The world’s longest-running country music festival, CMA Fest presented by SoFi, roared back into downtown Nashville for its 52nd year, drawing an estimated 95,000 fans from all 50 states and 33 countries for a four-day celebration of music, community, and purpose. From June 5–8, the city was transformed into a vibrant, musical playground where over 300 performances took place across multiple stages, offering fans everything from chart-topping headliners to first-time festival debuts.
Despite a few weather-related hiccups, this year’s festival stood out for its unwavering energy and overwhelming sense of connection. “From legendary acts to artists playing CMA Fest for the very first time, this year was a celebration of discovery, connection, and community,” said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “And the fact that it all helps fund the CMA Foundation’s work in music education makes it even more impactful.”
Stadium Highlights and Surprise Guests
Nissan Stadium was once again the heartbeat of CMA Fest, serving up four unforgettable nights of music and magic. Each night brought major moments, unexpected pairings, and a full-throttle celebration of the genre’s diversity.
Thursday’s kickoff featured a stirring national anthem from K. Michelle and a night of high-energy performances from Charles Esten, Ella Langley, Riley Green, Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery, and Jason Aldean. Brooks & Dunn thrilled fans with surprise guest appearances by Lainey Wilson and Marcus King, while Aldean and Travis Tritt teamed up for a fiery take on “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.”
Friday's lineup pushed genre boundaries. Shaboozey and Jelly Roll performed their viral hit ‘Amen,' while Cody Johnson joined forces with Carín León for a bilingual powerhouse performance. Jelly Roll returned with Brandon Lake for the emotional ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah,' amplified by a dazzling drone display. Kelsea Ballerini teamed with Noah Kahan for two surprise duets before Keith Urban delivered a crowd-pleasing headline set.
Saturday balanced country nostalgia with modern stars. Blake Shelton rocked the stage with Trace Adkins, while Megan Moroney, Jordan Davis, and Rascal Flatts delivered career-defining sets. Carly Pearce made a surprise appearance with Rascal Flatts for a touching rendition of ‘My Wish.'
Sunday wrapped the weekend with unforgettable moments, including Ashley McBryde’s collaboration with New Orleans' Marching Crusaders, Bailey Zimmerman bringing out BigXthaPlug and Josh Ross, and Dierks Bentley performing a medley with Zach Top. Luke Bryan closed the festival with an electrifying headline performance worthy of the festival's legacy.
Ascend Amphitheater and Fan Fair X Offer Intimate Alternatives
Ascend Amphitheater lit up Thursday through Saturday with themed showcases. Thursday’s Whiskey Jam featured names like Gabby Barrett and Randy Houser, while Friday’s laid-back Jake Owen & Friends show included a surprise visit from Sara Evans. Saturday’s Girls Night Out curated by Wynonna Judd brought a celebration of female voices, including Little Big Town, Noah Cyrus, and Lainey Wilson.
Inside Music City Center, Fan Fair X remained a beloved fan destination. Artist meet-and-greets, live podcast tapings, intimate performances, and artist panels drew consistent crowds. Highlights included Trisha Yearwood’s album preview, Rascal Flatts joining Amazon’s Country Heat Weekly, and a Latin Country spotlight featuring Carín León and Kat Luna. Over 475 meet-and-greet sessions gave fans one-on-one moments with artists like Walker Hayes, Brandon Lake, and rising star Maddox Batson.
Activations like The Reba House, featuring performance outfits and her iconic “Voice” chair, and giveaways from iT Cosmetics and Wags & Walks Rescue added fun layers to the indoor fan experience.
Philanthropy at the Core
More than a festival, CMA Fest once again doubled as a major philanthropic event. The CMA Foundation’s music education mission was front and center through programs like Student Mission Moments and Backstage Academy. Youth performers from schools across Tennessee and New Orleans showcased their talents on festival stages, while educational initiatives provided behind-the-scenes experiences for aspiring professionals.
SoFi, the presenting partner, brought financial literacy into the spotlight with a surprise appearance by Kelsea Ballerini at the SoFi Plus Lounge. The new Rising Stars Program promises over $2 million in investments toward Tennessee students’ financial futures.
Meanwhile, organizations like Musically Fed ensured the event gave back in meaningful ways, redistributing surplus food to local shelters and nonprofits.
Fans, Brands, and Community
Fan Alley debuted this year as a new favorite among attendees, offering immersive experiences, surprise artist visits, and giveaways from 59 brand partners. Across the footprint, activations brought fans closer to the music, while Fitness at Fest offered donation-based workouts on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Support for the CMA Foundation continued with Carly Pearce’s popular Carly’s Closet event, custom CMA merchandise sales, and exclusive auctions of artist memorabilia—all aimed at funding music education initiatives.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 53rd CMA Fest is already on the calendar, set to return to Nashville June 4–7, 2026. Tickets go on sale June 26 via Ticketmaster, with fans encouraged to sign up for CMA’s Country Connection newsletter for early access and updates.
In its 52nd year, CMA Fest proved once again why it remains a pillar of the country music world—a celebration of legacy, a showcase of rising talent, and a reminder of how music can unite, inspire, and give back.
