Nashville, the heartbeat of country music, is gearing up for its annual spectacle, New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, set to welcome 2026 with a star-studded lineup headlined by Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman. Announced on October 6, 2025, by CBS, the five-hour extravaganza will broadcast live from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, blending high-energy performances with the city’s iconic midnight music note drop, drawing crowds for a free in-person bash that celebrates Music City’s enduring legacy.

The event, airing on CBS and Paramount+ from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT and resuming at 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. ET/PT on December 31, promises a mix of live and pre-recorded sets, allowing locals and visitors to soak in the festivities without a ticket. Special guests CeCe Winans, the 17-time Grammy-winning gospel artist, and the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers will add soulful layers, highlighting Nashville’s diverse musical tapestry. More performers are expected to be revealed soon, building on the tradition of massive ensembles that have defined the show since its inception.

Executive produced by Robert Deaton—veteran of the CMA Awards—and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., an arm of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., the bash is directed by Sandra Restrepo. Deaton and Harrington launched the special in 2021 as a country-focused alternative to mainstream New Year’s programming like ABC’s Rockin’ Eve, capitalizing on Nashville’s status as a global music hub. Since then, it has evolved into a cultural staple, generating up to $39 million in visitor spending and attracting over 200,000 attendees annually, more than half locals who view it as a community rite.

The show’s roots trace back to Nashville’s longstanding New Year’s Eve traditions, but its televised format began with the 2021 edition, featuring headliners like Dan + Shay, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, and the Zac Brown Band amid the COVID-19 era’s push for localized celebrations. By 2022, it peaked with 5.51 million viewers near midnight, though ratings have fluctuated, averaging 3.9 million in recent years as networks adjusted formats to accommodate news breaks. Past lineups have boasted icons like Brooks & Dunn in 2023, who delivered a headlining hour-long set, and 2024’s Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and Jelly Roll, joined by over 40 acts including Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, and Chris Stapleton. These events culminate in the dramatic drop of a 346-pound red music note from a 138-foot tower, accompanied by fireworks and confetti, symbolizing the city’s musical soul.

Jason Aldean, a Georgia native with 28 No. 1 hits and a resilient career marked by his post-2017 Las Vegas shooting anthem “Dirt Road Anthem,” brings his high-octane rock-country fusion to the stage. Aldean, who celebrated 30 chart-toppers this year, has become a staple of Nashville’s nightlife scene, often performing at venues like his own Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, making his Big Bash headline a fitting homecoming. His sets typically feature crowd-pleasers like “She’s Country” and “If I Didn’t Love You,” promising to amp up the pre-midnight energy.

Lainey Wilson, the bell-bottom-wearing Louisiana powerhouse dubbed the “Ass-Kickin’ Country Star,” follows her 2024 CMA Entertainer of the Year win with this high-profile slot. Known for hits like “Heartlike a Truck” and her role in the Yellowstone universe, Wilson’s raw, heartfelt style has propelled her to multi-platinum status, blending traditional twang with modern edge. Her previous Big Bash appearances, including collaborations, underscore her rising dominance in a genre increasingly favoring female trailblazers.

Bailey Zimmerman, the fast-rising Virginia native, rounds out the headliners with his gritty, post-military anthems like “Fall in Love” and “Where It Ends.” At just 25, Zimmerman’s meteoric ascent—fueled by TikTok virality and a deal with Warner Records Nashville—positions him as country’s next big voice, appealing to younger fans with his blend of heartbreak ballads and uptempo bangers. His prior 2024 Big Bash performance hints at an expanded role, potentially including surprise guests to heighten the excitement.

The venue, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, has hosted the event since its early days, transforming the 19-acre green space into a massive outdoor arena with stages, food trucks, and family-friendly vibes. Road closures begin mid-December to prep for the crowds, and prohibited items like weapons and large bags ensure safety, while permitted activities include tailgating and leashed pets. The free access democratizes the celebration, fostering a sense of unity in a city that thrives on live music, with economic boosts from tourism and local spending.

Nashville’s New Year’s Eve has deep roots predating the TV special, evolving from smaller gatherings to this polished production that rivals Times Square. The music note drop, a nod to the city’s creative heritage, lights up with thousands of LED bulbs, followed by a 90-second fireworks display visible from Capitol Hill. Collaborations, like those in past years with artists such as Lainey Wilson and Grace Bowers, add unpredictability, often featuring once-in-a-lifetime pairings.

As 2025 winds down, the Big Bash reinforces Nashville’s role as country’s epicenter, where emerging talents like Zimmerman share bills with veterans like Aldean. With hosts yet to be announced—potentially echoing last year’s Keith Urban and Rachel Smith—the event promises broad appeal, streaming on Paramount+ for global reach. For fans, it’s more than a party; it’s a testament to resilience, community, and the timeless draw of live country under the stars, setting the tone for another year of hits and heartaches in Music City.