As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many popular travel destinations like Nashville, Tennessee have implemented vaccination requirements for entry to certain venues or events. With Nashville being a top destination for live music, bachelorette parties, and more, visitors need to know whether they’ll need proof of vaccination to fully experience the city.
Quick Answer
There is currently no city-wide vaccination requirement to visit Nashville. However, many individual venues, restaurants, and other businesses may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry. It’s a good idea to check the specific COVID-19 policies of places you plan to visit in Nashville before traveling there.
Nashville COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions
Here are some key things to know about Nashville’s current COVID-19 rules and restrictions:
- There is no proof of vaccination or negative test result required to enter the city of Nashville or the state of Tennessee.
- However, individual businesses and venues in Nashville may implement their own vaccination or testing requirements for entry.
- This includes popular spots like the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, restaurants, bars, music venues, etc.
- Nashville has a mask mandate requiring face masks to be worn in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
- The transportation mask mandate requiring masks on public transportation like buses, trains, and taxis is still in effect in Nashville.
Because requirements can vary from place to place, it’s important to check the website or call ahead to venues you plan on visiting to see what their latest COVID-19 precautions are.
Venues and Events Requiring Vaccination or Negative Test
Here are some of the major Nashville venues, events, and tourism sites that are currently requiring proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry:
Performance Venues
- Ryman Auditorium – requires proof of vaccination or negative PCR test within 72 hours
- Bridgestone Arena – requires proof of vaccination or negative antigen test within 6 hours
- Ascend Amphitheater – requires proof of vaccination or negative test
Bars and Restaurants
- Acme Feed & Seed
- The Valentine
- Bedford
- Sanctuary Music & Events Center
- Tribe
- The Stage on Broadway
And many others. Call ahead for latest COVID-19 entry requirements.
Major Events
- CMA Fest – proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required
- Live on the Green music festival – proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required
Attractions
- Country Music Hall of Fame – requires masks for ages 2+ regardless of vaccination status
Full Vaccination Requirements in Nashville
While there is no city-wide vaccination mandate to enter Nashville, some venues are restricting entry to only fully vaccinated guests, including:
- FirstBank Amphitheater
- Range 205
- The Ainsworth
- Winners Bar & Grill
- The Local
- Rudy’s Jazz Room
Patrons ages 12 and up at these venues need to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry. Make sure you check ahead of time so you know what to expect.
Types of Proof of Vaccination Accepted
For venues requiring proof of vaccination, here are some forms of documentation that should be accepted:
- CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (or photo of the card)
- Printout from your state immunization registry listing your vaccinations
- Digital vaccine record such as New York State Excelsior Pass
- Digital vaccine card apps like VaxYes and Clear
Some venues may accept a digital photo of your vaccine card, but having the physical card is recommended. Make sure your final vaccination dose was at least 14 days before the event you plan to attend.
Who Needs Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test in Nashville?
Many Nashville venues are restricting entry to patrons ages 12 and older. For example, the Ryman Auditorium requires all attendees ages 12+ to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours. Kids under 12 may enter without proof as long as they wear a face mask.
Some venues require vaccination or testing for all ages eligible for vaccination, which would include kids 5-11. Be sure to check age requirements before visiting.
Mask Requirements in Nashville
In addition to some vaccination requirements, Nashville does still have city-wide mask mandates in place:
- Masks are required in all indoor public spaces in Nashville-Davidson County
- This includes venues, restaurants, bars, gyms, stores, public transportation, etc.
- Masks are required for everyone ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status
- Outdoors masks are only strongly recommended if you cannot maintain social distancing
Also keep in mind that many businesses and venues may impose stricter mask policies beyond the county requirements. For example, the Country Music Hall of Fame currently requires masks for all visitors age 2+, even if fully vaccinated.
Nashville COVID-19 Rules for Large Events
In addition to vaccination and mask requirements at some Nashville venues, there are also capacity restrictions in place:
- Large indoor event venues are currently limited to 125 people without Metro Health Department approval
- Outdoor events are limited to 500 people by default but can request approval to expand capacity
- Approved events may allow 1 person per 30 square feet up to a maximum of 500 people indoors and 5,000 people outdoors
So while you may be able to attend concerts or festivals in Nashville, capacity may be reduced compared to pre-pandemic times.
