The CMA Fest 2025, set to take place from June 5-8 in Nashville, Tennessee, is gearing up to be the ultimate country music celebration, and Kelsea Ballerini is at the heart of it all. As a nominee for the ACM Entertainer of the Year, Ballerini’s star power will illuminate Nissan Stadium alongside other heavyweights like Keith Urban, Parker McCollum, Shaboozey, and Cody Johnson. Presented by SoFi, the festival promises four days of unforgettable performances, exclusive VIP lounge experiences, and flexible ticketing options like Buy now, pay over time. This 2000-word article dives into the CMA Fest 2025 lineup, VIP lounge details, ticketing, SoFi Stadium connections, Nissan Stadium policies, and more, ensuring you’re ready for the world’s longest-running country music festival.
What Is CMA Fest 2025?
CMA Fest, formerly known as Fan Fair, is a cornerstone of country music, drawing fans from across the globe to Nashville’s vibrant Lower Broadway district. Running from June 5-8, 2025, CMA Fest presented by SoFi will feature over 200 artists across 10 stages, with the nightly mainstage performances at Nissan Stadium stealing the spotlight. This year, SoFi, a leading financial services company, steps in as the presenting sponsor, aligning with the festival’s mission to support music education through the CMA Foundation. A portion of ticket proceeds funds high-quality music programs nationwide, making CMA Fest 2025 a celebration with a purpose.
The festival offers a mix of free outdoor stages, ticketed stadium shows, and exclusive experiences like Fan Fair X and the Riverside Retreat VIP lounge. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or a first-timer, CMA Fest 2025 delivers unmatched energy, star-studded performances, and opportunities to get up close with artists like Kelsea Ballerini.
The Star-Studded Lineup: CMA Fest Presented by SoFi
The CMA Fest 2025 lineup is a who’s-who of country music, blending chart-topping veterans with rising stars. The nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium are the festival’s crown jewel, featuring artists known for their electrifying performances and hit singles. Here’s a breakdown of the CMA Fest presented by SoFi lineup for each night, with a focus on the key artists:
Thursday, June 5
- Jason Aldean
- Brooks & Dunn
- Riley Green
- Ella Langley
- Darius Rucker
Thursday kicks off with high-energy performances from Aldean’s anthemic hits to Brooks & Dunn’s timeless classics, setting the tone for an epic weekend.
Friday, June 6
- Keith Urban
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Parker McCollum
- Shaboozey
- Cody Johnson
Friday night is a highlight, with Kelsea Ballerini bringing her pop-country flair and heartfelt lyrics to the stage. Fresh off her ACM Entertainer of the Year nomination and the release of her 2024 album Patterns, Ballerini is poised to deliver a career-defining performance. Keith Urban will captivate with his guitar-driven energy, while Cody Johnson and Parker McCollum represent the heart of modern country. Shaboozey, a breakout star blending country and hip-hop, adds a fresh vibe after his Grammy-nominated collaboration with Beyoncé.
Saturday, June 7
- Jordan Davis
- Megan Moroney
- Rascal Flatts
- The Red Clay Strays
- Blake Shelton
Saturday features the return of Rascal Flatts, alongside the soulful sounds of The Red Clay Strays and Blake Shelton’s crowd-pleasing hits. Megan Moroney, a rising star, will also perform at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, showcasing her versatility.
Sunday, June 8
- Dierks Bentley
- Luke Bryan
- Ashley McBryde
- Zach Top
- Bailey Zimmerman
The festival closes with Luke Bryan’s infectious energy, Dierks Bentley’s rugged charm, and Ashley McBryde’s raw storytelling, ensuring a memorable finale.
Additional performers across other stages include Danielle Bradbery, Blanco Brown, Tigirlily Gold, and Wynonna Judd, who will host a special “Girls Night Out” at Ascend Amphitheater on June 7. The Chevy Riverfront Stage and Dr Pepper Amp Stage will feature up-and-comers like Dasha, Dylan Marlowe, and Tucker Wetmore, making CMA Fest 2025 a platform for both established and emerging talent.
Kelsea Ballerini: The Heart of CMA Fest 2025
Kelsea Ballerini is a standout at CMA Fest 2025, performing on Friday, June 6, at Nissan Stadium. Her journey from a Knoxville native to a country music powerhouse has been marked by hits like Love Me Like You Mean It and Half of My Hometown. Her 2024 album Patterns has solidified her as a lyrical force, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for her collaboration with Noah Kahan on Cowboys Cry Too. Ballerini’s recent role as a coach on The Voice and her acting debut in Doctor Odyssey have expanded her reach, making her performance at CMA Fest presented by SoFi a must-see event.
Ballerini’s connection to Nashville and her authenticity resonate with fans, and her CMA Fest appearance is a homecoming of sorts. Expect a setlist packed with fan favorites, new tracks from Patterns, and possibly a surprise collaboration, as Nissan Stadium is known for unexpected pairings. Her performance will be filmed for a network special airing on ABC and Hulu, ensuring her star power reaches millions.
Other Key Performers: Keith Urban, Parker McCollum, Shaboozey, and Cody Johnson
The Friday night lineup is stacked with talent:
- Keith Urban: A CMA Fest veteran, Urban’s high-octane performances and guitar virtuosity make him a fan favorite. Hits like Blue Ain’t Your Color and Somebody Like You will light up Nissan Stadium.
