Nashville, Tennessee, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Nashville, Tennessee will host AMERICANAFEST 2025 from September 9 to 13, marking the festival’s 25th annual celebration of American roots music. The event will feature over 200 artists across 51 venues and include approximately 300 events, such as performances and an educational conference. The Americana Honors & Awards will kick off the festival, celebrating achievements in the Americana genre. This festival serves as a fundraiser for the Americana Music Association and offers networking and educational opportunities for attendees.
Nashville, Tennessee will host AMERICANAFEST 2025 from September 9 to September 13, 2025, marking the festival’s 25th annual celebration of American roots music. This exciting event will take place across 51 venues and is set to showcase more than 200 artists and bands in nearly 300 events designed for attendees.
The festival will officially kick off with the Americana Honors & Awards ceremony on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the renowned Ryman Auditorium. This year, the awards will be hosted by John C. Reilly, while Buddy Miller will serve as the band leader. The all-star house band for the ceremony includes notable musicians such as Don Was, The McCrary Sisters, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, and Larry Campbell.
Nominees for the prestigious Artist of the Year category include rising stars like Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Joy Oladokun, Billy Strings, and Waxahatchee, among others. The event promises to be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the achievements of talented individuals in the Americana music genre.
In addition to performances, AMERICANAFEST 2025 will feature a three-day educational conference addressing various topics relevant to the music industry. Topics will cover everything from the general music landscape to the impact of technology like artificial intelligence and legal education. Special events each day will highlight critical agencies, record labels, and other industry entities.
One of the notable panels, titled “Lunch and Learn: AMERICANAFEST: Becoming a Collector, Curator, and Archivist”, will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM CT. This session will feature a team of expert panelists including Grammy Award-winning musician Dom Flemons, curator Vania Kinard, and representatives from institutions like Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music and the National Museum of African American Music. Attendance is free, and no RSVPs are required, as the event also offers a livestream option on the Museum’s website.
The role of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) will be significant during this year’s festival. BMI represents over 1.4 million songwriters, composers, and publishers, managing more than 22.4 million musical works. Their initiative, The Weekly, focuses on creating valuable content for music creators and fans alike.
AMERICANAFEST serves not only as a celebration of Americana music but also as a vital fundraiser for the Americana Music Association and its foundation. The festival has become known for its rich diversity, drawing influences from country, blues, rock, and other genres, and provides networking opportunities for fans and industry professionals alike.
In addition to performances and educational opportunities, AMERICANAFEST will feature extensive media coverage, offering insights into various artists and their contributions to the Americana genre.
Key Features of AMERICANAFEST 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 9-13, 2025 |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Venues | 51 |
| Artists and Bands | More than 200 |
| Total Events | Approximately 300 |
| Awards Ceremony | Americana Honors & Awards on September 10 |
| Panel Discussions | Three-day educational conference |
| Notable Panels | Lunch and Learn on collecting and archiving |
| Entry to Events | Free admission to specific panels (no RSVPs required) |
| Fundraising | Supports the Americana Music Association and Foundation |
FAQ
What is AMERICANAFEST?
AMERICANAFEST is an annual festival celebrating American roots music, featuring performances from various artists, educational panels, and networking opportunities.
When will AMERICANAFEST 2025 take place?
The festival is scheduled for September 9-13, 2025.
Where is AMERICANAFEST held?
This year’s event will be hosted in Nashville, Tennessee, across 51 different venues.
What types of events are included in the festival?
The festival includes concerts, an awards ceremony, and educational panels with speakers from the music industry.
Is there an admission fee for events?
While many performances will have ticket fees, specific panels, like the Lunch and Learn, are free to attend without the need for RSVPs.
Who hosts the Americana Honors & Awards?
This year, the Americana Honors & Awards will be hosted by John C. Reilly, with Buddy Miller as the band leader.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Adam Wright Releases Side Two of New Album
Nashville Hosts Kickoff Party for AMERICANAFEST
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Series Returns This Summer
Additional Resources
- BMI Event Information
- Nashville Scene: Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings
- Pride Publishing Group: Americana Fest Returns
- Nashville Scene: AmericanaFest 2025 Show Guide
- Wikipedia: Americana Music
Author: HERE Nashville
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