22 Best Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee

Belcourt Theatre

Hillsboro Village Fodor's choice
The Belcourt Theatre is Nashville's only independent movie theater, first established in 1925 as the Hillsboro Theater. Reopened after extensive renovations in 2016, the newly updated and expanded Belcourt plays host to new films, old classics, special events, speakers, concerts, and more. The Belcourt has all kinds of snacks and drinks (including alcoholic beverages) available, so come hungry.

The 5 Spot

East Nashville Fodor's choice
Five Points favorite the 5 Spot is a great place to grab a quick drink and an even better spot to catch a show or cut a rug. The venue/bar hosts a bevy of local musical talent as well as a number of weekly dance nights, including the wildly popular Motown Mondays, which features, you guessed it, a danceable selection of soul and R&B classics. Keep an eye out for Two Dollar Tuesdays, too, a regular concert series hosted by local musician Derek Hoke.

The Bluebird Cafe

Hillsboro Village Fodor's choice

You can't get the full Nashville experience without a visit to the Bluebird Cafe, one of the city's most famous music venues. Catch a show on any given night and you're bound to see some of the world's best songwriters performing new and old material in a truly intimate setting. Be mindful of the Bluebird's admission policy, and do your research before you visit.

Recommended Fodor's Video

CMA Music Festival

In the second week of June, the CMA Music Festival hosts big-name country music stars at Nissan Stadium, Riverfront Park, and Bridgestone Arena. Over the long weekend lower Broadway also hosts many free concerts.

Darkhorse Theater

Sylvan Park
Darkhorse Theater is Nashville’s answer to independent, alternative theater. Housed in a former church, it's comprised of resident companies who share the performance space, with varied productions ranging from Shakespeare to the work of local playwrights, to politically driven shows.

Full Moon Cineplex

Hermitage
Horror, beer, and popcorn all under one roof—what more could you want? Full Moon Cineplex offers dinner and a movie every Friday and Saturday night, with a rotating lineup of classics and cult classics. The lobby is a wall-to-wall spectacle of vintage movie memorabilia: lunchboxes, action figures, movie posters—even a full replica of the house from Beetlejuice. The theater is also home to Lone Wolf Tattoo, so you can view and then permanently commemorate your favorite '80s horror movie all in one stop.

Gallery of Iconic Guitars

Hillsboro Village
Guitars are a dime a dozen in Nashville, but the axes on display at the Gallery of Iconic Guitars on Belmont University's campus are truly one-of-a-kind. From vintage instruments to guitars owned by legendary musicians, the guitars in Belmont's collection live up to their "iconic" name. The gallery sits within the heart of Belmont University, internationally renowned for its various music programs.
Music
1907 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, USA
615-460–6984
www.thegigatbelmont.com
Arts/Entertainment Details
Rate Includes: $5

Nashville Ballet

Like their neighbors the Nashville Opera, the Nashville Ballet holds performances downtown and at their Sylvan Park location. They frequently hold classes and community events in the space as well.

Nashville Children's Theatre

Downtown
Performing classic shows for children since the 1930s, this theater company touts the title of the oldest continually running children’s theater company. They also host drama workshops.

Nashville Jazz Workshop

Germantown
If jazz is your thing, be sure to check the calendar of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, which offers classes, performances, and various special events throughout the year. There are typically a couple of events taking place each day, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit Workshop's mission of keeping jazz in Music City.

Nashville Opera

Sylvan Heights
Nashville’s Opera company aims to celebrate a lesser-represented genre in Music City, and to make it accessible and interesting to all audience members, including opera newbies. Shows are held at the Noah Liff Opera Center black box theater on multiple weekends each opera season. The company also performs downtown at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Nashville Symphony

Downtown
Nashville’s Symphony orchestra performs around 140 concerts a year, typically at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and often collaborates with visiting artists or other members of the Nashville arts community.

Oz Arts

West Nashville
This converted cigar warehouse is now the prime destination for contemporary arts in Nashville. The grounds are dotted with outrageous sculptures, and the hallways are full of display cases with rotating exhibits of envelope-pushing visual art. But, of course, the primary function of Oz Arts is a venue for unique performances. From dance to theater to music to puppetry, nothing appears to be off-limits at Oz. If you crave something more than a tame ballet, let Oz inspire you with their modern lineup of boundary-crossing, discipline-bending art.

Pull-Tight Players Theater

The Pull-Tight Players formed in 1968 and set up shop in their current location in 1985. They produce six main-stage shows each year in their intimate theater on 2nd Avenue, which in years past has been everything from a church to a grocery store. Between the small size of the theater and the popularity of the productions, it’s best to get tickets in advance.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Downtown

This multicultural center with elegant concert halls is the home of the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, and various touring performers. The center's Andrew Jackson Hall also hosts touring Broadway shows, and the building also houses the Tennessee State Museum.

Tennessee Repertory Theatre

Downtown

Presenting original and well-known works, the Tennessee Repertory Theatre performs in Nashville'sTennessee Performance Arts Center.

The Back Corner

Germantown
Tucked behind popular Germantown restaurant 5th and Taylor is the Back Corner, a venue, bar, and nightclub operated by the same hospitality group. Most nights at the Back Corner boast some form of entertainment, be it a writer's round from local songsmiths, a themed DJ set, or shows from local and touring musical acts. The Back Corner offers table reservations. Check the calendar before visiting in case of private parties or ticket events.

The Basement East

East Nashville
Affectionately known as "the Beast," the Basement East is an East Nashville offshoot of the long-popular Basement venue located across the river. The midsize venue draws an eclectic array of local bands and nationally touring acts and hosts shows in an intimate environment convenient to Five Points. If you're hungry before or after a show, head around back to the Pub, which serves a full menu of entrées and snacks and a wide variety of booze.

The Cobra

East Nashville
While the Cobra is open on non-show nights, too, the East Nashville bar/venue is especially known for its live music. If your tastes venture outside country and Americana, you'll be pleased with the variety of music represented in the Cobra's nightly lineups, which often include local and national rock acts. The Cobra is also lively spot for a drink or a quick bite, so stop in early to enjoy the divey atmosphere.

The Franklin Theater

The Franklin Theater’s iconic neon sign is the centerpiece of downtown Franklin. Opened in 1937 and refurbished in 2011, the theater now offers an ongoing lineup of concerts, live theater performances, and movies (mostly second-run and classics). You can purchase beer and wine at the concession stand, as well as “Showtime” chocolate bars, created exclusively for the Franklin Theater by local chocolatier Schakolad.

Third Coast Comedy Club

Marathon Village
If you're looking for laughs while you're in Music City, look no further than Third Coast Comedy Club. Nestled inside the Marathon Village complex, the local favorite plays host to sketch, improv, and stand-up shows most nights of the week. And if you're interested in brushing up on your own comedy chops, Third Coast also offers classes and workshops (check availability before visiting).

Zanie's Comedy Night Club

Waverly
As Nashville’s only major comedy club, the intimate setting of Zanie’s is shared between big-name touring acts and local talent. Shows typically have a two-drink or food-item minimum from the bar’s menu, and the venue's up-close seating is a plus for many comedy fans.