CMA Fest Kickoff: Your Guide to Nashville's Biggest Party!
TL;DR
CMA Fest 2025 kicks off today with music, events, and fan interactions throughout Nashville. Highlights include performances at Nissan Stadium, Riverfront Stage, and Ascend Amphitheater. Stay hydrated, plan ahead with the CMA Fest app, and explore Broadway. We’ll be at Lainey’s so if you’re reading come by and say hello!
Another Day in Country Music Paradise
Indeed - today marks the first day of CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville, and nothing screams peace & delightful like a packed Broadway and potential rain.
As I look out across our vast, in-home office, I can’t help but feel excited as this will be my first CMA experience. It’s a pretty bizarre feeling - typically I feel for Broadway like I feel for Times Square in New York - avoid it like the plague. However this week is special - Country Music Artists scattered across the country are converging for one of the most exciting live music events of the year. Each Honky Tonk, Dive and Restaurant will have some form of talented musician ready to make their name known to a pack of wild (and thirsty) civilians looking to enjoy time with their family and friends.
The Ozone Agenda
Like any reputable Media Company, our presence will be taking us to Lainey’s Bell Bottoms Up bar where Big Machine Label Group will be hosting their CMA Fest Pop Up. Fourteen artists - from Rae Lynn to Midland - will be performing one hour sets across three days. Very fun times - especially for all those who say us live-music-goers have a drinking problem. I can assure you on behalf of everyone, none of us have a problem drinking…
Our Client
Our team will be there with our partners Dan Post Boot Co to capture content for their Country Artist affiliates Rae Lynn and Conner Smith. The goal is simple - capture good vibes and great fashion sense. The team will be there Thursday through Saturday on the third floor to promote the brand and show the world that quality boots do come out of Tennessee.
In our humble, unbiased, non-affiliate paid opinion, they are the most comfortable boots we’ve ever worn. Highly recommended any prospective boot lover to get a pair. Here’s the link to Dan Post’s website so you don’t have to open another tab.
Editor’s Note: I’m repping the Ferrier. And I’m also the editor.
The Artists
For those that might recall that name, RaeLynn was a contestant on Season 2 of The Voice and made it all the way to the quarterfinals! Although she wasn’t a finalist, her incredible run put her on the map and fast forward to 2025, she’s showing no signs of slowing down. She’s joined Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle Tour as his opener dang near every show he’s got! And not just his shows, she’ll be headlining her first summer show in Binghamton, NY on June 13th. Check our her full tour list here.
Fun fact - her newest song “Heaven is a Honky Tonk” released on May 9th on all platforms. She said it best: “God made Sunday mornings 'cause of Saturday nights…” **
As well, Nashville’s own Conner Smith will be performing on Saturday at 11am. Conner was the man who released his first breakout song in 2021, “I Hate Alabama.” Eloquently worded, his viral hit landed him a label deal with Big Machine Records and we’re all stoked to see him live.
Fun fact - I played rugby in college. That has nothing to do with anything, but figured it was nice segue. The closest countries that plays high ranking international rugby are Ireland and the UK. And in a strange turn of events, Conner’s 2023 song “Creeks will Rise” was the first country song number one on the UK Country Airplay charts. Fancy that.
** - This is your sign to go to church :)
The Highlights
In a not-so-subtle transition to generic CMA Fest info, you can expect Broadway to transform into an epic street party. Fan favorites and rising stars alike will be setting the tone for what's guaranteed to be a legendary weekend.
And let's not forget about the Fan Fair X experience at Music City Center—your best bet to snag some autographs, take memorable photos, and even get up close and personal with your favorite artists. Doors open bright and early, so we hope you set your seven alarms.
The Stages to Catch
Nissan Stadium: The Main Stage. We can't wait to see how artists bring their A-game under the Nashville sky.
Riverfront Stage: A fan favorite spot to discover new & established voices alike.
Ascend Amphitheater: Intimate & energetic, Ascend Amphitheater offers a more personal musical experience and will be hosting some exceptional acts.
Tips for Enjoying CMA Fest 2025
Stay Hydrated & Cool: Coming from an ex-Northerner Nashville heat is no joke. Bring water, find shade, and definitely don’t wear black. There’s drinks everywhere - literally.
Plan Ahead: Download the CMA Fest app for real-time updates and stage schedules.
Explore Broadway: Don't just stick to the music stages—Broadway bars, restaurants, and shops all have something special planned for the weekend.
Need a hand? We can help!
Was your business able to capture the events that took place this week? If not, no worries - our team can help out with your next event!
Book a free 15-minute strategy session with Ozone Media Group to see how we can bring the polished vision of your business to life.
-Derek C., VP of Business Development
One Last Thing—Your Turn
We could guess what you’re thinking, or you could tell us:
Drop a comment below: What’re you looking forward to the most this weekend??
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