15 Things to do in Nashville on Weekend!

Nashville is one of those cities that feels alive every single day, but weekends here have their own special energy. Whether you’re coming for the first time or returning to see more, a weekend in Nashville can be packed with experiences without feeling rushed. The best part is that many of these activities are simple, affordable, and easy to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 best things to do in Nashville on weekend, with details that will help you plan your trip.

1. Explore Honky Tonk Highway

The Honky Tonk Highway is a stretch of Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville where live country music plays all day and night, and visitors can walk in and out of bars without paying a cover charge. The street runs between First and Fifth Avenues, and each venue has its own stage with singers and bands performing nonstop. Music usually starts around mid-morning and continues until after midnight, making it easy to enjoy at any time and tipping the musicians is common. Some places are owned by famous artists, while others are long-time local favorites, so you get a mix of styles and sounds.

2. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Opened in the 1960s, Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the most visited places in Nashville and a perfect weekend stop because it tells the story of country music. Inside, you can see instruments, costumes, and personal items from famous singers, along with recordings, videos, and interactive displays that show how the music grew over time. Visitors can also join tours that connect to nearby attractions, like RCA Studio B, where many hit songs were recorded. The Hall of Fame Rotunda honors legendary musicians with plaques that celebrate their contributions, making it a special part of the visit.

3. Tour the Tennessee State Museum

The Tennessee State Museum invite visitors to learn about the state’s history from its earliest days to modern times. Inside, the Tennessee Time Tunnel guides people through different eras, starting with Native American life, moving through the frontier, the Civil War, and later events that shaped the state. Exhibits also highlight art, culture, and everyday life, showing how Tennessee grew over the years. Families enjoy the Children’s Gallery, which offers hands-on activities, while interactive features let guests listen to recordings, watch performances, and explore history in a way that feels engaging.

4. Cruising on General Jackson Showboat

Cruising on the General Jackson Showboat is one of the most unique weekend experiences in Nashville, giving visitors a chance to enjoy live entertainment and beautiful views of the Cumberland River all in one trip. Each cruise lasts around 2.5 hours, and guests can choose between a midday lunch cruise or an evening dinner cruise. Inside, there is a Victorian Theater where singers, dancers, and bands perform shows that highlight country music and Southern culture. The dinner cruise offers a buffet meal along with themed performances, while the lunch cruise offers lighter fare with music events.

5. Join Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

The Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour is one of the easiest ways to see Nashville on a weekend because it lets you ride around the city and stop at popular places whenever you want. The trolley runs on a loop with many stops near attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium, so you can get off, explore, and then ca tch the next trolley when you’re ready. During the ride, guides share stories about Nashville’s history and music, makin g it fun even if you stay on board. It’s a good choice for first-time visitors because you don’t need to plan transport or parking at each spot.

6. Catch a Show at Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most famous music stages in Nashville and a must-do on a weekend because it brings together country stars, new performers, and fans in one historic show. Known as the “home of country music,” the hall can hold thousands of guests and puts on shows several nights each week. Visitors can buy tickets in advance to enjoy the performances, and backstage tours are also available for those who want to see dressing rooms and learn more about the Opry’s story. The famous circle of wood from the Ryman stage, gives performers and guests a direct link to history.

7. Visit Madame Tussauds Nashville

The Madame Tussauds Nashville is a fun place to spend part of your weekend because it lets you see lifelike wax figures of music legends from different times. Unlike other Madame Tussauds locations, this one focuses mainly on music, with figures of country stars, rock icons, and pop performers who shaped Nashville. Visitors can walk through themed areas that highlight different eras, from classic country to modern hits, and take photos with the figures up close. The displays are designed to make you feel like you’re part of the scene, whether it’s standing on stage or backstage with famous artists.

