The CMA Music Festival, which began as Fan Fair in 1972, and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which got its start in 2002, are back once again to mark the unofficial start of summer in Middle Tennessee.
CMA Fest takes over downtown Music City June 5 through 8, and we have a look at how recent progress on making the festival better represent the diversity of country music fans has fared in our anti-DEI climate, and talk with songsmith Angie K about uplifting queer and Latino communities in country. Meanwhile, Bonnaroo returns to Manchester’s The Bonnaroo Farm June 12 through 15. We’ve got a rundown of our favorite shows, a talk with bassist Lucas Harwood of Aussie psych legends King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard about their inaugural Roo Residency, and a look at how students from Middle Tennessee State University contribute to putting on the fest (and covering it). Bonnaroo Bingo has become a beloved tradition, and it’s back as well.
Get hydrated and slather on the SPF-50: Festival season is well and truly here.Â
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Headed to Bonnaroo? Play our Bonnaroo Bingo!
A quick-reference guide to our favorite sets will help you get the most from your time on The Farm
Checking in with the Aussie psych aces’ Lucas Harwood in advance of the inaugural three-set ’Roo Residency
A brief look at the roles of visual and audio production students and student journalists at the fest
Speaking with the stellar songsmith about her work, her upcoming CMA Fest performances and uplifting queer and Latino communities
The biggest fan gathering in mainstream country shies away from progress it’s made with respect to artists from queer, Black and brown communities
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