CMA Fest 2025 Returns to Nashville June 5–8
CMA Fest, Country Music Association’s annual celebration of country music, is returning to downtown Nashville June 5–8, 2025. Now in its 52nd year, CMA Fest is the longest-running country music festival in the world and one of the most anticipated events on the Nashville calendar. Fans from across the globe come to experience live performances from country’s biggest stars, rising talent, and special guests, all while connecting with the artists they love through meet-and-greets, fan experiences, and surprise appearances.
Founded in 1972 as “Fan Fair,” the event was originally held at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium and has grown exponentially since then. Today, CMA Fest spans four packed days of music across multiple stages, including Nissan Stadium, Ascend Amphitheater, and free daytime stages along the Cumberland River.
New for 2025, SoFi joins as the festival’s first presenting sponsor. As part of the partnership, SoFi Plus members will have access to a members-only lounge, the VIP Riverfront Retreat, and presale opportunities for single-night tickets in 2025, as well as early presale access for CMA Fest 2026.
CMA Fest 2025 Performances
With music at the heart of the celebration, CMA Fest 2025 features four full days of live performances across downtown Nashville. From massive headliner sets at Nissan Stadium to intimate acoustic sessions and free outdoor stages, the festival brings together country music’s biggest names, rising stars, and surprise guests. Here’s a breakdown of where and when to catch the action.
Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium is the centerpiece of CMA Fest 2025, hosting four nights of concerts featuring a mix of country music’s biggest stars and rising talent. Each evening delivers back-to-back performances, special collaborations, and surprise appearances that are a hallmark of the festival experience. Select sets are also filmed for the annual CMA Fest television special, bringing the energy of the event to audiences across the country.
- Thursday, June 5: Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Riley Green, Ella Langley
- Friday, June 6: Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Shaboozey, Parker McCollum
- Saturday, June 7: Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Davis, The Red Clay Strays
- Sunday, June 8: Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman, Zach Top
Other Ticketed Venues
In addition to nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, CMA Fest offers several other ticketed experiences that give fans more ways to enjoy live music and connect with artists.
- Ascend Amphitheater: Evening shows at this scenic riverfront venue feature curated lineups and offer a more intimate experience with both mainstream and cross-genre performers. This year’s lineup includes a Whiskey Jam takeover on Thursday, Jake Owen and Friends on Friday, and Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out on Saturday, featuring artists like Madeline Edwards and Sara Evans.
- Fan Fair X at Music City Center: Open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Fan Fair X includes acoustic performances, artist interviews, live podcast tapings, and interactive sessions at the CMA Close Up and Spotlight Stages. Featured guests for 2025 include Trisha Yearwood, Rascal Flatts, Parker McCollum, and Dasha, along with dozens of rising artists. Visitors can also enjoy air-conditioned comfort, exclusive merchandise, and meet-and-greets. A four-day Fan Fair X pass is included with a four-night stadium pass or can be purchased separately.
Free Stages
CMA Fest offers dozens of free performances daily across downtown Nashville—no ticket required!
- Chevy Riverfront Stage: A fan favorite for daytime sets along the Cumberland River, featuring full-band shows from current hitmakers and emerging talent.
- Dr Pepper Amp Stage: Located behind the Ascend Amphitheater in Ascend Park, this stage focuses on new and up-and-coming artists.
- Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park: Hosts a mix of fan favorites and rising stars in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
- Hard Rock Stage: Situated near the Hard Rock Café, this stage offers close-up performances and fan engagement moments.
- Good Molecules Reverb Stage: Set at the southwest corner of 5th Avenue and Broadway, this lively stage brings all-day music from rising stars right in the heart of Nashville’s neon-lit downtown.
CMA Fest 2025 Events Around Town
In addition to the main festival stages, CMA Fest 2025 features events throughout downtown Nashville that give fans more ways to engage with the music scene. Highlights include in-person American Idol auditions, intimate songwriter rounds at the Bluebird Pop-Up at Friends in Low Places, the Big Machine pop-up with exclusive merch and artist appearances, and special showcases like ASCAP’s Music Takeover and BEEN COUNTRY: Black Roots & Rhythm, which celebrates the influence of Black artists in country music. For the full schedule of popups and events around town, visit the CMA Fest 2025 website.
