(2019 Edition) Tin Pan South is AWESOME. Every time we go, we’re inspired by the legendary writers and the stories behind their songs. The parking situation is, however… not so inspirational. The locals blame it on Nashville’s growth, since 100 people a day moved here last year (according to The Tennessean). With all the extra people, plus the world’s largest songwriter festival, parking can get a little cray-cray. Here are some tips we’ve collected from songwriters and our crew so you can park cheap (or for free) like a starving musician!

Note: The information below is based on information as of 2019. Rates and parking are subject to change.

Hard Rock Cafe

$15 Valet Parking – You can valet at their front entrance on Broadway, but we’ve seen the valet line get pretty long before the show.

$5 Garage Parking – If you’re ok with a little walking, you can park for $5 (a special evening rate that the locals know about) at the Metro Courthouse Garage. It’s a half mile walk down to Hard Rock, so that’s about a 12 minute walk according to our friends at Google Maps. These boots are made for walkin’, right?

FREE – If you’re that person who gets occasionally lucky, you can find street parking down 2nd Avenue across from Joe’s Crab Shack, pictured below. It’s metered parking, but the meter is free after 6 PM, according to Park It Downtown.

The Lounge at City Winery
They have free parking and LOTS of it. Thank you, next! UPDATE 3/27/19: we went there last night and they do NOT have free parking (even though the Tin Pan South website/app says they do). What in the world?! Luckily, we scored free parking at the corner of Ewing Avenue and Fogg Street. If street parking is not your thing, they have $9 valet parking at the front. Also, if you’ve never been to City Winery, DON’T USE THE GPS ADDRESS to get there. It will take you to the weird side side lot by another building, which is no where near the entrance. We suggest you use this address instead: 601 Lafayette St, Nashville, TN.

The Local
There is VERY LIMITED free parking on street. There’s also a pay lot across the street from the venue, but it’s also kind of small. If you want to get creative and save some cash, Centennial Park is just a couple blocks from here with free parking (according to Musician’s Corner). So show up early, take a peaceful stroll in the park, and then end up at The Local to watch songwriters like Natalie Hemby, Josh Kerr, David Cook, or Kevin Kadish play their hits.

The Analog (inside The Hutton Hotel)

Parking is available behind the Hutton for $10. You can also try to snag free metered parking (after 6 PM) on the street, but your chances are slim since this is such a busy commercial area.

The Bluebird Cafe

Technically, there is free parking in the front lot and in the nearby lots, BUT there never seems to be enough spots (ie: people drive around like vulchers looking for magical spots to appear right before showtime), so show up EARLY.  Do NOT park at AT&T. If you’re willing to cross the road and walk, there is street parking on Hillsboro Drive (between Nashville Fine Rugs and the Corner Pub).

The Listening Room Cafe

There is complimentary valet with food purchase. The food is pretty great here, so our friends have always done the free-valet-with-food option, but you’ll need to arrive early as the valet lines can get packed before the show. Our friends have told us that there are also street parking spots down from the venue, but the area is not well-lit at night, so it’s not recommended.

Other Venues

We don’t have any special tips for these venues below, but here’s what NSAI shared about these venues:

Douglas Corner Cafe
Free parking in the lot, on the street, and in back of venue.

Station Inn
Area parking in pay lots.

3rd & Lindsley
Free parking in front of venue and on street.

TRUE Music Room and Bar
Free parking in front of venue and on street.

Please note: We are music producers, NOT professional parkers. This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be seen as legal parking advice. If you rely on any information from this blog, it is at your own risk. If you are unsure about the parking spot you’re about to park in, please consult the posted signs or a nearby police officer before parking.