Open Mic Mondays at Tennessee Brew Works
Every Monday evening, Tennessee Brew Works transforms from an award-winning craft brewery into one of Nashville's most accessible and welcoming open mic venues. Unlike the competitive intensity of some Music City songwriter showcases, this open mic celebrates the joy of performance in a relaxed, brewery atmosphere where craft beer and original music flow equally.
The Vibe: Tennessee Brew Works opened in 2013 as Nashville's first production brewery, located in the SoBro (South of Broadway) neighborhood. The venue occupies a renovated warehouse with exposed brick, industrial design, and an open brewery floor where massive fermentation tanks provide the backdrop for performances.
The downstairs performance area creates an intimate but unpretentious atmosphere. There's no velvet rope, no audition process, no lottery system—just first-come, first-served signups starting at 5:30 PM. The crowd includes brewery regulars enjoying Monday night pitcher specials ($5 off craft beer pitchers during open mic hours), tourists exploring Nashville beyond Broadway, and local music lovers supporting the songwriting community.
This is explicitly a singer-songwriter open mic, focused on original material. The venue proudly bills itself as an "Official Nashville Live Music Venue" with live music at least six days a week, making Monday nights part of a broader commitment to supporting local musicians.
Performances: Signups begin at 5:30 PM with performances running from 6:00-8:00 PM. The format is straightforward—each performer gets a slot to showcase their original songs. The venue provides PA system and microphones, but musicians bring their own instruments.
The relaxed two-hour window keeps energy high without the marathon sessions that plague some open mics. Performers and audience members alike appreciate the tight schedule—everyone gets stage time, and the event wraps at a reasonable hour.
What distinguishes Tennessee Brew Works is the integration of food, drink, and music. The venue serves a beer-centric menu until late evening, with happy hour from 3-6 PM featuring $6.99-$8.99 bites. The brewery specializes in craft beers incorporating Tennessee ingredients, with styles ranging from classic lagers to experimental ales.
All ages are welcome (though alcohol service follows legal requirements), making this a family-friendly option rare among Nashville music venues. Parents can bring kids to experience live music, beer enthusiasts can sample the latest experimental brews, and songwriters can perform for an audience that's genuinely engaged but not intimidatingly critical.
There's no cover charge for performers or listeners, making this one of Nashville's most accessible weekly music events. The venue's location just south of downtown provides easy access from multiple neighborhoods while avoiding the tourist crush of Lower Broadway.
For songwriters new to Nashville, Tennessee Brew Works offers an ideal introduction to the city's music scene—professional enough to take seriously, casual enough to not feel overwhelming, and supportive enough that even nervous first-timers feel welcomed. For established local songwriters, it provides a testing ground for new material and a Monday night hangout with fellow musicians over excellent beer.
The combination of award-winning craft beer, quality sound system, welcoming atmosphere, and genuine appreciation for original songwriting makes Open Mic Mondays at Tennessee Brew Works a cornerstone of Nashville's grassroots music community.