Nashville: Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tour & Stage Access

Summary

Step backstage at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and feel country music history come alive

You’ll step behind the scenes at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House with a local guide, watch rare footage hosted by country superstars, peek inside Studio A, and maybe even stand right where legends have performed for decades. Expect laughter, honest stories, and a chance to feel what makes Music City tick.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet hum behind the heavy doors of the Grand Ole Opry House. Not silence exactly—more like anticipation. Our guide, Lisa, waved us in with a grin and a “Y’all ready?” that made me laugh because I’d never heard anyone say it quite so sincerely. We started in this darkened theater room where Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s voices filled the air—felt like being dropped right into someone else’s memories, honestly. The seats were soft and there was this faint smell of popcorn lingering from earlier shows. I didn’t expect to get goosebumps watching old footage, but there you go.

After that, we wound our way through hallways lined with photos—some faces I recognized, others just looked familiar in that “I’ve seen you on an album cover” kind of way. Lisa told us about Minnie Pearl and Carrie Underwood in this offhand way, like she’d met them all (she probably has). At one point we passed by Studio A—the old Hee Haw studio—and someone in our group tried to hum the theme song but got it wrong. No one minded. The backstage area smelled like wood polish and faint cologne; I kept thinking about how many boots had scuffed these floors.

The best part? Standing at the artist entrance where legends walk in before a show. You could almost hear echoes of nerves and excitement bouncing off the walls. And then suddenly we were on stage—right there in that famous wooden circle. It’s smaller than you’d think but somehow feels huge when you’re standing on it under those lights. Lisa said something about tradition and I half-listened because honestly my heart was pounding (didn’t expect that). For a second it felt like every story I’d ever heard about Nashville was real—like you could reach out and touch it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Backstage tour of Grand Ole Opry House

• Join insider tour guide
• Watch Circle Room theater show
• Explore stars' dressing rooms
• Visit backstage areas
• Stand on Opry stage

Top questions

How long is the Grand Ole Opry backstage tour?

The tour duration varies but typically lasts around 1 hour.

Can you stand on the stage during the tour?

You may have the chance to stand in the famed wooden circle on stage if available.

Is there wheelchair access for this tour?

Yes, the Grand Ole Opry House is wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on the backstage tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where do I pick up my tickets for the tour?

Tickets are picked up at the Box Office next to the main entrance of the Opry House.

Does this tour include Studio A?

Tours may include a stop at Studio A depending on availability.

What if I'm late for my scheduled tour time?

If you're late, you may be moved to the next available tour; refunds are not provided for missed times.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the Grand Ole Opry House.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House with all taxes and fees covered, guided backstage access with stories from your professional guide, an intro film hosted by Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood in their custom theater room, possible access to Studio A (the old Hee Haw studio), a look at dressing rooms and backstage areas—and maybe even your own moment standing in that legendary wooden circle before heading back out into Music City.