On the final night of 2025, Nashville once again proved itself as the beating heart of country music, drawing an estimated 250,000 revelers to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for the annual New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. The free event, a fixture in Music City’s calendar, was broadcast live on CBS and streamed via Paramount+, ensuring that even those unable to brave the chilly Tennessee night could join in the festivities from afar. With live music, fireworks, and the city’s iconic Music Note Drop, the celebration was a dazzling send-off to the year—and a testament to Nashville’s enduring spirit.
This year’s Big Bash, as reported by WSMV, kicked off with gates opening at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 75-minute DJ set from Case Bloom that had the early crowd moving. Emcee Kelly Sutton and Mayor Freddie O’Connell then welcomed attendees, setting the tone for a night brimming with anticipation. The five-hour special, hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY, officially started at 7 p.m. CST, with the CBS broadcast running until 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026. As the night unfolded, Music City’s streets buzzed with excitement, and the park transformed into a sea of cowboy hats, sparkling attire, and—of course—plenty of boots.
The headliners for the evening were a trio of country heavyweights: Louisiana native Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Bailey Zimmerman. Each brought their own unique energy to the stage, but it was Zimmerman who closed out the night with a bang. According to American Songwriter, Zimmerman’s set was a highlight, with his rendition of “Religiously” drawing raucous applause from the crowd. After the ball dropped in New York City, he returned to perform “Rock and A Hard Place,” capping off the night with a burst of heartfelt energy. Zimmerman, who released his latest album Different Night Same Rodeo in August after two years of work on 18 songs, was clearly savoring the moment. “This year’s tour has been nothing short of unbelievable y’all… LIKE THE CRAZIEST SHOWS OF MY LIFE… and I thought why would we stop now?! LETS KEEP IT GOINGGG…” he wrote on Instagram, reflecting his excitement for the upcoming tour that kicks off in February 2026.
Lainey Wilson, dressed in a caramel, fringe-trimmed suit, was another crowd favorite. As The Tennessean described, she paused between songs to connect with the audience, complimenting fans on their “sparkly hats” and asking, “Where y’all from?” Her warmth and charisma were palpable, even as thousands braved the cold to sing and dance along. Wilson’s performance, along with those of her fellow headliners, underscored the communal joy at the heart of Nashville’s celebrations.
But the Big Bash was far from a three-act show. The full lineup boasted 16 performers, including CeCe Winans, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Dwight Yoakam. Special guests like Cody Alan, Caylee Hammack, comedian Dusty Slay, Entertainment Tonight’s Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM host Buzz Brainard, and UFC champion Kayla Harrison added extra star power. Performances were spread across various venues in Music City, with Dwight Yoakam and Marcus King entertaining the crowd at Category 10, the official watch party location.
For many, the highlight of the night was the Music Note Drop—a uniquely Nashville twist on the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown. As midnight approached, the crowd counted down together, and at the stroke of twelve, the giant music note descended, followed by a dazzling 90-second fireworks display that lit up the skyline. Confetti rained down as cheers echoed across the park, marking the start of 2026 with a burst of color and sound.
Security was a top priority for organizers, with approximately 500 personnel—including private security and Metro Police Department officers—deployed throughout the event. Deana Ivey, CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, told WSMV, “Keeping the attendees safe is the number one priority.” The event featured fencing, six designated entrances, and thorough bag checks, with only clear bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 6" allowed. Prohibited items included weapons, backpacks, coolers, outside alcohol, and non-service animals, ensuring a safe environment for all.
Logistics for such a massive gathering required meticulous planning. Road, parking, and sidewalk closures began as early as December 14, with some extending through January 6, 2026, to accommodate stage setup, security, and crowd flow. Attendees were encouraged to use rideshare apps or dedicated shuttles, with specific drop-off and pickup points established throughout downtown Nashville. For those relying on public transit, a special WeGo bus route ran between Broadway and the event site every ten minutes, making it easier for revelers to join the festivities without worrying about parking.
Despite the cold, the spirit of the crowd never waned. As The Tennessean noted, thousands bundled up in coats and hats, determined not to let the weather dampen their New Year’s cheer. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, with fans from across the country converging in Nashville to celebrate together. The event’s free admission, world-class entertainment, and welcoming atmosphere made it a standout way to ring in the new year—whether you were a die-hard country fan or simply looking for a memorable night out.
For those watching from home, the CBS and Paramount+ broadcast brought the excitement straight to their living rooms. The dual-part special allowed viewers to catch every moment, from the early sets to the midnight countdown and beyond. The broadcast concluded at 12:30 a.m., but for many, the memories of the night would linger far longer.
As the confetti settled and the last notes faded, Nashville’s Big Bash once again lived up to its reputation as one of the nation’s premier New Year’s Eve celebrations. With a stellar lineup, seamless organization, and an electric crowd, the event offered a fitting farewell to 2025—and a rousing welcome to whatever adventures 2026 might bring.
