Ryman's Spring Shows: Nashville Concerts & Events You Can't Miss
BY DEANNA KENT
Spring at the Ryman brings some of the best things to do in Nashville, with unforgettable nights of live music and comedy filling the historic stage. From soul legends and rock icons to boundary-pushing singer-songwriters and world-class comedians, the season delivers some of the most exciting shows to music’s most iconic stage.
April 8: BRELAND & Friends
Country’s boundary-breaking star BRELAND brings his annual benefit for Oasis Center to the Ryman on April 8, along with special guests Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Pink Sweat$, Durand Bernarr, Kaitlin Butts, and Walker Hayes. Boasting more than 1.1 billion career streams and a sound that blends country, pop, hip-hop, soul, and gospel, BRELAND represents where the genre is headed.
Following the success of Cross Country: The Extra Mile and an ACM Lift Every Voice Award, there's no doubt BRELAND will turn this night into one of the most electric Nashville concerts this spring.
April 9–19: Nashville Comedy Festival
The Nashville Comedy Festival takes over the Ryman with a powerhouse lineup that includes the iconic Kevin James (The King of Queens), Saturday Night Live legend David Spade, Impractical Jokers co-creator Sal Vulcano, and the unstoppable Heather McMahan.
From April 9 through 19, a stacked lineup of comedians brings several unforgettable nights of laughter to the Ryman stage.
May 1: Ani DiFranco
GRAMMY winner and feminist icon Ani DiFranco brings her unmistakable voice to the Ryman on May 1. Founder of Righteous Babe Records and a pioneer of the DIY music movement, DiFranco has spent decades blending punk, folk, jazz, soul, and hip hop into a sound entirely her own.
Few artists command a stage quite like Ani DiFranco—and the Ryman is the perfect place to experience it.
May 5: Courtney Barnett
Critically acclaimed songwriter and guitar virtuoso Courtney Barnett returns to Nashville with Creature of Habit, her fourth studio album. Since her GRAMMY-nominated debut in 2015, Barnett has become one of modern rock’s sharpest lyricists, turning everyday observations into unforgettable songs.
Catch Courtney Barnett live at the Ryman on May 5 for a night of outstanding songwriting and unforgettable performances.
May 6: A Night with David Lee Roth
Rock ‘n roll royalty hits the Ryman with a performance by none other than David Lee Roth. As the iconic frontman of Van Halen, Roth delivered era-defining hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
With Van Halen selling tens of millions of records worldwide, “Diamond Dave” remains one of rock’s most electrifying performers and you can see him live at the Ryman on May 6.
May 8: Amy Grant
Six-time GRAMMY winner Amy Grant celebrates the album release of the upcoming The Me That Remains at the Ryman on May 8. Across four decades, 30 million albums sold, and more than a billion streams, Grant helped bridge contemporary Christian music and mainstream pop.
Few artists share a deeper history with the Ryman stage, and Amy Grant’s return to the Mother Church always feels like coming home.
May 10: Ari Lennox
Washington, D.C. R&B standout Ari Lennox brings her Soft Girl Era to the Ryman stage. After breaking through with the platinum-certified Shea Butter Baby and the hit “Pressure,” Lennox continues to shape modern R&B with her acclaimed album age/sex/location.
Don’t miss one of the season’s standout nights of live music in Nashville when Ari Lennox takes the Ryman stage on May 10.
May 13: Herbie Hancock
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock brings more than five decades of musical innovation to the Ryman stage. From his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis to his genre-blurring explorations across jazz, funk, and electronic music, Hancock continues to redefine the boundaries of jazz music.
Seeing Herbie Hancock live is a true bucket-list moment, and it happens at the Ryman on May 13.
May 15–16: Drew & Ellie Holcomb
Nashville favorites Drew and Ellie Holcomb return to the Ryman on May 15 & 16 with their Never Going To Let You Go Tour, continuing what has become a beloved annual tradition at the Mother Church. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors scored a No. 1 Americana hit with “Find Your People,” while Ellie Holcomb has earned Dove Awards and radio success as a solo artist.
Together, they deliver one of the warmest nights of live music in Nashville this spring, right here at the Ryman.
May 31: Steve Earle
Americana legend Steve Earle returns to the Ryman for a long-awaited homecoming on May 31. Known for his gritty storytelling and genre-crossing sound, Earle broke through with the No. 1 album Guitar Town and the enduring anthem “Copperhead Road,” named a Tennessee state song in 2023.
Add the experience of Steve Earle live at the Ryman to your list of things to do in Nashville this spring!
Looking for Things to Do in Nashville This Weekend?
If you’re searching for things to do in Nashville this weekend, the Ryman offers some of the city’s most unforgettable live experiences. From legendary artists to rising stars and major comedy tours, the historic stage hosts Nashville concerts and events year-round.
Check the full Ryman calendar to see what’s happening tonight, this weekend, or later this spring.
FAQ: Visiting the Ryman This Spring
What are the best things to do in Nashville this spring?
Seeing a show at Ryman Auditorium is consistently ranked among the top things to do in Nashville, with concerts, comedy shows, and special performances throughout the season.
What concerts are happening in Nashville this spring?
The Ryman hosts standout Nashville concerts this season from BRELAND, Courtney Barnett, Ari Lennox, Herbie Hancock, Amy Grant, Steve Earle, and more.
What events are happening in Nashville in April and May?
Spring at the Ryman includes major events in April and May, including concerts, special tours, and Nashville Comedy Festival.
Where can I see live music in Nashville?
Ryman Auditorium is one of the most iconic places for live music in Nashville, known worldwide as the “Mother Church of Country Music.”