It's CMA Fest week in Nashville this week and our thoughts have turned to looking back through the mists of time to some of the most iconic moments in the history of this fabulous festival. This year ‘CMA Fest Presented by SoFi” airs Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c on ABC, and streams the next day on Hulu.
Hosted by Cody Johnson (his big debut!) and Ashley McBryde (back for year two), this primetime special will be jam-packed with unforgettable performances, surprise collaborations and all the magic of CMA Fest 2025. We will update you on when you can see the edited highlights of the four nights at the Nissan stadium in Europe when that information becomes available.
The Country Music Association (CMA) Fest in Nashville has, over its five-decade history, been the backdrop for numerous unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on country music enthusiasts. The first CMA Fest—originally known as Fan Fair—was held in 1972. It took place at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium and ran from April 12 to April 15, attracting about 5,000 fans.
Fan Fair was created by the Country Music Association (CMA) as a way to bring artists and fans closer together, featuring performances, autograph sessions, and other fan-focused events. The festival moved to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in 1982, and eventually to downtown Nashville in 2001. It was officially renamed CMA Music Festival in 2004 and is now commonly called CMA Fest.
Today, it’s one of the biggest and most beloved country music festivals in the world, drawing tens of thousands of fans each year. Here are ten of the most iconic events that have defined the festival:
The First Fan Fair (1972): Historic Significance – The inaugural event was held at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium and attracted around 5,000 fans. The event included legends like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Roy Acuff and the artists signed autographs for hours — a tradition that remains central to CMA Fest today.
First CMA Fest Canceled (2020): Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was canceled for the first time in nearly 50 years. This marked a major cultural moment for country music fans worldwide. The festival returned in 2022 with a renewed spirit and is going stronger than ever this year in 2025!
Garth Brooks' Marathon Autograph Session (1996): Demonstrating unparalleled dedication to his fans, Garth Brooks attended the festival's 25th anniversary unannounced and spent over 23 hours signing autographs without a break, setting a record for fan engagement.
Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Keith Urban's ‘Old Town Road' Collaboration (2019): In a genre-blending surprise, Lil Nas X took the stage with Billy Ray Cyrus and Keith Urban to perform the chart-topping hit ‘Old Town Road,' captivating the audience with their unexpected alliance.
Johnny Cash & June Carter Perform Together (1973): This was one of the earliest high-profile couple performances at the festival and it helped solidify the festival’s star power.
Taylor Swift's Surprise Appearance with Tim McGraw and Keith Urban (2013): Taylor Swift delighted fans by joining Tim McGraw and Keith Urban on stage for a rendition of ‘Highway Don't Care,' bridging generational talents in a memorable collaboration.
Introduction of Fan Fair X (2013): Held each year inside the Convention Centre, this event brought the autograph sessions, artist panels and merchandise under one roof at Music City Center. It also provides a much needed source of air con too!
Dolly Parton's Fan Fair X Q&A Session (2024): The legendary Dolly Parton engaged with fans during an intimate Q&A session, where she announced the launch of her new wine line, Dolly Wines, further endearing herself to her audience. The queue for this event was legendary – and we should know because we were there and walked past it!
Taylor Swift’s Massive Fan Event (2009) : Taylor rented out the entire Bridgestone Arena for her fans. She gave away tickets and met with thousands of people, showcasing the new generation of country-pop crossover appeal.
Garth Brooks' Surprise Return (2017): After a long hiatus, Garth Brooks made an unannounced appearance at CMA Fest, thrilling fans with a set that included his classic hits, reaffirming his status as a country music icon.
These moments encapsulate the spirit of CMA Fest, highlighting its role as a platform for unique collaborations, surprise performances and deep connections between artists and fans.
