Campus & Community Life

Nashville’s rich cultural scene goes far beyond country music, offering a vibrant mix of music, visual arts, and historic venues. Offerings include:

• Belcourt Theatre
  A historic, nonprofit cinema showing independent, classic, and international films.

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
  One of the most iconic music museums in the U.S., showcasing the history and impact of country music.

• Frist Art Museum
  Located in a stunning Art Deco building, it features rotating visual art exhibitions from around the world. Students receive 20% off tickets when purchasing in-person, and enjoy free admission Thursdays from 5-8pm.

• Grand Ole Opry
  Legendary live music venue known for its weekly country music performances and radio broadcasts.

• Hatch Show Print
  A working letterpress print shop that has created iconic concert posters for over a century.

• Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
  Honors musicians of all genres and the behind-the-scenes artists who helped shape modern music.

• National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)
  The only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. Admission is free with your Vanderbilt ID.

• Oz Arts
  Nashville's nonprofit contemporary art & performance center.

• Ryman Auditorium
  Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this historic venue offers tours and world-class live performances.

• Schermerhorn Symphony Center
  Home to the Nashville Symphony, offering classical, pop, and film-score concerts in a stunning concert hall.

• Tennessee Performing Arts Center
  A major venue in downtown Nashville that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and live performances, offering dynamic experiences for audiences of all ages.

• The Parthenon
  A full-scale replica of the original in Athens, it includes an art museum featuring 19th- and 20th-century American paintings. Students receive a 20% discount on tickets with their Vanderbilt ID.

• Jefferson Street Sound Museum
  This museum preserves and celebrates the rich legacy of Black music and culture that thrived along historic Jefferson Street.

Nashville offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from scenic parks and hiking trails to peaceful green spaces and waterfront views. Here are some of the top spots for outdoor recreation in and around the city:

• Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
  A downtown park with historical monuments, fountains, and great views of the State Capitol.
• Centennial Park
  Home to the iconic Parthenon replica, this large urban park offers walking trails, gardens, and picnic areas.
• Cumberland River Greenway
  A scenic trail system perfect for walking, biking, and running along the Cumberland River.
• Edwin Warner Park
  Part of the Warner Parks system, featuring hiking and biking trails, wildlife, and natural beauty.
• McCabe Greenway
  A multi-use trail near Sylvan Park, popular with joggers and cyclists, with easy access to McCabe Golf Course.
• Percy Priest Lake
  A popular spot for boating, swimming, and fishing just a short drive from campus.
• Percy Warner Park
  Offers some of the city’s best hiking and equestrian trails, plus panoramic views from the scenic overlook.
• Radnor Lake State Park
  A peaceful nature preserve ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and spotting wildlife in a quiet, wooded setting.
• Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Nature Park
  Features miles of trails, wetlands, and wildlife viewing in East Nashville—great for both recreation and relaxation.

Whether you're catching a game, enjoying a comedy show, or exploring a lively venue, there’s something for everyone in the city’s vibrant entertainment scene.

• Ascend Amphitheater
  An open-air venue on the riverfront that hosts major concerts and live events with skyline views.

• Bridgestone Arena
  Downtown arena home to the NHL’s Nashville Predators and host to major concerts, sports, and entertainment events.

• First Horizon Park
  Baseball stadium and home of the Nashville Sounds, the city’s Triple-A minor league team.

• Geodis Park
  The largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. and home to Nashville SC, the city’s Major League Soccer team.

• Municipal Auditorium
  A historic multi-purpose venue hosting concerts, conventions, and sporting events since 1962.

• Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
  A legendary short track that has hosted races for decades—ideal for motorsports fans.

• Nissan Stadium
  A major venue on the east bank of the Cumberland River, home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and large-scale concerts and events.

• Zanies Comedy Club
  One of the South’s top comedy clubs, featuring national stand-up acts in an intimate setting.

Nashville’s food scene is as diverse and flavorful as the city itself, offering everything from legendary hot chicken to creative local cuisine. There's so much to explore, but a few popular restaurants near campus include:

• Taste of Nashville

The Taste of Nashville program allows students to use their Meal Money Account at participating off-campus restaurants. Simply use your Commodore Card as you would a debit card. Learn more about participating locations here.

• Biscuit Love
  Famous for Southern brunch classics like biscuits, gravy, and "bonuts" (biscuit-dough doughnuts).
• Edley’s Bar-B-Que
  A go-to for authentic Tennessee barbecue.
• Five Points Pizza
  Known for New York-style pizza by the slice or pie.
• Frothy Monkey
  A cozy café and coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and great espresso drinks.
• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
  A must-visit for Nashville-style hot chicken, with customizable heat levels and Southern sides.
• Mas Tacos Por Favor
  A local favorite offering flavorful tacos, elote, and aguas frescas.
• Pinewood Social
  A trendy hangout spot featuring a full restaurant, coffee bar, bowling lanes, and outdoor seating.
• Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
  The original home of Nashville hot chicken.
• Slim & Husky's Pizza
  Artisan pies in a build-your-own style in environments with a hip-hop-inspired aesthetic.
• Taco Mamacita
  A trendy Mexican restaurant serving creative tacos.
• The Pancake Pantry
  An iconic breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes.
• The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
  A retro-style burger joint with handcrafted sodas, and German-style beer garden seating.
• All People Coffee
  A coffee shop and beverage hall where all people feel welcome.
• Vege-licious Café
  A Soul Food Vegan Restaurant specializing in preparing hearty, homestyle, 100% vegan and gluten-free options.