No Country’s Guide to New Year’s Eve in Nashville 2017

Still in need of some last minute New Year’s Eve plans? If you didn’t hop on grabbing tickets for any number NYE shows or parties that’ve been announced for months, you’re in luck – this is another busy year, and lots of great events are still on sale (for now)! So many, in fact, that it’s next to impossible to comb through them all, but we’ve looked past the honky tonks and endless generic DJ nights to curate a list of some of the mosts promising NYE options.

Below, check out our rundown of the best local happenings, big and small, cheap and pricey, and find something fun to finish out your year. With Uber, Lyft, local taxis, and even buses, you have no excuse not to be safe, so make smart choices, and make the last night of the year one for the books! Looking for Friday our Saturday plans? We have those covered too.

Happy New Year to everyone, and we’ll see you in 2018!

TAYLS + THE SPIDERBERRIES, NORDISTA FREEZE, DAN LUKE AND THE RAID, SOREN BRYCE, ALEX FUN
@ The East Room | 9pm | $5-7 | 18+

Our regular readers looking for a show in line with our typical top weekend recommendations should look no farther than The East Room’s New Years East party, which boasts one hell of a stacked local musical lineup, and all for the typical DIY show bargain price of $5 (or $7 if you’d a midnight toast). Topping the bill is a one night only, all-star super jam teamup of Tayls and The Spiderberries, joined by Nordista Freeze, Dan Luke and the Raid, Soren Bryce, and a late night DJ set from Alex Fun. If great music and good vibes are how you want to spend your final hours of this trying year, that’s what you’ll find at this excellent show option. [PO]

THE ROCKY HORROR ROCK N ROLL SHOW (ft. members of BLACK MOON MOTHER, FABLE CRY, NIGHTBLONDE, THE MUTE GROUP, THE PROTOMEN, & MORE) w/ RI¢HIE, DJ JUICY BRUICY
@ The End | 9pm (8pm doors) | $20 | 18+

One of the coolest NYE weekend happenings that could easily slip by you is a local supergroup tribute to cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, hosted both Saturday night and again on NYE proper at The End. Featuring members of Black Moon Mother, Fable Cry, Nightblonde, The Mute Group, The Protomen, and more, it promise to be an “interactive, multimedia rock show like you’ve never seen before!” We’re told to “expect costumes, crowd participation, prop bags and prizes as you party alongside unconventional conventionalists,” with night two also featuring an opening set from resident part rockers Ri¢hie and a late night DJ set from Juicy Bruicy, spinning tunes from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Whether you’re a Rocky Horror superfan or just craving something unconventional, this sounds like a party you won’t forget. [PO]

FORLORN STRANGERS w/ SPECIAL GUESTS
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 9pm | $15-25 | 18+

For the second year in a row, Forlorn Strangers are hosting their NYE Ramble at Little Harpeth Brewing. The local poppy, folky, Americana rockers are a good time, but what really piqued our interest for this one, besides the optimal sightline for downtown fireworks and the great beer, is the insane slate of guests, which include Devon Gilfillian, Becca Mancari, Erin Rae, Leah Blevins, Lacy Blevins, Carl Anderson, Emma Hern, Roanoke, BRUNS, J Marco, Drew Michael Blake, Josh Wolfe, Pierce Dukes, DemoLove, and more! [PO]

SHITDELS, BLACK NAKED WINGS, MUMZEES
@ The Cobra | 10pm (9pm doors) | $5 | 21+

The Cobra boasts another great option if you’re hoping to do NYE smaller, cheaper, and more punk leaning than most. See local psych rockers Shitdels, Richmond, Virginia’s psych punks Black Naked Wings, and post-punks Mumzees, all for just $5. This would be a solid musical hang no matter what the occasion, and if you’re seeking out a concert more than a party, you can’t go wrong. [PO]

KEITH URBAN, MAREN MORRIS, CHEAP TRICK, CARLY PEARCE, JONNY P, LARKIN POE, FISK JUBILEE SINGERS
@ Bicentennial Park | 4pm | FREE | All Ages

Officially branded “Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville,” the city’s own party is never anything short of a spectacle, and returns to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for a second year, after outgrowing Broadway. Most locals probably don’t want to be anywhere near this massive party, but it’s free and the music is always well-balanced, trying to find a mix between rock and country. Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Cheap Trick, and Jonny P are among this year’s highlights, and things get going early- this isn’t a party easy to pop in and out of though, so if you want to commit to the full on tourist, music, fireworks, party experience, you might not be able to sneak anywhere else. [PO]

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW w/ JOSHUA HEDLEY
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 9pm | Sold Out | All Ages

