Every year, it seems impossible to imagine how CMA Fest could get any better. And every year, it somehow does.

As the world’s largest country music festival, CMA Fest continues to raise the bar, bringing together fans from around the globe for four unforgettable days of live music, incredible performances, and memories that last a lifetime. From the free daytime stages throughout downtown Nashville to the nightly stadium concerts, there’s truly nothing else like it.

One of the best parts of CMA Fest is the opportunity to discover new artists while also seeing some of country music’s biggest stars. Fans packed stages across the city all weekend long, taking in nonstop performances, artist meet-and-greets, surprise appearances, and unforgettable moments around every corner.

Night after night, Nissan Stadium once again proved why it’s the centerpiece of CMA Fest. Returning favorites like Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Bailey Zimmerman, and many more delivered standout performances, while artists like Russell Dickerson celebrated their long-awaited debut on the stadium stage.

One of the top unforgettable moments throughout the weekend was the reunion of Florida Georgia Line. Seeing Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley share the stage again in front of a packed stadium was an epic moment both for fan and the country duo.

Sunday morning offered a completely different, but equally memorable experience. Thousands gathered at the Riverfront stage for Cowboy Church, where Brandon Lake led a powerful morning of worship through music. Attendance exceeded capacity in multiple viewing areas as fans came together for an inspiring start to the final day of CMA Fest, creating one of the weekend’s most meaningful moments.

Even for those who couldn’t make the trip to Nashville, CMA made sure they didn’t miss out. The primetime television special, CMA Fest Presented by SoFi, captured many of the festival’s biggest performances and unforgettable collaborations, allowing fans everywhere to experience the excitement from home. The special is now available to stream on Hulu.

We didn’t think it was possible to love country music any more than we already did, but we left CMA Fest with an even deeper appreciation for it, and for the incredible community that surrounds it. There’s something so special about seeing thousands of fans from all walks of life come together because of a shared love for the music. It’s an experience that simply can’t be replicated.

Relive some of our favorite CMA Fest moments by checking out our social media coverage here and here. We’ll continue adding more highlights from the incredible weekend.

If you’ve never been to CMA Fest, put it at the top of your bucket list. And if you’ve been before, you already know that one trip is never enough.

The countdown has already begun for CMA Fest 2027. Mark your calendars and start making plans to be in Nashville June 10-13, 2027.

We’ll see y’all there!

The post CMA Fest 2026 Delivers An Unforgettable Weekend in Nashville appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Multi-platinum country star Chris Young has officially opened the doors to his highly anticipated Midtown sports bar, Famous Friends, adding a new destination for sports fans, locals, and visitors in the heart of Nashville.

Ahead of the public opening, Young celebrated with an exclusive VIP event on June 22, giving friends, fellow artists, athletes, and entertainment personalities a first look at the new venue. Guests included Mitchell Tenpenny, Meghan Patrick, BRELAND, Shaylen, former NFL linebacker Miles Burris, and Farmer Wants A Wife stars Braden Pridemore and Brett Maverick, along with other industry guests. WATCH HERE.

Located at 1516A Demonbreun Street in Midtown, just steps from Tin Roof, Famous Friends is named after Young’s multi-week No. 1 hit and reflects the hometown pride, friendships, and connections that have shaped his career. The venue features the ability to show multiple games at once, and offers elevated food and drinks, making the venue a solid destination for game days, celebrations, and nights out in Music City.

“This has been a passion project of mine for a long time. I’ve talked about opening a bar for years, and I wanted to create a true sports bar that still feels like a great place to hang out—even when there’s not a game on”  Young shared. “At Famous Friends, we have the ability to show up to seven different games at once, so fans never have to miss the action,”

With its prime Midtown location, sports-focused atmosphere, and Southern hospitality, Famous Friends is set to become Nashville’s newest gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

For additional details about Famous Friends, including operating hours and upcoming events,  visit FamousFriends.com and follow along on their social platforms. 

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Best known for its invite-only, private setting in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, the acclaimed music series brings the three-time Grammy-winning duo to one of the East End’s most iconic venues for an intimate evening of live music.

