Epic things to do in Nashville at night

There are so many fun things to do during the day in Nashville that it can be hard to fit everything in – but the enjoyment doesn't have to end when the sun goes down. Explore Nashville’s bar scene on a pub crawl, end your evening with a romantic photoshoot, or, if you’re into food, take a secret restaurant tour or enjoy a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat. From bars to concert shows, here are 10 top things to do in Nashville at night to make the most of your time in the city after dark.

1. Spend a night at the iconic Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry has become an institution in Nashville, running every Saturday night ever since it began in 1925. Spend the evening with the hottest country music stars, stand up comics, and a host of legends and up-and-comers.

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Despite how long the Grand Ole Opry has been running, no two performances are the same. As such, there is a chance to see a new and upcoming artist every night.

2. Dance all night on a tractor-driven party wagon

One of the best things to do in Nashville at night is to attend one of the full-on parties that can be found throughout Music City after dark. One of the wildest events is the Nashville Tractor Tour. Take a ride through the Nashville streets on a fully-stocked party wagon and be prepared to boogie all night.

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This is the largest mobile party wagon in Nashville. Pulled by a Case IH tractor, it comes with a bar, entertainer, stereo system, and LED dance floor.

3. Enjoy a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat

Party like they did in the old days on a General Jackson Showboat dinner cruise on the Cumberland River. The General Jackson is the largest paddlewheel riverboat in the United States, and onboard you will be served a delicious Southern-style dinner with entertainment provided in the Victorian Dinner Theater.

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The boat departs at 6:00 PM every evening, and the cruise lasts three hours. This will allow you plenty of time to gaze at the sparkling Nashville skyline and enjoy the night's festivities.

4. Catch the latest artists at the Ryman Auditorium

The historic Ryman Auditorium has been one of Nashville's premier venues for live music for over 125 years and is one of the top things to do in Nashville at night. Catch the latest musical acts here, and don't forget to do the Ryman Auditorium self-guided tour before or after the show to learn more about the venue's history.

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The Ryman Auditorium has a significant place in Nashville's musical history and even served as the official venue for the Grand Ole Opry before 1974.

5. Dine on classic Southern cuisine

Nashville is famous for its delicious Southern cooking options, from hot chicken to smoky barbequed meats. There are so many delicious food options in Nashville that you might be stuck on what to choose for dinner. If so, try a secret food tour to get a taste of what the city has to offer.

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Some of the best options for a Southern-cooked dinner are Nashville hot chicken, Southern barbeque, and mac and cheese. Wash it down with beer or bourbon and follow it with a luscious banana pudding for dessert.

6. Explore Nashville's bar scene

Printers Alley, Broadway, and Midtown Nashville are well known for their honky tonk bars and local craft beer selections. Take some time to sample some of the drinks here on an all-inclusive pub crawl and get ready for a night of live music, cocktails, and Southern-style fun.

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Printers Alley is perhaps Nashville's most popular after-hours entertainment district, featuring many bars, honky tonks, and nightclubs. It’s come a long way from its beginnings as a book and newspaper publishing district in the early 20th century.

7. Go on a night tour of Music City

Still not sure what to check out at night in Nashville? If so, take an after-dark tour of the city and learn about Nashville's music scene and the history behind the many artists and venues here.

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The night tour takes place in an open-air trolley and will show you locations such as Music Row, the Ryman Auditorium, and Jefferson Street. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and ends at the Ole Smoky Distillery and Entertainment Complex.

8. Uncover the haunted history of Nashville on a ghost tour

If you want to learn about the spookier side of Music City, then a ghost tour should send some shivers down your spine. The tour will take you to some of Nashville's most haunted locations such as the Union Station Hotel and Ryman Auditorium, plus relate fascinating tales from the city's Civil War past.

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The tour starts at the Tennessee State Capitol, the burial place of former U.S. President James Polk as well as other notable Tennesseans throughout the years.

9. End the night with a romantic photoshoot

If you are looking for one of the perfect romantic things to do in Nashville at night, why not take your partner out on a surprise private photo shoot at some of Nashville's trendiest locations? You and your partner will be paired with a professional photographer who will capture memorable romantic shots of you together.

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Your photographer will take you to some of the most photogenic locations in Nashville, including the Gulch and the WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural. Afterward, celebrate together with a bottle of champagne on a rooftop overlooking the city.

FAQs

What are some of the top nighttime attractions in Nashville?

Some of the best things to do in Nashville at night are to catch a Grand Ole Opry show or any live show at Ryman Auditorium. Other options include a dinner cruise on the General Jackson and visiting one of the honky tonk bars on Broadway and Printers Alley.

What are the best areas for a nighttime stroll in Nashville?

Take a walk through Midtown, which offers a selection of restaurants and bars that are part of the lively nightlife scene in Nashville. There's also the historic Printers Alley, Belle Meade, and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

What are the most popular night tours in Nashville?

Tours of Nashville's bar and food scene are among the top things to do in Nashville at night. Alternatively, there are guided night tours that show buildings illuminated at night and ghost tours for those into creepy stories and dark histories.

What are some fun activities to do with kids in Nashville at night?

Some museums and galleries are open until late in Nashville. These include the Adventure Science Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Frist Art Museum, and the Nashville Zoo.

What are the best spots for a romantic night out in Nashville?

Many restaurants in Nashville offer a romantic night out for couples. Other options include the Valentine, Love Circle, and the many murals that can be found throughout the city.