Family-Friendly Music Venues in Nashville

Nashville earned the name Music City for good reason and is probably already on most music-loving families’ lists. Check out some of the best, most iconic and can’t-miss music venues Nashville has to offer.

For All Ages

Bluebird Cafe

Fans of the show Nashville (R.I.P) already know the Bluebird Café is pretty iconic. The incredibly small club is home to many up-and-coming artists and a mainstay in Nashville’s music scene. This dive-vibe café is a great stop on your family music exploration through Nashville. Don’t let the sleepy look of the venue fool you, reservations are highly recommended as shows sell out regularly.

Grand Ole Opry

No music tour, self-guided or otherwise, through Nashville is complete without mentioning the Grand Ole Opry. This stunning concert hall, established in the 1920s, has been a mainstay for generations. Any performer who “made it” has graced the stage, which still showcases a variety of superstars across all genres. Check out the lineup before your visit and stop in for a show with the kids.

Exterior of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Crackerclips | Dreamstime.com

For Teens and Adults

Blue Room Studios, Third Man Store

More for the inside-baseball music aficionado, the Blue Room Studios and Third Man store was meticulously designed by Jack White — famously one of the greatest audiophiles of this generation. This unique stop on your music tour is less touristy and well worth the visit for the avid music fans in your family. Stop in to listen to a live show and recording, all while supporting the local arts in an original way — loading up on some gift shop swag on the way out can’t hurt either.

For the Older Kids

Exit/In

For your young punks, the Exit/In will be a hit. This rock, R&B and eclectic genre venue delivers CBGB, punk, New York vibes in an unsuspecting locale. Exit/In brings unique shows nearly every other day, with ticket prices usually beginning at $10. Check out the show before arrival, or just pop in and take your chances with the older kids. Expect loud music and fun underground vibes.

Ascend Amphitheater

This one is really for all ages, but considering this venue hosts large-scale shows long into the night, maybe consider just the older music lovers for this one. One of the few open-air venues in Nashville, Ascend Amphitheater is a must experience while in the city. Ascend boasts weekly events through the fall with artists including Tenacious D, Ben Folds, Judah & the Lion and Lenny Kravitz.