CMA Fest 2025 Ticket Options
CMA Fest 2025 offers a variety of ticket options to fit your schedule and budget. From full festival access to premium upgrades and one-night passes, here’s a breakdown of what’s available.
- Four-Night Stadium Pass: Grants access to all four nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium (Main Stage & Platform Stage) and four-day admission to Fan Fair X.
- Single Night Stadium Ticket: Allows entry to one night’s concert at Nissan Stadium.
- Ascend Amphitheater Ticket: Provides access to a single night’s performance at the Stage at Ascend Amphitheater.
- Fan Fair X Ticket: Offers one or four-day admission to Fan Fair X, including artist meet & greets, CMA Close Up and Spotlight Stages, air-conditioned comfort, and exclusive merchandise offerings.
- Riverside Retreat: A premium daytime upgrade located north of the Riverfront Stage in Fort Nashboro, featuring shade, tailgate games, food & beverages, charging stations, air-conditioned comfort stations, and new satellite locations at Chevy Vibes and Dr Pepper Amp Stages.
- Premium Packages: Include expedited entry into Nissan Stadium, all-inclusive hospitality experiences, and premium seating with unmatched views.
- Fitness at Fest: Access to two days of fitness sessions at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage on Bridgestone Arena Plaza, hosted by fitness instructors and their celebrity friends.
Getting to the CMA Fest
With road closures, limited parking, and thousands of visitors headed downtown, planning your transportation in advance is key. Whether you’re driving, taking a shuttle, riding the train, or using a rideshare service, here’s what you need to know to get to CMA Fest smoothly.
Parking
Due to ongoing construction near Nissan Stadium, parking is extremely limited. Four-night parking passes are sold out, but a limited number of single-night passes may still be available through the official CMA Fest ticketing page. Attendees can also reserve spots in advance at downtown locations using SpotHero or explore more parking options at Nashville Downtown.
Public Transit
WeGo Public Transit offers a special event train on Saturday, June 7, departing Lebanon Station at 4 pm, with stops at Hamilton Springs, Martha, Mt. Juliet, Hermitage, and Donelson, arriving at Nashville’s Riverfront Station by 5 pm. The return train departs one hour after the concert concludes. Advance tickets can be purchased here.
Shuttles
CMA Fest shuttles operate daily from 9 am to 1 am, providing convenient access between key locations:
- Stadium: Woodland Street at S 1st Street
- Downtown: 6th Avenue between Korean Veterans Boulevard and Demonbreun Street
- Downtown: Commerce Street at Rep. John Lewis Way
Rideshare Services
Rideshare is one of the most convenient ways to get to and from CMA Fest. Designated pickup and drop-off zones are located at:
- North side of Korean Veterans Boulevard from 1st Ave to 7th Ave
- 7th Ave N from Broadway to Commerce Street
- Interstate Drive between Woodland Street and Shelby Avenue
- Crutcher Street at S 2nd Street
CMA Fest 2025: A Four-Day Celebration of Country Music and Community
CMA Fest 2025 continues the festival’s long-standing tradition of bringing together fans and artists for four days of live music and community. With performances across downtown, events beyond the main stages, and ongoing support for music education through the CMA Foundation, the festival remains a key part of country music culture.
To help navigate the experience, the CMA Connect App serves as the official mobile guide for CMA Fest 2025. It includes artist lineups, daily stage schedules, interactive maps, official merchandise, curated playlists, and CMA Fan Access perks, like the chance to win giveaways. The app also provides real-time updates, alerts, and location-specific tips to help fans plan their days and stay in the loop.
For full schedules, updates, and more, visit the CMA Fest website.
Can’t make it to downtown Nashville for the big event? Country superstars Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde will host CMA Fest Presented by SoFi, the Music Event of Summer, airing Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 8/7c on ABC. The three-hour primetime concert special brings Country Music’s Ultimate Fan Experience to a national television audience. The broadcast will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
