A place called Music City would, of course, have a vast array of performance venues. Whether you’re looking to catch something at the last minute, or dance away to the legend who tours through the city every few years, there are plenty of live music options. So put on your dancing boots and get ready to boogie down at these top 10 music venues.

1. Ryman Auditorium: See where the beloved Grand Ole Opry reigned from 1943-74 and the “Birthplace of Bluegrass” according to the state of Tennessee as of 2006. Although it’s now only home to the occasional Opry-affiliated concert, it keeps a full schedule of events in addition to tours.
2. Opry House: Catch the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show in its permanent home from a perch on an old-time church pew-style bench. See a calendar of events to catch country classics and current hits. Ticket prices will vary by event and seat location.
3. Texas Troubadour Theatre: Visit Ernest Tubb’s namesake theater and attend the long-running Midnite Jamboree for free on Saturday nights at midnight that the Texas Troubadour started himself. It also hosts the Nasvhille Cowboy Church on Sundays at 10 a.m. and a Tribute to the King with an Elvis impersonator on Mondays and Thursdays.
4. Bluebird Caf: Hear songwriting hopefuls showcase their work for strangers, or tried and true songwriters sing their own songs that others have made into hits. This small caf, lit up by neon lights in a small strip mall outside of downtown has a 100-person capacity and features a full menu and bar.
5. Tennessee Performing Arts Center: Located in the James K. Polk Cultural Center in the heart of downtown, along with the Tennessee State Museum, TPAC features Andrew Jackson hall, James K. Polk Theater, Andre Johnson Theater and War Memorial Auditorium. It mostly features Broadways shows and special engagements rather than nightly live music.
6. Belcourt Theatre: In existence for over 75 years in Hillbsoro Village, the theater hosts live music, repertory and first-run films and other events like comedy tours.
7. Layla’s Bluegrass Inn: The Nashville institution features nightly music with young musicians at the threshold of stardom. Live music starts early in the afternoon but be sure to show up early on Fridays and Saturdays or be prepared to dance.
8. Robert’s Western World: The honky tonk first opened as a western wear store in the early ’90s, but soon added beer and cigarettes to its wares, along with a jukebox. It later morphed into a full-blown honky tonk with live music and food, but kept its shelves still filled with boots and western wear.
9. 12th & Porter: The live music club features a packed schedule and hosts many label showcases, and surprise shows across all musical genres.
10. Station Inn: The venue hosts nightly live acoustic music, served up with pizza, beer and barbecue, but arrive early to ensure entrance because there are neither seats for reservations available to catch the live music, which always starts at 9 p.m.

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