Nashville's Legendary Meeting Venues

On November 28, 1925, a legacy was born. A show called the “WSM Barn Dance” aired for the first time, and announcer George Hay introduced fiddle player Uncle Jimmy Thompson as its inaugural performer on Nashville’s WSM radio station. At first, a radio was the only way to tune in to what would later become known as the Grand Ole Opry. But before long, crowds were lining up at the studio hoping to experience the show in person. In response, its host, National Life and Accident Insurance Company, built a venue seating 500 people for a live audience.

More than a century later, the Opry remains one of the most iconic parts of Nashville’s identity. The Grand Ole Opry House, its permanent home since 1974, welcomes groups of all sizes to experience the longest-running live broadcast show in the world. The Opry features a mix of classic and contemporary country music along with bluegrass, gospel, Western, and rockabilly, and has helped launch countless careers while shaping Nashville into the global Music City it is today.

The Opry celebrated its historic 100th anniversary in 2025 and continues to attract fans from around the world. The show takes place up to five nights a week in a variety format featuring both rising stars and legendary performers. With more than 200 Opry members, including artists such as Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, and Kelsea Ballerini, you never know who might appear on stage on any given night.

Groups can book personalized VIP tours of the Opry House for a behind-the-scenes look at the venue’s history, including the chance to sit on pews at the back of the stage during a live show. The Opry House also offers several spaces for private events. The Circle Room hosts up to 75 guests for receptions or meetings, while groups of up to 4,400 attendees can reserve the entire theater, complete with state-of-the-art production and even a customized Opry-style show.

For outdoor events, the Opry Portico accommodates up to 250 guests for a reception and can be paired with the adjacent Opry Plaza stone patio, which can host up to 5,000 attendees. Groups can also tune into the Opry before arriving in Nashville. Each show airs live on 650 AM WSM and is available on opry.com, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and the free Opry app.

A piece of the Ryman Auditorium, the Opry’s former home, lives on inside the Opry House through an eight-foot circle of hardwood taken from the stage of the “Mother Church of Country Music” and placed at the center of the Opry stage. But no trip to Nashville is complete without visiting the Ryman itself to experience the full depth of the Opry story.

Located in the heart of downtown, the historic venue offers planners a variety of distinctive event spaces. The Ford Lounge accommodates gatherings of up to 60 guests, while the Soul of Nashville Theatre hosts events for up to 125. For larger functions, planners can reserve the entire theater, which seats 2,362 attendees, or host a seated dinner for up to 120 guests on the legendary stage.

Groups looking to connect with Nashville’s recording heritage can plan events at Historic RCA Studio B on Music Row. One of the city’s most legendary recording studios, the venue has hosted artists ranging from Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley to Roy Orbison.

Today, the studio provides a unique setting for intimate gatherings, allowing groups to experience the creative space where some of Nashville’s most influential recordings were made.

To round out the experience, planners can incorporate Nashville’s downtown entertainment district into their event itinerary. Opry Entertainment Group manages several venues on Broadway, including Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, which offers live music, dining, and flexible event space in the heart of the district.

Also downtown, Luke Combs’ multi-experiential venue, Category 10, spans 70,000 square feet and offers a range of event opportunities. Groups can reserve the entire venue or host gatherings on the Eye Rooftop, which features sweeping views of the Cumberland River, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, and Nissan Stadium.

Together, these venues give meeting planners the opportunity to build experiences that connect attendees to Nashville’s legendary musical roots.