Nashville isn’t called Music City for nothing. Beyond its legendary country venues, the city offers a variety of concert experiences that give you a taste of its musical soul. Whether you’re a whiskey lover seeking a lively distillery tour with live music or a fan eager to explore the local bar scene, Nashville delivers. Personally, I find the Nashville Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery Tour, Live Music & BBQ especially appealing. It combines a full day of fun — with a humorous bus ride, a guided distillery tour, and a mouthwatering barbecue lunch — all wrapped in a lively atmosphere. It’s perfect if you want a mix of history, entertainment, and Southern flavors.
If you’re more into discovering Nashville’s live music venues firsthand, the Nashville Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Venues & Drink Specials offers a chance to explore the city’s iconic streets and hidden music spots. For an even more exclusive experience, the Nashville: Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Artists features VIP access and skip-the-line entry to several venues, providing a deeper dive into Nashville’s vibrant music scene. In the list below, you’ll find these options and more, tailored to different tastes and schedules.
1. Nashville Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery Tour, Live Music & BBQ
This full-day tour offers a unique blend of whiskey history, Southern barbecue, and lively entertainment. It starts with a 90-minute scenic bus ride from Nashville, during which you’ll enjoy fun stories, sing-alongs, and trivia — Jay, the guide, keeps the energy high and the mood light. Once at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, you’ll get a guided walk through the distillation process, from spring water sources to the bottling line, with tastings at each step. The tour also includes an indulgent BBQ lunch, which surprisingly doesn’t feel rushed, given the 7-hour duration.
What makes this tour stand out are the interactive onboard entertainment and the quality of the distillery experience. The reviews highlight Jay’s humor and Hannah’s skilled guiding, making for a memorable day. Guests appreciate how smoothly everything runs, with many noting the educational value of the whiskey tour and the delicious food. It’s a top choice for those who want a comprehensive, fun-filled day that combines culture, food, and music.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a lively, all-in-one experience with a touch of humor and plenty of tasting. It’s great for groups and anyone looking to learn about Jack Daniel’s while enjoying local flavors and entertainment.
2. Nashville: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour, BBQ, and Live Music
Slightly shorter at around 6.5 hours, this tour offers an immersive journey into whiskey craftsmanship combined with Tennessee-style barbecue and live music. Starting with a bus ride filled with trivia, whiskey tastings, and even a dance contest, this experience sets a lively tone from the start. Once at Lynchburg, you’ll explore the historic town square, soaking up local culture before the guided distillery tour, where you’ll learn about Jack Daniel’s rich heritage.
Highlights include tasting some of Jack Daniel’s most sought-after whiskeys and enjoying a hearty BBQ lunch. Guests praise the lively atmosphere and engaging storytelling, making it perfect for those who want more than just a standard distillery visit. The reviews note the fun bus ride, the hands-on whiskey tasting, and the chance to experience Lynchburg’s charm firsthand.
Bottom Line: This tour suits travelers wanting a combination of whiskey history, interactive fun, and local flavor. It’s especially good for those who appreciate a touch of entertainment with their educational experiences.
3. Nashville Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Venues & Drink Specials
If your main goal is to explore Nashville’s music venues and soak up its authentic live scene, this 2-hour guided bar crawl is a perfect choice. It takes you through historic and vibrant spots like Printer’s Alley and Second Avenue, where you’ll hear real Nashville artists perform in intimate settings. The tour emphasizes music history and local stories, not just bar-hopping, making it a more meaningful experience.
Led by a knowledgeable local host, you’ll visit multiple venues with VIP access, skipping lines and enjoying exclusive drink specials. The reviews highlight how AJ, the guide, shares stories and points out hidden gems — even in rainy weather. This tour is best for those who want a short, energetic dive into Nashville’s live music culture without the large crowds or tourist traps.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice for music enthusiasts who love walking through Nashville’s historic streets and discovering venues off the beaten path, especially if you’re short on time.
4. Nashville: Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Artists
This 2-hour tour offers a VIP, skip-the-line experience at 3-4 lively venues, featuring performances by local Nashville artists. It’s a more curated, intimate experience with VIP access and drink specials, allowing you to enjoy the city’s music scene without the hassle of long lines or cover charges. If you’re after a quick, fun evening with authentic live music, this tour provides a taste of Nashville’s vibrant nightlife.
However, reviews for this tour are mixed, with some pointing out that the host could be more engaging and that the overall experience isn’t as comprehensive as others on this list. The price point is lower, but it might not offer the same depth of local insight or atmosphere as other options.
Bottom Line: This tour works well for travelers seeking a quick, VIP look at Nashville’s live music venues but may fall short for those wanting a deeper cultural experience.
$35 per person
How to Choose the Right Concert Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities. If you want a full day of whiskey, food, and entertainment, the first two tours (full-day whiskey tours, distillery, BBQ, and live music) deliver a lively, educational experience with plenty of tastings. For a more focused exploration of Nashville’s live venues, the bar crawl offers a quick, intimate taste, ideal if you’re short on time or prefer walking and local stories.
The VIP live music bar crawl is perfect if you want VIP access and a curated experience but don’t mind a shorter outing. Think about your budget, how much time you have, and whether you want a day-long adventure or an evening of quick entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Nashville offers a diverse range of concert and entertainment tours tailored to various interests. For those seeking a full-day, lively experience combining whiskey, food, and music, the Nashville Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery Tour, Live Music & BBQ stands out with its humor and variety. If your focus is on authentic live music venues, the bar crawl provides an energetic, insider’s look at Nashville’s streets.
Travelers who want a quick VIP snapshot can opt for the VIP bar crawl, but overall, planning ahead and booking early ensures you get the experience that best matches your style. Whether you’re into whiskey, local live music, or a mix of both, Nashville’s concert scene won’t disappoint.