Nashville has plenty of free activities that are actually worth building into your trip. If you're looking for free things to do in Nashville, you can visit free state museums, tour the Tennessee State Capitol, hear live music without a cover, walk across the Cumberland River, and explore thousands of acres of parks without spending a dollar.
I founded A Little Local Flavor in 2018, and after years of showing visitors around Nashville, I get asked some version of “What can we do for free?” all the time. So I put together the list I would actually give my own friends: 22 free things to do in Nashville that are really free, plus a few places where part of the experience is free and I’ll tell you exactly what costs extra.
What is free to do in Nashville? (quick list)
There are plenty of free things to do in Nashville, including museums, parks, historic sites, live music, hiking trails and some of the city's best photo spots. Here are 22 places and experiences you can enjoy without paying admission, plus a free self-guided scavenger hunt we are launching this fall.
Tennessee State Museum: Explore Tennessee history with completely free admission.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Walk through a 200-foot Tennessee map, see the 95-bell carillon and explore the park beside the State Museum.
Tennessee State Capitol: Take a free self-guided or guided tour of the Capitol on weekdays.
Nashville Farmers' Market: Walk through the Market House and outdoor farm sheds without paying admission.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Walk across the Cumberland River for one of Nashville's best skyline views.
Nashville Public Library Civil Rights Room: Learn about Nashville's 1960 sit-ins through a free exhibit in the downtown library.
Walk of Fame Park: Find stars honoring music legends in the walkways of this downtown park.
Printers Alley: Walk through one of downtown Nashville's most historic alleys for free, although individual clubs may charge a cover.
Wasioto Park: Cross the river from downtown for a free riverfront park with a climbing wall, slide and amphitheater.
Honky tonks on Lower Broadway: Many Broadway bars have no regular cover charge and offer live music from about 10 a.m. until 3 a.m.
Hatch Show Print shop: Browse the working letterpress poster shop for free inside the Country Music Hall of Fame building. The Hatch Show Print tour costs extra.
Musicians Corner: Catch free outdoor concerts in Centennial Park during its seasonal Friday evening concert series.
Frist Art Museum: Admission is free for everyone ages 18 and under, as well as EBT, SNAP and WIC cardholders.
Fisk University galleries: Visit the Carl Van Vechten Gallery and Aaron Douglas Gallery for free on weekdays.
Fort Negley Park: Walk the free half-mile interpretive trail around Nashville's Civil War fort. The fort itself is currently closed for construction.
Centennial Park and the Parthenon exterior: Explore the park and see Nashville's full-scale Parthenon replica from outside for free. Admission to the Parthenon interior is $15 for adults.
Radnor Lake State Park: Hike about 7.75 miles of free trails surrounding Radnor Lake.
Warner Parks: Explore more than 3,100 acres of free trails and scenic overlooks at Percy and Edwin Warner Parks.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway: Walk or bike through 960 free acres of paved trails, nature trails and riverfront.
Bells Bend Park: Hike through 808 acres of free trails, farmland, wildlife and river views.
“What Lifts You” wings mural: Take the classic Nashville wings photo for free in the Gulch.
Parnassus Books: Browse Ann Patchett's independent bookstore in Green Hills for free and keep an eye out for the shop dogs.
Free things to do in downtown Nashville
Some of the best free things to do in downtown Nashville are right in the core, including the Civil Rights Room, Printers Alley, Walk of Fame Park and the pedestrian bridge. Just north of the downtown core, the Farmers' Market, Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall and State Capitol create another cluster of free Nashville attractions that are easy to combine.
If you're planning to spend a full day in the area, I also have a guide to planning the perfect day in downtown Nashville.
Nashville Public Library Civil Rights Room
The Civil Rights Room inside Nashville's Main Library is a free place to learn about Nashville's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
On the second floor, you'll find a symbolic lunch counter and the Ten Rules of Conduct carried by the protesters during the 1960 sit-ins. Windows overlook Church Street and 7th Avenue, where sit-ins took place.
