Created by Carly Lefler June 2026
5 Surprising Things I Discovered During CMA Fest, w/ Jess from Do615
Hi guys,
CMA weekend was insane.
It was my first time going, and boy, did I go all out. I went out all four days and nights and saw 43 live performances, which I’m pretty sure is my personal record for one weekend (let alone month).
But more than just seeing a ton of shows, I feel like I discovered a whole new side of Nashville. Between the music, the pop-ups, the food, the unexpected moments, and the surprising things I didn’t know existed, CMA Fest ended up being way more than I expected.
THE LOCAL'S LIST is our weekly series where we tap locals to share their favorite spots, personal recs, and the kind of tips you usually only get from a friend.
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So, here’s my list of the top 5 things I discovered:
Location: 152 2nd Ave N (Historic Downtown)
“When I got the invite to a CMA Q&A and performance from Hunter Hayes inside of Mel’s Diner, I was a little confused. “At a restaurant?” I thought.
But then we walked toward the back of the restaurant, through an actual vault, and discovered Vinyl Vault. It’s a vinyl hi-fi bar and listening lounge set inside a preserved 1800s bank vault and accounting office, inspired by the golden age of vinyl-powered bars and clubs.
I was very pleasantly surprised. It was intimate, loungey, and had the best cocktails. 10/10 would come back and listen to more music here.”
Location: 1343 Lewis St Ste A (South Nashville)
“So, I’ve lived in Nashville for a year and a half already, and I’m ashamed to admit… I never owned a cowboy hat.
I always felt like I couldn’t pull one off, you know? And I say that as someone from Texas.
However, I stumbled across a speakeasy hat bar, yes, my love of speakeasies is shining through hard here, and I was actually able to make a hat that I love. And, dare I say, one that I think looks good on me.
The place is called Honky Tonk Hat Bar, and it is literally the most fun place ever to create a hat. Not only do they have a whole room of customizable accessories, but you can also brand them exactly how you want. And if cowboy hats aren’t your thing, they also do trucker and rancher hats too.
The fun doesn’t stop there either. Once you finish your hat, you can ride the mechanical bull, grab a drink at the bar, or play lawn games outside. You could honestly spend all day here. Perfect place to bring your out-of-town friends, especially if they’re looking for the full Nashville experience.”
Location: Municipal Auditorium (Downtown)
“While this wasn’t technically part of CMA Fest, I did go out during CMA week, so I say it counts.
I had tickets to see Khalid and Lauv, two of my favorite artists. I had been looking forward to this show for months, and then, two days before the concert, Lauv announced he had to drop off the tour to attend to personal matters.
I was devastated, but I understood. What I didn’t expect was for another band, NIGHTLY, to take his place. They’re based right here in Nashville, and not only did they get the call less than 24 hours before the show, but they put on a GREAT set and embraced the crowd with so much love.
Honestly, shoutout to them for stepping into such a big request at the last minute and completely making it their own. The funniest part? They told the crowd they actually had tickets to attend the show that night. A very Nashville full-circle moment.”
Location: Assembly Food Hall (Downtown)
“There comes a point during CMA Fest when hunger creeps up on you out of nowhere.
After hours of walking, trying to stay hydrated, and attempting to see everything at once, you suddenly realize you haven’t eaten nearly enough to survive the rest of the day. Then you realize you’re not just hungry. You’re hangry. And no, you cannot simply “just eat at home.”
That’s where Fifth + Broadway comes in. The holy grail of food courts here in Nashville, as we all know.
While I was there, I discovered what might be one of my favorite dishes I’ve had there so far: the Street Fries from Istanbul Shawarma.
Let me give you a quick visual so you can start salivating too: layered fries topped with your choice of beef and lamb or chicken shawarma, and because I am me, I did a mix of course. Then they add onion, red cabbage, feta cheese, and house sauce.
Divine. If you’re in the area and need a CMA Fest recovery meal, make sure to check them out.”
Location: Music City Center (SoBro)
“More specifically, I discovered how to do Hands-Only CPR, which very much could come in handy one day.
Heading into the Fan Fair X exhibition at Music City Center was overwhelming in the best way. There was so much going on. But one of the first booths I saw had half a mannequin on the floor, and naturally, I was intrigued.
The booth was hosted by TriStar Centennial Medical Center in partnership with the American Heart Association, which was teaching people how to perform Hands-Only CPR.
I’ve always wanted to learn, so this felt like my chance.
I learned how important chest compressions can be in helping keep blood and oxygen flowing during cardiac arrest until emergency responders arrive. I also learned that it takes a LOT more strength than you might think.
And yes, what you’ve heard is true: “Stayin’ Alive” really does help you remember the rhythm.
I loved that in the middle of all the concerts, cowboy hats, food, and CMA Fest chaos, I got to learn something genuinely worthwhile. Something that could actually help save a life one day.
Shoutout to all the medical professionals, teachers, and people out there helping us learn things that matter.”
Got a better take?
Disagree? Think we missed something?
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