Grand Ole Opry Schedule and Lineup for July 17 and 18

Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. The list of performers is subject to change.

Friday, July 17, 2009–Order Tickets

7:00 – 7:30
John Conlee
Riders In The Sky
Jack Greene
Rhonda Vincent

7:30 – 8:00
Jimmy Dickens
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Daryle Singletary

8:00 – 8:30
Bill Anderson
The Whites
Hal Ketchum

8:30 – 9:00
Mike Snider
Jean Shepard
Jim Ed Brown
Roy Clark

Saturday, July 18, 2009–Order Tickets

7:00 – 7:30
Jimmy Dickens
Jim Ed Brown
The Lovell Sisters

7:30 – 8:00
Roy Clark
Jean Shepard
Jimmy C. Newman
Riders In The Sky

8:00 – 8:30
Mike Snider
Jack Greene
Hal Ketchum
Opry Square Dancers

8:30 – 9:00
Bill Anderson
T. Bubba Bechtol
Connie Smith

The same lineup repeats for the 9:30 show.

Enjoy an Ozarks Fourth of July

Branson and the surrounding Ozarks area is a great destination for this upcoming holiday weekend. With a variety of July 4th celebrations going on and the great shows and activities Branson is known for, you will be sure to have a memorable weekend.

No July 4th festivity is complete without some fireworks and great food! The Spirit of ’76 is one of Branson’s most popular July 4th events. It is hosted by the Veteran’s Task Force and features free flags and ice cream. Additionally, there will be live music. This event takes place the morning of July 4th at the Branson Landing. For a classic fireworks show, check out the Fireburst Fourth of July Fireworks Show on Table Rock Lake. The perfect viewing spot is in nearby Kimberling City, or you can rent a boat and watch the fireworks from the lake. The thirty-minute long fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m., and other event features include live music, games, and concession stands. Other Branson sites with an evening fireworks show include Chateau on the Lake, Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, Rockaway Beach, and Downtown Hollister.

Seasoned shoppers know that the July 4th weekend is a great time to check out the stores for some great holiday sales. Branson Landing is one of Branson’s most popular shopping destinations due to its great stores and restaurants. Stores include a Belk Department Store, a Bass Pro Shop, and many more. On July 3 beginning at 8 p.m., Branson Landing is hosting its second annual fireworks show. Before the show, a Journey tribute band will give a concert.

For some great sales on already discounted merchandise, check out the Branson Factory Merchant Outlets for their July 4th sidewalk sale. This shopping center features discount stores from Carter’s, Pfaltzgraff, Nautica, and more. You can pick up a snack and rest from your shopping with a stop at the A & W All-American Food or Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. For some more great outlet shopping, check out the Tanger Outlet Center’s July 4th Sidewalk Sale. Stores like Banana Republic, Gap, Gymboree, and Polo Ralph Lauren will be participating, and many stores already have big sales in progress. The sidewalk sale will be going on the whole weekend, giving you plenty of time to benefit from the great sales.

The options for a great weekend are unlimited! Whether spending just a day or the whole weekend in Branson, you will be sure to have a great time.

Holiday Weekend Ideas in Memphis, TN

It’s not too late to make reservations for a spectacular Fourth of July weekend spent exploring the unique city of Memphis. From dining on world-famous barbecue to visiting some of the area museums, you will find that Memphis offers a variety of attractions to keep you occupied. Check out the following recommendations for the weekend and start planning your holiday trip!

A dinner cruise on the evening of July 4th offers a great location from which to watch area fireworks shows. A dinner cruise is a romantic activity any time of the year, but cruising the Mississippi River on July 4th will make for an extra-special evening. The Memphis Riverboats Dinner Cruise provides an evening complete with dancing, live music, and a delicious Southern-style meal. You will also enjoy views of the Memphis skyline lit up, which is a truly beautiful sight.

With the special holiday weekend, the time is right to remember those who have given their lives to better America. The National Civil Rights Museum is dedicated to men and women who played important roles in America’s path toward civil rights. Located at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, the museum honors his memory as well as pays tribute to other activists including Rosa Parks and Booker T. Washington. There are also exhibits on the March on Washington, the Little Rock 9, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. A truly eye-opening experience for all ages, this museum is one of the most powerful attractions in Memphis.

