CMA Fest 2025 Kicks Off at Ascend Amphitheater With Big Stars, New Surprises

CMA Fest Kicks Off at Ascend Amphitheater

CMA Fest has returned to Ascend Amphitheater this summer, and excitement is already in the air. Nashville is now buzzing with fun nights filled with country music.

Fans are already feeling the excitement near the Cumberland River. The festival brings some fresh changes this year, and fans are eager to see what’s next.

The Fest Has Begun

The Ascend Amphitheater is lighting up with live country music each night from June 5 to June 7. As part of CMA Fest, these shows are bringing different singers and sounds to the stage every evening.

People will get to see both new artists and big stars in a beautiful, open-air setting. It’s the kind of event that makes you smile, sing along, and not want the night to end.

A Beloved Tradition Returns

Everyone is talking about the CMA Fest shows returning to the Ascend Amphitheater. The shows are happening by the river with the city lights in the background.

Families, friends, and music lovers all come together to enjoy the night. It’s a place full of smiles, singing, and country music magic.

Affordable Fun

Tickets for the CMA Fest shows at Ascend Amphitheater started at just $17, making it a cheap way to enjoy live music. Whether someone loves country music or just wants a fun night, it’s a great deal.

Tickets had been on sale since Friday, April 18, at 10 AM CT on CMAfest.com.

Night One: Whiskey Jam Takes Over

The real fun kicks off tonight, Thursday, June 5, with Whiskey Jam leading the way. It’s a great place to find new country talent and is known for its lively shows.

The night features a lineup of up-and-coming artists. Each performer is bringing their unique style to the stage.

Night Two: Jake Owen & Friends

Jake Owen is set to headline a special concert called “Jake Owen & Friends” at the Ascend Amphitheater on Friday, June 6.

The night will mix relaxed tunes with upbeat country hits. Jake will be joined by Carter Faith, Max McNown, Wynn Williams, and Lukas Nelson. It’s sure to be a night of great music and fun.

Night Three: Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out

On Saturday, June 7, Wynonna Judd will host “Girls Night Out” to close out the Ascend Amphitheater series. The night will celebrate women in country music with performances by Madeline Edwards and Sara Evans.

There will also be surprise appearances from Noah Cyrus, The War and Treaty, and more. Fans can expect an empowering and inspiring evening with some of country music’s best female voices.

Why Ascend Amphitheater Rocks

Ascend Amphitheater sits right by the Cumberland River and gives fans a beautiful view of downtown Nashville. The open-air setup and fresh breeze make every show feel special.

Its sound is clear, and the space feels close and personal, no matter the seat. It’s a spot where music feels bigger and moments feel closer.

Presented by SoFi

For the first time, SoFi is the presenting partner of CMA Fest. This new team-up will last for a few years and brings exciting extras for fans.

SoFi, known for its money tools, is adding fun things like cool setups and special fan spots at the fest. It’s all about giving fans more to enjoy while they’re there.

Full Festival Vibes in Downtown Nashville

CMA Fest takes over downtown Nashville for four full days. Music fills the streets, from Broadway to the Riverfront, with free shows for everyone.

There are 10 stages and tons of surprise moments with new and big-name artists. It’s a fun, loud, and happy time that brings country music fans together like nowhere else.

Nissan Stadium Brings the Stars

Nissan Stadium lights up every night during CMA Fest with the biggest stars in country music. Fans pack the seats to see powerful shows with huge sound and energy.

What makes it special are the surprise duets and guest spots that only happen here. It’s a place where music feels big and moments feel even bigger.

10 Stages, Hundreds of Artists

CMA Fest will have 10 stages of live country music in Nashville. Big names like Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, and Dierks Bentley have performed in the past.

They can expect resh talent such as Ashley Cooke, Conner Smith, and Chapel Hart this summer. It’s a nonstop celebration where there’s always something new and exciting.

Your Festival HQ – CMA Connect App

The CMA Connect App is the perfect tool for festival-goers. It provides real-time artist lineups, schedule alerts, and surprise performances. 

Users can create personalized itineraries, discover artists like Luke Bryan and Kelsea Ballerini, and find the best routes between stages. With the app, fans stay connected and never miss a moment at CMA Fest.

Giving Back with Every Ticket

CMA Fest does not only focus on music, it’s also about making a difference. With every ticket sold, the support goes to the CMA Foundation. 

Every performer donates their time, making this possible. The money raised helps kids access music programs and provides resources for teachers to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Spotlight on the CMA Foundation

The CMA Foundation was founded in 2011. Its purpose was to use music and change the lives of music enthusiasts. 

The foundation helps bring music programs to schools that need them most, providing instruments, sheet music, and teacher training. Luke Bryan’s vision for the CMA Awards aligns with this mission, as he looks to evolve the categories to better reflect the diversity and growth within the country music genre.

National TV Special Returns

People who can not visit the Fest live can watch it being filmed for a national TV special. The special will air on ABC and Hulu this summer. 

It will feature surprise performances, unforgettable collaborations, and every winner from the 2024 CMA Awards show.

Read More From This Brand:

• Nicole Kidman Mourns the Loss of Her Mother Janelle
• Brad Paisley’s Gift to Kimberly After Vocal Loss
• Darius Rucker Mourns Loss of Longtime Crew Member

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.