In what has become an annual tradition, beloved Americana standouts Old Crow Medicine are returning to The Ryman for another New Year’s Eve spectacular. This will officially mark night two of their stand at the Mother Church, and will actually be their third show in two days with the latest announcement that they will be performing at The Opry on Saturday evening. Don’t worry about fatigue with these guys though, they are tried and true road veterans that will surely be up to the task of providing you a memorable NYE – assuming, that is, you have a ticket to this sold out show. Not holding, but still want a taste? WSM 650AM will be broadcasting the NYE show and the Opry show on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.[MH]

PAPADOSIO w/ ZOOGMA, PUSH/PULL
@ Marathon Music Works | 9pm (8pm doors) | $20-75 | 18+

Now ten years and six albums in, Papadosio have certainly made a name for themselves in the improvisational world of jam and electronica. They officially term their genre as “space rock,” in that their focus is sometimes in deep space and other times right at home with you, but their live shows are a livetronica explosion that takes on a mind of its own. Which is surely why in 2017 they released two live albums, one from their hometown in Ohio and the other from the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver. Papadosio are in town all weekend, but the finale on NYE is sure to be a finale that you will not soon forget. Amazingly, tickets are still available as of writing, and make sure you get there in time to catch supporting sets from likeminded local outfit Zoogma and similar Asheville based Push/Pull. [MH]

JIMMY BUFFETT & THE CORAL REEFER BAND w/ HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
@ Bridgestone Arena | 9pm | $54.50-164.50 | All Ages

After Bassnectar moved his annual NYE bash to Birmingham a couple years ago, it’s given other arena-sized artist an opportunity to set up shop at Bridgestone for the holiday, and this year boasts none other than laid back folk rock icon Jimmy Buffet and his Coral Reefer Band. While we usually associate Buffet’s breezy sound and island vibe with warmer months, he’s sure to entertain with his countless classics. Even better? Famed pop rockers Huey Lewis and the News are kicking things off, which alone should make this a solid contender. [PO]

Q YEARS EVE
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $7-10 | 21+

Typically hosted the third Friday of every month, Queer Dance Party, or QDP, is a long-running and beloved local institution. Their annual Q Years Eve party is always a fun time, and will surely sell out, so if you’re looking to let loose and party with queer and eclectic company, you’d better snag your tickets asap. [PO]

SHOUT! DANCE PARTY
@ The 5 Spot | 8pm | $15-20 | 21+

Jacob Jones and Reno Bo, the DJs responsible for The 5 Spot’s beloved and long running Motown Mondays series, are teaming up with Stolen Spirits and Emergency Drinking Beer to host a very special Shout! Dance Party for NYE. They’ll be spinning their typical fare of ’50s and ’60s soul, rock, motown, swing, and beyond, accompanied by champing, drink specials, a photo booth, and more. [PO]

MY SO-CALLED BAND
@ Cannery Ballroom | 9:30pm (8:30pm doors) | $25-95 | 21+

In a city brimming with skilled musicians, it’s unsurprising that Nashville boasts a ton of great tribute, themed, and cover acts. Few, if any, are as entertaining as My So-Called Band, especially if you’re a Gen-Xer or Millennial with a soft spot of nostalgia for their impressive and meticulously recreated ’90s repertoire. We usually opt not to include cover shows ins our weekend recommendations, but for an occasion like New Year’s Eve, where you want to let loose, knock back some drinks, hang out with friends without feeling obligated to watch every minute of a performance, and soak up and sing along to songs you know every word to, they’re hard to top. This will likely sell out so don’t snooze. [PO]

ROOTS OF A REBELLION w/ COSMIC SHIFT, OF GOOD NATURE
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $20-25 | 18+

Achieving cult following status locally, and expanding their broadening horizons beyond Music City, resident dub reggae rockers Roots of a Rebellion are headlining a very tasty NYE bill at Exit/In. We’ve been following the Tennessee reggae practitioners for years now, and couldn’t be more excited to see their fan base grow and expand as they continue to perfect their always high energy, irie vibed live performances. With help from local funk flavored outfit Cosmic Shift, and Charlotte, NC, based reggae rockers Of Good Nature, it promises to be one of the best NYE bills in the whole city, hosting the most positive and heady vibes around! [JR]

DYNAMO, PING ROSE & THE ANTI-HEROES, COACH & RATE
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 7pm | $50-1,400 | 21+

If you find yourself on Broadway on Sunday night, we would definitely recommend that you consider our pals at Acme Feed & Seed to ring in 2018. Blog faves and funky jazz improv troupe Dynamo will surely be bringing the funk to lower Broad to send off a tumultuous year. They’ll be joined by Ping Rose & The Anti-Heroes who will be bringing soulful renditions of some your favorites to keep your body moving all night long. If you need a break head up to the third floor where Nashville mainstays DJs Coach & Rate will incite a full blown dance party. VIP options, including table reservations are available, for those balling with some extra cash to blow to make your NYE epic. [MH]

