I've planned entire vacations around a single concert before. I'm not ashamed. Music is one of those things that's exponentially better live — the energy, the crowd, the moment when the bassist hits that note and your whole body vibrates. You can't get that from Spotify.
So if you're like me and your ideal vacation involves live music every night, I've found resort deals in the cities where the music scene is absolutley unreal. We're talking free shows, legendary venues, and enough variety to keep your ears happy for days. Check our latest vacation deals in these music-loving cities.
1. Nashville, Tennessee — Music City (It's Literally the Nickname)
Nashville's Lower Broadway has free live music in every honky-tonk from 10 AM until 3 AM. I'm not exaggerating — you can literally walk down the street and hear world-class musicians playing country, rock, blues, and everything in between, all for the price of a beer. The quality of musicians playing for tips on Broadway is honestly insane.
Beyond Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium (the "Mother Church of Country Music"), the Bluebird Cafe (where Taylor Swift was discovered), and the Grand Ole Opry are bucket-list music venues. Wyndham Nashville resort deals start at $99/night.
2. Austin, Texas — Live Music Capital of the World
Austin has more live music venues per capita than any city in America. Sixth Street is the main drag with dozens of bars featuring live acts every night, but the real magic is on the east side — places like the Continental Club, Mohawk, and Stubb's BBQ host incredible acts in intimate settings.
If you can time your visit for SXSW (March) or Austin City Limits (October), the entire city becomes one massive music festival. Resort deals at Marriott and Wyndham properties start at $89/night outside of festival weeks.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana — Where Music Never Stops
Frenchmen Street is the live music epicenter of New Orleans, with venues like the Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and the Maison hosting incredible jazz, funk, brass band, and blues acts nightly. Most have no cover charge — just walk in and be amazed. Bourbon Street is more touristy but still delivers non-stop music.
Wyndham and Marriott properties in the French Quarter and Garden District offer vacation deals from $99/night. The Preservation Hall jazz shows ($25) are a must, and catching a second line parade on a random Sunday is pure magic. Browse our destination deals for NOLA packages.
4. Memphis, Tennessee — The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll
Beale Street in Memphis is where blues music evolved into rock 'n' roll. Sun Studio (where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded) offers tours for $15. Graceland is the second most-visited private home in America after the White House. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music will give you chills.
Resort deals in Memphis start around $79/night, making it one of the most affordable music city vacations. The live music on Beale Street is free to walk and listen, and the barbecue alone is worth the trip.
5. Chicago, Illinois — Blues, Jazz, and Everything Else
Chicago's music scene is deep and diverse. Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy's Legends keep the blues tradition alive on the North Side. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge (a former Al Capone hangout) has live jazz every night. Millennium Park hosts free summer concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra — classy and free is a rare combination.
Marriott properties in downtown Chicago offer vacation deals from $129/night. The Chicago music scene is year-round, though summer brings the outdoor festival season including Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival.
6. Savannah, Georgia — Music and Moss
Savannah's music scene is underrated. River Street and City Market host live bands nightly, and the open-container laws mean you can walk between venues drink-in-hand. The Savannah Music Festival (spring) brings world-class acts across every genre. The vibe is laid-back in a way that Nashville and Austin can't match anymore.
Marriott properties in Savannah's historic district offer deals from $119/night. The city is small enough that everything is walkable, so you don't need a designated driver to venue-hop.
| Music City | Resort Price | Best Genre | Free Music? | Must-Visit Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | From $99/night | Country / Americana | Yes (Broadway) | Ryman Auditorium |
| Austin, TX | From $89/night | Indie / Rock / Blues | Yes (6th Street) | Continental Club |
| New Orleans, LA | From $99/night | Jazz / Funk / Brass | Yes (Frenchmen St) | Preservation Hall |
| Memphis, TN | From $79/night | Blues / Rock / Soul | Yes (Beale Street) | Sun Studio |
| Chicago, IL | From $129/night | Blues / Jazz | Yes (Millennium Park) | Kingston Mines |
| Savannah, GA | From $119/night | Southern rock / Blues | Yes (River Street) | City Market venues |
Every one of these cities delivers live music experiences you simply can't get anywhere else. The best part? Most of the live music is free — your biggest expense is the vacation deal itself. Visit our brand resort pages for specific hotel deals in each city. Now go hear something live.