In Nashville, the heartbeat of Black culture and community resonates through its music, cuisine, art, and history. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of civil rights leaders or indulging in the soulful sounds of jazz and gospel, there is a lot to see and experience in the cultural fabric of the city. Discover Nashville and explore the richness of its heritage.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Nashville.
Visit the National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse Black music experience. Its collection features audio and video recordings, costumes, posters, instruments, photographs, and more, all organized by genre and chronology. Visitors are encouraged to engage interactively, tracing the influences of musicians and uncovering lesser-known talents alongside iconic figures. The e museum’s entire collection is permanent and encourages visitors to learn something new each visit. Located at the heart of the expansive Fifth + Broadway complex, it is surrounded by restaurants, live music venues, and shops.
Attend a Live Jazz Performance
Delight in a premier jazz venue like Rudy’s Jazz Room. Visitors can indulge in world-class live performances, authentic New Orleans cuisine, locally crafted brews, and prohibition-era cocktails. The atmosphere is inviting and relaxing and the venue has historic charm. Rudy’s Jazz Room offers a signature menu featuring dishes such as New Orleans chicken, andouille and shrimp gumbo, red beans and rice, po-boys, crawfish grilled cheese, creole seafood pies, and yummy beignets. They have live music six nights a week with a diverse array of jazz styles.
Support Black Business at The Nashville Black Market
Since 2018, the Nashville Black Market (NBM) has been a cornerstone of the local community. The market initially showcased Black-owned businesses at the farmer’s market. Now, the NBM has expanded its offerings with the introduction of a new retail store marking a new chapter. Patrons can browse and purchase products from a diverse range of Nashville’s Black-owned businesses daily, spanning home goods, bath and body essentials, and apparel. NBM co-owners opened the brick-and-mortar to sustain and uplift the local Black entrepreneurial community.
Indulge in Hot Chicken In Its Birthplace
Savor the iconic flavors of Nashville by indulging in hot chicken right in its birthplace. Nashville’s hot chicken is renowned for its fiery spice and crispy perfection, making it a must-try for visitors and locals. From historic eateries to trendy hotspots, you’ll find an array of restaurants serving up this beloved dish in various levels of heat. Spots like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Prince‘s Hot Chicken, and Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish have become staples in Nashville.
Pay Homage at the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library
Discreetly located on the second floor of the downtown public library, the Civil Rights Room pays homage to Nashville’s pivotal contribution to a transformative era in American history. Visitors will encounter a collection of photographs capturing moments of school desegregation, sit-ins, and marches. A circular table in the room embodies the peaceful protests held at lunch counters by college students during that time. At the heart of the room is a glass inscription by Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorating his visit to the city in 1960. Guests can explore propaganda, posters, and photographs from the time.
Attend the Blavity House Party Music Festival
The ultimate concert experience meets an R&B house party. Prepare for an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and community at the inaugural Blavity House Party Music Festival in Nashville. Blavity House Party will feature live performances by top R&B, hip-hop, and Amapiano artists in an intimate and inclusive environment. This year, anticipate performances from headliners such as Lil Wayne, Monica, and Victoria Monet.
Attendees are encouraged to disconnect from their phones and immerse themselves fully in the moment. More than just music, it’s an opportunity to forge meaningful connections and create lasting memories with old and new friends.
Join a Guided Tour of Historic Black Neighborhoods
Nashville is home to several historic Black neighborhoods, each with its own unique story and cultural significance. One such neighborhood is Jefferson Street, often referred to as Nashville’s “Harlem.” This vibrant area was a hub for African American businesses, entertainment, and activism during the segregation era. Today, visitors can explore its rich history through landmarks like the historic Woolworth Building, which played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Another notable neighborhood is Edgehill, known for its strong sense of community and resilience. Exploring these historic Black neighborhoods offers a glimpse into Nashville’s rich heritage and the contributions of its Black community.
Take a Praise Break at Gospel Brunch
Indulge in a Praise Break at Gospel Brunch and uplift your spirit with soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. You can do this while enjoying a delicious breakfast filled with Southern flavors. This unique experience of Gospel Brunch in Nashville brings the warmth of community and the power of gospel music. Spots like At Skull’s Rainbow Room bring together the rich traditions of gospel music with the flavors of Nashville. Indulge in the delightful breakfast of Banana’s Foster French Toast or prime rib and eggs.
Discover Art at Fisk University’s Carl Van Vechten Gallery
The Van Vechten Gallery is a collection of art situated within Fisk University, the historically Black university. Artist Georgia O’Keeffe generously contributed a portion of her husband’s art collection to Fisk University. Today, Fisk and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas alternate in exhibiting the collection in its entirety every two years, showcasing works by esteemed artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Visitors who go to the Van Vechten Gallery can enjoy other captivating exhibits like its noteworthy Harlem Renaissance collection, reflecting the enduring legacy of African American artistic expression.
Celebrate at the African Street Festival
Experience the essence of African culture at the immersive African Street Festival. This free music festival is also a marketplace that allows visitors to journey through heritage that bridges the gap from Africa to Nashville. Vibrant Afro music and melodies echo through the air, and an array of vendors offer traditional crafts, cuisine, and trinkets. The festival is a place to celebrate the resilience and richness of African heritage, along with the vibrant spirit of Nashville.