Key Exceptions to Vaccination Requirements
While many Nashville businesses require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, there are exceptions for certain activities, including:
- Airports – masks required, but no vaccination/testing required
- Public transportation like buses, taxis, rideshares – masks required, but no vaccination proof required
- Grocery stores, retail stores, pharmacies – no vaccination requirements and most don’t require masks
- Outdoor activities like parks, walking tours – no vaccination requirements or masks
You can access essential services and participate in plenty of outdoor activities in Nashville without needing to show proof of vaccination.
How to Get Vaccinated Before Your Nashville Trip
If you’re planning a Nashville trip and want to ensure easy entry to concerts, restaurants, and attractions, get vaccinated as far in advance as possible. Here are some tips:
- Get a 2-dose mRNA vaccine like Pfizer or Moderna, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine
- Schedule your doses and boosters early so you’re fully vaccinated before your trip
- The CDC recommends getting boosted at least 5 months after finishing your initial series
- Bring your physical CDC vaccine card or a digital record as proof
Both U.S. residents and international travelers can get vaccinated before a Nashville trip. Build in time to be fully vaccinated and boosted based on CDC guidelines before your travel dates.
Getting a COVID-19 Test for Nashville
If you are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, you may need a negative COVID-19 test to enter Nashville venues. Here are some tips:
- Research testing requirements – PCR or antigen test accepted?
- Check the timing – some places require a test within 72 hours, others within 6 hours
- Find a testing site along your drive or flight to Nashville or near your hotel
- Schedule a test appointment in advance for quicker results
- Bring printed or digital proof of negative result
Having a backup negative COVID test can help you access more entertainment options if you are not vaccinated. But do keep in mind testing availability can vary.
COVID-19 Precautions for High-Risk Travelers
If you or those traveling with you are at high-risk for severe COVID-19, extra precautions are recommended in Nashville:
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces where vaccination status may be unknown
- Stick to outdoor activities or visit attractions at off-peak times
- Wear a high-quality N95, KN95, or KF94 mask when indoors around others
- Consider getting travel medical insurance with COVID coverage
- Have a plan if you test positive or become ill during your trip
While there are no vaccine or testing requirements to enter Nashville itself, taking individual safety measures can help protect high-risk travelers.
Tips for Families Traveling to Nashville
If you’re visiting Nashville with children who cannot be vaccinated yet, there are ways to enjoy the city safely:
- Outdoor activities like parks, gardens, walking tours pose lower risk
- Look for family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating options
- See if kids’ activities like museums have designated times for families
- Follow mask policies – have kids ages 2+ wear masks indoors
- Check if family accommodations like Airbnbs are available
While kids can’t be turned away from essential businesses, check venue policies before visiting attractions to ensure your whole family can enter.
Follow Nashville COVID-19 News
Since local COVID-19 restrictions can change quickly, stay up-to-date by:
- Checking the websites of the specific venues you plan to visit
- Following Nashville tourism boards and music venues on social media
- Keeping an eye on Metro Public Health Department policies
- Signing up for COVID-19 updates from the city of Nashville
Staying informed on the latest protocols will ensure you have a smooth and safe visit to Nashville.
Have Backup Plans Ready
With COVID-19 conditions constantly shifting, it helps to be flexible and have backup plans for your Nashville trip. For example:
- Look into refundable hotels, flights, and activities in case plans need to change
- Research outdoor attractions and restaurants for backup options
- Consider rescheduling high-risk members of your party if cases spike
- Save confirmation emails to easily access vaccine/testing requirements
Having contingencies ready provides peace of mind if COVID-19 disruptions occur before or during your travels.
Conclusion
While Nashville does not currently require city-wide proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing to visit, many major venues and events impose restrictions. Check policies at specific locations you plan to go before traveling. Get vaccinated and have backup mask and testing plans in place in case requirements change. Stay up-to-date on Nashville COVID-19 news so you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.