The July 9 performance arrives just weeks before Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney release their sixth studio album, YOUNG, on August 21 and embark on The Young Tour later this fall. This show offers fans a rare chance to experience the duo in a venue far removed from the arenas and amphitheaters they typically headline. The performance also comes with great meaning as it supports NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), helping raise awareness and provide resources for millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Founded by Nicole Rechter and Greg Williamson, The Soho Sessions has welcomed artists across all genres including Keith Richards, Paul Simon, Maren Morris, Gary Clark Jr., and Elvis Costello, while using live music to support causes ranging from mental health and medical research to food insecurity and gun safety.

“The Talkhouse is part of the fabric of the Hamptons,” said Williamson. “I grew up here, and some of my earliest memories of live music happened in that room. Every year, bringing The Soho Sessions to Amagansett feels incredibly personal because it’s an opportunity to create something special in a community that’s meant so much to me. We’re excited to welcome Dan + Shay to the Talkhouse for what promises to be a truly memorable evening.”

“The Soho Sessions has always been about creating moments that bring people together through music,” said Rechter. “Dan + Shay have built a remarkable connection with audiences through their songwriting, their performances, and the honesty they bring to their work. We’re excited to welcome them to the Talkhouse for a special evening that celebrates great music while shining a light on a cause that matters.”

Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are available now HERE.

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In addition to the new album announcement, Pearce released a brand-new track, “She Don’t,” giving fans another taste of what’s shaping up to be one of her most personal projects yet. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Ben West, Honest Woman finds Pearce reconnecting with the classic country and bluegrass influences that first inspired her, while embracing every stage of her journey through deeply personal storytelling.

“When I started making Honest Woman, I found myself rediscovering who I am and why I wanted to be a country music singer in the first place,” says Pearce. “This album takes me back to the beginning of my story, where the sounds of classic country and bluegrass music shaped who I am. I’m so proud of this body of work, and I truly feel like it’s my best yet.”

The 16-track collection features collaborations with Riley Green, Dan Tyminski and Molly Tuttle. Fans will also find previously released songs including “Church Girl,” “Dream Come True,” “You Can Have Him,” and her current duet with Riley Green, “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay.”

To celebrate the album, Carly Pearce will launch her “Honest Woman: Up Close” residency tour presented by Conundrum Wines beginning September 10 in Detroit. The intimate two-night runs will visit Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Toronto, Boston and New York City, with Belle Frantz joining as support. Tickets to Pearce’s “Honest Woman: Up Close” will be available for presale on Tuesday, June 23, at 12pm local time at fanclub.carlypearce.com. General tickets will be available Friday, June 26, at 10am local time at carlypearce.com.

Honest Woman arrives August 28, with “She Don’t” available now on all streaming platforms.

Honest Woman Track List
1. “Dream Come True”
2. “Church Girl”
3. “She Don’t”
4. “You Can Have Him”
5. “How Long”
6. “WWJD”
7. “Same Circus”
8. “Happy For Myself”
9. “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” Carly Pearce & Riley Green
10. “I Don’t Have The Heart”
11. “He Don’t Like My Dogs”
12. “Leave My Heart Alone”
13. “Who’s Lying Here” Carly Pearce & Dan Tyminski
14. “Daisy”
15. “What If You Loved Me” Carly Pearce, Molly Tuttle & Dan Tyminski
16. “Why God Why Me”

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Award winning country group Little Big Town is set to headline a special night of music and philanthropy this fall. The award-winning quartet will perform at the 40th Anniversary of The Carousel Ball on October 3, 2026, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel.

Hosted by Chairman Dana Davis and Honorary Chairman Barbara Davis, the annual gala benefits the Colorado-based Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and its groundbreaking research aimed at preventing and ultimately curing type 1 diabetes. Presented by Dexcom, this year’s milestone celebration honors four decades of support and impact in diabetes care.

Guests attending the event will enjoy dinner, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, and an evening of entertainment highlighted by Little Big Town’s performance. Since its inception in 1978, The Carousel Ball has become a Hollywood favorite, bringing together leaders from the entertainment, sports, and business worlds to raise awareness and support for diabetes research.

