CMA Fest Powers A More Than $2 Million Gift To The CMA Foundation

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Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts performs onstage during day three of CMA Fest 2025 at Nissan Stadium on June 07, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

The Country Music Association wrapped its 52nd Annual CMA Fest yesterday (June 8), bringing in an estimated 95,000 fans from all 50 states and 33 countries to the heart of Music City. The weekend featured over 300 performances across four days and over 100 CMA Fest debuts. The festival raised over $2 million dollars to support music education through the CMA Foundation.

Cody Johnson Performs At Nissan Stadium During CMA Fest. Pictured: Clark Tedesco (VP Marketing, Warner Music Nashville), Cody Johnson, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, Warner Music Nashville)

“What an incredible four days and nights. Even with a few weather interruptions, the energy and spirit of our fans never faded,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From legendary acts to artists playing CMA Fest for the very first time, this year was a celebration of discovery, connection and community. And the fact that it all helps fund the CMA Foundation’s work in music education makes it even more impactful.”

From 2024 CMA New Artist of the Year Megan Moroney drawing a capacity crowd to kick off CMA Fest at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday morning, to surprise appearances at Nissan Stadium by Trace Adkins, BigXthaPlug, Jelly Roll, Noah Kahan, Brandon Lake, Travis Tritt and Lainey Wilson, to an updated “Fan Alley” activation and so much more. this year’s event delivered powerful memories at every turn.

During the day, fans explored multiple outdoor stages, Fan Fair X events and Ascend Amphitheater night shows. Click the link to see highlights from day-time events on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Over at Nissan Stadium, fans were treated to unique lineups on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with surprise guests and Platform Stage performances in addition the the scheduled lineups.

The television special, CMA Fest Presented by SoFi, will air June 26 at 7 p.m. central time on ABC hosted by Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson.

Ryman And BMI Block Party Returns For Fourth Year. Pictured: BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Zach John King (Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI)

Carrie Underwood Celebrates 20 Years Of Some Hearts & Two Years Of ‘Carrie’s Country’ On SiriusXM. Pictured (L-R): SiriusXM’s Christina Mooney and Kathleen St. Clair, Carrie Underwood, SiriusXM’s Randy Dry, Cody Alan and Lauryn Snapp. (Photo: Jeff Johnson)

Colbie Caillat & Mitchell Tenpenny Make Their Duet Debut At The Grand Ole Opry. Pictured: Mitchell Tenpenny, Colbie Caillat. (Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry)

Kelsea Ballerini Makes Surprise Appearance at SoFi Lounge During CMA Fest. Pictured: Lauren Stafford Webb (SoFi, CMO), Kelsea Ballerini, Sarah Trahern.

Lauryn Sink
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