independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
While CMA Fest dominates downtown Nashville, rocknite is bringing an alternative rock takeover to Broadway. Cage the Elephant, Dexter and The Moonrocks, and more than 25 artists will perform across three stages at the free all-day event.
CMA Fest 2026 returns to Nashville June 4–7 with daytime performances across downtown stages. Artists like The War and Treaty, Dasha, Willow Avalon, and Melissa Etheridge showcase the variety of sounds that let fans curate their own festival experience.
At CMA Fest 2025, we explored the day stages and local showcases that bring real stories to life. From Gowa Gibbs’ Appalachian roots to Hailey Whitters’ down-home storytelling—and despite Friday’s weather—here’s how the first half of the festival unfolded, proving there’s more to CMA than stadium lights.
