Fancy Hagood, photographed for the Scene’s Country Music Almanac 2025
The Nashville Pride Festival’s annual lineup of performers never disappoints, and this year’s roster is no exception. Though entertainment programming is down from two days to one, seemingly as part of a response to reduced sponsorship and a budget shortfall, the organizers at Nashville Pride still packed an entire weekend’s worth of fantastic artists — many of whom are local — into Saturday’s concert at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Revelers of any musical persuasion can bet on a joyful, community-oriented musical experience.
Fancy Hagood and Molly Grace are the event’s official headliners, both slated to play the festival’s main Equality Stage in the evening. Native Arkansan Hagood has been a key figure in Nashville’s queer country music scene for a minute now, and relative newcomer Grace is quickly establishing herself as a local fixture too, with her infectious blend of pop and R&B and her glitzy persona.
As for the undercard, the Equality Stage will also play host to Nashville native and “Southern singing goddess” Saaneah, R&B singer-songwriter Kyleigh, country upstart and self-described “Nashville local lovergirl” Carmen Dianne and a selection of artists chosen by Gay Ole Opry Nashville, namely Lauren Horbal, Laken Campo and Again & Again.
Also at the park you’ll find queer music organization RNBW’s Rainbow Stage. There you can catch singer-songwriter and Black Opry alumnus Ally Free, groovy and genre-agnostic singer-songwriter BODHI and Americana singer-songwriter Bria B. Freeney. You’ll also find country troubadour Jessica Rose, American Idol alum Luke-Michael, Nashville-via-Chicago singer-songwriter Madeleine Kelson and pop-punk revivalist Rachel DeeLynn, along with pop artist and songsmith-for-hire Ty Lakes and introspective indie singer-songwriter Whitney Fenimore.
The main festival will also include heaps of drag performances on both the Stonewall Stage and the Equality Stage (including your hosts Trey Alize, Nece Sexton, Coqueta and the inimitable The Princess). And there’s an official afterparty with DJ Danny Verde called Athena Underground at East Nashville’s The Office (604 Gallatin Ave., No. 117). Here’s a deeper dive on some of our can’t-miss favorites on the bill. Keep an eye on Nashville Pride’s website and Instagram profile (@nashvillepridefestival) for schedule updates.
Fancy Hagood and Friends
Equality Stage co-headliner Fancy Hagood is a true Nashville gem. As a solo artist, Hagood makes inventive, country-leaning pop from a queer perspective, as heard on songs like fan favorite “Losing Game” and the recently released laid-back bop “Love Me Back.” As a collaborator, he’s worked with stars like Kacey Musgraves and Ariana Grande. Through it all, he’s been a tireless advocate for the queer community, and this headlining set feels a bit like a homecoming. Hagood will be joined by a few of his most talented friends, including Michelle Branch, Joy Oladokun and She Returns From War.
Molly Grace
Hagood’s fellow Equality Stage headliner Molly Grace brings a similarly bright, buoyant energy to Saturday’s lineup. The Massachusetts-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter makes soulful, glittery queer pop à la Chappell Roan or Janelle Monáe, like standout single “F.E.M.M.E.,” which namechecks beloved Nashville institution Lipstick Lounge (one of fewer than 40 lesbian bars remaining in the U.S.). Look for Grace to put on a dynamic, colorful show, and keep an ear out for new tunes like the sweet and tender “Say When.”
Kennedy Ann Scott assists Again and Again with the Wheel of Misfortune at The Basement during Gay Ole Opry Nashville, 3/7/2026
Gay Ole Opry Nashville (feat. Lauren Horbal, Laken Campo, Again & Again)
The Opry, but make it gay. Local artist-activist collective the Gay Ole Opry Nashville has been spreading the love around town since 2024, raising awareness and crucial funds for organizations like Trans Aid Nashville in the process. Drummer and singer-songwriter Lauren Horbal, indie singer-songwriter Laken Campo and “friendly neighborhood lesbian comedy band” Again & Again are featured in the org’s curated lineup, ensuring an exciting, eclectic set on the Equality Stage.
Kyleigh
Nashville’s thriving R&B scene continues to grow thanks to the talents of artists like Kyleigh (formerly known as Ca$hK), who will perform on the Equality Stage on Saturday. Vibey and minimalist, Kyleigh blends ’90s R&B hallmarks like silky vocals and soulful progressions with modern sensibilities. The sound lands somewhere between the late, great Aaliyah and present-day superstar SZA.
Bria B. Freeney
Country up-and-comer Bria B. Freeney counts Charley Crockett and Tyler Childers among their musical inspirations, and you can hear that influence in their vulnerable songwriting and no-frills sound. The trans artist will bring a fresh perspective to their Rainbow Stage set, and likely some unreleased material to check out too.
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