Grand Ole Opry Will Celebrate Its 95th Birthday With A Live Audience

The Grand Ole Opry will resume in-person performances as it celebrates its 95th anniversary with a star-studded lineup. With Mayor John Cooper's announcement of Nashville moving into Phase 3 reopening, the October 3 event is allowed to have a live audience capacity of 500 people.

"The Grand Ole Opry here pioneered the virtual community among socially-distanced fans of country music, extending the magic of the audience experience to millions," Mayor Cooper said. "They did it here first through radio, then TV and now the internet. It knew how to touch our hearts without having to be physically in the same room. It's been doing that since 1925 at a valuable lesson for our times today."

Hosted by Bobby Bones, the celebration will include performances from Opry members Dierks Bentley, Terri Clark, Vince Gill, and Lorrie Morgan.

"With gratitude to the artists who have visited the Opry since March, staff members and partners who have ensured the Opry went on every Saturday, and a worldwide audience for tuning in over the past six months, we are so excited as we plan to welcome fans back to the Opry House," said Dan Roger, Opry vice president and executive producer.

To help ensure audience safety, the Opry plans to have socially-distanced seating and is requiring masks for all in attendance. Food and beverage services will not be available.

More information about the event can be found here.

Photo: Getty Images