This Weekend in Nashville, TN
Nov 6–Nov 8· Rainy, 60°/40°F
Honky tonks are free. Everything else is catching up.
🆓 Free this weekend
Robert's Western World
Lower Broadway
Real traditional country and rockabilly instead of pop-country cover bands. The Recession Special — fried bologna sandwich, chips, PBR, and a Moon Pie for ~$6 — is a Nashville institution. All ages until 6pm.
Fannie Mae Dees Park (Dragon Park)
Hillsboro Village
Giant mosaic sea serpent covered in tiles, mirrors, and found objects — kids climb all over it. Swings, sandbox, and green space near Vanderbilt. Free, always open.
Musicians Corner at Centennial Park
Midtown
A free outdoor concert series in Centennial Park running spring and fall, showcasing Nashville musicians across all genres. Spring series runs Fridays 5-9pm and Saturdays noon-6pm from mid-May through mid-June. Fall series runs Fridays 5-9pm from late August through late September, culminating in the Free Fest three-day Labor Day weekend event. Food vendors, artisan booths, and a Kidsville children's area.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
SoBro
One of the longest pedestrian-only bridges in the world at 3,150 feet, spanning the Cumberland River and connecting downtown to East Nashville. The views of the Nashville skyline — especially at sunset — are some of the best photo opportunities in the city. Connects to Cumberland Park on the east side.
Nashville Public Library — Main Branch
Downtown
Babies and Books Monday 10am, puppet storytimes Tuesday 10:30am, outdoor music Wednesday 10:30am. All free. Huge children's floor with craft programs and STEM activities year-round.
Cumberland Park
East Nashville
Massive free splash pad on the river with climbing structures and a rope bridge. Walk across the pedestrian bridge from downtown, let the kids run wild. Skyline views. Free parking.
🌳 Get outside
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
Midtown
42-foot gold Athena statue inside a full-scale Parthenon replica. Yes, in Nashville. The park around it — 132 acres with a lake and trails — is free. SNAP/WIC holders get free museum admission for up to four.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
SoBro
One of the longest pedestrian-only bridges in the world at 3,150 feet, spanning the Cumberland River and connecting downtown to East Nashville. The views of the Nashville skyline — especially at sunset — are some of the best photo opportunities in the city. Connects to Cumberland Park on the east side.
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
East Nashville
960 acres of flat riverside trails — stroller and bike friendly. Herons, turtles, and deer on easy walks. Indoor nature center with live animals. All free.
Musicians Corner at Centennial Park
Midtown
A free outdoor concert series in Centennial Park running spring and fall, showcasing Nashville musicians across all genres. Spring series runs Fridays 5-9pm and Saturdays noon-6pm from mid-May through mid-June. Fall series runs Fridays 5-9pm from late August through late September, culminating in the Free Fest three-day Labor Day weekend event. Food vendors, artisan booths, and a Kidsville children's area.
Radnor Lake State Park
South Nashville
Deer, otters, and bald eagles 20 minutes from Broadway. No bikes, no pets, no swimming — just quiet trails around a lake. South Cove Trail is easiest; Ganier Ridge has the best views. Go early.
👨👩👧 With kids
Adventure Science Center
Downtown
75-foot tower where kids climb through the human body. 175 hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and rocket launches. The Adventure Tower alone is an hour. Closed Tue-Wed.
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
East Nashville
960 acres of flat riverside trails — stroller and bike friendly. Herons, turtles, and deer on easy walks. Indoor nature center with live animals. All free.
Fort Negley Park
Downtown
Largest inland Civil War stone fort. Kids explore the ruins on a half-mile trail; the visitors center tells the story of the enslaved people who built it. Free, dawn to dusk.
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
Centennial Park
42-foot gold Athena inside a full-scale Parthenon replica. Yes, really. The surrounding park has a playground, duck pond, and open fields. Free Kidsville Saturday mornings for families — register at the lobby at 10:30am.
Wave Country
Donelson
Wave pool, three slides, lazy river, and a wading pool for a third of what Nashville Shores charges. Half-price for kids Tue-Fri 3-5pm. Under 2 free.
🍷 Date night
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Lower Broadway
Three floors of live country music from noon to 3am, right across the alley from the Ryman. No cover. Willie, Kris, and Patsy all played here before they were famous.
Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
Marathon Village
Two brothers revived their great-great-great-grandfather's pre-Prohibition recipe. 45-minute tour ends with a four-whiskey flight. Corsair Distillery is next door if you want to compare.
Ryman Auditorium
Lower Broadway
2,362 seats, original church pews, and acoustics that artists call the best room in America. Home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974. Hosts everything from bluegrass to rock now. Daytime tours available when no show is scheduled.
Music City Walk of Fame
SoBro
A free outdoor park featuring sidewalk stars honoring Nashville music legends — from Jimi Hendrix and Dolly Parton to Kings of Leon and the Black Keys. Located between the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Open 24 hours.
Bluebird Cafe
Green Hills
90 seats in a strip mall. Four songwriters sit in the center trading songs — no talking allowed. Garth Brooks was discovered here. Reservations go fast; check the website calendar for release dates.
🎭 Entertainment
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Lower Broadway
Three floors of live country music from noon to 3am, right across the alley from the Ryman. No cover. Willie, Kris, and Patsy all played here before they were famous.
Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
Marathon Village
Two brothers revived their great-great-great-grandfather's pre-Prohibition recipe. 45-minute tour ends with a four-whiskey flight. Corsair Distillery is next door if you want to compare.
Ryman Auditorium
Lower Broadway
2,362 seats, original church pews, and acoustics that artists call the best room in America. Home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974. Hosts everything from bluegrass to rock now. Daytime tours available when no show is scheduled.
Music City Walk of Fame
SoBro
A free outdoor park featuring sidewalk stars honoring Nashville music legends — from Jimi Hendrix and Dolly Parton to Kings of Leon and the Black Keys. Located between the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Open 24 hours.
Bluebird Cafe
Green Hills
90 seats in a strip mall. Four songwriters sit in the center trading songs — no talking allowed. Garth Brooks was discovered here. Reservations go fast; check the website calendar for release dates.