If you’re in Nashville or planning a visit this week, prepare for a lineup that’s as vibrant and varied as Music City itself. Today, Friday, October 17, 2025, the city pulses with iconic live performances and unique experiences. The Grand Ole Opry is throwing its Opry 100 Birthday Show tonight at 7 p.m., promising a blend of superstars, newcomers, and country legends—every show is different, so expect surprises and unforgettable music. According to the official Opry calendar, tonight’s lineup includes The Bacon Brothers, continuing a century-long tradition of celebrating country music’s roots and future on the Opry stage.

For those craving a different beat, Kevin Gates lights up Ascend Amphitheater, while Keith Urban brings his arena-filling energy to Bridgestone Arena, both also on Friday night. Ty Myers takes the Tennessee Performing Arts Center stage at 8 p.m., adding another option for live music lovers. If you’re a fan of literature, the sold-out Authors in the Round dinner at Marathon Music Works brings 40 authors to your table for an intimate evening supporting the Southern Festival of Books. While tickets are gone, you can still join the waitlist—this event is a highlight for Nashville’s literary community and helps keep the larger festival free.

The weekend shifts into high gear with the Southern Festival of Books taking over Bicentennial Park on Saturday and Sunday. This free event draws more than 175 authors, hosts performance stages, food trucks, and plenty of publishers and booksellers—a paradise for book lovers and families. Festivalgoers can explore everything from bestselling novels to children’s chapter books and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day.

For sports fans, Sunday is all about football: the Tennessee Titans face the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium with a noon kickoff, a perfect chance to soak up Nashville’s spirited game-day atmosphere. Back at the Opry House on Sunday night, the Grand Ole Opry welcomes Ty Herndon, Anne Wilson, Kat Luna, Kelsea Ballerini, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Riders in the Sky for a 7 p.m. show, keeping the music rolling all weekend.

Foodies won’t want to miss the TN Hot Sauce Expo, bringing the heat downtown on Saturday and Sunday with tastings, vendors, and spicy challenges. Over at Cheekwood, the Harvest celebration continues with Pumpkin Village, three whimsical pumpkin houses, thousands of chrysanthemums, and more than 75,000 pumpkins scattered throughout the gardens—ideal for a family outing or a fall photo op.

For a dose of local culture, the Bluebird Cafe’s famous songwriter rounds run all week, while Musicians Corner offers free outdoor concerts with local artists, food trucks, and kids’ activities every Friday evening—a Nashville tradition not to miss.

Looking ahead, next week brings more Opry highlights, including shows with Dustin Lynch, Darci Lynne, and the Opry Country Classics series featuring The Gatlin Brothers and Gene Watson. Cheekwood’s El Día de los Muertos festival on October 31st blends traditional Mexican music, dance, art, and cuisine for a colorful close to the month.

No matter your taste—music, sports, books, food, or family fun—Nashville this week is packed with reasons to get out and explore. Thanks for tuning in, and remember to subscribe for more tips on making the most of Music City. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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