Music City is obviously best known for music. You can find it almost anywhere — unless you’re under 21. The only concerts seemingly available to those of us who have not yet reached our supposed maturity (note that I’m a 17-year-old music lover writing this article!) are the concerts at Bridgestone that cost a lot more money than most of us have at this point in our lives. So, if you have friends or family coming into town who are under 21, or if you yourself are under 21, take advantage of these great locations that offer a unique and fun experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
I’ve rounded up the following list with the help of my friends to let you know where anyone, including us teens, can find great music whether it be a festival or actual music venue. Nashville has some of the best music in the world and you don’t have to be over 21 to enjoy it!
Music Venues
The Listening Room Cafe
The Listening Room is located on 4th Avenue South, close to the downtown scene, but a bit out of the way of the honky tonks that fill Broadway. Most tickets are $5 to $10 in genres ranging from country to indie to classic rock, and sometimes they have open mic nights for upcoming young artists. And the menu is way more than bar food and sandwiches, including a yummy brunch.
Gray’s on Main
Right on Main St. in Franklin, Gray’s on Main has one of the coolest stages in the area. The stage is high, and the tables are lower, so you can look up at the artists while having a delicious meal. It really is the best of both worlds in terms of great food and music. Here’s a list of the music lined up to play at Gray’s.
Puckett’s Grocery
Puckett’s has three locations in the Nashville area (Downtown, Franklin, and Columbia) that all offer the same great food and music. Most shows are either free or under $15, and the artists who play here are incredibly talented.
Bluebird Cafe
Probably Nashville’s most well-known music venue besides the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry, the Bluebird Cafe hosts many songwriters nights and small concerts … It’s hard to snag a seat and most people in line are tourists. But, for a full run down of what to expect, see StyleBlueprint’s article here. And, for a fun spinoff from the Bluebird Cafe, which is usually filled with locals, try the seasonal monthly Bluebird on the Mountain at Dyer Observatory.
Ascend Amphitheater
Ascend Amphitheater has become a go-to place for great, headliner shows besides Bridgestone. The outdoor location makes it fun and exciting, and the lineup does just the same! With acts like Panic! At the Disco, Meghan Trainor, Chris Stapleton, 21 Pilots, and more, you’re hard-pressed to not have a good time here. These are bigger acts, so the shows are a bit more expensive but definitely worth it.
ACME
On the corner of Broadway and 1st Avenue, ACME is another location known for its great food and live music. Downstairs in their main dining area, they host many small artists who are absolutely incredible. Also, they have their ACME: Unplugged series once a month throughout the year. This event, open to anyone for a $10 ticket, features some of the best songwriters in the business and their friends who will blow you away.
City Winery
City Winery is a unique facility that accommodates live music concerts, private events, culinary workshops, wine tasting classes, and fine dining. The multi-purpose space was designed to cater to both discerning foodies and those that want to have a good time and experience Nashville’s ever-expanding food and music scene in a hip atmosphere. The perfect balance of laid-back comfort and sophisticated style, City Winery has become a staple in Music City’s bustling entertainment industry.
Station Inn
Station Inn in one of Nashville’s best live music venues. Stars have been known to drop in and play with whatever band is set to play that night. A little known fact is that although it is a 21 and up bar, those under 21 are allowed with a parent or guardian. So bring all the kids and hit up this incredible location.
Third Man Records
Third Man Records in a truly unique venue that offers concerts from indie and country artists and bands throughout the week. Their Blue Room is the only venue in the world where artists can record their performances live to acetate, which means that the live performance is recorded to vinyl.
3rd and Lindsley
With extensive American lunch and dinner menus and an eclectic array of music styles, 3rd and Lindsley is a must on your concert venue list! Reasonable ticket prices and easy parking add to 3rd and Lindsley’s comfortable vibe. The dance floor crowds, food and drinks, and quality music make it a venue fit for all kinds of music lovers.
Marathon Music Works
Marathon Music Works is the perfect venue for a relaxed music scene. With bigger names come higher ticket prices, but the industrial vibe is perfect for large crowds and lots of fun. Except occasional shows with age limits, most Marathon Music Works concerts are open to all ages so grab your friends, get ready for lots of people, and head over to see a killer performance from your favorite artist!
Music Venues for 18+
Cannery Ballroom
Also consisting of Mercy Lounge and The High Watt, Cannery Ballroom hosts amazing concerts for the 18 and up crowd, and very rarely an all-ages concert. They are great acts in all genres with equally great ticket prices.
Large Venues for All Ages
Nissan Stadium (formerly LP Field) & Bridgetone Arena
Both of these are known to host the big headliners, so be sure to check them out!
Get out there and take advantage of these venues around Nashville to experience great music with friends at family no matter their age! There is so much great music around our city, and it’s important that everyone be able to experience it.
Nashville Music Events and Festivals
CMA Fest
Every June, Nashville becomes the center of the biggest country music festival in the world. There are free concerts at multiple locations downtown that are worth taking advantage of. There are also passes available for the nighttime concerts full of the biggest names in the business!
Pilgrimage Music Festival
Bring your family and friends and don’t miss Pilgrimage Music Festival this September! In Franklin at The Park at Harlinsdale, this festival has big names in country and indie music as well as smaller artists on the verge of making serious names for themselves. There are day passes and VIP passes still available. General admission day pass tickets start at $135 + fees.
Live on the Green
This annual set of concerts provided by Lightning 100 is absolutely incredible. There are a few big name performers, but then a bunch of smaller artists playing these free concerts. There are food trucks, a fun atmosphere, and great music. Tickets are free, but VIP passes are available for the lounge area as well as a backstage option.
Rites of Spring
Rites of Spring is held each year in April by Vanderbilt and offers shows by incredible artists! Although more suited for kids in high school and older, it is still a great show with fun food trucks and a fun setting.
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For more suggestions, see our article on Nashville’s 15 Best Places to See Live Music.