The library at 615 Church St. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.
This is also an excellent option to remember when the weather doesn't cooperate. I have more ideas in my guide to things to do inside in Nashville on a rainy day.
Printers Alley
Printers Alley is free to walk and runs between 3rd and 4th Avenues North off Church Street.
The historic alley evolved from a publishing district into a nightclub district. You can explore the alley itself for free, but keep in mind that the individual clubs make their own decisions about cover charges.
Walk of Fame Park
Walk of Fame Park is a free public space on Demonbreun Street between 4th and 5th Avenues South.
Music legends are honored with stars set directly into the park's walkways. It's near the Country Music Hall of Fame, so it's an easy addition while you're already exploring downtown.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is free to walk or bike and connects downtown Nashville with the East Bank across the Cumberland River.
Go for the skyline views. This is one of those simple Nashville experiences that costs nothing and gives you a completely different perspective on downtown.
If you have more time on the other side of the river, I've also put together a guide to things to do in East Nashville.
Wasioto Park
Wasioto Park, formerly Cumberland Park, is a free riverfront park at 592 S. First St.
The park includes a stone climbing wall called The Gorge, a four-person slide and a riverfront amphitheater. It's open from dawn until 11 p.m. and is an especially useful free stop for families who need to let kids move around after sightseeing downtown.
Nashville Farmers' Market
Just north of the downtown core, the Nashville Farmers' Market has no admission fee, so you're welcome to walk through and explore without buying anything.
The Market House food hall is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the outdoor farm sheds operate Friday through Sunday. There is also free two-hour parking on site.
The Farmers' Market is at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., right beside Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and the Tennessee State Museum. That makes these three an easy free morning or afternoon without getting back in the car.
Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is one of my favorite answers when someone asks what they can do in Nashville for free because admission is completely free.
The museum is at 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays and major holidays including New Year's, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It is also right beside the Farmers' Market and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, which makes this part of town particularly easy to explore without spending much.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park sits next to the Tennessee State Museum and Nashville Farmers' Market, and the park itself is free to explore.
One of its most recognizable features is a 200-foot granite map of Tennessee. You'll also find a 95-bell carillon, a World War II memorial and the Rivers of Tennessee fountains. Parts of the park may occasionally close for improvement work.
Tennessee State Capitol
You can tour the Tennessee State Capitol for free on weekdays.
Self-guided tours are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are also free 45-minute guided tours at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Guided tours accommodate up to 15 people.
The Capitol is at 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Just remember this one when you're planning your weekday itinerary because tours are not offered on weekends.
Free live music in Nashville
Yes, you can hear live music in Nashville for free. Lower Broadway has live music throughout the day without a regular cover at many honky tonks, and Musicians Corner offers free seasonal outdoor concerts.
Music is such a huge part of the city that I wrote an entire guide explaining why Nashville is called Music City.
Honky tonks on Lower Broadway
Many honky tonks on Lower Broadway have no regular cover charge, with live music playing from about 10 a.m. until 3 a.m.
Free admission does not mean you should treat the music like it's free, though. Tip the band. Nashville musicians are working, and tipping is part of the etiquette when you're enjoying a performance without buying a ticket.
Some Broadway venues are all-ages during the day and switch to 21+ at night, so check the individual venue before bringing anyone under 21.
Hatch Show Print shop
You can browse the Hatch Show Print shop for free inside the Country Music Hall of Fame building at 224 Rep. John Lewis Way S.
Hatch Show Print is a working letterpress poster shop, and browsing the shop itself does not require paid admission. The Hatch Show Print tour, however, is a paid experience.
Musicians Corner
Musicians Corner brings free outdoor concerts to Centennial Park during two seasonal runs each year.
The concerts take place on Friday evenings, with one season in late spring and another from late summer into September. They are family and pet friendly. The fall 2026 season has ended, so check the schedule when you're planning a future trip.