SAVOY, KDSML, MIKE ILL, KILO RILEY
@ The Back Corner | 10pm | $175 | 21+

Nashville definitely lacks a strong dance market like other cities its size, but the folks over at The Back Corner have been trying to change that of late. They’ll be hosting a high intensity event with Boulder based producer studs Savoy, local turntable wizard KDSML, Mike Ill, and Kilo Riley. Tickets for this one are not cheap, but if you want to dance like you are in Vegas, this is probably your best option. [MH]

ROSEMARY NYE ft. DJ BLACKCIRCLE & DOLLAR-BIN BOYS
@ Rosemary | 8pm | $20 | 21+

If you are need of a more low key NYE, our pals over at Rosemary are offering up a limited admission event that is designed to make your night memorable, rather than long lines and being packed in like sardines. They will have their patio covered to offer more space to dance, and will be serving pitchers of cocktails at every price to keep you from standing at a crowded bar all night. DJ’s Blackcircle and Dollar-Bin Boys will spinning records, so make sure you bring your dancing shoes to go with the sense of community that will surely be happening. In the honest words of the Rosemary crew, “Do we think it’s gonna be ‘without-a-doubt, THE PERFECT, most amazing, mind-melting NYE Extravaganza that Nashville has ever seen!!?’ Probably not. Do we think it’s gonna be better than what most of us are used to? ‘Most definitely!!'” $20 is a small price to pay for a NYE outing, but don’t sleep on this one too long, as it will surely sell out. [MH]

THE GET DOWN ft. THE WOOTEN BROTHERS
@ Rudy’s Jazz Room | 9pm (Sold Out) & 1am ($10) | 21+

There’s been a lot of buzz around Rudy’s Jazz Room of late, including that late night stop in from Kamasi Washington after his recent Nashville show. They’re bringing in The Wooten Brothers for a sure to be awesome NYE bash, and there were lots of folks excited to hear that, as the tickets are sold out. However, due to popular demand, the venue has released additional tickets for a 1am – 3am dance party. If you’re looking to step away from the usual madness of NYE, this may be a good late night stop for you. [MH]

HQ’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY ft. DJ GREG CORNER
@ Headquarters Beercade | 8pm | $90+ | 21+

While 2017 was mostly a bummer, the opening of Nashville’s first proper barcade, Headquarters, was certainly something to get excited about. The new downtown haunt will be hosting its own NYE party, with a DJ spinning tunes. Aside from retro video games set to free play, a rad way to end the year in our book, admission includes seven drinks, apps, party favors, a midnight toast, and the chance to win a pair of tickets to any concert of your choice in 2018. [PO]

AJ & THE JIGGAWATTS w/ T-HAWK, STUPID HELMET
@ The High Watt | 10pm (9pm doors) | $15-20 | 18+

Funky soul music essentially begs to be danced to, and that’s what AJ & The Jiggawatts are planning to lay down at The High Watt on Sunday. You can hear what we’re talking about with their 2016 single “Party Music” below. Their “Funk, Soul, Silver, and Gold Review” will include the likes of T-Hawk, Stupid Helmet, and surely a handful of special guests. [MH]

Y2K MADNESS
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm (8pm doors) | $20-35 | 21+

While Cannery Ballroom is going full-on ’90s with My-So Called Band, the upstairs Mercy Lounge will be championing the new millennium with early ’00s jams all night at the Y2k Madness party, care of a house band and DJs. [PO]

MARC BROUSSARD
@ City Winery | 7pm (Acoustic) & 11pm (Full) | Sold Out | 18+

Soulful songwriter Marc Broussard is taking over City Winery on NYE with two sets. The early set will be an acoustic affair that will leave fans with a chance to head out to catch the magic hour elsewhere. Those taking in the late show will be graced with a full band electric set that is sure to carry enough firepower to kick 2017 right out the door. If you are planning in partaking in either of these options, hopefully you have your tickets already, because both sets are already sold out. [MH]

STATESBORO REVIVAL ft. ALLEN THOMPSON, JACK SILVERMAN, CONOR KELLY, ANDREW WHITE, & MORE
@ Radio Cafe | 9pm

Local Allman Brothers tribute act Statesboro Revival are taking over east side haunt Radio Cafe on NYE to perform the group’s classic and epic NYE ’73 gig at Cow Palace in San Francisco, which featured Jerry Garcia and Bill Kreutzmann from the Grateful Dead on the encore! Expect special appearances from Allen Thompson, Jack Silverman (Stolen Faces), Conor Kelly (Waker), Andrew White, and more! [PO]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain