CMA Fest 2025: Unforgettable Collaborations and Family Moments in Nashville

CMA Fest 2025 was filled with memorable collaborations that took place over the four days of country music in Nashville. Dierks Bentley shared the stage with Zach Top, while Bailey Zimmerman performed a duet with BigXthaPlug on Day 4. Family moments were also a highlight, with Rodney Atkins bringing his son Eli on stage and Ella Langley holding a baby during her performance. Luke Bryan closed out the festival on Sunday night with an electrifying performance.
Formerly known as CMA Music Fest and Fan Fair, CMA Fest originated in 1972 to showcase country music and provide fans with the opportunity to meet their favorite artists. The event has grown significantly over the years, moving from the Nashville Fairgrounds to downtown Nashville in the early 2000s. In 2004, a partnership with ABC was established, allowing for televised highlights of the festival. Thousands of country music enthusiasts flock to Nashville to attend the various free and paid shows, with the nightly Nissan Stadium performances being a major draw.
Despite facing inclement weather with heavy rains and storms on Friday and Saturday, CMA Fest persevered and continued after the weather cleared. It is not uncommon for the nightly shows to extend well past midnight, providing fans with unforgettable musical experiences. The festival showcased a diverse lineup of artists and collaborations, making it a must-attend event for country music fans.