Free museums and history in Nashville
Nashville has several museums, galleries and historic sites that you can visit for free, although some have specific age or eligibility requirements. Between the Tennessee State Museum above and the places below, you can learn quite a bit about Nashville without buying a museum ticket.
Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum at 919 Broadway is free for everyone ages 18 and under.
Admission is also free for EBT, SNAP and WIC cardholders. Adults who don't qualify for those programs pay admission, so I wouldn't call the entire museum free, but it is a particularly good option for families traveling with kids or teenagers.
Fisk University galleries
The Carl Van Vechten Gallery and Aaron Douglas Gallery at Fisk University are free to visit.
Both galleries are on the Fisk University campus on Jefferson Street and are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on Fisk holidays.
Fort Negley Park
Fort Negley Park is free to visit, and its half-mile loop trail includes 20 interpretive panels.
The site, just south of downtown, contains the largest inland stone fort built during the Civil War. There is one important caveat right now: the fort itself is closed for construction. The trail remains open.
Centennial Park and the Parthenon exterior
Centennial Park is free, including its one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, sunken garden and views of Nashville's full-scale Parthenon replica.
You can walk around the outside of the Parthenon and get the classic photos without paying anything. Going inside the Parthenon costs $15 for adults.
The park is at 2500 West End Ave. and is open from dawn until 11 p.m.
Free parks and hiking near Nashville
Some of the best free things to do in Nashville take you away from downtown entirely. Nashville has thousands of acres of free parkland where you can hike, walk, bike, see wildlife or just give yourself a break from the city.
Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Park is free and has about 7.75 miles of trails surrounding the lake.
The park is at 1160 Otter Creek Rd. and is open from 6 a.m. until 20 minutes after sunset. If you're bringing a dog, dogs are allowed only on the Otter Creek Road trail.
Warner Parks
Percy and Edwin Warner Parks are free and together contain more than 3,100 acres of trails and scenic overlooks.
You'll find the Warner Parks at 7311 Hwy 100. If you want a free Nashville day that feels very different from Broadway, this is it.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Shelby Bottoms Greenway in East Nashville is free and covers 960 acres.
There are more than five miles of paved trail, more than five miles of nature trail and about three miles along the river. The greenway is open from dawn to dusk.
Bells Bend Park
Bells Bend Park is a free 808-acre park at 4187 Old Hickory Blvd.
The park has hiking trails, wildlife, river views and farmland and is open from dawn to dusk. This is another option for travelers who want to spend part of their Nashville trip outside rather than packing every day with downtown attractions.
More fun free things to do in Nashville
If you're looking for fun free things to do in Nashville beyond museums and historic sites, take one of the city's classic mural photos or spend some time browsing an independent bookstore. Neither requires a ticket or much planning.
“What Lifts You” wings mural
The “What Lifts You” wings mural by artist Kelsey Montague is free to visit in the Gulch at 302 11th Ave S.
Stand between the wings and you've got one of the classic Nashville photos. If your camera roll is a major consideration when planning your trip, I have plenty more in my guide to photo-worthy things to do in Nashville.
Parnassus Books
Parnassus Books is free to walk into and browse at 3900 Hillsboro Pike in Green Hills.
The independent bookstore was opened in 2011 by author Ann Patchett. You don't need to buy anything to enjoy browsing, although the shop dogs may make it difficult to leave quickly.
A free day in Nashville (sample itinerary)
You can put together an entire day of free things to do in Nashville without driving all over the city. This route starts just north of downtown and works its way through the downtown core to the river, so most of your day can be spent exploring instead of getting back in the car.
Morning: Start at the Nashville Farmers' Market, then walk next door to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. If you're doing this on a Monday, remember that the State Museum is closed.
Midday: From Bicentennial Mall, continue toward the Tennessee State Capitol. Free self-guided and guided tours are available on weekdays, so save this part of the itinerary for Monday through Friday if the Capitol is important to you.
