearning for a night of live music? Discover the next big thing on Broadway, or perhaps spot a passing celebrity when you head to the Stage on Broadway. This iconic venue is located in the heart of honky tonk district and features famous murals and an original oil painting of the Highwaymen.
Take your pick of country delights, when you soak in shows on two main floors plus a rooftop/patio, and the acoustic alley. Order an ice-cold draft and keep your eyes peeled, as everyone from Hank Williams Jr to Miranda Lambert has graced the stages here.
Grand Ole Opry: Considered the home of country music, nothing beats a stirring performance at the Grand Ole Opry. True country aficionados should not pass up the opportunity to witness this live concert featuring belting superstars, award-winning musicians, and legendary songwriters. The show is always changing, so you’ll be continuously surprised by a fresh lineup.
Atta Boy: Switch up your beer and shot order with a bespoke craft cocktail from Atta Boy.
The Nashville outpost of this behemoth NYC establishment simply oozes minimalist class. Here cocktail connoisseurs will be treated to custom off-the-cuff creations from their talented bartenders. While there is no menu in this Nashville Tennessee nightlife spot, we guarantee you’ll be blown away by your personalized libation featuring their signature block ice.
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The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club: Impress your date when you start your Music City evening off with an intriguing libation from The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club. This award-winning bar and restaurant emanates a sultry, art deco-inspired atmosphere with cocktails to match.
Indulge in a signature drink such as a Fox Colada or grapefruit-infused Death by Disco. For an even more immersive evening, book a full cocktail experience and learn all about the history of spirits and how to recreate your favorite drink at home.
L.A. Jackson: Sweeping Nashville views, a swanky rooftop, and thumping beats come together to make L.A. Jackson a trendy spot for an after-work drink or an elevated night on the town. Located in the Gulch, L.A. Jackson promises the best Nashville nightlife for adults with shareable cocktails such as ‘Drunk in Love’ or their signature cacao-accented espresso martini. It’s the place to be if you’re looking for where to party in Nashville!
Famished revelers would do well to check out their menu, which features Instagrammable favorites such as Champagne Glitter Chicken and their Hush Puppy Butter Board.
Madame Tussauds: Calling all crooners! Whether you’re a diva in training or love honoring the musical legends of the past, Madame Tussauds is the musical wax museum you’ve been waiting for. Madame Tussauds Nashville focuses entirely on the musical titans who shaped America. From Elvis to Billie Holiday, you’ll get closer than ever to your favorite musical talents.
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Snap a selfie with pop queen Katy Perry, or strike a pose with Taylor Swift. Make your debut in a music video, or record your one single in the Nashville studio.
For an even more incredible evening, add an Amber Falls Wine Tasting to your ticket. Or upgrade to the “Ultimate Celebrity Experience Package,” featuring Madame Tussauds entry and a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Ghost Tours: Looking for unique things to do in Nashville at night? Poltergeists, spirits, and ghouls are the password! Brace yourself for some spine-tingling thrills and chills when you uncover the darker side of Nashville. A city with a colorful and storied past, it’s no wonder so many legends and true crime horror stories call Music City home.
Choose from a number of walking ghost tours that range from seriously spooky to family-friendly. Be sure to bring along your favorite ghost-hunting gear, as you will be visiting paranormal hotspots seen on shows such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures.
Chow down on Hot Chicken or BBQ: All of that two-stepping and table dancing can surely work up your appetite. Refuel with some of Nashville’s finest offerings when you devour the best hot chicken and tangy BBQ. No eatery is more synonymous with Nashville than Hattie B’s. Make the all-important pilgrimage here and you’ll be rewarded with a mouthful of damn good hot chicken.
Opt for their famous fried chicken sandwich with a side of creamy coleslaw and crinkle-cut fries. Feeling more like a mound of meat? Hightail it to Zillas Pit for a food truck experience like no other, when you sample the epic creations of pit master Terrance Nicholson.
Devour ribs, brisket, and pulled pork but save a smidge of room to sample their over-the-top brisket 5 cheese macaroni.
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Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater: Bundle your eating and entertainment when you revel in a night of tunes, BBQ, and musical musings at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater. Voted Nashville’s #1 Dinner Show, this extravaganza of country music and home cooking promises to dazzle.
Groove along to tunes from Hank Williams Sr. to Patsy Cline and Toby Keith. Guests can also be blessed by special appearances from Grand Ole Opry stars and other local celebrities. Choose to dine with the theater and go to town on their all-you-can-eat buffet, featuring crispy fried chicken, Swedish meatballs, hot rolls, cobbler, and more.
The Nashville Tractor Party Tour: Howdy there farmer! Inject your Nashville night with some Old MacDonald spirit when you decide to see the city in true country style. The Nashville Tractor Party Tour features 75 minutes of hooting and hollering fun on the world’s largest party wagon.
Get ready to shake your moneymaker, when you enjoy the onboard music, light-up dance floor, and cash bar. Let your tractor entertainer school you in line dancing and keep the energy going as you hit up some of Nashville’s top honky-tonk establishments and bars throughout the downtown entertainment district.
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Soul of Music City Night Tour: Who says sightseeing has to happen while the sun shines? Take your tourism to new heights after dark with the Soul of Music City Night Tour. Dive into the very heart of Music City as you trolley to and fro legendary sites such as the Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, Elliston Place’s “Rock Block,” and more.
From buzzing honky tonks to sweeping views afforded by the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, you’ll fall in love with Nashville’s nocturnal charm. Listen up as your knowledgeable guide spills stories, songs, and history regarding everything from the origin of R&B to the hottest late-night spots in the city.
Nashville Hotels
Before you enter a world of bourbon, country music, and mouth-watering BBQ, you’ll need to secure some lodgings. Ensure you have the perfect pied-a-terre while preparing for nightlife in Nashville when you book any of our Nashville hotels.
Enjoy warm chocolate chip cookies and five-minute walks to Lower Broadway, or take advantage of complimentary breakfasts and 24-hour fitness centers. Wherever you prime and primp, make your reservation worry-free, knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online.
That sweet as-honey accent, heavy pours, and familiar banjo twang. There’s just something about Nashville that keeps us coming back for more.
While Music City may be a ball during the day, after dark is when this city of neon and whiskey truly shines. Now that you’ve read our guide, you know that there’s an endless list of things to do at night in Nashville.
Tackle the town from the comfort of a party wagon pulled by a tractor, or see historic Jefferson Street and Ryman Auditorium by trolley car.
Break out that cowboy hat or perhaps go full Canadian tuxedo when you bust a move at Robert’s Western World, or keep your imbibing high brow with a luxurious brandy cocktail from the Fox Bar. From a melt-in-your-mouth brisket sandwich to sweet Patsy Cline-inspired serenades, there’s no comparison to the magic of Nashville night life.
Nashville TN Nightlife FAQs
What is the Best Street in Nashville for Nightlife?
The most popular street for night life in Nashville is Broadway, also known as the Honky Tonk Highway. Lined with bars and live music venues, it's considered the best nightlife in Nashville. Expect a vibrant and energetic spot where you can experience the city's music scene.
Where Does Everyone Go Out in Nashville at Night?
While Broadway is a popular choice for nightlife, Nashville offers diverse options beyond the Honky Tonk Highway. The best nightlife Nashville location depends on your preferences, but many locals and visitors enjoy exploring Midtown and The Gulch. These places feature trendy bars and restaurants.
Downtown Nashville nightlife is also a vibrant mix of honky-tonks, live music venues, rooftop bars, and upscale lounges, offering something for every taste and mood.
Tell us, Did we Miss Any of The Top Nightlife Nashville?
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