One of the best things about America is its great food, and Memphis is full of excellent restaurants and diners, including a Hard Rock Cafe. With American music memorabilia and American favorites, the Hard Rock Cafe is a great place to eat and celebrate America at the same time. Memphis’ Hard Rock Cafe is dedicated to the music history of the area and includes artifacts from Elvis Presley, Stax Studios, and many other area artists and studios. In addition to the memorabilia, you can find your favorite American fare here, with everything from classic burgers to saucy barbecue. Your whole family is sure to have a meal to remember at this iconic American restaurant.

Light Up Your July 4th in Orlando

Light up your summer vacation in Orlando, Florida by celebrating July 4th at these Orlando area events. Whether planning an exciting Disney vacation or you just want to spend some time on the beach, these events are great additions to any vacation. Perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, these events are sure to provide Independence Day celebrations to remember.

On the evening of July 4th, you can catch the free Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, FL. This event features live musical entertainment, a variety of food vendors and options, and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show. Special guests at this event include the Orlando Concert Band and the mayor of Orlando, Florida. Lake Eola Park is a beautiful downtown Orlando destination that features fountains, playgrounds, and the Walt Disney Amphitheater. This event will be fun for the entire family, so add it to your vacation today!

The Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Kissimmee, Florida is the area’s largest event, with approximately 40,000 people attending each year. The celebration begins in the afternoon and lasts until the dazzling fireworks show that night. During the day, you can enjoy live musical entertainment from an array of bands and performers, Uncle Sam stilt walkers, street performers, games, activities, and arts and crafts. This event truly has something for everyone. A variety of food vendors will also be on hand. Admission to this great event is free, and it is taking place at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park, which is fairly close to Disney and other Orlando attractions, making it a great addition to your vacation.

Another option for a July 4th celebration is the Fire Up Your 4th of July at Universal City Walk in Orlando. Located by Universal Studios, this event features live music and games. When you get hungry, you can find something to eat at the outdoor cookout area. The evening ends with a fireworks show. The Universal City Walk is an Orlando entertainment destination and features a variety of restaurants and nightclubs, including the Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and NBA City, making it a great destination for evening fun. This event combines a great location with a fantastic fireworks show that will not disappoint.

Whichever event you choose, you will be sure to have a fabulous evening celebrating America.

Independence Day in Myrtle Beach: Concerts, Fireworks, and More

It’s never too early to start planning your July Fourth vacation. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina combines all of the elements of a great vacation: a beach, fun activities, entertaining shows, and a Fourth of July fireworks show and concert. Don’t be left out of the fun! Check out the following ideas and start planning your vacation today!

The Myrtle Beach Fourth of July Concert is the biggest event in the city for Independence Day. The event starts off with several local bands entertaining the crowd with live music. The evening’s main event is a performance by the Long Bay Symphony, the Myrtle Beach area’s highly acclaimed professional orchestra. As the orchestra plays beautiful music, you will be dazzled by the breathtaking fireworks show. The event takes place at Shaw Memorial Stadium, which is located in the heart of the city. A perfect event for the whole family, this special concert is a special way to celebrate America.

Myrtle Beach has a variety of activity options to complete the July 4th weekend or a longer stay. With a range of family-friendly activities, you will have a family vacation to remember. One of Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions is the Pavilion Nostalgia Park and Myrtle Waves Waterpark. With a range of rides suitable for a variety of ages from toddlers to adults, the Pavilion Nostalgia Park is a great destination for fun in the sun. Rides include the Herschell-Spillman Carousel, Dune Buggy Kiddie Ride, the Pirate Ship, and the Wave Swinger. The Myrtle Waves Waterpark is a great option for more fun. This waterpark includes 20 acres of exciting slides, pools, and more. Attractions include a wave pool, 10-story tall water slides Turbo Twister and Riptide Rockets, and a kiddie area. There is something for everyone to enjoy at these great parks.

A must-see show in Myrtle Beach is Le Grand Cirque. Perfect for a family outing or a romantic date night, this show is quickly becoming one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular shows. It combines a thrilling spectacle of acrobats, dancing, gymnastics, juggling, and theater for a unique show that will amaze you. Located at the Palace Theatre, this show will be an unforgettable addition to your visit to Myrtle Beach.

Plan a Patriotic Weekend in Mt. Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore pays tribute to some of the United States’ most important presidents, making it a tribute to the history of America. What better place to celebrate July 4th than at this beautiful monument? With a variety of July 4th weekend festivals and events, there is no better time to visit Mt. Rushmore and South Dakota.

