Nashville is home to the most legendary nightlife experiences that thrill-seekers will hope to find.
From unique dining experiences and unforgettable live performances to exciting sporting events and lesser-known adventures and informational tours, there is no shortage of activities available to both out-of-town tourists and our local population.
If you can dream of a good time, you can find it right here in Nashville’s after-dark events and activities. In this list, find over 50 activities to do in Nashville at night — organized by activity type.
Table Of Contents
- Unique Experiences
- Action & Adventure
- Music & Live Shows
- Late Night Museums
- Restaurants & Bars
- Sports & Live Action
- Nashville Tours
Unique Experiences
General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience — dinner and a show aboard one of the country’s largest showboats ever built. Book a reservation and take a charming cruise down the Cumberland River, all while dining on delicious five-star cuisine and experiencing some of Nashville’s most popular entertainers.
Free Loteria at Plaza Mariachi
Plaza Mariachi is a unique Mexican Restaraunt and Bar with endless fun events. One of the more popular events is Loteria night. What’s Loteria? It’s a fun bingo-type game where you can win fun prizes! Loteria Night is every Tuesday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Stay after for live music, delicious food, and great drinks.
Open mic nights at the Hotel Indigo
The Hotel Indigo is a historic luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. If you don’t have the cash to book a room, maybe you can check out the dining area where a locally known open mic night takes place every Thursday from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party at Percy Warner Park
For those looking to meet and play with local musicians, head down to the Full Moon Pickin’ Party at Percy Warner Park, where there’s an open invitation to jam out! Not a musician? No problem! Those looking to just sit and enjoy are welcome as well.
Tip: Bring a musical instrument and enjoy a lowered admission of $10.00.
Game Point
For fans of board games, card games, and RPGs, Game Point is a fantastic locally-known cafe and game shop that hosts a game room where you can meet and play against locals in casual games or organized competitions.
Tip: Game Point offers a food and drink menu, but only until 8:00 pm.
The Gaylord Resort
The Gaylord Resort offers something for everyone! Drop off the kids at the pool and water slide while you and your spouse indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. Book a live event in the conference area or wander through the impressive indoor botanical gardens.
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
Suffering from a late-night sweet tooth? Pop into Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for something sweet. Bring home a selection of treats for your family and friends back home after your trip.
Tip: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen doesn’t just serve up homemade candy, they also have an impressive selection of fresh baked goods as well!
The Dinner Detective
A well-prepared meal and an entertaining show is becoming rarer and rarer these days. The Dinner Detective offers the opportunity to solve a murder mystery performed by hidden actors and enjoy a delicious three-course meal of salad, roll, chicken or fish, and dessert.
Tip: The Dinner Detective suggests booking well in advance due to high demand.
Nashvox Recording Studio
Have a song that you think could make it big? The Nashvox Recording Studio is equipped to record and produce your song the way you intend it to sound. Book a session for a fun one-time experience or a professional album release.
Take a cooking class at Flour Power
Here’s a fun, creative experience for the whole family, or a unique date idea! Flour Power offers individual or group classes for kids and adults of all ages. If you’re in town for just a night, sign up for a one-time event. If you’re local, there are options to purchase a package of 4, 6, or 8 classes.
Explore the Honky Tonk Highway
Prepare for a legendary barhop amongst the country’s most iconic honky tonks and music venues. Get a close-up experience of Nashville’s talented music scene, delicious beers, and amazing dishes.
The Belcourt Theatre
The Belcourt Theatre is Nashville’s independent movie theatre, gallery, and event center. Catch a film that you might not have access to in the theatre where you live or check out some of Nashville’s local happenings or artwork.
Action & Adventure
Bad Axe Throwing
Axe Throwing bars are all the rage right now, and who can blame the trend? Show off your tomahawk skills, and enjoy a delicious drink and food in between throws.
Tip: No booking is required for small groups, but if you do want to bring five or more, consider making a reservation.
Contra dancing
Contra dancing has been an Appalachian and Southern tradition for hundreds of years. There are multiple events per month, and you don’t need to know the steps beforehand or even bring a dance partner. Dancing starts at 7:30 pm and goes past 10:00 pm most nights.
Line dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon
The Wildhorse Saloon is an iconic Nashville institution, and line dancing events are one of many exciting events that take place there. There are no reservation requirements and admission is completely free. Events take place between Wednesday and Sunday, ranging from early afternoon to late at night.
Escape rooms
Nashville has a huge escape room scene, and over eleven different themed experiences to choose from, including a space theme, submarine theme, and prison break theme. Team up with your family and friends and use the clues to try and escape the room!
Holder Family Fun Center
Here’s an option for family fun that doesn’t have to end early in the day — The Holder Family Fun Center is open past 9:00 pm most nights. Plan for an exciting day of laser tag, go-karts, putt-putt golf, and arcades.
Ms. Kelli’s Karaoke
Bust out your legendary singing chops at an exciting karaoke-themed bar. Ms. Kelli’s is known by locals to serve affordable drinks, and attract a supportive and talented crowd to its nightly karaoke events. As a bonus, there’s never a cover charge.
