Music City Rings In 2026 With New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
Nashville welcomed 2026 in true Music City fashion as New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash returned on December 31, transforming Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park into the center of the celebration. The free annual concert once again drew massive crowds — more than 200,000 fans packed the park to celebrate together.
Hosting duties were handled by comedian Bert Kreischer and country hitmaker HARDY, guiding viewers through a night stacked with star power. Headlining the event were Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, and Bailey Zimmerman, with the entire celebration broadcast live nationwide.
The lineup didn’t stop there. Performances throughout the night also featured CeCe Winans, Dwight Yoakam, Zach Top, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, Riley Green, Megan Moroney, Rascal Flatts, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Marcus King.
Putting its own spin on New Year’s Eve tradition, Nashville once again ditched the classic Times Square crystal ball. Instead, Music City rang in the new year with its signature midnight moment — the drop of a massive glowing music note as the clock struck twelve.
Riley Green Honors Toby Keith During the Broadcast
One of the night’s most talked-about performances came from Riley Green, who delivered a powerful rendition of Courtesy Of The Red White And Blue during the live broadcast. Green performed the patriotic anthem from Music City Bar and Grill, a satellite location tied into the Big Bash coverage.
The song was originally released by Toby Keith on his 2002 album Unleashed. Often referred to as “The Angry American,” the track was written in response to the death of Keith’s father in March 2001 and the tragic events of September 11 later that year.
Over time, “Courtesy Of The Red White And Blue” became one of Keith’s defining songs. It reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and has since been certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
Green’s performance felt especially fitting as the country prepares for a historic milestone — America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The moment blended remembrance, pride, and celebration, capturing the spirit of the night.
For fans who missed it live, clips of Riley Green’s tribute quickly made the rounds online — a standout moment from a New Year’s Eve that proved once again why Nashville knows how to throw a party with heart.
@cbs Can’t think of a better way to spend my NYE than with @Riley Green 🤠 #CBSNashvilleNYE #RileyGreen ♬ original sound – CBS