Heading to town for the Music City Rodeo? We’ve got your itinerary covered.
Nashville is ready to rodeo! From May 28 – 30, the city will host the Music City Rodeo, an immersive weekend of world-class championship competition and superstar musical acts. In its second year, Nashville’s Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) will return to Bridgestone Arena with thrilling rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping; family-friendly activities like mutton bustin’, clowns, and rodeo queens; and a nightly musical lineup that includes three-time Grammy-award winning artist Miranda Lambert who will perform on opening night; Grammy-nominated artist Charley Crockett who will take the stage on night two; and Multi-Platinum country music star Jon Pardi, who will close the weekend out.
The 2025 event marked the first time Music City hosted its own major PRCA rodeo. Building on its breakout success as the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and the largest in the entire Southeastern Circuit, the 2026 event has been designated an official Cinch Playoff Series Rodeo, attracting top-tier talent from across the nation to compete for more than $300,000 in prize money.
Last year’s event drew a crowd of 40,000 fans to Nashville. This year, with its stellar musical lineup and higher-than-ever stakes, Music City Rodeo is expected to be even bigger. With many of those rodeo attendees flocking to Nashville for the very first time, we’ve planned a well- rounded itinerary for what to do during rodeo downtime. If you’re one of those attendees, this list is for you. These are some of the city’s best spots to eat, drink, dine, and shop. And that’s no bull.
3X World Champion Bareback Rider Tim O’Connell, Saddle Bronc Rider Rusty Wright, Professional Bull Rider Jace Trosclair, Music City Rodeo Trick Rider Madison Schalla, Tim McGraw, World Champion Bull Rider Cody Custer, 2025 Music City Rodeo Queen Reagan Caen
Where To Dine
Nashville’s food scene is diverse, so these are just a few of Music City’s finest.
This iconic spot from award-winning pitmaster Pat Martin isn’t just home to some of Nashville’s best ’que, it also boasts a lively open-air beer garden with live music. Plus, the 4th Avenue location is an easy walk from Bridgestone Arena and the surrounding hotels. 410 4th Ave. S
For more than 70 years, this Nashville institution has been serving their famous fried chicken, country ham, and biscuits to locals and visitors alike. And believe us, it’s worth the 30-minute Uber ride out from the rodeo to join the ranks. 8400 Hwy 100
Often credited as one of the city’s first true destination restaurants, City House is a beloved Nashville dining spot with neighborhood vibes and James Beard Award-winning food. This cozy cottage in Germantown is known for their gourmet pizzas. Plus, it’s only a mile from Bridgestone Arena. 1222 4th Ave. N
Perched atop the JW Marriott Nashville, this luxe steakhouse is a one-of-a-kind experience for a high-end meal with high-rise 360-degree Nashville views—one of which is the arena itself. 201 8th Ave. S, 34th floor
A pulled pork sandwich from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
PHOTO: Courtesy Andrew Thomas Lee
Where To Drink
Whether you stay on Broadway (home to Bridgestone Arena) or venture beyond the honkytonks, these watering holes are not to be missed.
This chic bar and restaurant is steeped in Music City tradition—and that of one of music’s greatest. The Frank Sinatra-themed spot offers nightly music, classic cocktails, and incredible food all within walking distance of the arena. 222 4th Ave. N
Co-owned by Justin Timberlake, this popular downtown haunt boasts three floors of fun, but our pick is the rooftop garden. And it’s located just across Broadway from Bridgestone Arena, making it an ideal spot for late night cocktails and bites after the rodeo. 550 Broadway
A historic honkytonk on Broadway built in a former western wear shop? That sounds like the perfect spot for a beer in between events. And if you’re hungry, the burgers and bologna sandwiches are top-notch, especially after a long day of watching cowboys. 416 Broadway
An easy Uber ride across the river to East Nashville, this cozy cocktail bar doubles as a listening room. The vibes and vinyl make it a sweet spot for your after-hours hang or a pre-rodeo libation. 95 S 16th Street
Celebrate one of the rodeo’s headliners at her namesake bar on Broadway. Designed by Lambert herself, this pink palace is a four-story mecca for live music and Tex-Mex cuisine. 308 Broadway
Casa Rosa
Where To Shop
Located in the Gulch (a quick Uber ride or healthy walk from downtown), Rustler is Nashville’s original hat bar where guests can custom design and custom fit their own cowboy hats. Make one to wear to the rodeo or take home as a souvenir. They also serve cocktails, so book a group appointment and make it a party. 407 11th Ave. S
Just a few blocks away from Rustler Hat Co. you’ll find Nashville’s stunning Lucchese outpost. Not only does this shop offer stunning boots, luxe leather goods, and accessories fit for a rodeo queen or king, it’s also been known to host live music on occasion. 503 12th Ave. S
Much like their candles, Ranger Station’s Nashville Fragrance House is all about good vibes and great scents. Known for their perfumes, colognes, and handmade candles—some of which are country music collaborations—Ranger Station is a great spot to grab a long burning souvenir that will remind you of your rodeo vacation for months to come. 2905 12th Ave. S #106
Tucked into a little cabin in the 12 South neighborhood is Savant Vintage. This carefully curated shop is filled with designer pieces, western wear, tons of turquoise, and so much more. A must-visit for true vintage connoisseurs and collectors. 2302 12th Ave. S
Ranger Station
PHOTO: Courtesy Hannah Kik
One-Stop Spots
These neighborhoods offer something for everyone.
