The Grand Ole Opry began on WSM radio in 1925 and is the world's longest-running live radio broadcast, widely regarded as the living home of American country music. Each show is famous for its variety format, with legendary veterans, rising newcomers, and superstars taking the same stage in short back-to-back sets. Having marked its 100th anniversary (Opry 100) in 2025, the celebration continues into 2026 with special shows, honors, and a Carnegie Hall performance. Held at the roughly 4,400-seat Opry House east of downtown Nashville, it can be visited both for evening performances and daytime backstage tours.
The famous 6-foot (about 1.8 m) circle of oak set into center stage — cut from the floor of the old Ryman Auditorium so performers stand exactly where legends like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline once did
A genuine live radio show still on the air — you can watch the on-stage broadcast, including the announcers and the short sponsor reads, happen in real time
The Opry's signature multi-artist lineup, letting you catch veteran legends and emerging acts side by side in a single evening
The backstage tour's themed artist dressing rooms and behind-the-scenes hallways, plus the chance to stand on the Opry stage yourself
The Opry 100 centennial atmosphere — exhibits and programming across the 2025-2026 season tracing a full century of country music
Good to know
RulesBuy tickets from the official site (opry.com) or the venue box office. The Opry has no single headliner and the artist lineup is often announced close to showtime, so if you want to see a specific performer, confirm the lineup before booking.
SeasonIn winter (roughly November through January) shows often move from the Opry House to the historic Ryman Auditorium downtown as 'Opry at the Ryman.' Always confirm whether your date is at the Opry House or the Ryman.
CautionThird-party resale and scalper sites carry steep markups and risk of invalid tickets. Don't mistake resellers at the top of search ads for the official channel — verify the opry.com domain.
MannersIt is a live, on-air broadcast, so quiet during performances and adherence to photo rules are expected. Tipping is also standard in the US, so plan on 15-20% at the VIP lounge bar or nearby restaurants.
SafetyThe Opry House sits in the Opryland area about 15 km east of downtown, and Nashville has no subway. After a late show, Uber/Lyft demand surges with higher fares and longer waits, so plan your return transport in advance.
SeasonSummer (June-August) is hot and humid, with a walk in from the Opry Mills mall lot, while the indoor hall can be strongly air-conditioned — a light layer is handy.
Practical info
The address is 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214, about 15 km (a 20-30 minute drive) east of downtown Nashville. There is no subway; use a rental car, Uber/Lyft, or a WeGo city bus, and park at the adjacent Opry Mills mall. The box office typically runs 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (until around 7:30 PM on show days) and daytime backstage tours depart roughly every 15 minutes, but always verify prices, hours, show dates, and lineups at opry.com for the latest information.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
