Back in October, Blake Shelton hosted the Opry 100, a live celebration of the Opry’s historic run as the longest-running radio program. 

The much-anticipated event was a momentous occasion, drawing viewers and visitors from all over to celebrate a milestone in music history. While the televised event is gone and passed, there’s still much celebration to behold, allowing you to enjoy the birthday festivities till the end of the year.

A Year to Celebrate 100

From Willie to Jelly, the famed venue has been the most sought-after stage for country artists since its debut on WSM radio in 1925. And now, the Grand Ole Opry toasts to 100 years with more shows than ever before.

Dubbed the Opry 100, the original home of country music has expanded beyond its usual birthday week to create a yearlong calendar of live music performances for you to enjoy, no matter what month you visit. And to further mark this momentous occasion, the Opry continues the celebration well into November with a big birthday bash on Nov. 28, featuring appearances from country stars like Trace Adkins, Scotty McCreery, Dustin Lynch, and others. And if you can’t make it, the party goes on into December and even into 2026. 

With weekly plaza parties that are free and open to the public, along with special merch like the “100 Years of Grand Ole Opry” book, there are many ways to celebrate this rhinestone milestone. For the latest updates on Opry 100 and to purchase tickets, visit Opry100.com and follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Where To Unwind: Drift Hotel

Since its grand opening in March 2024, the fourth property of the Drift Hotels brand has blended its signature Baja style and minimalist modern design with Nashville’s cultural identity to create a distinctive Music City experience in a charming, renovated 1965 inn. With much of the building’s mid-century architecture still preserved, including one of Nashville’s first in-ground hotel pools, Drift Nashville offers locals and visitors an authentic cultural experience of Music City, all conveniently located just minutes from Nashville International Airport, the iconic Nissan Stadium, and a short drive to the Opry.

Once in the lobby, you’re quickly immersed in the city’s vibe, characterized by its music-focused atmosphere. Raw materials and textures that evoke a Southwest and Mexican vibe, such as leather, terrazzo, wood, and terracotta, add personality to every corner. Make the Dawn Café a daily stop while you’re here, as Drift Nashville hosts the beloved brand’s third location, serving craft coffee and espresso drinks made with local Good Citizen Coffee Co. beans.

The Sun Room fills with sunlight during the day, inviting you to relax with music and inventive cocktails in a warm, soothing atmosphere with uplifting views of the resort-style pool and garden. Then, at night, the open space becomes a retreat from Nashville’s busy, touristy streets, encouraging you to enjoy a curated menu of late-night bites and drinks.

The rooms maintain Drift’s signature look and feel with spacious layouts, minimalist design, soothing textures, and natural materials. The warm ambient lighting, combined with relaxing in-room amenities like handmade bathrobes from Oaxaca, Mexico, create a space of ultimate rest and relaxation before—or recovering from—a grand celebration at the Opry. Also available are one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, providing ample space and time to explore the city and enjoy all of the Opry’s festivities. Book your room here and follow Drift Nashville on Instagram for updates and special events.

Where to Eat: Bringle’s Smoking Oasis

Travelers from the Lone Star State will feel at home in this lively local hotspot serving Texas-style barbecue that seems to come straight from a Central Texas pit. Perfectly seasoned and smoked brisket. Creamy mac and cheese. Street-style elote. All the Texas faves along with house-made pickles. All served on a tray amid a vibrant dining room, outdoor area, and stage. Bringle’s Smoking Oasis rightly makes Nashville a contender for some of the best barbecues, offering an artisanal menu of crafted meats and sides that attracts barbecue enthusiasts. For those seeking something more unique, the smoked pastrami — a delicacy rarely seen on Texas barbecue menus — stands out as a one-of-a-kind attraction worth visiting.

Where to Drink (and Eat): Nelson’s Green Brier Distiller

There’s 160 years of storied whiskey tradition bottled up at Nelson’s Green Brier Distiller. For a brand that once outsold Jack Daniel’s in the 1880s, the original Nelson’s was lost to time for a brief period before fate led two brotherly descendants to uncover their family legacy.

And, now for nearly 20 years, brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have resurrected this piece of Tennessee history, relocating the distillery to the heart of Nashville. stylish bar and restaurant, a spacious retail area, and a popular tour and tasting room. Don’t just take my word for it—stop by for a drink, chat with the friendly staff led by author and veteran mixologist Mike Wolf and experience a genuine piece of Americana told straight from the experts.

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Cover Photo Courtesy Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.