Game Terminal
You have to appreciate the new trend of combining bars and arcade games. Feel the nostalgia with Game Terminal’s expansive selection of retro games and fun-themed drink and food menus.
Tip: Happy Hour is from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
Music & Live Shows
The Bluebird Cafe
To locals, The Bluebird Cafe's legacy is well-known. This tiny establishment was a starting place for many now-famous musicians including Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. Come grab a beer and see a show, and who knows — you might see the next Lady A.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Similarly to The Bluebird Cafe, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge was and is a popular place for musicians to hone their craft before making it big, including the likes of Kris Kristopherson, Willie Nelson, and Rodger Miller. They have an extensive wall of fame and an eerie claim to frequent sightings of Hank Williams’ ghost.
The Big Big Piano Bar
Only in Nashville would you find a bar where dueting pianos take requests from their audience. While it may seem like a fever dream, the actual result is quite enjoyable! Come grab a drink and some food and see dueling banjos duke it out.
The Station Inn
The Station Inn is the bluegrass music capital of the world, featuring iconic acts, old and new. Additionally, Station Inn also offers a Jam Session night, as well as a Jam Class, completely free to attend.
Tip: Parking is limited, so make sure you get there early!
The Grand Ole Opry
If you didn’t visit the Grand Ole Opry on your trip to Nashville, why did you even come? But seriously, this is the hallmark of the Nashville experience. Come see country music’s home in person and see a performance from country music's most popular artists.
Tip: Some of the events at the Grand Ole Opry book almost a year in advance, so make sure you plan accordingly.
Zanie’s Comedy Club
So Nashville’s music scene has you singing the blues? Does country music put you in a somber mood? Head to Zanie’s for drinks and laughs from the world’s most popular comedians.
Tip: Zanie’s has a strict no cell phone policy. This is to protect performers from copyright infringement as well as harassment and heckling.
Nashville Municipal Auditorium
With such an unassuming name, it might be tempting to pass over this iconic Nashville location on your next visit. But doing so would be a huge mistake. The Nashville Municipal Auditorium is where some of Nashville’s most magical live events take place.
Exit/In
Exit/In is a historic music venue that always has an amazing line up scheduled. In their over 50 years as a venue, they’ve hosted musical legends such as Muddy Waters, Johnny Cash and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Nashville Palace
Across the street from the Grand Ole Opry is a historic multi-stage venue serving up some of the most incredible local (as well as touring) bands in the state. Originally owned by Jerry Reed, you can find some of the most authentic Nashville experiences at The Nashville Palace.
Sports & Live Action
Catch a practice game
Catching a practice game is always a great experience, and Nashville has many excellent teams to pick from, including The Predators, The Sounds, The Titans, or The Stars. Whether you’re a baseball, football, hockey, or basketball fan, there are endless opportunities for exciting sports events.
Top Golf
This is one the whole family can enjoy! Top Golf is a virtual experience that combines all of the best parts of golf — like the satisfaction of a good swing and leaves behind the less appealing aspects — like carrying your clubs to the next hole. If you get hungry or thirsty, there’s a restaurant on location to satisfy your cravings!
Tee Line
It’s unfortunate, but curling is a sport that hasn’t taken off in the US, but luckily, Nashville has a solution for that. Tee Line is a bar and restaurant that also serves as a curling venue. Stop by and try a new sport!
Pins Mechanical Co.
Two American favorites, bowling and pinball, under one roof with an expansive bar and open late? Sounds like a dream come true.
Tip: If you’re a night owl, check out the half-off bowling special, Sunday to Thursday after 11:00 pm.
K1 Speedway
Satisfy your need for speed against your family and friends at Nashville’s premium go-kart track, open until midnight Friday and Saturday. Choose from one of two exciting loops or obstacle courses, and wet your whistle at the bar afterward.
Nashville Airsoft
If you need to burn off some energy with the kids before headed back to the hotel room, check out Nashville Airsoft, located close to downtown, and open until 9:00 pm. They offer unique courses and obstacles and the option to shoot Nerf instead of airsoft if you so choose.
Nashville Fairgounds Speedway
On weekends between April and November, you can catch a variety of stockcar and motorsport races at this historic 120-year old racetrack which hosted NASCAR events for several decades. Tickets are only ten dollars and kids under 11 get in free!
Late Night Museums
The Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center is typically open for families from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm but they also host adult-themed nights for those willing to book 20 or more people for special events. Admission includes free parking, two hours of unlimited fun, and your choice of either a laser or planetarium show.
Nashville Art Crawl
The Nashville Art Crawl happens every first Saturday of the month, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and offers an exclusive, close-up view of Nashville’s non-musical artistic talent. Hop from gallery to gallery in Nashville’s historic downtown area, and maybe leave with an original piece of art, should one speak to you.
Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Do you ever dream of walking amongst and taking pictures with the world’s most famous celebrities, both living and dead? Well, the good news is — you can! The only catch is they’re made of wax! See the likes of Elvis Pressley, Bruno Mars, and Ozzy Osborne.
Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum is a fantastic place to view world-class art at a convenient downtown location. Take a tour, or walk through at your own pace and experience both historic and contemporary pieces from around the world.
Tip: Since the pandemic, late hours have been temporarily paused, but you can still go until 8:00 pm on Thursdays.
Restaurants & Bars
Hattie B’s
Open until 10:00 pm most nights, Hattie B’s is a Nashville institution serving delicious soul food, including Nashville’s famous hot chicken, sauced up in varying spice levels. If Nashville hot chicken isn’t your thing, check out the menu’s other options.
Puckett's
Puckett’s is consistently listed as one of Nashville’s most popular BBQ locations on various lists from the likes of TravelAwaits and Travelers’ Choice, and as an added bonus they’re open late, and they have live shows on most nights. Not feeling BBQ? No problem. Puckett’s has a massive menu which includes, breakfast, appetizers, sides, and desserts.
The Diner
Aptly named — This is The Diner to eat at in Nashville. When you step into The Diner’s downtown location, you have the choice to pick one of six floors to dine in, each with its own unique experience.
From the first floor’s cafe to the top floor’s fine dining tables, this restaurant truly has an option for everyone’s specific tastes and dining preferences and is open approximately 24 hours a day.
Pelican & Pig
Reserve a table at Pelican & Pig’s East Nashville restored farmhouse location and see why they were named #1 in The Eater’s Choice Awards. There’s an expansive menu of luxurious dishes including beef tartare and steamed mussels, creatively prepared in a variety of unique methods.
City House
Turnip greens and navy beans on pizza? It’s better than it sounds. City House is upscale Italian cuisine with a Southern spin. Check the website for information relating to their expansive rotating menu, special events, and reservation availability.
Tip: Planning on dining with a large group of twelve or more? Contact the restaurant beforehand so that they can accommodate your group with a luxury private dining room.
Springwater
Springwater truly has something for everyone. Like drinks? Springwater has a full bar, with unique cocktails and beers. Like games? Springwater has a pool table and darts. Like music? Springwater has live music seven nights a week. History buff? Springwater is the oldest bar in town and has a unique story to tell.
Tip: Cash only, sorry!
Acme Feed and Seed
Similar to Springwater, Acme Feed and Seed provides live music, cold drinks, and a wide array of fun activities, including a Dungeons and Dragons night, and trivia night. They also have a delicious food menu, and a gorgeous rooftop patio to view the city from.
Jackalope
Jackalope is one of Nashville’s most popular breweries serving delicious, innovative beers and a large taproom and outdoor patio to drink them on. They also have yummy food and a commitment to sustainability which separates them from many of the other breweries in town.
Tip: The patio is dog friendly so feel free to bring your fur baby.
Blackstone Brewing Co.
Blackstone Brewing Co. is Nashville’s oldest brewery. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but Blackstone Brewing serves up award-winning beers and offers unique tours of their facility. Stop by and wet your whistle!
City Winery
City Winery is more than just a winery — it’s an experience. Here you can find delicious, upscale dining, and popular performers. Check their website and see who’s playing, and what wines are being featured.
Dino’s Bar and Grill
For the best burgers you’ve ever had in your life in a charming late night atmosphere, there’s no better option than Dino’s Bar and Grill.
Grab a cold one and a burger (or two) and choose from several toppings including bacon and avocado. Add some fries animal style, and check out their outdoor seating arrangement.
Nashville Tours
Music City Brewhop
Want to visit every brewery that Nashville has to offer, but can’t find a designated driver? Music City Brewhop is the perfect solution for you. Hop aboard this trolley tour to get a true taste of Nashville’s famous local beer scene.
Tip: There are multiple options to suit your unique needs, such as half tours, two-day passes, and even kid-friendly options. Check the website for more details.
Old Town Trolley Tours
For those looking to get an immersive, informational guide to Nashville’s most popular sights, Old Town Trolley Tours are a viable option. On your journey, you'll be chauffeured to shopping centers, historic points of interest, breweries, restaurants, and so much more.
Ghost City Tours
Only for the bravest of tourists, ghost tours are a unique way to experience any city, but especially Nashville, as there are many who claim that this city attracts many restless souls. Visit the website to book your tour today — if you dare.
Tip: Ghost City Tours is one of many tour groups that Nashville has to offer, but it’s worth checking Google for one that suits your specific needs.
Joy Ride Nashville
Joy Ride Nashville is a unique tour service that gives you a customized, in-depth look at the city from a chartered golf cart, party bus, or even a monster truck! The different themed tour options including a brewery/distillery tour, a shopping tour, or even a Pokemon Go tour, are really what sets Joy Ride apart from the other tour groups.
The Murder in Music City Tour
Nashville truly has something to offer everyone — including lovers of true crime and paranormal events. This unique tour offers a guide to Nashville's most horrendous crimes and spookiest of paranormal happenings.
Nashville Tractor Tour
What’s more fun than a party bus? How about a gigantic tractor pulling a party wagon equipped with its own bar and dance floor? Not only do you get to get down with some good jams and drinks, but you also get an informative tour of downtown Nashville!
