If you love country music, there are few better places to welcome the New Year than Nashville, Tennessee. Known as Music City, Nashville is preparing to ring in 2027 with Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, a spectacular free outdoor concert featuring country music stars, live performances and the city's famous midnight Music Note Drop.
Taking place on Thursday 31 December 2026, this year's headline acts include Little Big Town, The Red Clay Strays and HARDY. With admission to the main event completely free, it is an exciting opportunity to experience one of America's best-known New Year's Eve celebrations.
Whether you're thinking of visiting Nashville for New Year or planning a wider American music holiday, here's what you need to know about the event and how to make the most of your trip.
Who Is Performing at Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Concert?
The headline line-up for Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash has been announced, bringing together three popular acts with their own distinctive sounds.
Little Big Town
Country music favourites Little Big Town are renowned for their distinctive harmonies and a catalogue of popular hits spanning more than two decades. Songs including Pontoon, Girl Crush and Boondocks have helped establish the group as one of country music's most recognisable names.
Their performance promises to bring plenty of familiar favourites to Nashville's New Year's Eve stage.
The Red Clay Strays
For fans who enjoy country music with a little Southern soul and rock 'n' roll, The Red Clay Strays are a name to watch. The Alabama band has built a following through its energetic performances and blend of country, rock and Southern soul.
Their appearance adds a different sound to this year's headline line-up.
HARDY
Singer-songwriter HARDY brings a more rock-influenced edge to modern country music. Known for combining country storytelling with powerful rock sounds, he has established himself as both a performer and a successful songwriter.
With these three acts leading the celebrations, this year's concert offers a great mix of country harmonies, Southern roots and country-rock energy.
More performers and entertainment are expected to be announced, so check the official event website for the latest line-up updates as New Year's Eve approaches.
Is Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Concert Free?
Yes! Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is free and open to the public.
The main concert takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville, with gates scheduled to open at 5:30 pm. The event brings together thousands of music fans for an evening of live entertainment leading up to the midnight celebrations.
The free main event is a major attraction for visitors, offering the chance to enjoy headline country music performances without paying for general admission.
There may also be separately ticketed hospitality and viewing experiences available for those looking for additional facilities, so check the official event website if you're interested in these options.
Official event information: Visit Music City's Nashville's Big Bash guide.
What Happens at Midnight in Nashville?
One of the highlights of Nashville's celebrations is the famous Music Note Drop, the city's answer to the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop in New York's Times Square.
As midnight approaches, the crowds gather for the countdown to Music City Midnight. The giant red musical note descends from its tower as the city welcomes the New Year, accompanied by fireworks and a spectacular atmosphere.
It's a fitting celebration for a city whose identity is so closely connected to music.
With live performances throughout the evening and thousands of people joining the festivities, Nashville offers a memorable way to see in 2027.
The precise running order and additional arrangements for the 2026 event may be announced closer to the date, so it's worth checking the official website before travelling.
What Else Can You Do in Nashville?
The New Year's Eve concert is a fantastic reason to visit, but Nashville has plenty more to offer music lovers. Allow some time before the celebrations to discover the city and its musical heritage.
Explore Broadway's Live Music Scene
Downtown Nashville's Lower Broadway is famous for its lively honky-tonks, neon signs and live music venues. Many bars feature musicians performing throughout the day and into the evening, making it easy to experience the city's music scene while exploring on foot.
You can enjoy everything from traditional country and bluegrass to Southern rock and modern country hits.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum explores the history of country music through recordings, instruments, memorabilia and exhibitions celebrating its biggest artists.
It's an excellent introduction to the genre and a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting Nashville for its musical heritage.
Step Inside RCA Studio B
Music fans can discover more about Nashville's recording history with a visit to RCA Studio B, one of the city's most famous recording studios. The studio played an important role in the development of the Nashville Sound and is associated with artists including Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton.
A guided visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the recording sessions that helped shape American popular music.
Take a Trip to the Jack Daniel's Distillery
For an excursion beyond the city, consider a visit to the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Distillery tours offer an insight into the whiskey-making process and the heritage of this famous Tennessee brand.
As the distillery is outside Nashville, remember to allow time for the journey and check tour availability before travelling.
Planning a Nashville New Year’s Eve Holiday
If you're travelling from the UK, New Year's Eve can be an ideal starting point for a wider American holiday.
Nashville's Big Bash takes place on 31 December, so you may want to arrive a few days beforehand to explore the city, enjoy its live music venues and visit some of its best-known attractions before the celebrations.
Winter weather in Tennessee can be cold, so pack warm layers for an outdoor event and check the latest travel and event guidance before departure.
It's also worth planning your accommodation and flights well in advance, particularly if you want to combine the concert with other popular American destinations over the festive period.
Option 1: Celebrate New Year in Nashville and New York City
For a special New Year getaway, our New Year, New York & Nashville holiday combines four nights in Nashville with three nights in New York City.
The seven-night trip includes flights from London Heathrow, a stay at Tempo by Hilton Nashville Midtown and accommodation at The Row Hotel New York City, with a flight between the two destinations.
Enjoy Nashville's free New Year's Eve concert before heading to New York to explore Times Square, Broadway, the Empire State Building and the city's famous winter attractions.
It's a great option for travellers who want to combine country music celebrations with the excitement of one of the world's most iconic cities.
Discover our New Year, New York & Nashville holiday.
Option 2: Discover Nashville and New York at Another Time of Year
Can't travel over New Year? Nashville is well worth visiting throughout the year, whether you're interested in live country music, historic recording studios, Southern food or the city's famous entertainment districts.
You can also combine Nashville with New York City for a multi-centre American break, enjoying two very different destinations in one holiday.
Explore our Nashville and New York holidays.
Option 3: Follow the Music Through the American Deep South
If you'd prefer to explore more of America's musical heritage, our popular Deep South Music Tour takes you through three legendary music cities: New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville.
This nine-night adventure brings together the sounds and stories of the American South, from New Orleans' jazz and blues traditions to Memphis' rock 'n' roll heritage and Nashville's country music scene.
Discover the places, musical influences and cultural traditions that helped shape American music, with the opportunity to experience each city's distinctive atmosphere along the way.
It's an excellent choice for travellers who want to go beyond Nashville and discover more of the musical history that makes the Deep South so special.
Discover our Deep South Music Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Nashville's New Year's Eve concert in 2026?
Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash takes place on Thursday 31 December 2026, welcoming in 2027.
Who is headlining Nashville's Big Bash in 2026?
The confirmed headline acts are Little Big Town, The Red Clay Strays and HARDY. Additional performers and entertainment are expected to be announced.
How much does it cost to attend Nashville's New Year's Eve concert?
Admission to the main outdoor concert at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is completely free. Separate hospitality or premium viewing experiences may have their own charges.
Where does Nashville's New Year's Eve concert take place?
The event takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
What time do the gates open?
The announced gate-opening time is 5:30 pm. Check the official event website for the latest schedule and any updates to arrangements.
Is Nashville worth visiting outside New Year's Eve?
Absolutely. Nashville is a popular destination for live music, country music attractions, recording-studio tours, Southern food and its lively downtown entertainment scene. It can also be combined with other American cities or a wider Deep South itinerary.
Start Planning Your American Music Holiday
From a free country music concert in Nashville to the blues heritage of Memphis and the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, the American South offers an unforgettable journey for music lovers.
Whether you'd like to welcome 2027 at Nashville's Big Bash, combine Nashville with a few days in New York City or explore three iconic music cities on our Deep South Music Tour, THG Holidays can help you plan your American adventure.
Explore our USA holidays and find your next musical escape .