8 Best Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee

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.

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

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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.

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.