Every June, CMA Fest turns Nashville into the centre of the country music universe, with tens of thousands flocking to Nissan Stadium for the genre’s biggest names but some of the most exciting moments happen far from the main stage. Scattered across bars, pop-up stages and tucked-away corners of downtown, a new generation of artists are cutting their teeth in front of smaller, more attentive crowds, offering fans a rare chance to catch tomorrow’s headliners before the rest of the world catches up. It’s in these intimate settings, where the songs feel closer, the stories hit harder, and the connection is immediate, that CMA Fest reveals its real magic: not just celebrating where country music is, but where it’s going next.
We've curated a list of 10 artists we think you should see and where you can see them.
Jack Wharff Band – Thursday 4th June: 11.15am Dr Pepper stage
Blending sharp storytelling with a gritty, roots-driven edge, they bring the kind of raw, road-tested energy that feels tailor-made for Nashville’s smaller stages, where every lyric lands and every guitar line cuts a little deeper. There’s an authenticity to what they do that stands out in a crowded lineup and catching them now, in an intimate setting, feels like getting ahead of the curve before bigger stages inevitably come calling. Energy and fun – they won't leave you disappointed.
Cooper Alan – Thursday 4th June: 1.30pm Riverfront stage
With a fast-growing fanbase built through viral moments and a knack for blending humour, personality and polished country hooks, Alan brings a high-energy set that feels as fun as it is crowd-ready. His ability to turn casual listeners into instant fans makes him a perfect fit for the open-air buzz of the riverfront—and one of those artists you’ll want to say you saw before he inevitably levels up to the bigger stages.
Drake Milligan – Thursday 4th June: 3.25pm Dr Pepper stage
If you’re looking for a dose of pure, throwback country cool at CMA Fest, Drake Milligan is an absolute must-see. With a sound rooted in classic honky-tonk and a stage presence that nods to the genre’s golden era, he brings a level of swagger and authenticity that cuts through the noise. Backed by tight musicianship and songs that feel both timeless and fresh, Milligan delivers the kind of performance that reminds you why country music works best up close.
Stella Lefty – Thursday 4th June: 4.15pm Good Molecules stage
If you want to catch one of country-pop’s fastest-rising new voices before she explodes even further, Stella Lefty is essential viewing at CMA Fest. Off the back of her viral smash ‘Boston' and a growing catalogue of hook-heavy, genre-blurring tracks, she brings a fresh, youthful energy that feels perfectly suited to the festival’s discovery stages. With a natural charisma and songs built for sing-alongs, her set promises that rare mix of buzz and substance.
Angie K – Friday 5th June: 1.45pm Dr Pepper stage
If you’re looking for a set that blends powerhouse vocals with real emotional depth, Angie K is one to seek out at CMA Fest. With a sound that fuses country roots, Latin influences and modern storytelling, she brings something genuinely distinctive to the lineup: delivering performances that feel both polished and deeply personal. In a festival built on discovery, Angie K stands out as the kind of artist who doesn’t just fill a slot, but leaves a lasting impression.
Tyla Rodrigues – Friday 5th June: 5.20pm Wrangler stage
If you’re keen to discover an international voice before the rest of the world catches on, Tyla Rodrigues is well worth your time at CMA Fest. The rising Australian artist brings a fresh perspective to country music, blending heartfelt storytelling with a modern, radio-ready edge that travels effortlessly across borders. There’s an honesty and warmth to her performances that shines in intimate festival settings, as we saw at C2C in London in March, making her exactly the kind of emerging talent CMA Fest was made to showcase.
Riverfront stage – Saturday 6th June: ALL DAY!
If you’re planning your Saturday at CMA Fest, the Riverfront Stage on June 6 is about as close as you’ll get to a perfectly curated day of country’s present and future in one place. With a stacked lineup featuring Ian Munsick, Drew Baldridge, Josh Ross, Midland, Kaitlin Butts, Carter Faith and Braxton Keith, it’s a rare chance to park up and let the hits keep coming: from neo-traditional swagger to fresh, rising voices. It’s the kind of lineup that captures everything CMA Fest does best: big talent, zero barriers and a full day of music that flows effortlessly from one standout set to the next.
Greylan James – Sunday 7th June: 11.15am Dr Pepper stage
If you’re the kind of fan who cares about the stories behind the hits, catching Greylan James at CMA Fest is a must. Best known as the writer behind the viral, and divisive, ‘Water at a Wedding,' last year James brings sharp songwriting instincts and a knack for turning real-life moments into conversation-starting songs. Seeing him live offers a rare chance to experience those lyrics straight from the source, in a setting where the craft takes centre stage and every line lands just a little harder.
Mae Estes – Sunday 7th June: 12.55pm Chevy Vibes stage
If you’re craving something rooted firmly in country’s traditional core, Mae Estes is a must-see at CMA Fest. With a voice and songwriting style that lean into classic influences without feeling dated, she delivers the kind of authenticity that cuts through the noise of a busy lineup. Estes brings grit, honesty and a timeless sensibility to the stage
McCoy Moore – Sunday 7th June: 5pm Dr Pepper stage
If you’re hunting for one of the most exciting up-and-comers on the lineup, McCoy Moore is well worth a stop at CMA Fest. Blending modern country energy with sharp hooks and a confident stage presence, he’s quickly building a reputation as an artist who knows how to connect with a crowd. In the more intimate festival settings, that charisma really shines, making his set the kind you stumble into out of curiosity and leave as a fan.
And, of course, once you've discovered all these cool, new artists during the day you can head over to the Nissan stadium to see the big show each night! Tickets are available right here.