Afternoon: Walk downhill into the downtown core and explore Printers Alley before continuing toward Walk of Fame Park. From there, make your way to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
Late afternoon or evening: Walk across the bridge for the skyline views and continue to Wasioto Park on the other side of the Cumberland River. Then head back across the river and finish your night with free live music on Lower Broadway.
You can also do this route in reverse if you'd rather start in the heart of downtown and finish closer to the Farmers' Market and Bicentennial Mall.
If you're deciding which season makes the most sense for your trip, my local guide to the best time to visit Nashville can help with the bigger picture.
Free things to do in Nashville with kids and teens
Families have several genuinely free things to do in Nashville, from the Tennessee State Museum and outdoor parks to free admission for kids and teens at the Frist. You don't have to fill every day with paid attractions to keep younger travelers entertained.
The Tennessee State Museum is free for everyone. Wasioto Park gives kids a stone climbing wall and four-person slide. Radnor Lake State Park is free for families who would rather spend a few hours hiking, and the Nashville Farmers' Market costs nothing to walk through.
The Frist Art Museum is another particularly good option because everyone 18 and under gets in free, although accompanying adults generally pay.
I've also put together separate guides to Nashville with kids, things to do in Nashville with teens, and more family-friendly Nashville activities if you're planning an entire family trip.
Free vs. worth paying for
You can absolutely have a great day in Nashville for free, but I think the best Nashville trips mix free experiences with a few things that are worth paying for. If you're going to splurge somewhere, I'd do it on something that makes the rest of your trip better.
I am obviously biased, but that's why I recommend doing a Downtown Nashville Food Tour on your first day. Our tour is three hours with six locally owned stops, and every restaurant we partner with makes its food from scratch. This is a full meal, not a row of samples.
More importantly, your guide is a local. We give guests personalized recommendations for the rest of their trip, including things they can do for free.
The Tasting Tour is $125 per person plus tax for ages 8 and up. The Drinking Tour is $145 per person plus tax and is 21+.
You came all the way to Nashville. You deserve the best thing on every menu. Then go enjoy a whole bunch of the city for free.
Nashville's free attractions at a glance
| Attraction | Area | What's free | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State Museum | North of downtown | Museum admission | Closed Mondays |
| Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park | North of downtown | Entire park | Parts may close for improvements |
| Tennessee State Capitol | Downtown | Self-guided and guided tours | Weekdays only |
| Nashville Farmers' Market | North of downtown | Admission and browsing | Free two-hour parking |
| John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge | Downtown | Walking and biking | Cumberland River and skyline views |
| Nashville Public Library Civil Rights Room | Downtown | Civil Rights Room | Located on the second floor |
| Walk of Fame Park | Downtown | Entire public park | Stars are set into the walkways |
| Printers Alley | Downtown | Walking the alley | Individual clubs may charge covers |
| Wasioto Park | Riverfront | Entire park | Open dawn to 11 p.m. |
| Lower Broadway honky tonks | Downtown | No regular cover at many venues | Tip the bands; age rules vary |
| Hatch Show Print shop | Downtown | Browsing the shop | The tour is paid |
| Musicians Corner | Centennial Park | Seasonal outdoor concerts | Check the schedule |
| Frist Art Museum | Downtown | Ages 18 and under; EBT, SNAP and WIC cardholders | Other adults pay admission |
| Fisk University galleries | Jefferson Street | Carl Van Vechten and Aaron Douglas galleries | Weekdays only |
| Fort Negley Park | South of downtown | Half-mile interpretive trail | Fort currently closed for construction |
| Centennial Park and Parthenon exterior | West End | Park and exterior views of Parthenon | Parthenon interior is $15 for adults |
| Radnor Lake State Park | South Nashville | Park and trails | Dogs only on Otter Creek Road trail |
| Warner Parks | West Nashville | More than 3,100 acres | Trails and scenic overlooks |
| Shelby Bottoms Greenway | East Nashville | Greenway and trails | Open dawn to dusk |
| Bells Bend Park | Bells Bend | Park and trails | Open dawn to dusk |
| “What Lifts You” wings mural | The Gulch | Mural and photo | Stand between the wings |
| Parnassus Books | Green Hills | Browsing | Look for the shop dogs |
Make the most of Nashville for free
Nashville doesn't have to be an expensive trip. Pick a few paid experiences you really care about, fill the rest of your itinerary with the free museums, music, parks and Nashville sights on this list, and spend your money where it matters to you.
