Music City Walk of Fame: Nashville's stars, set in stone
The Music City Walk of Fame honors the artists and music industry figures who have shaped Nashville’s musical story. Sometimes called the Nashville Walk of Fame, it launched in 2006 as a row of star-shaped granite medallions set into the sidewalk of Walk of Fame Park. The honorees span every genre, a reminder that Music City has always been about more than one sound.
Who you’ll find on the walk
Country music legends are well represented. You’ll find stars for Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, inducted alongside songwriter John Prine in 2022. Other honorees show how wide Nashville’s musical reach has always been. Rock star Kid Rock has a star. So does Jack White, who was inducted together with his longtime collaborator Loretta Lynn. Tootsie Bess, the beloved owner of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Broadway, is honored too, proof that the Walk of Fame recognizes the people behind the music as well as the performers.
Walk of Fame Park
Walk of Fame Park is small enough to see in 20 minutes and pleasant enough to linger longer. A renovation gave the park new landscaping and refreshed the markers in sleek black granite. Shaded benches and open lawns make it a good place to pause between museums. Bring your phone; finding your favorite artist’s star is half the fun.
Induction ceremonies
New stars are added at induction ceremonies held right in the park. They’re free and open to the public, and fans often get to see the inductees or their families accept the honor in person. Many recent ceremonies have taken place in October, so check the Music City Walk of Fame calendar if your trip falls in the fall. September and October are also two of the most pleasant months to explore downtown on foot.
Finding the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville
The Music City Walk of Fame sits on Demonbreun Street between 4th and 5th Avenue South. It’s directly across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and a short walk from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the Music City Center and Bridgestone Arena. The park also sits on Nashville’s Music Mile, a roughly one-mile stretch that links downtown with Music Row.
From Noelle, it’s about a 0.4-mile walk south. Cross Broadway and head into the SoBro (South of Broadway) neighborhood, then follow 4th Avenue South to Demonbreun.
Make it part of a music history morning
The Music City Walk of Fame is free and open year-round, which makes it an easy add-on. Start here, cross the street to the Country Music Hall of Fame, then head up to Broadway for lunch and live music. It’s one of the best low-key ways to soak up Music City between bigger plans.