Hot chicken, honky-tonks, and hot cosplay — Nashville is the unexpected perfect host city for anime fans! MTAC 2026 (Middle Tennessee Anime Convention), also known as MTAC Super, returns to Nashville for its 24th year from April 3–5, 2026. This beloved regional anime convention has built a passionate, devoted fanbase in the heart of Music City. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, this guide helps you make the most of your MTAC weekend! 🎸🌸
🎌 About MTAC 2026
📍 Address: Sheraton Music City Hotel, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
MTAC (Middle Tennessee Anime Convention) is one of the Southeast’s most cherished anime conventions. The 2026 event — MTAC Super — takes place across two connected hotel venues with shuttle service running throughout the weekend. Expect panels, cosplay contests, a dealer room, artist alley, video game rooms, dances, and an incredible community atmosphere.
Official Website: mtac.net
Dates: April 3–5, 2026
Venue: Sheraton Music City Hotel & Embassy Suites Nashville Airport, Nashville, TN
Tickets: Purchase badges at mtac.net — weekend badges and day passes available. Pre-registration saves you money and time at the door!
🏨 Best Hotels for MTAC 2026
MTAC is hosted at two hotels with shuttle service between them, making them the obvious first choice. But Nashville has plenty of great accommodation options across all budgets. Find the best rates on Expedia for your MTAC trip!
🌟 Sheraton Music City Hotel (Convention Venue)
📍 Address: 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
One of MTAC’s official host hotels! Staying here puts you right in the middle of all the action with easy access to panels and events. The Sheraton Music City features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining. Book early as MTAC attendees fill this hotel fast!
🏨 Embassy Suites Nashville Airport (Convention Venue)
📍 Address: 10 Century Blvd, Nashville, TN 37214
The second MTAC host hotel! Embassy Suites offers spacious two-room suites — great for groups of friends attending together. Free made-to-order breakfast is included, which is perfect fuel for a full day of convention activities. Shuttle service connects both venues throughout the weekend.
🎶 Graduate Nashville
📍 Address: 101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
A fun, music-themed boutique hotel near Vanderbilt University. Graduate Nashville has an eclectic, youthful energy that appeals to convention-goers. It’s a bit removed from the airport area but offers a great downtown Nashville experience.
🎸 Omni Nashville Hotel
📍 Address: 250 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
For those who want to combine MTAC with some downtown Nashville exploration, the Omni is directly connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Luxurious rooms with skyline views and multiple dining options. Compare rates at Expedia to find the best deal!
🗺️ Things to Do in Nashville Around MTAC
🎵 Broadway (Lower Broadway)
📍 Address: Lower Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Nashville’s famous honky-tonk strip is a must-experience even for anime fans! Broadway is lined with live music venues, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The music starts early and goes all night — catch live country, rock, and blues performances for free just by walking in. It’s an incredible Nashville experience like no other.
🏆 Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
📍 Address: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Even if country music isn’t your genre, the Country Music Hall of Fame is an impressive museum showcasing American musical history. The building itself is architecturally stunning — shaped like piano keys and bass strings. Exhibits cover the full arc of country music from its roots to modern pop-country crossovers.
🎸 Ryman Auditorium
📍 Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is one of America’s most storied music venues. Take a self-guided tour to see this iconic concert hall up close. If there’s a show on while you’re in town, try to catch it — the acoustics are legendary.
🛒 East Nashville & 12South
Nashville’s hippest neighborhoods are East Nashville and 12South, full of independent boutiques, cafes, murals, and cool restaurants. The 12South neighborhood’s “I Believe in Nashville” mural is one of the city’s most photographed spots — perfect for an Instagram-worthy convention trip photo!
🍗 Food Recommendations in Nashville
Nashville has one of America’s most exciting food scenes — centered around the legendary Nashville Hot Chicken, but with so much more to offer:
- Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack — The original, since 1945. Nashville hot chicken on white bread with pickles — deceptively simple, absolutely legendary.
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken — Multiple locations, shorter wait times, and excellent hot chicken with heat levels from Southern (mild) to Shut the Cluck Up!!
- The Catbird Seat — James Beard Award-winning chef’s restaurant with a unique chef’s counter experience. Book well in advance for a special evening.
- Biscuit Love — Nashville institution for brunch. Their bonuts (biscuit + donut) are life-changing. Expect a wait but worth every minute.
- Rolf and Daughters — Outstanding pasta and Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a converted industrial space in Germantown.
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen — Classic Southern meat-and-three lunch spot. Comfort food at its finest for affordable convention fuel.
✈️ Getting to Nashville for MTAC
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is centrally located and served by most major airlines with direct flights from cities across the US. The MTAC hotel venues (Sheraton Music City and Embassy Suites) are conveniently close to the airport — just 10–15 minutes by rideshare or taxi.
💡 Book your flights and hotel together on Expedia to unlock bundle savings for your MTAC trip! Nashville is very well-connected and flights are often quite affordable.
🎒 MTAC Tips for First-Timers
- Register at mtac.net — Pre-register online to skip badge pickup lines and save on admission.
- Use the shuttle — Free shuttle service runs between both convention hotel venues. Plan your schedule around shuttle times.
- Nashville in April — Weather is mild and pleasant, typically 55–70°F. Light jacket recommended for evenings.
- Cosplay-friendly hotel — Both host hotels are used to MTAC cosplayers. Don’t be shy about your costume in the lobby!
- Bring your appetite — Nashville has incredible food. Make reservations at popular spots before you arrive.
🌸 Final Thoughts
MTAC Super 2026 promises to be another incredible celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture in Nashville. The combination of a passionate fan community, a welcoming atmosphere, and one of America’s most energetic cities makes this convention a uniquely special experience. Nashville + anime = a combo you didn’t know you needed.
Get your badge at mtac.net, find your hotel deal on Expedia, and we’ll see you in Music City! 🎸🌸