CMA Fest 2025 is officially in the books, and while weather tried to rain on our country music parade, the show carried on with stellar performances and memorable moments throughout the four-day event.
What Is CMA Fest?
What started in 1972 as a simple country music event called Fan Fare has turned into the genre’s premier festival. Known as the “Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience,” CMA Fest has grown from its humble beginnings as a one-night event at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium.
What once drew in 5,000 fans has turned into a complete takeover of Music City, lasting four days. Tens of thousands of fans attend each year from all 50 states and 40 different countries.
It’s become the longest-running country music festival in the world.
One of the reasons it has been so successful? How it focuses on the fan experience. CMA Fest also serves as a major fundraiser for the CMA Foundation, with a portion of proceeds going to the organization to further musical education initiatives.
Where Is CMA Fest?
The four-day event takes over just about every inch of Nashville. Shows take place throughout the day in Bridgestone Plaza, Ascend Amphitheater, along the banks of the Cumberland River and more.
There are also plenty meet-and-greet opportunities at Music City Center.
Then, each night, the biggest stars in country music take the stage at Nissan Stadium, creating an epic close to the day’s festivities.
And don’t forget about the bars: With so many country artists launching businesses up and down Broadway, it’s almost a guarantee you’ll see your favorite stars and they famous pals jumping on stage to sing a few songs at their watering holes.
When Is CMA Fest 2026?
If you missed CMA Fest 2025, you can watch the television special with all of the highlights, airing June 26 at 8PM ET on ABC. The show will be hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde.
CMA Fest 2026 is scheduled for June 4-8, 2026.
6 Big Things That Happened at CMA Fest 2025
Another grand CMA Fest is in the books! As country music’s premier festival, the event always opens the door for some memorable moments in country music. We rounded up a list of the biggest moments that happened in 2025.
Gallery Credit: Jess Rowe
CMA Fest 2025: the Best Pictures and Highlights From Day 1
Here are the best pictures from the June 5, 2025 show at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The televised recap of CMA Fest will air on ABC on June 26.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
CMA Fest 2025: See Pictures and Highlights From Day 2
Keith Urban headlined the second night of CM Fest 2025 in Nashville, but several surprise appearances stole the show.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
CMA Fest 2025: See Pictures + Highlights From Day 3
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
CMA Fest 2025: See Pictures + Highlights From Day 4
See the best pictures from CMA Fest Day 4! Rodney Atkins opened at Nissan Stadium and was joined by his son Eli to sing “Watching You.” After that came Zach Top, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