The Black Hills Heritage Festival takes place July 1-4 in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota in Rapid City. With a variety of craft vendors, food vendors, musical features, and a spectacular fireworks show, this festival is sure to provide a memorable and fun way to spend July 4th weekend. You will be able to experience the local culture and native artisans as you celebrate America at this event.

While celebrating at the Black Hills Heritage Festival, you will also be close to the Annual Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, taking place July 2-4. Featuring real cowboys and cowgirls, this annual event features beauty pageants, a carnival, food, and fireworks as well as traditional rodeo events like bull riding and calf roping. Perfect for families, this rodeo will be an unforgettable and festive event.

For a July 4th event at Mt. Rushmore, the Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration is your best bet. Taking place on July 3rd, you will get a head start on your celebration. Featuring food vendors, family entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks display, this event is sure to be an unforgettable way to celebrate America as you enjoy the Mt. Rushmore Monument lit up by hundreds of fireworks.

With this variety of events in the Mt. Rushmore area, you are sure to have plenty to fill your vacation. You will be able to take in the culture of the area as well as celebrate America at one of America’s most well-known monuments.

Celebrate America in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are the perfect destinations for July 4th weekend. With special festivals, fun activities, and the shows and shops that can be found in Gatlinburg all year, you will have an exciting and patriotic time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge when you visit on Independence Day.

The Midnight Independence Day Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg gives you an opportunity to celebrate America before anyone else. This midnight extravaganza annually draws crowds of over 100,000 people. The parade honors all five branches of the armed forces as well as containing entertaining performers, balloons, music, and more. Food vendors are also on hand ready to provide a midnight snack. This midnight parade is definitely a unique and festive way to celebrate July 4th.

If vibrant fireworks are your favorite part of the holiday, then the 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Smokies Park in Sevierville, TN is perfect for you. A great family-friendly event, you will enjoy watching the sky light up with dazzling displays of fireworks. Located close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this celebration is a great way to spend July 4th evening.

In Pigeon Forge, the Annual Patriot Festival at Patriot Park is a great family-friendly event. With a variety of food vendors, a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus, and a salute to veterans and members of the armed forces, this event is sure to provide a patriotic celebration. The festival culminates with a fantastic fireworks show over the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

Another fun and unique July 4th event is the annual River Raft Regatta at the Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg. Perfect for all ages, this race includes all kinds of floating entries, including floating rocks, rubber ducks, and one-of-a-kind boats. The race ends at the Aquarium Bridge in Gatlinburg. Sure to provide a memorable experience, the River Raft Regatta is a great way to spend part of your July 4th day.

Whatever your choice for your July 4th vacation, these Gatlinburg area events are sure to provide a memorable weekend filled with patriotic and fun celebrations.

Celebrate July 4th in Historic Savannah

It is not too early to start planning your Fourth of July vacation! Savannah, Georgia is a great place to spend the weekend with its welcoming city, beautiful scenery, and Independence Day celebrations.

Savannah’s main event for the weekend is the Fantastic 4th of July on the River celebration. A perfect event for all ages, you will be able to take in a fantastic fireworks show over the river. The evening begins at 5 p.m. when people start to gather in anticipation for the event.

The show begins after 9 p.m. As you watch the skies for breathtaking explosions, the coordinated musical soundtrack plays, providing the perfect backdrop for this event. The event takes place at Rousakis Plaza, an entertainment venue in the heart of Savannah that borders scenic River Street.

This fireworks spectacular will provide a July 4th evening that you will not soon forget.

Complete your weekend celebrating the founding of America by exploring the historical sights of Savannah. The Historic On/Off Trolley Tour allows you to explore Savannah at your own pace. The tour features a variety of stops where you will get off, explore the landmark, and then board a trolley whenever you are ready. Stops on this tour include the Mansion on Forsyth Park, the City Market, the River Street Market Place, and the Cathedral of St. Johns. This trolley tour is a wonderful way to experience the history and culture of this beautiful Southern city.

If you are interested in the more sordid history of the city, the Hauntings Walking Tour is for you. This tour will take you through several historically spooky Savannahsights, including reportedly haunted houses and a graveyard. Stops on the tour include the Kehoe house, the Hampton-Lillibridge house, and the Owens-Thomas house. This tour will provide you a one-of-a-kind paranormal history of Savannah.

Don’t miss your chance to spend July 4th in this beautiful and historic city! Make your reservations online today or call one of our helpful representatives.