- Parker McCollum: Known for songs like Pretty Heart and Burn It Down, McCollum’s gritty vocals and relatable lyrics connect with the modern country audience.
- Shaboozey: After his breakout hit A Bar Song (Tipsy) and collaborations with Beyoncé, Shaboozey brings a genre-blending edge to CMA Fest 2025.
- Cody Johnson: With his traditional country sound and hits like ’Til You Can’t, Johnson embodies the heart of the genre, delivering a soul-stirring set.
These artists, alongside Ballerini, make Friday night a highlight of CMA Fest presented by SoFi, showcasing the diversity and evolution of country music.
VIP Lounge and Exclusive Experiences
For fans seeking a premium experience, CMA Fest 2025 offers VIP lounge access through packages like Riverside Retreat and Elevate Experiences. The Riverside Retreat provides VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage, and Chevy Vibes Stage, with exclusive amenities such as:
- Shaded seating areas
- Mobile charging stations
- Air-conditioned restrooms
- Early entry to the Chevy Riverfront Stage
- Discounted beverages
VIP Packages through Elevate Experiences include premium Nissan Stadium seating, backstage access, and exclusive hospitality. These packages are ideal for fans wanting to elevate their CMA Fest experience with perks like meet-and-greets and premium views of stars like Kelsea Ballerini and Keith Urban. Tickets for Riverside Retreat and Fan Fair X, which offers indoor activities and artist interactions, are on sale now at CMAfest.com/tickets.
Ticketing Options: Buy Now, Pay Over Time
CMA Fest 2025 offers flexible ticketing to suit every budget, with options like Buy now, pay over time making it easier to secure your spot. Here’s a breakdown of the key ticket types:
Four-Night Stadium Passes
- Price: $240–$1,061
- Access: All nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium from June 5-8
- Available now at CMAfest.com/tickets
Single-Night Stadium Tickets
- Price: Starting at $79.80 per night
- Access: One night of performances at Nissan Stadium (e.g., Friday for Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, etc.)
- On sale: March 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. CT
- Friday night pricing examples (via Ticketmaster):
- Sec VIP • Row 11: $1,296.50
- Sec 1 • Row 17: $420.50
- Sec 12 • Row 15: $322.50
- Sec 15 • Row 10: $281.50
Payment Plans
- Pay in 4: Interest-free payments every two weeks, starting at purchase.
- Pay Monthly: Split your purchase into equal monthly payments for larger orders.
- Get more info on Pay Later options at CMAfest.com/tickets or through Ticketmaster’s Buy now, pay over time program.
Other Ticket Options
- Fan Fair X: Access to meet-and-greets, merch, and indoor activities at Music City Center.
- Ascend Amphitheater: Three nights of open-air shows, with lineups to be announced.
- Free Outdoor Stages: No ticket required for stages like Chevy Riverfront and Dr Pepper Amp.
Note: A delivery delay is in place until May 10, 2025, and exceeding ticket limits may result in order cancellation. Check CMAfest.com/tickets for full details and trusted vendors like Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, or StubHub.
Nissan Stadium Policies and Event Details
Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, hosts the nightly concerts for CMA Fest 2025, accommodating over 50,000 fans. Due to ongoing construction of a new stadium nearby, parking is limited, so plan to use rideshares or public transit. Key policies include:
- Bag Policy: Clear bags (12”x12”x6” or smaller) are permitted; non-clear bags are prohibited.
- Prohibited Items: Weapons, umbrellas, outside food/drink, and professional cameras.
- Seating: Reserved seating for ticketed shows; check the CMA Connect App for set times and stage schedules.
- Filming: Nightly shows are filmed for an ABC/Hulu special, so attendees may appear on broadcast.
Gates open at 7:45 p.m. for Thursday and 8:00 p.m. for Friday–Sunday. Arrive early to navigate security and enjoy pre-show activities.
Additional CMA Fest 2025 Highlights
Beyond Nissan Stadium, CMA Fest 2025 spans downtown Nashville with free and ticketed events:
- Chevy Riverfront Stage: Features Gabby Barrett, Maddie & Tae, and Megan Moroney, known for breakout afternoon sets.
- Dr Pepper Amp Stage: Hosts Rodney Atkins, Danielle Bradbery, and Mason Ramsey, blending throwback and modern vibes.
- Fan Fair X: Located at Music City Center, this expo offers meet-and-greets, merch, and panels from 9:30 a.m. daily.
- Ascend Amphitheater: Includes Jake Owen and Friends (June 6) and Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out (June 7, with Madeline Edwards, Sara Evans, Noah Cyrus, and The War and Treaty).
The festival’s free outdoor stages, like the Hard Rock Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage, showcase emerging artists, making CMA Fest accessible to all.
Why CMA Fest 2025 Is Unmissable
CMA Fest 2025 is more than a music festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates country music’s past, present, and future. With Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, Parker McCollum, Shaboozey, and Cody Johnson leading the Nissan Stadium lineup, fans are guaranteed electrifying performances. The VIP lounge experiences, flexible Buy now, pay over time options, and SoFi’s sponsorship elevate the event, while Nissan Stadium’s policies ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. Whether you’re securing Pay in 4 tickets or exploring free stages, CMA Fest presented by SoFi offers something for every country music lover.
Mark your calendars for June 5-8, 2025, and visit CMAfest.com/tickets to Get more info on Pay Later options and secure your spot. Don’t miss the chance to see Kelsea Ballerini shine and experience the magic of CMA Fest 2025 in Music City!
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