Grand Ole Opry
Broadcast for two hours live from the famous music hall on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as on Tuesday evenings between March and December, the Grand Ole Opry is the longest running show aired on American radio. Dating back to 1925 when it began as a "barn dance", today you can tune in or join the audience and hear a range of artists, from country legends to rising stars, from all kinds of country sub-genres.
Having played host in its time to famous names such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and many more, the Grand Ole Opry House is one of the country's most famous stages. Even today, its proud heritage continues, as contemporary artists such as Keith Urban and Brad Paisley bring in the crowds.
The radio show has been broadcast from various spaces over the years, only moving into its current home in 1974. When you make your way inside, you can admire the captivating stage, complete with a dark oak circle which was cut from the original stage at the Ryman Auditorium. You can go on a tour backstage, where you'll find out more and even have the chance to step on this truly historic stage. In the winter, the show moves to the Ryman Auditorium, a converted tabernacle better known as the "Mother Church of Country Music".
Backstage tours of the music hall are on offer during the week, whether you want to go on a daytime tour, a post-show tour or even a special VIP tour. Next door to the main venue, you'll find the Grand Ole Opry Museum, which is well worth visiting to admire the costumes, furniture and musical instruments of the likes of Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow and other legends.
The Grand Ole Opry House lies close to the banks of the Cumberland River, about 15 kilometres from downtown Nashville. You can buy tickets at the box office or online.