“We are honored to welcome Little Big Town to this year’s Carousel Ball,” said Dana Davis, Event Chairman, and Barbara Davis, Honorary Chairman. “For nearly five decades, the Carousel Ball has brought together an incredible community united by one goal—to improve the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes and help accelerate research toward better treatments, prevention, and ultimately a cure. We are deeply grateful to Little Big Town for joining us in support of this special evening.”

More than 463 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and approximately 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year, including around 30,000 children. Through sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions, and donations, The Carousel Ball has raised more than $119 million to date, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

Over the years, the iconic event has featured performances by Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Usher, Lenny Kravitz, and most recently the Goo Goo Dolls. Little Big Town will continue that tradition as the GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA, and Emmy Award-winning group headlines the landmark 40th anniversary celebration.

Tickets, tables, and additional information for the 2026 Carousel Ball are available through the Children’s Diabetes Foundation HERE.

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Founded by NFL stars Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen, Tight End University has grown into much more than a three-day summit for the league’s top tight ends. Each summer, the event blends football, community, and entertainment, and this year’s Tight Ends & Friends Presented by Reese’s is shaping up to be another unforgettable night.

Set for Tuesday, June 23 at 8 p.m. CT, the concert moves to The Pinnacle in Nashville and features an impressive lineup that includes Chase Rice, Kane Brown, HARDY, Nate Smith, Dan + Shay, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jon Pardi, and The War And Treaty.

Before the music takes over that evening, fans will have a chance to experience TEU like never before. For the first time, Tight End University is opening practice to the public, giving fans an inside look at how some of the NFL’s best players prepare. More than 80 pro tight ends are expected to attend, creating a unique opportunity to watch the action unfold up close at Vanderbilt Stadium.

With football stars, country music favorites, and a full day of excitement in Nashville, Tight Ends & Friends Presented by Reese’s is once again proving why it’s become one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

Details and Ticket Information for both the concert and practice event can be found HERE.

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Are you ready to relive CMA Fest? Because Nashville’s biggest weekend is heading right back into the spotlight, this time on primetime tv!

The post CMA Fest 2026 Lineup Revealed for ABC Primetime Concert Special appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Highway Home, a harmony-driven country trio, is quickly carving out their own lane in today’s country landscape as they blend rich storytelling, nostalgic influences, and a fresh modern edge that feels both familiar and new all at once.

The Nashville-based group has signed with Warner Records and is kicking off this next chapter with the release of their major-label debut, “No More Drinkin’ Songs,” available now.

“The most important thing to us has always been making sure the music stays true to our vision, and the folks at Warner have been completely aligned with that from the start,” Highway Home says. “Warner Records feels like home, and a great place to create the music we are passionate about. We couldn’t be more excited to join the team and write our next chapter with Warner!”

“Highway Home is a band built on rare individual talent — each member is a gifted singer, musician, and songwriter in their own right. Their three-part harmony is unmistakable. Their songwriting bridges the soul of ‘90s and 2000s country with a sound that resonates right now — and that’s exactly what makes them cut through. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Warner Records family.” – Kelly Bolton, VP A&R Warner Records

Produced by Ryan Gore, the laid-back track blends playful lyrics with heartfelt devotion, capturing the kind of love story built on wild nights, lasting memories, and a promise to stick around for the long haul.

Made up of Stanton Langley, Eamon Owen, and Conner Sweeny, Highway Home found common ground after each made their way from different corners of the South to Nashville. Drawing inspiration from the late ’90s and early 2000s country sound they grew up on, the trio has carved out a style defined by rich harmonies, relatable storytelling, and a modern edge that’s quickly resonating with fans.

“We hope ‘No More Drinkin’ Songs’ evokes a laugh and a heartfelt moment for anyone who listens,” shares Highway Home. “The song itself has felt special to us before it was even completely written, and still does every time we play it.”

While “No More Drinkin’ Songs” marks their Warner Records debut, the band has been steadily building momentum for some time. Fresh off their CMA Fest debut, Highway Home recently took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium and has shared bills with artists including Luke Combs, Sara Evans, George Birge, and Sister Hazel.

