Opry Entertainment Expands Into Festival Business with Strategic Southern Entertainment Acquisition
Opry Entertainment Group has acquired a majority stake in Southern Entertainment, marking its strategic entry into the music festival industry. Southern Entertainment, known for organizing over 500 live music events, operates major country music festivals including Carolina Country Music Fest, Barefoot Country Music Fest, and Lovin' Life Music Fest.
Grand Ole Opry exterior entrance
Founders Bob Durkin and Pedlow will continue leading Southern Entertainment, with plans to expand into new markets. The partnership will integrate Opry Entertainment's artist development programs into existing festivals and create new artist-centered experiences.
This acquisition comes during a challenging period for the festival industry, with approximately 200 festivals being canceled last year. However, the country music festival sector shows resilience, evidenced by successful events like Stagecoach selling out its 2025 GA passes.
Notable upcoming country music events include:
- Kid Rock's Rock the Country Festival (10 states, starting April)
- Madden Bowl 2025 featuring Jelly Roll and Chris Stapleton
- Guy Fieri's Flavortown Tailgate featuring Diplo's country set
Shawn Mendes VR concert at Red Rocks
Supreme Court at dusk
The partnership aims to leverage Opry Entertainment's iconic status in country music while expanding Southern Entertainment's successful festival portfolio, creating new opportunities for artists and enhanced experiences for country music fans.