CMA Fest 2025 Shifts Lineup, Maintains Global Appeal

CMA Fest 2025, celebrating its 52nd year in Nashville, continues to attract global crowds with four days of free and ticketed performances from country stars including Brandon Lake, Willow Avalon, and Keith Urban. Enthusiastic fans endured crowded trains, unpredictable weather, and lengthy travel to enjoy the festival’s vibrant mix of music and community. Major names like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll are absent from the official lineup, reflecting a shift in artist selection during Donald Trump’s second presidency and a move away from the more diverse or controversial programming of previous years. Despite these changes, both mainstream and marginalized acts still perform, with offsite venues and pop-up events like Spotify House maintaining some diversity. The festival features daytime outdoor shows, headline performances at Nissan Stadium, and popular activities along Lower Broadway, creating an inclusive downtown atmosphere. CMA Fest remains a marquee event for country music fans, celebrated for its performances, fan experiences, and Nashville’s unique energy.