SHOWS AND TOURS AND MERCH: OH MY!

Another completely iconic Nashville event that should soar to the top of your must-see list is the Grand Ole Opry.

It’s moved locations (and sometimes you can still catch a show at the Ryman), but these days you’ll find the Grand Ole Opry show performing in a building called The Opry House on Opry Mills Drive. (That’s right, it’s next to Nashville’s Opry Mills—a huge outlet mall with 200+ stores and food options. So you might want to make an entire day of visiting this part of town.)

You can take a backstage tour of the Opry House and see where stars of yesterday, today, and tomorrow have been making history for years. Check out the Opry Shop for merch, including apparel, hats, home goods, posters, and more! And if you’re in town when there is one—get tickets to a show!

When I’m talking about shows, you’ve got options. Comedic geniuses Steve Martin and Martin Short have graced the stage at the Opry House, Paramore is coming in February, there’s a special Opry Country Christmas show on multiple evenings in December —and then there’s the “Grand Ole Opry” show itself, which features country legends, current favorites, and rising stars as well. Check out the online calendar to find out who’s coming when.

Listen, there are a lot of chances to catch live music in Nashville. A lot. But when it comes to experiencing country music history as it merges with the greatness of the genre today, the Grand Ole Opry cannot be skipped.

Hey, if you’ve already been to this spot, what did you think? Send me your thoughts! I’d love to hear.