Now I ain’t saying they’re a gold digger, but every date wants to be shown a good time. However, when you’re broke in Music City, a good time often means the dollar menu at McDonald’s. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Nashville has a variety of budget friendly venues and events that will allow you to woo your boo while leaving you with enough money for the week’s groceries. Here are some great places to take your date this fall in Music City:
Love Circle
Everyone knows sunsets and sunrises are classically romantic. Grab some food to-go and a blanket then head over to Love Circle just off of West End. You can picnic while you watch the sun set over Nashville’s beautiful skyline. There might be a few lip-locking high schoolers, but play a little music and they’ll fade to the background as you and your date dance above the city.
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Does your date have beauty and brains? If so, the Frist Center is the place to go. The Frist features local, national, and international art and rotates their art ever 6-8 weeks. No matter when you go, you’ll see something unique that’ll give you a different take on your city and different areas around the world. The Frist is free for students every Thursday and Friday from 5 to 9 pm, and the Frist Café is open until 9 as well. Walk around the museum for a while, then grab some coffee and talk about your favorite pieces.
Percy Warner Park and Radnor Lake
Both leaves and temperatures are starting to drop; fall is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to spend some time with nature. Get to know your date a little better in these public parks while getting some exercise at the same time. Percy Warner has wonderful hiking that will really work those legs, and Radnor has a beautiful lakeside trail. Radnor also has plenty of benches if you want to just sit and deer watch.
The Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree
This is the second longest running radio show in history, and you can be a part of it! Head over to the Texas Troubadour Theatre to listen to the talk show and live performance while being part of the live audience. Admission is free for the show, which starts recording at 10 pm and is aired at midnight. This unique date is one your bae is not likely to forget.
Musician’s Corner
Musician’s Corner is back from September 5 until October 31. It’s every Saturday in Centennial Park from 12 to 5 pm and features good music, local food trucks, and artisans. Enjoy what Nashville has to offer while listening to different artists. The best part? It’s free. Buy your date something from The Grilled Cheeserie or other local food trucks, or pack a picnic to enjoy while you’re entertained.
University Music
Nashville is home to music-business school Belmont University. Because they are so invested in music as a university, they host a number of open concerts, symphonies, and events. This leaves enough in the budget for dinner and a show, so take your date some place nice then head over to the university. However, if you don’t feel hipster enough for Belmont’s campus, keep in mind that Nashville is also home to Vanderbilt and Lipscomb, and both have notable music departments that host open events as well. Each school will have their music department's schedule online.
Nashville Symphony
The Nashville Symphony can get pretty pricy at times, but once a year they have their Annual Free Music Day. This gives everyone an opportunity to dress up (or not) and listen to beautifully crafted music at the stunning Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This year’s free day is October 12, so mark your calendar and prepare for a classy night.