8. Join Wildest Honky Tonk Public Party Bus

The Wildest Honky Tonk Public Party Bus is one of the most lively ways to enjoy a weekend in Nashville because it mixes sightseeing with music, dancing, and a rolling celebration through the city. This open‑air bus is set up with party lights, sound systems, and group seating, making it feel more like a moving honky tonk than regular transport. People are free to bring their own drinks, while a host or DJ keeps the crowd engaged with live music, fun games, and more lively interaction. Tours usually last about 1.5 hours, which is enough time to enjoy without taking up your whole day.

9. Go kayaking on the Cumberland River

Kayaking on the Cumberland River is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a weekend in Nashville because it lets you see the city from a fresh angle while enjoying the outdoors. The river flows right through the heart of downtown, so when you paddle along you get clear views of the city skyline and several landmarks. Local outfitters rent kayaks and offer guided trips, and most tours last one to two hours, and evening trips are popular because the sunset over the city looks beautiful from the river. Some tours even share stories about Nashville’s history and the role the river played in its growth.

10. Tour the Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum is a great weekend stop in Nashville because it brings together changing exhibits from around the world in a space that is simple to explore. Inside, the museum features painting, sculpture, photography, and designs from both local creators and artists from around the world, giving visitors a chance to see many different styles of work. Families often enjoy the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, an interactive space where kids can try hands-on activities like drawing and painting. The museum also offers workshops, lecture talks, and events that make it easy for people to connect with art.

11. Explore the Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is another weekend favorite because it mixes animal exhibits with outdoor space and activities that families can enjoy together without any hassle. Families love the Kangaroo Kickabout, where visitors can walk inside the habitat and see kangaroos up close, and Lorikeet Landing, where kids can feed colorful birds. The zoo also has a huge playground called Jungle Gym, perfect for children to run, climb, and play between exhibits. Seasonal events like Zoo Lights in winter, Boo at the Zoo during Halloween, and other special programs add variety throughout the year.

12. Visit Adventure Science Center

The Adventure Science Center is a fun weekend stop in Nashville because it mixes learning with hands‑on activities that are easy for all ages to enjoy. The center has more than 175 interactive exhibits covering space, health, energy, physics, and earth science. Families often spend time in the interactive areas where kids can climb, explore, and try experiments that make science simple to understand. One of the biggest highlights is the Sudekum Planetarium, where visitors can watch shows about stars, planets, and the universe on a giant dome screen, along with laser shows set to music.

13. Walk through Centennial Park

The Centennial Park is one of the most popular public spaces in Nashville and a simple place to enjoy a weekend outdoors. Covering more than 130 acres and is best known for the Parthenon, a full‑scale replica of the ancient temple in Athens that also houses an art museum inside. Visitors around the Parthenon can sit by Lake Watauga, walk along the paved paths, or spend time enjoying the gardens and open lawns. The park also includes areas for sports and public gatherings, while seasonal events like Musicians Corner bring free live music, and festivals or art shows often fill the grounds.

14. Wine Tasting at Arrington Vineyards

Wine tasting at Arrington Vineyards is a relaxing way to spend a weekend near Nashville because it combines scenic views with local wines in one place. Visitors can try wines made on site, from reds and whites to sweet blends, with many tasting stations across the property. Staff guide guests through tastings, explaining flavors and the winemaking process in a way that is easy to follow. Seasonal events like “Music in the Vines” bring live bands to the vineyard, adding a lively vibe without feeling crowded. Tastings are offered daily, and weekends are especially popular, so booking ahead is a good idea.

15. Attend a concert at the Ryman Auditorium

Opened in 1892, Ryman Auditorium is one of the most important music landmarks in Nashville and a great place to visit on a weekend because it combines history with live performances. Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” hosting concerts of all kinds, from country and rock to gospel and comedy. Walking inside, you can feel the history in the wooden pews and walls, knowing that legends like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Elvis Presley once performed here. Visitors can take guided tours during the day to see the stage, dressing rooms, and exhibits that explain the building’s story.

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