32 Free Things to Do In Nashville

Think of Nashville and your thoughts naturally turn to country music, but there’s much more to this Tennessee town than picking and grinning…not to say there isn’t a lot of music.

You’ll find all forms of art in Nashville, and quite a bit of natural areas, historical museums and shopping adventures.

Read on for our list of 32 free things to do in Nashville.

MUSIC

1. Music City Circuit
   This bus service is a free way to see much of Nashville’s downtown area and is a great way to reach many of the following locations for free.
2. Nashville’s Weekly Lawn Parties
   Located at the popular Musicians Corner in Centennial Park, this weekly lawn party runs from 3 to 6 p.m. in the spring and fall. Performers come from diverse backgrounds, as do the food vendors.
3. Live on the Green Concert Series
   Each Thursday night of this six-week series features four performances, with the first beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the headliner wrapping up around 10:30 p.m. The series usually runs from early September to mid October at Public Square Park near City Hall and includes a food court.

   

4. Music at the Frist
   The Frist Center for the Visual Arts sponsors free music from university faculty and students from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and Friday.

   

5. Station Inn Sunday Concerts
   The Sunday bluegrass jams are free each week, but no reservations are taken. The bar is located at 402 12th Street.
6. Pickin’ On the Plaza
   Thursdays from late June to late July are dedicated to bluegrass at the Ryman Auditorium Plaza. Top regional bluegrass bands do the pickin’, starting at 6 p.m. The Ryman is located at 116-5th Ave. North.

   

7. National Folk Festival
   This massive, three-day outdoor event celebrates the richness, roots and variety of America’s culture. Since 1934, the fest has featured a wide assortment of music and dance performers, as well as interactive workshops, dancing, children’s activities, ethnic foods, parades, storytelling, craft exhibits and more. The festival is held in early September at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
8. Honky Tonk Highway
   Honky tonks line both side of Lower Broad (roughly Broadway and Second Avenue), pumping live music into the streets each and every day. There’s never a cover charge, but you might want to throw a bit of cash in tip jars to show your appreciation.
9. In the Round at the Bluebird Cafe
   Check out one of the weekly songwriter performances in an intimate performance from the people who wrote the tunes you love.

   

MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL SITES

1. Adventure Science Center
   This one’s a freebie if you’re a Tennessee teacher. Show identification to see interactive traveling exhibits, special programs, and hands-on exhibits regarding natural, health and physical sciences. You’ll also be granted free admission to daily shows at the Sudekum Planetarium.
2. The Parthenon in Centennial Park
   This full-scale replica of the Athenan original also houses Nashville’s Art Museum, which requires an entrance fee, but it’s worth a visit just to see the building itself.

   

3. Tennessee Agricultural Museum
   The ag museum boasts an extensive collection of farm and home artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
4. Model Train Display
   Check out this 4,500-square-foot display at the Nashville Garden Railway Society, 100 Oaks Shopping Center, 719 Thompson Lane. The display is open from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. some Saturdays.

   

5. Tennessee State Capitol
   Normally, we wouldn’t send you to gawk at a state capitol, but this one is just jam packed with historical significance. It served as a Federal fort during the Union occupation and is one of the most highly regarded Greek Revival style buildings in the nation. The interior matches the exterior in elegance and refinement.
6. Tennessee State Museum
   The permanent collection includes paintings, displays and quilts portraying the state’s history, with a focus on the Civil War. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

   

7. Tennesee State and Military Museums
   Admission to both museums’ permanent exhibits is always free, but there may be a charge for temporary shows. Interpretive exhibits range from 15,000 years ago to the early 1900s. Topics covered include art, textiles, culture, crafts and history. It also features the largest collection of Civil War artifacts from the western battlefields.
8. Fort Nashborough
   Nashville was founded in 1780, when James Robertson led his band of pioneers across the frozen Cumberland River to The Cedar Bluffs. Fort Nashborough was built to shelter the first families. Take a self-guided tour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. any day of the week.
9. The Hermitage
   The home of President Andrew Jackson is only free to active military and children under 5 years of age, but it’s worth mentioning here. The Hermitage is notable as the most authentically preserved early presidential home in the country. It includes original furniture, artwork, personal items, textiles and more. Tours also include a sprawling 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark property.

   

10. George Dickel Whiskey Distillery Tours
    Located an hour’s drive from Nashville, this distillery tour takes you through the entire story of whiskey making and its history.

NATURE

1. Radnor Lake State Natural Area 
   Hike, bike, float along in a canoe or enjoy special monthly events at the Radnor Lake State Natural Area.
2. Full Moon Hike
   See the woods of Nashville through a full-moon glow. Hikers meet at Edwin Warner Park picnic site for a walk of less than four miles that takes roughly two hours. The paths are paved, making this an excellent experience for all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome.

   

3. Wildflower Hikes
   Check out some of the most varied and spectacular wildflowers found in Tennessee…or some say in the world. A few hikes require registration, so check with Blue Shoe Nashville (at the above link) before heading out.
4. Capitol Mall State Park
   This State Park features rotating exhibits, such as the Civil War Exhibit in the Visitor Center. The 19-acre park gives visitors a taste of the state’s history and national wonders. Located in the shade of the  stunning Tennessee State Capitol, this is a two-for-one opportunity.

   

ART, THEATER AND LITERATURE

1. Art Crawls
   Check out the many art galleries of Nashville at either of two art crawls. Art After Hours runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. First Saturday Art Crawl is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.
2. Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University
   The main floor of the Van Vechten gallery features a permanent collection of modern American and European Art, including works by Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Cezanne and Georgia O’Keefe. The building is well worth a visit as it’s a 19th century Victorian building.

   

3. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts
   Visitors 18 and younger are admitted for free to this 24,000-square-foot museum, dedicated to presenting the finest visual art from local, state and regional artists. It also features touring American and international exhibits.
4. Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery
   The rotating exhibits at the gallery explore a diversity selection of modern and historical art. Call 615-322-0605 for current information on the latest exhibits.

   

5. Shakespeare in the Park
   Enjoy an enchanting evening of theater under the stars at The Nashville Shakespeare Festival in Centennial Park. Shows usually start at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free, although a donation is suggested.
6. Southern Festival of Books
   This festival celebrating the written word is held for three days each year during the second full weekend in October at the Warm Memorial Plaza and Tennessee Capitol.

   

7. Storytime at the Library 
   Give the kids a rest from walking all over town by bringing them to the main library in downtown Nashville for a storytime that will please children of all ages. Each storytime runs 30 minutes at 9:30 a.m, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

SHOPPING

1. The Tennessee State Fairgrounds Flea Market
   Why pay high prices for Tennessee souvenirs when you can cruise one of the top-10 flea markets in the country. Scheduled for the fourth weekend of each month. The flea market draws vendors and dealers from 30 states and it costs nothing to look.