First Time at the Grand Ole Opry? Start Here
Get TicketsThere’s nothing quite like your first night at the Grand Ole Opry. Since 1925, the show that made country music famous has brought today’s stars, rising newcomers, and country legends together on one stage. Whether you’re planning a Nashville trip or already have tickets in hand, here’s everything you need to know before your first visit.
What Is the Grand Ole Opry?
The Grand Ole Opry is a live country music show and the world’s longest-running live radio broadcast. It first aired on WSM Radio on November 28, 1925, and has called the Opry House home since 1974. Before that, the Opry spent more than 30 years at Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville.
When the show moved, a six-foot circle of wood was cut from the Ryman stage and set into the center of the Opry House stage. It still bears the scuffs and marks of decades of performers who’ve stood there. Being invited to become an Opry member is country music’s most prestigious honor.
What to Expect at an Opry Show
An Opry show isn’t a typical concert. Instead of one headliner, every show features a lineup of eight or more artists, from country superstars and award-winning musicians to legendary songwriters and rising stars, each taking their turn in the circle. The lineup is always changing, so no two shows are ever the same.
- Show length: Every show runs around two hours, with a 15-minute intermission.
- It’s live: The Opry is broadcast live on WSM Radio and shared with fans around the world, so you’re part of the show from your seat.
- Seating: The Opry House has cushioned pew seating, like in many churches, and great views from every angle. See the seating charts.
- Lineups: Each show’s page is updated as artists are announced. Have a date in mind? Sign up for alerts on that show’s page to hear when artists are added.
Choosing Your Show
Opry shows run most nights of the week at the Opry House and usually start at 7 PM, with a second, later show on select nights. Throughout the year, you’ll also find special shows like Opry Country Classics, where today’s artists join country legends on timeless favorites, and Opry Country Christmas during the holiday season. Select Opry shows also take place downtown at Ryman Auditorium.
See the full calendar to find a date and see who’s on the lineup.
Explore Show Options
Grand Ole Opry: Opry 100
Celebrate Opry 100 at every show with superstars, newcomers and legends! You’re invited to the show that made country music famous as we highlight country music’s past, present and future — 100 years and we’re just getting started.
Opry Country Christmas
The merriest show in Music City is back for another festive year! Step into the Opry’s winter wonderland as your favorite stars bring holiday hits to life on our world-famous stage.
Opry 100 Honors
See today’s stars pay tribute to the trailblazing Opry legends who paved the way. Each show spotlights an iconic artist or duo, with featured performers bringing their greatest hits to life on our world-famous stage.
Opry Country Classics
Sing along to the classic songs that made you fall in love with country music. Contemporary artists join country legends in performing timeless favorites by the likes of Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and more.
Show, Tour, or Both?
Want even more of the Opry, or visiting during the day? Opry Backstage Tours take you behind the scenes of the Opry House, where you can walk the halls, explore the dressing rooms, and stand on the legendary stage (stage access is subject to availability).
Short on time? Read Can You Visit the Opry Without Seeing a Show?
Daytime Tour (50 minutes)
See the Opry from the artists’ side.
Post-Show Tour (60 minutes)
Step backstage right after the final bows. Requires a show ticket, so it’s an easy way to do both in one night.
VIP Tour (90 minutes)
Explore deeper behind the scenes with a small group of about six, including VIP-only spaces and rare archival footage.
Women of Country Tour (45 minutes)
Celebrate the legendary women who shaped country music, with a complimentary mimosa and a photo op in a themed dressing room.
Getting to the Opry
The Opry House is at 600 Opry Mills Drive, about 10 miles from downtown Nashville. It sits next to Opry Mills and about a 10-minute walk from Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Get directions and the parking map on the Directions, Parking & Transportation page.
Parking
Pre-purchase Opry House parking for evening shows, available starting at 5 PM. As you enter the Opry Mills area, follow the Opry House Paid Parking signs.
Rideshare
Lyft is the official rideshare partner of the Grand Ole Opry.
Know Before You Go
Arrive early
Every guest goes through security screening with a metal detector and bag check. Give yourself time to get through, find your seat, and settle in before the show starts.
Box office
Picking up tickets at will call? The AXS Box Office is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with hours extended to 7:30 PM on show days. Bring a photo ID and your confirmation number.
The Opry Shop
Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with hours extended to 9:30 PM on show days, so you can browse before or after the show.
Bags
Oversized bags aren’t allowed unless medically necessary, and all bags are subject to search. See the full list of prohibited items on the Safety & Security page.
What to wear
There’s no dress code. Just as styles vary on the Opry stage, you’ll see everything in the seats, from faded jeans and cowboy hats to business suits and your Sunday best.
Food and drinks
Outside food and drinks, including water, aren’t permitted. Sound Bites marketplaces on both floors offer sandwiches, snacks, desserts, beer, wine, cocktails, and more, and you’re welcome to enjoy them in the auditorium.
Photos
Personal cameras are welcome for photos. Video and audio recording aren’t allowed, and some events may limit photography.
Temperature
The Opry House generally stays around 70 degrees, so a light layer is a good idea.
Families
All ages are welcome. Strollers must be collapsible and checked at the door.
Accessibility
Accessible seating is available. See our Accessibility page for details
Not a Country Music Fan?
You don’t have to be. Every Opry show is a celebration of music, history, and storytelling that goes beyond one genre. On any given night, you might hear Americana, pop-country, gospel, folk, and more. For more, see Myths & Misconceptions About the Opry, Debunked.
Opry House, Ryman, and Opryland: What’s the Difference?
Opry House
The home of the Grand Ole Opry since 1974, where shows and backstage tours take place.
Ryman Auditorium
The Opry’s most famous former home, in downtown Nashville. The Opry still returns there for select shows.
Gaylord Opryland Resort
A hotel and resort near the Opry House, known for its indoor gardens and seasonal events.
Your First Night in the Circle Awaits
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Still have questions? Visit our FAQs or Plan Your Visit.
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