Nashville is rolling out an impressive lineup in 2026, and if you’ve been looking for a reason to plan your next trip, consider this your sign. The city’s welcoming a wave of new restaurants, bars, and places, plus events worth planning around throughout the year. Whether you’re coordinating a weekend getaway or a celebration with friends, 2026 is shaping up to be one of Nashville’s most exciting years yet. Here’s what’s new, what’s opening, and what you won’t want to miss.
New Restaurants Coming to Nashville
960 Commerce Street, Nashville
Opening summer 2026 at Nashville Yards, Puesto brings Mexico City–style tacos, blue corn tortillas, and a deep spirits program to town. This marks the family-owned concept’s first location outside California. Expect bold flavors, a lively dining room, and Taco Tuesdays that will quickly become routine. It’s an easy addition to downtown dinner plans.
3201 West End Avenue, Nashville
Kuya is one of those openings people are already talking about, even without a full menu reveal. Slated for mid-to-late 2026 on West End, the concept comes from the team behind Noko and Kase x Noko. Early chatter points toward a polished, Asian-inspired approach. This one’s already on a lot of shortlists, so make sure to keep it on your radar.
1000 Broadway, Suite 101, Nashville
Opening early 2026, Prime + Proper lands at Nashville Yards with dry-aged steaks, a massive wine cellar, and a refined dining space. The Detroit-based steakhouse is known for its Knife Society membership and attention to detail. It fits milestone dinners and celebratory weekends well. Reservations will be competitive!
2300 Bowline Avenue, Nashville
Arriving early 2026 in the River North development, The Salt Line offers New England–style seafood with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy lobster rolls, oysters, and seafood towers while taking in waterfront views. Its spacious outdoor bar makes it a top choice for warm-weather dining and summer cocktails.
717 Ewing Avenue, Nashville
Bringing its Manhattan-inspired Mediterranean flavors to Pie Town, Mēdüzā Mediterrania is set to open early 2026. The menu pulls inspiration from across Mediterranean coastal regions with a global twist, and the space balances style with approachability. Expect reservations to fill quickly once doors open.
990 Signal Crossing, Nashville
Set to open in March 2026 at Nashville Yards, Ocean Prime offers a polished mix of steak, seafood, sushi, and cocktails. With flexible indoor and outdoor seating plus private dining, it’s ideal for everything from business dinners to celebratory nights out.
223 4th Avenue North, Nashville
Early 2026 brings Sushi by Scratch to The Arcade, featuring a 10-seat omakase counter for an intimate dining experience. The tasting menu focuses on pacing, timing, and interaction with the chef. Seatings are limited each night, so planning ahead is recommended!
East Bank, River North District, Nashville
Opening in 2026, Nobu brings its acclaimed restaurant to the Cumberland River. Signature dishes, such as Black Cod with Miso, lead the menu, complemented by rooftop views and a versatile event space. It’s set to become a standout dining destination in the East Bank.
523 Houston Street, Nashville
Expected spring 2026, Alla Vita brings its Chicago-born Italian cuisine to Wedgewood-Houston. Handmade pastas and shareable plates are at the heart of the menu, making it well-suited for group dinners. Located within the new Wedgewood Village development, it adds a fresh dining option to the neighborhood.
226 11th Avenue South, Nashville
Opening early 2026 in The Gulch, PopUp Bagels adds a Northeast favorite to Nashville mornings. Known for crispy exteriors and soft centers, the shop focuses on fresh batches and simple toppings. Weekend crowds are expected, so plan to get there early for the freshest bagels.
Events to Plan Around in 2026
March – April, 2026 | 1200 Forest Park Drive, Nashville
Each spring, Cheekwood transforms with hundreds of thousands of blooming bulbs, creating one of Nashville’s most vibrant garden experiences. Winding paths through tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths make it a memorable outing for families and visitors of all ages.
SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament
March 11-15, 2026 | 501 Broadway, Nashville
The SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament is a multi-day college hoops event featuring all-day games, team matchups, and fan gatherings across downtown Nashville. Expect crowded arenas, packed restaurants and bars, and a high-energy atmosphere that stretches throughout the weekend.
March 24–28, 2026 | Various Venues Across Nashville
Celebrating the songwriters behind Nashville’s biggest hits, Tin Pan South spreads performances across cozy city venues. Audiences get a behind-the-scenes look at the stories behind the music. With its popularity, seats in these intimate venues go fast!
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
April 11, 2026 | 101 Riverfront Park Dr, Nashville
The Cherry Blossom Festival brings Japanese culture to the Cumberland River with live performances, food vendors, and cultural demonstrations. Blooming trees create a scenic backdrop, making it a relaxed daytime outing. The event is family- and dog-friendly, with free admission for all.
April 11, 2026 | 700 Woodland St, Nashville
The East Nashville Beer Festival brings together regional breweries, food trucks, and live music at East Park while supporting local nonprofits. Popular with a loyal crowd each year, the event requires tickets and is 21+, so arranging transportation is recommended.
