3 Best Performing Arts Venues in Opryland and Music Valley, Nashville

The Grand Ole Opry is the most famous country music show in the world—in fact, it’s the show that made country music famous. They’ve been broadcasting their concerts every week since 1925, making it the longest-running radio broadcast in the United States, and there isn’t a country, bluegrass, or Americana icon who hasn’t performed here. The Opry continues to be a major part of the soundtrack of the region and a destination for country fans and performers alike.

The General Jackson is a Victorian-style riverboat that cruises down the Cumberland River up to twice a day. On board, there’s a two-story theater that showcases a couple of flashy, choreographed, cheesy but fun contemporary country productions—the Tennessee Legends show, which plays during the midday cruise, and the Rollin' on the River show, which takes place as the sun is setting. Special holiday-themed shows are also quite popular. Each show comes with the option to purchase a meal; after the show, you can roam the different decks outside, including a rooftop bar from which you can enjoy views of the sparkling Downtown skyline.

This is a perfect antidote for when ultra-cool New Nashville starts to take itself too seriously. This place is just unpretentious, good-hearted country music fun. Join 300 of your closest friends for a buffet-style dinner and an hour and a half of some of Nashville’s most seasoned musicians putting on the best country music variety show in town. The band performs country music through the ages, from Hank Williams to Toby Keith, and you better believe there’s fruit cobbler for dessert. Touring country tribute acts sometimes make stops for special performances, so check the music calendar.