Despite a pandemic and severe weather events derailing both Bonnaroo and CMA Fest in recent years, the two festivals — two of the biggest annual music events in the state — are back in full swing.
This week, CMA Fest will celebrate 50 years since its humble beginnings as Fan Fair, with a wide array of performances. Stars including Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Eric Church and more, plus a vast undercard of up-and-coming talent, will perform at a number of venues in and around downtown Nashville. And just a few days later, the two-decades-strong Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival will kick off in Manchester, Tenn., with a lineup including hip-hop superstars, rock ’n’ roll icons, jam bands, pop outfits and a whole lot more.
In this week’s cover package, we at the Scene dig into both festivals. We’ve got a look at the current state of country music, as well as a roundup of some of the hottest new artists to keep an eye out for at CMA Fest. We also dive into all the best action to catch at this year’s ’Roo, from headliners to local talent and beyond. Plus, don’t miss our favorite — the Scene’s annual Bonnaroo Bingo. Dive in and play along!
Considering the contemporary landscape ahead of CMA Fest’s 50th anniversary celebration
Ten shows you don’t want to miss on the smaller stages at CMA Fest
Plus, we declare Diarrhea Planet the unofficial Thursday headliners
Catch a wide variety of Nashville musicians at Bonnaroo
Settle in on the Farm with hip-hop, rock, soul and lots more
The hip-hop undercard takes flight on Bonnaroo Day 2, and that’s not all
From rootsy rock and charming pop to full-on multimedia experiences and beyond, it’s a busy day in Manchester
Wrap up your ’Roo weekend with DJs classic and contemporary, some of the best rock bands in the biz and more