Come hungry. Leave a local.
Frequently asked questions
What is free to do in Nashville?
Nashville has free museums, parks, hiking trails, live music, historic sites and public attractions. Some of the best options include the Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Tennessee State Capitol tours, John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Radnor Lake State Park and many Lower Broadway honky tonks. A Little Local Flavor recommends grouping nearby free attractions together so you can explore more without spending your day driving.
What are the best free things to do in downtown Nashville?
Some of the best free things to do in downtown Nashville are the Nashville Public Library Civil Rights Room, Printers Alley, Walk of Fame Park, John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and live music at many Lower Broadway honky tonks. Just north of the downtown core, you can also visit the Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Nashville Farmers' Market and Tennessee State Capitol for free.
Are there free museums in Nashville?
Yes. The Tennessee State Museum has free admission, and the Carl Van Vechten Gallery and Aaron Douglas Gallery at Fisk University are also free. The Frist Art Museum is free for everyone ages 18 and under and for EBT, SNAP and WIC cardholders, while other adults pay admission.
Is it free to go into the bars on Broadway?
Yes, many honky tonks on Lower Broadway have no regular cover charge and feature live music from about 10 a.m. until 3 a.m. Individual venue policies can vary, and some are all-ages during the day but 21+ at night. Even when there's no cover, tipping the musicians is expected.
Is the Parthenon in Nashville free?
No, the inside of Nashville's Parthenon is not free. Adult admission costs $15. However, Centennial Park is free, and you can walk around the full-scale Parthenon replica and see its exterior without paying anything. The surrounding park also includes a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga and a sunken garden.
What can you do for free in Nashville with kids?
The Tennessee State Museum, Wasioto Park, Nashville Farmers' Market and Radnor Lake State Park are all free options for families. Kids and teens ages 18 and under also receive free admission to the Frist Art Museum. Wasioto Park has a stone climbing wall and four-person slide, making it an especially easy free stop with active kids.
Are there free things to do in Nashville during the day?
Yes. Some of Nashville's best free daytime activities include the Tennessee State Museum, Nashville Farmers' Market, Tennessee State Capitol, Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park and Nashville Public Library Civil Rights Room. Many Lower Broadway honky tonks also have live music during the day without a regular cover charge.
What is free to do in Nashville at night?
Lower Broadway is the main free nighttime option on this list. Many honky tonks have no regular cover and feature live music until about 3 a.m., although individual policies vary and you should tip the bands. You can also walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, explore Printers Alley, or visit Wasioto Park, which is open until 11 p.m.
Things to Do in Nashville with Kids | A Local's Guide (2026)
17 Things to Do in Nashville with Teens (Mom-Tested) 2026
Nashville Family Vacation Guide: Itinerary & Activities by Age
How to Plan the Perfect Day in Downtown Nashville | Food Tours, Party Bikes & Breweries
Photo Worthy Experiences for Your Nashville Girls Trip
Indoor Things to Do in Nashville on a Rainy Day
Nashville Attractions & Sightseeing: 12 Best Places to Visit (2026)
You've come all the way to Nashville.Eat like it.
Our downtown Nashville food tour is the #1 rated culinary experience in the city, with 2,800+ five-star reviews.
Three hours, six stops, live music.