How do I Find Things to Do in Nashville?

Nashville, Tennessee is one of America’s most vibrant and exciting cities. Home to the country music scene, great restaurants and a bustling nightlife, there really is something for everyone in Music City. But with so much going on, it can be hard to know where to start! How do you find the best things to do in Nashville?

Whether you’ve just moved to Nashville or are planning a weekend excursion, you’ll want to make the most of your time exploring. To help you figure out all the fun things to do in Nashville, we’ve put together this guide to give you an idea of what’s happening throughout the city and where to find it. Read on for our top suggestions.

Things to Do in Nashville

Nashville is a great spot for budget-friendly activities. If you’re looking for free things to do in Nashville, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the city at no cost. Time your visit to coincide with some of Nashville’s free festivals, like the July 4th fireworks show and the CMA Music Festival in December. Be sure to check out the Music City Walk of Fame and stroll through Centennial Park.

If you’re looking for active adventures, check out the nearly 2,000 acres of parkland throughout the city. Hike around Percy Warner Park or kayak on the Cumberland River. Nashville also has plenty of museum opportunities, from the Lower Broad Museum District to classic spots like the Frist Art Museum or the Country Music Hall of Fame.

If you want to see the city all at once and have some fun, consider a tour centric activity. Visitors can book a boat tour of the area, including the popular Nashville: Pontoon Party Cruise with a Captain. This two-hour excursion around Nashville’s waterfront district is a great way to satisfy your curiosity in style.

If you’re looking for something offbeat and exciting, consider booking tickets for one of Nashville’s renowned dinner shows. Whether you’re in the mood for some classic southern cuisine or want to experience something new, dinner shows like Dolly Parton’s Stampede offer excellent family-style atmospheres and entertainment for a truly unique evening.

Of course, no trip to Nashville would be complete without soaking up some live music. Local pubs and bars across town book live acts every night—just be sure to call ahead as show lineups tend to change quickly and reservations are often necessary. Should you want a more formal affair, there are plenty of large indoor venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and War Memorial Auditorium which regularly host award-winning acts from country’s biggest stars. Some weekly events—like free concerts in the park—also offer great music experiences in their own right.

Live Events and Festivals

Visiting Nashville during major events and festivals is a great way to get a feel for the city’s culture and local customs. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Music City for its annual sporting events, concerts, conventions and other common occurrences.

Spring Favorite Events

• Tennessee Beer Festival (March)
• Country Music Marathon (April)
• Ink Slingers Ball (April)
• Shakori Hills Grass Roots Festival (April/May)

Summer Events

• Bonnaroo Music Festival (June)
• Tops In Blue (June)
• Nashville Symphony Star Spangled Spectacular (July)
• CMA Music Festival (June)

Fall Events

• Corn Maize (October)
• Pumpkin Festivals (October)
• Music City Hot Chicken Festival (July)
• CMA Awards (November)

Winter Events

• New Year’s Eve Music City Bowl (December)
• Boots & Brews Country Music Festival (December)

Truly there’s something in Nashville for everyone—whether offbeat or classic, thrilling or educational—the city has it all. Pack your bags and plan your visit this summer for an amazing experience in one of America’s most beloved cities! Looking for a unique way to explore all that Nashville has to offer? Check out Nashville: Pontoon Party Cruise with a Captain. This tour is perfect for those who want an interesting way to learn more about this iconic city!

An Insider’s Guide to Nashville: Discover The Hidden Gems

When people think of Nashville, they often think of country music and honky-tonks. But there’s more to Music City than just that. As a local, I’m excited to share with you some of Nashville’s hidden gems. These are places that only locals know, and they’ll help you discover the real Nashville.

Local Attractions

Sure, you should visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum. But if you want to see Nashville’s underbelly, head to the Station Inn. This tiny, unassuming bluegrass music club in the Gulch neighborhood has been around since 1974. Along with the legendary Bluebird Cafe, it’s one of the venues where stars like Dolly Parton and Earl Scruggs got their start. Aside from live music, they also have a well-stocked bar and serve pizza by the slice.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, don’t miss Radnor Lake State Park. This 1,368-acre nature reserve is just a few miles from downtown. It offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and stunning views of the Nashville skyline. Moreover, the park has over 190 species of birds and several hiking trails for nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape.

Dining Spots

It wouldn’t be a Nashville visit without some hot chicken, would it? But you can find hot chicken anywhere these days. So, for something unique to Nashville, head to Arnold’s Country Kitchen. Since 1982, Arnold’s Country Kitchen has been serving up Southern cuisine and home-style cooking. The line is always out the door, but don’t let that deter you. The fried chicken and meatloaf are must-haves, and their veggies are fantastic.

If you are in the mood for a burger then try out Brown’s Diner. It’s a casual place with a retro atmosphere and its menu is basic mostly known for hamburgers, cheeseburgers & sweet potato fries. But, they always rely on their juicy burgers and good beers, says the locals.

Cultural Experiences

Culture and heritage play a significant role in Nashville’s history and society. The Frist Art Museum has an excellent collection of rotating exhibits from around the world and Edison & Ford Winter Estates’s that features historic homes, gardens, and museum on the beautiful banks of the Caloosahatchee River.

The Ryman Auditorium, nicknamed “The Mother Church of Country Music,” is a Nashville landmark. It hosted music legends such as Roy Acuff and Hank Williams, as well as Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Mumford & Sons. Today, it continues to host great concerts and special events throughout the year.

Local History

The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s estate, is where the seventh president of the United States lived for 40 years. The Hermitage, Tennessee plantation home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, overlooking Old Hickory Lake and is home to a Visitor Center, Museum Store, and Birdhouse.

Another interesting historic site is the Belle Meade Plantation. It’s a 30-acre plantation and mansion with a rich history. Today, visitors can tour the mansion and see the horse stables, winery, and carriage house.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want a unique Nashville experience, check out the Lane Motor Museum. It’s a quirky museum that houses more than 500 rare and unusual cars and motorcycles from around the world. The vehicles on display range from wacky, such as a 1936 Stout Scarab, to the world’s smallest car, the Peel P50.

Another unusual experience you won’t want to miss is the Goo Goo Cluster factory tour. Since 1912, Goo Goo Clusters have been a Nashville candy staple, and the tour walks you through the chocolate-making process, and there is a tasting room to sample their treats.

In conclusion, Nashville is more than just cowboy hats and boots. The city has so much to offer, from its hidden gems to its locally renowned hot chicken, the city is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. As you explore the city, keep our list of insider tips in mind so that you can create your unique Nashville story.