Pride flags are in and Confederate flags out as CMA Fest returns to Nashville after 2 year hiatus

Nashville’s long-running country music festival is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The Country Music Association extravaganza kicked off Thursday and lasts until Sunday.

But this time around the CMA Fest will have more Black artists performing than prior years. It’ll also host a Pride event for the first time in its history. The new set up is part of several change made by organizers to be more inclusive of all country music listeners.   

Attendee Kristen Anderson, who lives in Nashville, says she’s an ally for the LGBTQ community and welcomes the new approach. 

“Just growing up and having friends that always felt like they’re not included, you know, it’s about time that we do include them,” she adds.

Another big change is the CMA’s decision to ban Confederate flag imagery. It’s something that makes Anderson’s friend, Andrea Holiday, who’s Black and visiting from Memphis, feel more accepted.

“I appreciate them for excluding that this year,” says Holiday. “I think that’s appropriate. It’s a step in the right direction.”

On the other hand, festival-goer Bobby Davis feels the decision restricts people’s freedom of expression. He’s from Alabama and has been attending the CMA Fest, formerly called the fanfare, with his daughter since the 90s.

“I don’t like that. My heritage is just as important as the next person’s heritage,” he says. “Whether it’s good or bad, it’s still our history.”

Street closures are already affecting downtown traffic. Metro Police will have about 200 officers working the event.  

The Pride event titled, “Country Proud,” will take place at the Assembly Food Hall on Broadway. It’ll be filled with more than a dozen acts and LGBTQ artists. The show is free and open to the public.