Pickin’ & Playin’: 10 Places to Hear Live Music In and Around Nashville
Nashville is renowned for its vibrant music scene, but the magic extends far beyond Broadway. Middle Tennessee is chock-full of hidden gem live music venues that most tourists don’t know about. Discover hidden gems and local favorites in the greater Nashville region, where you can experience diverse genres, intimate settings and the true heart of Music City.
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1. Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor
Franklin
Good food, nightly jams and an eclectic vibe converge to form Franklin’s own Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor. Tucked away off Main Street in a historic house, the pickin’ parlor-turned-music venue opened in 2005. Since then, it has been recognized as a top local music venue and has hosted dozens of legendary talents on its stage.
2. Tennessee Brew Works
Nashville
Not only does Tennessee Brew Works churn out some of Nashville’s finest beer (and the state’s first all-Tennessee grain beers), but it’s one of the best venues around to hear live music. The venue hosts an impressive lineup of musicians at least six days a week.
3. Strawberry Alley Ale Works
Clarksville
Downtown Clarksville’s Strawberry Alley Ale Works is not your average brewpub. Locals love to hang out at Upstairs, a unique hangout located, well, upstairs. Guests enjoy giant lawn games and an open-air space overlooking downtown Clarksville while sipping on housemade brews and listening to live music.
4. Cahoots Dancehall & Honkytonk
Lebanon
If you’re a country music fan who loves to dance, Cahoots Dancehall & Honkytonk is the place for you. At this old-school hangout, everyone knows someone, the drinks are affordable, and the line dancing is always fun. The venue hosts live country music acts often, so be sure to check their calendar.
5. BS Brew Works
Springfield
Just off Springfield’s historic Main Street sits BS Brew Works, a gathering spot with housemade beer and relaxed vibes. Each month on the second Thursday, enjoy Springfield Songs & Stories, an authentic listening room experience that has seen some of Nashville’s best and brightest songwriters.
6. House of Brews
Dickson
Locals flock to House of Brews every Friday and Saturday for live music set in friendly surroundings. Something is always happening at this craft beer bar and restaurant located along Dickson’s Main Street.
“We’re in historic downtown Dickson, so the venue was built in 1900. It’s a very unique atmosphere. It’s an intimate, local establishment with really good live music,” say owners Dan and Sharon Smith.
7. The Goat
Murfreesboro
An industrial chic hangout joint, The Goat in Murfreesboro is the perfect place to unwind. The Goat features a generous happy hour and weekly specials, as well as live music, trivia and special events.
8. The Fillin’ Station
Kingston Springs
Music comes first at The Fillin’ Station. This intimate bar has a max capacity of 50 and welcomes seasoned musicians from all over the world to play on its highly revered stage. Locals love to grab a cold beer and burger and sit back and enjoy what Music City is all about.
9. Fox & Locke
Leiper’s Fork
Fox & Locke has been operating for 77 years and has been a music venue since 1960. This iconic spot serves Southern food like fried bologna sandwiches and Mississippi mud pie and hosts live music.
10. Historic Rock Castle
Hendersonville
If you enjoy live music and history, be sure to visit the site of the oldest house in Middle Tennessee. The Historic Rock Castle hosts year-round music events, including the Summer Songwriters Series and the Winter House Concert Series.
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