CMA Fest 2025: The Daily Must-See Artist Guide Across Nashville’s Iconic Stages
- All Country News
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Each June, CMA Fest sets Nashville ablaze with four unforgettable days of live country music, artist-fan connection, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. From the legends gracing Nissan Stadium to the rising stars owning the festival’s sun-soaked side stages, the city becomes a living, breathing celebration of country music’s past, present, and future.
With hundreds of artists set to perform across multiple stages, navigating the lineup can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve compiled your daily guide to the must-see artists at CMA Fest 2025. Whether you're chasing acoustic ballads, country-rock bangers, or fresh takes on the classics, here’s who you absolutely don’t want to miss, broken down by day and by stage.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Chevy Riverfront Stage
Kicking off CMA Fest 2025 at 11 a.m. sharp is none other than Megan Moroney, who has quickly become one of the most beloved new faces in country. With platinum hits like “Tennessee Orange” and a knack for telling it like it is, Moroney’s set is sure to draw a massive crowd and for good reason. Her voice carries both steel and sweetness, and her lyrics are as clever as they are heartfelt. It’s an early set that sets the tone for a weekend of authenticity.
Also on deck is rising newcomer Hudson Westbrook, whose name is already generating buzz thanks to his captivating live performances and gritty, soulful delivery. His ability to blend country storytelling with an Americana edge puts him in the same conversation as artists like Parker McCollum and Brent Cobb. Don’t be surprised if Westbrook walks offstage with a legion of new fans.
Chevy Vibes Stage
Country upstart Lauren Watkins brings her smoky vocals and lyrical confidence to the Walk of Fame Park. Her music carries the torch of Nashville’s late-night barroom confessions, equal parts bold and vulnerable. Expect crowd-favorite cuts from her latest project, as well as a stage presence that commands attention from the jump.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Chevy Riverfront Stage
It’s a powerhouse Friday lineup, starting with Sam Barber, the Missouri native whose songs blend traditional storytelling with a modern edge. Barber’s rise has been fueled by viral hits and a grassroots fanbase drawn to his honesty and magnetic vocals. He’s the kind of artist who connects deeply with a crowd, and his set promises to be one of the most emotionally charged of the day.
Next up is Ian Munsick, who’s been carving a niche as country’s wild mountain soul. Known for bringing Western flair to contemporary country, Munsick’s live show is an experience, fiddle-driven, high-energy, and steeped in Wyoming pride. His Riverfront set will no doubt leave boots stomping.
Then comes Midland, the Grammy-nominated trio who practically ooze vintage cool. Their signature blend of 1970s California country and honky-tonk charm makes them a Riverfront highlight year after year. Expect polished harmonies, rhinestone swagger, and a setlist full of favorites like “Drinkin’ Problem” and “Mr. Lonely.”
Chevy Vibes Stage
Keep your ears open for Vincent Mason, one of country’s most intriguing rising storytellers. With a warm tone and writing style reminiscent of Eric Church’s early days, Mason brings a brooding charisma that fans of lyric-driven country will absolutely eat up.
Good Molecules Reverb Stage
Kolby Cooper takes over Bridgestone Plaza with a no-holds-barred sound that fuses country grit with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Cooper's songs are fiercely relatable, raw snapshots of heartbreak, struggle, and coming-of-age chaos. His Friday set is bound to be a rowdy, high-volume affair that sticks with you long after the amps fade.
Hard Rock Stage
Meanwhile, just steps off Broadway, Payton Smith is set to show off his chops on the Hard Rock Stage. Known for his blazing guitar solos and radio-ready anthems, Smith’s genre-blending style bridges the gap between contemporary country and southern rock in a way few others can. It’s a free set, but his performance will be worth paying top dollar for.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Chevy Riverfront Stage
Saturday belongs to Jackson Dean, the smoky-voiced Maryland native with a sound that’s rugged, soulful, and hauntingly fresh. With breakout hits like “Don’t Come Lookin’,” Dean’s music sounds like it was born on backroads and raised in dive bars. His stage presence is mesmerizing, and his Saturday afternoon slot is one of the most highly anticipated of the fest.
Dr Pepper Amp Stage
Over at Ascend Park, John Morgan steps up as one of the day’s most exciting acts. The North Carolina native, and Jason Aldean’s go-to songwriter, brings a mix of down-home grit and mainstream polish. Morgan knows how to craft a hook, and his live performance style is as commanding as it is engaging.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
Chevy Riverfront Stage
CMA Fest may be winding down, but Ella Langley is closing it out with a bang. The Alabama powerhouse blends country swagger with a Southern rock bite, and her stage presence is all fire and fury. Langley’s songs are packed with punchy lyrics and no-apologies attitude, a perfect way to wrap up four days of unforgettable music along the Cumberland River.
Good Molecules Reverb Stage
Hannah McFarland is another standout Sunday act, bringing a fresh yet timeless sound to the Reverb Stage. With influences that range from classic Reba to modern Kacey, McFarland’s vocals are rich, heartfelt, and full of promise.
Dr Pepper Amp Stage
Closing out the Ascend Park lineup is Braxton Keith, the young Texas troubadour breathing new life into traditional country. With a voice that feels dipped in neon and pedal steel, Keith’s style nods to George Strait while making room for a new generation of honky-tonk lovers.
From sunrise singalongs at Riverfront to gritty night sets at Hard Rock, CMA Fest 2025 is a four-day rollercoaster of twang, talent, and timeless memories. Whether you’re chasing the next big thing or watching legends in their prime, this lineup is a love letter to country music’s ever-expanding heartbeat.
Keep your boots on and your schedule loose, because at CMA Fest, the best moments are often the ones you didn’t plan for.
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