Country music legend Garth Brooks gave Grand Ole Opry fans a night they’ll never forget when he made a surprise appearance during the Friday, October 3, Opry show in Nashville. The unannounced performance kicked off the #Opry100 birthday month in true Garth fashion — with roaring applause, emotional fans, and a full-blown sing-along to some of his biggest hits.

Brooks, who first joined the Opry in 1990, took to Instagram after the show to celebrate the moment, writing, “Nothing beats a night @opry!!!!!!! love, g #opry100.”

His signature enthusiasm was echoed across social media, where concertgoers flooded TikTok and Instagram with clips of the country superstar taking the stage.

A Surprise Worth Screaming About

Singer-songwriter Morgan Alexander posted two videos from the night, showing Brooks belting out “Callin’ Baton Rouge” and “The Thunder Rolls” to a packed house that immediately leapt to its feet. The Grand Ole Opry’s official account joined in on the excitement, sharing a photo of Brooks mid-performance with the caption, “Now that’s how you kick off #Opry100 birthday month 🤩 What a surprise from Opry star @garthbrooks.”

While fiddle legend Ricky Skaggs was one of the evening’s scheduled performers, Brooks’ appearance was the jaw-dropper fans can’t stop talking about.

‘A Night I’ll Never Forget’

In the Opry’s comments section, fans shared their disbelief and joy.

“I was shaking the entire time! I learned my appreciation for the Opry from that man, and to be there for the first time and have him show up as a surprise was purely magical,” one attendee wrote. “Thank you Opry and thank you Garth! A night I’ll never forget!”

Another added, “I think I almost passed out with that announcement — first time at the Opry and @garthbrooks is the surprise guest? What more could you ask for?”

And a third shared, “I can’t believe I got to witness this moment — it was incredible. I’m still in shock. What a great first-time experience. Thank you @opry and thank you @garthbrooks for the most memorable moment!”

Fans Capture the Moment on TikTok

Several concertgoers posted firsthand videos from the performance, many of which quickly went viral on TikTok. One caption read, “Garth Brooks makes surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 35th Opry anniversary. I love Garth, love the Opry, and oh I love a good surprise!”

Another fan wrote, “When you’re at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time and they bring out the legendary Garth Brooks!!!! Holy moly!!!!”

And one more summed it up perfectly: “Pardon my screaming… Garth Brooks was not in the lineup of performers at the Grand Ole Opry 100 celebration — he was the surprise guest. We all went wild when he came out blasting the hit ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge.’ My best night in Nashville.”

As the Opry continues its 100th-birthday celebration throughout October and November, there are sure to be more surprises in store for fans. Plus, folk legend James Taylor is making his Grand Ole Opry debut on November 11.