CMA Fest Day 2: Rain Can’t Dampen The Energy In Downtown Nashville

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Little Big Town performs onstage during Spotify House at CMA Fest 2025 – Day 2 at Ole Red on June 06, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for Spotify

Despite rain delays, cancellations and unpredictable weather throughout Friday, CMA Fest Day 2 carried on with unforgettable performances and resilient crowds who weren’t letting a little drizzle stop the music.

Sam Barber performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

At the Chevy Riverfront Stage, fans gathered early for sets from rising star Sam Barber and powerhouse vocalist Gabby Barrett before the skies opened up. Waylon Wyatt and Angie K got their sets in at the Chevy Vibes Stage before storms rolled in, while the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage showcased performances by Karley Scott Collins and fan-favorite band Sister Hazel. Kat Hasty and Fancy Hagood brought heart and flair to the Good Molecules Reverb Stage, while Britnee Kellogg and Ashley Anne held things down at the Hard Rock Stage.

Indoors, the Spotify House at Ole Red powered on with a packed lineup including Kelsea Ballerini, Dasha, Little Big Town, Tanner Adell, Warren Zeiders, Brothers Osborne, Josh Ross, Dylan Scott and Midland—with a surprise appearance from música Mexicana star Carín León electrifying the crowd.

Over at Chief’s on Broadway, SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour brought even more heat with surprise performances from Eric Church himself, plus Marcus King, Lauren Watkins, Ashley McBryde, Alana Springsteen, Brothers Osborne and more.

The Mirror: Reflections on Songwriting with Trisha Yearwood & Friends on the CMA Close Up at Fan Fair X on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Fans looking to stay dry headed to Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, where Trisha Yearwood previewed her upcoming album The Mirror in conversation with the project’s songwriters. Morgan Evans joined Caterina Mete from The Wiggles for a charming panel on children’s entertainment in country music, and hitmakers Keith Stegall, Clay Walker and Jamie O’Neal talked craft and career longevity. The day also featured an exclusive conversation with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts and global artist Akon, who discussed their unexpected collaboration, “Hold The Umbrella (Featuring De La Ghetto),” with industry veterans.

As the skies cleared, fans made their way to Nissan Stadium for the evening’s main stage show—though delayed, spirits remained high. Others headed to Ascend Amphitheater, where Jake Owen and Friends delivered a standout set featuring Lukas Nelson, Wynn Williams, Carter Faith and Max McNown.

CMA Fest rolls on with even more performances across Music City today.

Gabby Barrett performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Jake Owen and Friends perform at Ascend Amphitheater on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Karley Scott Collins performs at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Brothers Osborne perform onstage during Spotify House at CMA Fest 2025 – Day 2 at Ole Red on June 06, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for Spotify

Angie K performs at the Chevy Vibes Stage on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Under the Umbrella with Gary LeVox and Akon on the CMA Close Up at Fan Fair X on Friday, June 6, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

LB Cantrell
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