If their latest release is any indication, Highway Home’s next chapter is just getting started. Keep up with Highway Home by following them on: Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

The post Highway Home Signs with Warner Records, Releases “No More Drinkin’ Songs” appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Vibee, the official VIP Concert & Hotel Package partner for Kenny Chesney’s Live at Sphere residency, is bringing back the fan-favorite “Guitars, Tiki Bars, and A Whole Lotta Love” pop-up while also debuting an all new VIP lounge experience called the VERY Vibe Room.

Returning for its second year and created alongside Chesney himself, “Guitars, Tiki Bars, and A Whole Lotta Love” offers fans an immersive extension of the No Shoes Nation spirit. Located inside The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, the free, public pop-up features exclusive merchandise, Kenny memorabilia, interactive fan experiences, photo opportunities, and the “Spread The Love” Bar serving Blue Chair Bay Rum specialty cocktails and themed drinks. The pop-up also offers exclusive merchandise only available on-site, with after-show shopping available on select concert nights.

For Vibee VIP guests, the experience goes even further. Making its debut this year, the VERY Vibe Room gives package holders a “backstage-inspired” retreat complete with bar service, games, an outdoor patio, merchandise shopping, and a SiriusXM No Shoes Radio lounge. Designed to capture the laid-back energy of Kenny’s tour VIP spaces, it’s a place for fans to unwind, connect, and keep the party going before the show.

To celebrate opening weekend, Vibee will also open the VERY Vibe Room to the public for the Carry On’ After Party, giving fans a chance to experience the excitement of Kenny’s Sphere return long after the final song.

Vibee VIP Concert & Hotel packages include a two-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, concert tickets, exclusive gifts and merchandise, a collectible laminate and lanyard, a copy of Kenny Chesney’s bestselling book Heart Life Music, and additional perks. To upgrade your Vibee package and get access to the VERY Vibe Room, visit kennychesney.vibee.com.

Both experiences officially kick off June 19 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and will run throughout Kenny Chesney’s Sphere residency.

For additional information and VIP package details, visit KennyChesney.Vibee.com.

Guitars, Tiki Bars, and a Whole Lotta Love Operating Hours:
Open from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM until late on:
June 19, 20, 21* 24, 25*, 27, 28*
July 1, 2*, 3*, 4*, 8, 9*, 10, 11
*Closes at 4:00 PM and does not reopen

VERY Vibe Room Operating Hours:
Open from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM & 10:00 PM until late on:
June 19, 20, 24, 25*, 27
July 1, 8, 9*, 10, 11
*Closes at 5:00 PM and does not reopen

The post Kenny Chesney’s Sphere Return Brings Back Fan-Favorite Vibee Pop-Up + New VIP Lounge appeared first on Country Music Rocks.

Fresh off the release of his new album The Night Champion, country star Koe Wetzel is bringing his East Texas style to the fashion world with a new collaboration with Rock & Roll Denim.

Available now online and in select retailers, the limited-edition Koe Wetzel x Rock & Roll Denim collection blends Wetzel’s signature vibe with the brand’s authentic Western roots. The full lifestyle lineup features everything from graphic tees and caps to polos, TekWestern styles, and Rock & Roll Denim’s signature Pearl Snap shirts.

Inspired by Wetzel’s East Texas upbringing, the collection incorporates Texas-shaped camo prints, modern graphics, and classic Western designs that reflect both the artist’s personality and the brand’s heritage.

“It’s very important for us to be able to move around the way we do, and Rock & Roll Denim is what I want to be in whenever I’m on stage,” said Koe Wetzel.  “Moving around as much as we are, making sure we can do the splits if we need to. It’s very vital to what we do on stage. I don’t think we could just stand in place and play the music that we do. Acting crazy on stage kind of goes with the sound that we have.”

“Aside from his East Texas roots, Koe’s personal and musical style allowed this collection to come together seamlessly,” said Jamison Hochster, President at Rock & Roll Denim, “Koe Wetzel embodies our brand’s ethos. We’ve both cultivated engaged fans and an authentically Western style, and it’s exactly the kind of creative partnership that we pride ourselves on at Rock & Roll Denim.”

The Koe Wetzel x Rock & Roll Denim collection is available now at rockandrolldenim.com, as well as select retailers including Boot Barn and Cavender’s, with pieces ranging from $34.99 to $72.99.

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