Neuhoff District in Germantown
Just a mile from Bridgestone Arena, Neuhoff is a new mixed-use concept built into a historic site on the Cumberland River. With stunning architecture and breathtaking views, it’s a great spot to escape the downtown madness and take a walk. Neuhoff is also home to some of Nashville's newest and most exciting retailers, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.
Just south of downtown (an easy uber ride away from the rodeo), this growing Nashville neighborhood is home to incredible restaurants, a burgeoning live music scene, and luxury shopping. (Think Bruno Cucinelli, Hermès, and Eberjay). WeHo is also home to Nashville’s Soho House, which anchors this luxe locale. And while restaurants like Pastis, Aba, and Iggy’s require reservations, more casual staples like Dicey’s Pizza and Gabby’s Burgers & Fries are first come, first served and always deliver on flavor.
Nashville's version of Santa Monica (without the beach), this half-mile stretch of shops and restaurants is a perfect spot to spend a day off from the rodeo. Start with coffee at LaLaLand (while it’s not locally owned, it’s decidedly the buzziest spot for a caffeine fix), shop the iconic Nashville location of Imogene + Willie for luxury denim, or visit Reese Witherspoon's Draper James. Hungry? Have brunch at The Butter Milk Ranch and dinner at The Henry, or snag a coveted reservation at Locust, one of only a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants in Music City.
Located right across from Bridgestone Arena is the Fifth and Broadway complex. This mixed-use space has it all: a food hall with stalls for every taste, sit-down restaurants ranging from fast casual (including the famous Hattie B's hot chicken) to more elevated options (try Eddie V's for steak and seafood or Blanco Cocina for high-end Mexican fare). The shopping is also top notch and perfect for last-minute wardrobe changes between competitions. Hit up Free People, Garage Sale Vintage, Tecovas, and more for souvenirs in the most convenient of locations.
12South
PHOTO: Visit Music City
Hotels With A Little Something Extra
By now you probably have your hotel booked, but here are some add-ons we’d recommend to top off your reservation.
The Country Music Hall of Fame (inside The Omni Hotel)
Just one block from the arena, you’ll find the CMHOF. One of the most incredible music museums in the world, the Hall of Fame is a must-visit for country music fans. With world class galleries, a 776-seat CMA Theater, and the Taylor Swift Education Center all onsite, visitors are immersed into the history, sound, and culture of country music with rotating exhibits and presentations—and the occasional celebrity guest. 250 Rep. John Lewis Way S
The Grand Ole Opry at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Home to the Grand Ole Opry radio show for nearly a century, the Opry House is just off the campus of the Opryland Hotel. Hope into an Uber for the quick 20-minuute commute and take a backstage tour to see where country legends have been performing for decades. Breathe in the hallowed history of country music in a place that brings superstars to tears at a mere mention and check out a live taping of the 650 AM WSM favorite. You never know who will take the stage! 600 Opry Mills Dr.
Just down the way from Bridgestone Arena is The Hutton Hotel. This stunning boutique hotel isn’t just home to some of Nashville’s trendiest rooms and incredible food; it’s also the place to see some very cool intimate live music. Analog, The Hutton’s inhouse venue with a capacity of just 300, is a celebrity favorite place to play, boasting Number One parties and past shows by stars like The Black Crowes, Catch Secour of Old Crow Medicine Show, and soulful crooner Michael McDonald. 1808 West End Ave.
Printer’s Alley Behind the Noelle Hotel
A hotel that serves as a love letter to Nashville’s creative history, Noelle pays homage to the building’s predecessor, the Noel Place, which was built in 1930 as one of Nashville’s first luxury properties. Now, Noelle is one of the chicest boutique hotels in town. With record players and vinyl available to guests and lively food and drink options, it’s a perfect portal to the famed Printer’s Alley. This historic nightlife district is home to a mix of speakeasys and live music bars—be sure to check out the burlesque show at Skull’s Rainbow Room for some late-night fun when the rodeo headliners leave the stage. 200 4th Ave. N
Grand Ole Opry
PHOTO: Gaylord Opryland Resort
