CMA Fest 2025 Recap: Country Music’s Biggest Party Did Not Disappoint
Where Music Took Over the City
From the Nissan Stadium main stage to the Riverfront shows, Fan Fair X, Spotify House, and every rooftop and bar in between, Nashville was buzzing with energy. The city transformed into a full-blown country music theme park.
Everywhere you turned, there was something happening: pop-up shows, surprise acoustic sets, meet-and-greets, exclusive merch drops, and fans connecting with their favorite artists in ways that only CMA Fest can deliver.
Iconic Performances & Major Moments
The Nissan Stadium lineup was stacked, and fans got treated to performances from the biggest names in country:
Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kelsea Ballerini, Riley Green, Luke Bryan, and Megan Moroney all delivered high-energy sets.
One of the most talked-about moments?
Keith Urban pulled double duty, surprising fans with secret sets and making multiple appearances across the city, including an unannounced Riverfront drop-in.
Girls (and Guys) Night Out Highlights
Wynonna Judd’s “Girls Night Out” show at Ascend Amphitheater was a massive highlight, featuring special guests like Lainey Wilson, Noah Cyrus, Little Big Town, and The War and Treaty. She ended the night surrounded by friends and fans singing a medley that brought the house down.
SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour at Eric Church’s bar, Chief’s, was a CMA Fest takeover. All weekend long, surprise guests like Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne, Alana Springsteen, and the Chief himself stopped by, turning the rooftop party into a CMA Fest main event.
Rising Stars & Fan Favorites
While the big names packed the stadium, the Riverfront Stage and Hard Rock stage were where the next generation of stars shined. Standouts included:
Ashley Cooke, Warren Zeiders, Kameron Marlowe, and Priscilla Block, who each had fans singing every word
TikTok favorites like Lanie Gardner and Austin Snell pulling in massive crowds for midday sets
Fan Fair X: Where Legends & Fans Connect
One of CMA Fest’s most beloved traditions, Fan Fair X at Music City Center, once again delivered big. Fans lined up for panels, merch drops, meet-and-greets, and insider Q&As all weekend long.
Trisha Yearwood made a special appearance that quickly became one of the most talked-about events of the day. She spoke about her career, her new music, and her love for her fans in a heartfelt conversation that felt more like a reunion than an interview. Her presence reminded everyone why she’s not just country royalty—she’s also one of the most gracious artists in the game.
From artist signings to intimate performances, Fan Fair X gave fans a chance to connect beyond the big stages—and those moments are often the ones that stick the longest.
Why CMA Fest Still Matters
Beyond the music and the parties, CMA Fest is a fundraiser. All ticket proceeds go directly to music education programs through the CMA Foundation, making it one of the few fan festivals with a real purpose behind the party.
It's a celebration of community—of fans who travel across the world to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the Nashville heat, just for a chance to hear their favorite songs live, maybe even meet the artists who shaped their lives.
Final Takeaway
CMA Fest 2025 reminded us why country music hits differently. It’s about connection, storytelling, and shared moments you can’t recreate. Whether you were screaming in the nosebleeds at Nissan or sipping a drink on Broadway during a pop-up show, you were part of something bigger.
Until next year, CMA Fest—you were pure magic.
