So you want to play in Nashville? Good. You should. Open mics and songwriter rounds aren’t just a rite of passage—they’re how you get heard, meet people, and maybe, just maybe, land that next big opportunity.
Whether you’re testing out new material, hunting for your next co-writer, or just looking for a stage where people actually shut up and listen, this guide will help you find the best spots in town.
Open Mics vs. Songwriter Rounds—What’s the Difference?
Open Mics:
Walk in, sign up, play your songs. Simple. No invite needed, no filter on who gets up there. Some nights, you’ll hear something life-changing. Other nights… well, let’s just say it’s an experience.
Songwriter Rounds:
A little more curated. You’ll be sharing the stage with 2-4 other artists, swapping songs and stories. Less chaos, more connection. If you want to impress industry folks, this is where you do it.
Both are essential if you want to actually make a name for yourself in this town.
Best Open Mics & Songwriter Rounds in Nashville (2025)
1. The Bluebird Café (The Holy Grail)
📍 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
🕒 Open Mic: Mondays at 6:00 PM
If you’ve ever dreamed of playing Nashville, The Bluebird Café has probably been on your list since day one. This place has launched careers—Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and a long list of hit songwriters all started here.
But fair warning: getting in? Not easy. The online sign-up opens at 11 AM CST the day of, and it fills up FAST. Set an alarm, say a prayer, and refresh your browser like your life depends on it.
2. The Commodore Grille (For the Hustlers)
📍 2613 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
🕒 Songwriter Rounds & Open Mic: Nightly, starting at 7:00 PM
Tucked inside a Holiday Inn, of all places, the Commodore Grille is one of Nashville’s best spots for working your way into the scene. It mixes open mics with songwriter rounds, so you’ll get a mix of fresh faces and seasoned pros. Great sound, solid crowds, and you never know who you’ll end up sitting next to.
3. The Listening Room Café (Where People Actually Listen)
📍 618 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
🕒 Songwriter Rounds: Nightly, starting at 6:00 PM
Sick of playing while people talk over you? The Listening Room Café lives up to its name—people actually shut up and LISTEN. Big-name songwriters and rising artists mix here, so even if you’re just in the audience, you’re getting a masterclass in the craft.
4. Cafe Coco’s Songwriters Night (The Indie Vibes Spot)
📍 210 Louise Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
🕒 Open Mic & Rounds: Tuesdays at 8:00 PM
Want a more laid-back, low-pressure place to try out new songs? Cafe Coco is your spot. No big egos, no industry pressure—just a cool crowd, good coffee, and a place to experiment.
6. Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern (Music Row’s Last Dive Bar)
📍 1028 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
🕒 Open Mic & Songwriter Rounds: Mondays at 6:00 PM
The last true dive bar on Music Row. It’s got history, character, and a songwriter crowd that knows their stuff. If you want to play somewhere with soul, this is your place.
Tips for Playing Nashville Open Mics & Songwriter Rounds
🔥 Show Up Early. The good slots go fast. Don’t be the person rolling in at the last minute expecting a prime spot.
🔥 Bring Your Best Stuff. You might only get one or two songs. Make them count.
🔥 Stay and Mingle. The real opportunities happen offstage. The people you meet here could be your next co-writer, bandmate, or even producer.
🔥 Know the Rules. Every venue has its own thing—some allow covers, some don’t, some require sign-ups ahead of time. Do your homework.
🔥 Have Your Online Presence Ready. If someone likes your set, they’re going to look you up. Make sure your socials and music links are easy to find.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about making music in Nashville, you need to be hitting these stages. It’s how you grow, get better, and meet the people who can help you get where you want to go.
So, where are you playing first?
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