The Bluebird Cafe

"Come nighttime, head to the Bluebird Cafe to rock out with a drink in hand." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"It may be a 90-seat venue in a south Nashville strip mall, but the Bluebird Cafe is legendary in the music industry. It’s said to have launched the careers of A-listers like Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and even Taylor Swift, thanks to its intimate acoustic sets and regular songwriters rounds. This year, the Bluebird will host two shows daily throughout the festival. The venue offers a small cafe-style menu with sandwiches, a barbecue chicken flatbread, and appetizers perfect for sharing." - Kellie Walton

"Lots of Nashville music royalty got their start at the Bluebird (like Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks), and it has remained relevant ever since. The listening room-style venue is owned by a non-profit, and all of the ticket proceeds go to the talent. One of the best parts about visiting is that you never know who might pop in to reminisce. It’s essential to jump on tickets when they drop online—usually at 8 a.m.—because seating is limited to just 90, and it's obvious why they go so quickly. If you miss out, it is possible to stand in line for last-minute openings. In fact, that line is a Nashville tradition." - Kristin Luna,Margaret Littman

"What's this place all about? Lots of Nashville music  royalty  got their start at the Bluebird (like Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks), and it has remained relevant ever since. The listening room-style venue is owned by a non-profit, and all of the ticket proceeds go to the talent. One of the best parts about visiting is that you never know who might pop in to reminisce. What can we see here? Singer-songwriters-in-the-round, often mixing unknowns with celebrated talent on stage at the same time. How are the seats? With just 90 seats, the Bluebird is cozy and every seat is good. Getting tickets is the toughest part; one week before each show, sales open up online and go like hotcakes, often selling out within a minute. The good news is there are usually a dozen or so church pews where seating is on a first-come, first-served. Good for kids? Kids are allowed at the Bluebird, though they should be well-behaved because it's a small venue and the focus is on the stage, not the party. Anything else special? The best part of the Bluebird is you never know who might pop in, whether Steven Tyler or Melissa Etheridge. Many stars launched their career on the tiny stage and often return for a surprise cameo. Who's this best for? Anyone who wants to get to the bottom of what Nashville is all about." - Kristin Luna

"Green Hills is the home of one of Nashville’s most infamous venues — one that’s credited with launching the careers of artists like Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Keith Urban, and Garth Brooks, among others. The Bluebird Cafe amasses a line of visitors eager to snag a good seat at one of two shows per night, which range from songwriter’s rounds to special events and performances. The food menu here is limited, but the apps, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts on the menu are the perfect addition to a show that’s sure to be memorable." - Alex Hendrickson, Kellie Walton