May 9, 2026 | 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville
The Iroquois Steeplechase combines horse racing, tailgating, and time-honored tradition at Percy Warner Park. Attendees often show off bold outfits and elaborate picnic setups, all while supporting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. It’s a full day of racing and socializing on the hills.
May 31, 2026 | 4847-F McCrary Road, Lebanon
The NASCAR Cup Series races back to Nashville Superspeedway with fast cars, cheering crowds, and nonstop excitement. Multiple series keep the action moving, making it a full day of thrills—don’t forget ear protection!
June 4–7, 2026 | 1 Titans Way, Nashville
CMA Fest transforms downtown Nashville with multiple stages, pop-up performances, and nightly shows at Nissan Stadium. Free daytime concerts run alongside ticketed events, offering plenty of options for groups. It’s one of the city’s busiest weekends, so staying nearby makes getting around easier.
June 11–14, 2026 | 1560 New Bushy Branch Rd, Manchester
Bonnaroo transforms a Manchester farm into a four-day festival filled with music, art installations, and late-night performances. With nonstop sets, expansive grounds, and a lively festival atmosphere, it’s an immersive experience from start to finish.
Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix
July 19, 2026 | 4847-F McCrary Road, Lebanon
The Music City Grand Prix concludes the INDYCAR season with championship-level racing at Nashville Superspeedway. Fans can expect nonstop high-speed action, complemented by food vendors and live entertainment. It’s a full-throttle, adrenaline-packed day.
September 4–6, 2026 | 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville
Deep Tropics features electronic music and art installations at Bicentennial Park. The walkable layout and carefully curated stages, along with a focus on sustainability, create a weekend full of music and visuals for attendees to enjoy day and night.
September 15–19, 2026 | Venues Across Downtown Nashville
AMERICANAFEST unites artists, fans, and industry professionals through showcases, panels, and nightly performances. Daytime events focus on discussions and networking, while evenings feature live music across downtown venues, culminating in the Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman.
November 2026 | 501 Broadway, Nashville
The CMA Awards celebrate the biggest names in country music with televised performances and red-carpet moments. Downtown buzzes with events and appearances throughout the week, marking one of the year’s standout celebrations in Nashville.
New Places to Check Out
1400 3rd Avenue South, Nashville
Arriving early 2026 in Wedgewood-Houston, Larks is a social gaming venue combining shuffleboard, mini golf, arcade games, and a full bar. The space accommodates mixed groups and casual nights out, with food and drinks available throughout the evening.
2105 Greenwood Avenue, Nashville
Expected in 2026, The Greenwood introduces a craft cocktail and experiential dining concept to East Nashville from Icon Entertainment & Hospitality. Located next to Schulman’s, the rooftop bar offers food service and sweeping neighborhood views, making it a prime spot for evening meetups and sunset drinks.
907 Gleaves Street, Nashville
Hoppin’ brings a unique blend of self-pour taps, bowling, and a full bar to The Gulch. Guests scan their IDs to pour drinks at their own pace, creating a fun, interactive experience. Designed for groups to hang out and play, the venue is expected to open early 2026.
Wedgewood Village area, Nashville
Opening fall 2026, The Truth is a 4,400-capacity indoor music venue designed by Live Nation. Named after songwriter Harlan Howard’s famous quote, it pairs cutting-edge production with Nashville’s musical roots, creating a space built for big nights and powerful sound.
Top Things We Recommend Doing in 2026
2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville
Experiencing the Grand Ole Opry is a quintessential Nashville moment, featuring a mix of legendary performers and up-and-coming artists. With a constantly changing lineup, every show offers something new, making it a great choice for groups with diverse music tastes. Reviewing the schedule in advance helps pick the ideal night!
Take on Broadway
Lower Broadway is a must for experiencing Nashville’s signature nightlife, packed with live music, neon-lit bars, and crowds that grow as the night goes on. Hop from venue to venue, catch a few songs, and soak in the variety—each stop offers a unique vibe that keeps the evening exciting.
Check Out Centennial Park & The Parthenon
2500 West End Ave, Nashville
Centennial Park is a top pick for visitors looking to combine outdoor space with a touch of Nashville history. The full-scale Parthenon replica provides a striking backdrop for photos, while the walking paths and lawns make it an easy, relaxing stop. Midtown dining nearby keeps options convenient for meals.
Book a GoodNight Stay + Add a Local Experience
A GoodNight Stay gives your group space to relax, hang out, and fully enjoy your trip. Pair your stay with one of our local partners for experiences like a private chef, luxury car, or bachelorette setup to take the fun up a notch. With everything in one place, every part of your trip flows effortlessly into a seamless, memorable adventure.
With a full calendar of upcoming events, new restaurants, and major openings, 2026 offers countless ways to experience Nashville. Plan ahead for the moments you’re most excited about, and choose a GoodNight Stay as your home base along the way!
