HARDY, Little Big Town and The Red Clay Strays are the first performers announced for Nashville's Big Bash on December 31, 2026. Find out who's performing, how to watch on CBS and Paramount+, and details about Nashville's free New Year's Eve concert.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Date Published: December 10, 2025
Last Updated: October 20, 2026
HARDY, Little Big Town and The Red Clay Strays will help Nashville ring in 2027 as the first performers announced for New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash, taking place Thursday, December 31, 2026.
CBS revealed the initial lineup on October 20, confirming that the nearly five-hour television special will return with live performances from downtown Nashville, leading up to the city's midnight Music Note Drop.
Fans can also attend the celebration for free at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where the artists will perform as Nashville counts down to the new year.
More performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Nashville Big Bash 2026-2027 Quick Details
Date: Thursday, December 31, 2026
New Year: Ringing in 2027
Confirmed Performers: HARDY, Little Big Town, The Red Clay Strays
Location: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Nashville, Tennessee
Admission: Free
TV Network: CBS
TV Schedule: 8:00–10:00 p.m. ET/PT and 10:30 p.m.–1:05 a.m. ET/PT
Streaming: Paramount+ Premium live; available on demand the following day
Hosts: To Be Announced
Additional Performers: To Be Announced
Who Is Performing at Nashville's Big Bash 2026?
The first three artists have officially been confirmed for Nashville's New Year's Eve celebration.
HARDY will bring his mix of country and rock to the Big Bash stage. The singer-songwriter has become one of country music's most recognizable voices, both through his recordings and his songwriting for other artists.
Little Big Town, the Grammy Award-winning quartet known for its signature harmonies, will also perform. The group's catalog includes country hits such as "Pontoon," "Boondocks," "Girl Crush" and "Better Man."
The Red Clay Strays round out the first announced performers. The band, which won Group of the Year at the 2026 ACM Awards, has gained national attention with its blend of country, Southern rock and soul.
CBS has confirmed that additional artists will be announced. The complete performance lineup, including any special guests, has not yet been revealed.
When Is Nashville's Big Bash 2026?
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash takes place Thursday, December 31, 2026.
The event begins on the final night of 2026 and continues through Nashville's midnight countdown to January 1, 2027.
That distinction is important because viewers may see the celebration referred to as either Nashville Big Bash 2026 or Nashville Big Bash 2027. Both refer to the same New Year's Eve event.
What Time Is Nashville's Big Bash on CBS?
CBS has confirmed the television schedule for its nearly five-hour New Year's Eve broadcast.
The December 31 special will air in two parts:
8:00–10:00 p.m. ET/PT
10:30 p.m.–1:05 a.m. ET/PT
The broadcast will feature country music performances throughout the evening, including Nashville's iconic Music Note Drop at midnight.
How to Watch Nashville's Big Bash 2026
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash will air nationally on CBS on Thursday, December 31.
The special will also be available through Paramount+.
Paramount+ Premium: Subscribers can stream the CBS broadcast live.
Watch the Next Day: The special will also be available on demand through Paramount+ following the live broadcast.
The nationally televised event brings Nashville's New Year's Eve festivities to viewers who cannot attend the celebration in person.
Where Is Nashville's Big Bash Held? Is the Concert Free?
Nashville's New Year's Eve celebration will take place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville.
The concert is free and open to the public, giving fans the opportunity to see the announced performers without purchasing a ticket.
One of the night's signature traditions is the Music Note Drop, Nashville's answer to the Times Square ball drop. The giant Music Note descends at midnight as the city welcomes 2027.
Additional information about the evening's schedule and other event arrangements will be announced as New Year's Eve approaches.
Nashville's Big Bash Will Continue on CBS
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash is returning as part of a multi-year agreement announced by CBS in April 2026.
The agreement extends the partnership between the television network and Music City, keeping Nashville's New Year's Eve celebration on the national television schedule.
The special is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Sandra Restrepo will direct the broadcast.
Will More Performers Be Announced for Nashville's Big Bash 2026?
Yes. HARDY, Little Big Town and The Red Clay Strays are the first confirmed performers, but CBS says more artists will be announced ahead of December 31.
The network has not yet revealed the complete lineup or confirmed this year's television hosts.
This article will be updated as CBS announces additional performers, hosts and other details about Nashville's Big Bash 2026-2027.
Nashville Big Bash 2026-2027 FAQ
Who is performing at Nashville's Big Bash 2026?
HARDY, Little Big Town and The Red Clay Strays are the first performers confirmed for the December 31, 2026 celebration. Additional artists will be announced.
When is Nashville's Big Bash 2026?
Nashville's Big Bash takes place Thursday, December 31, 2026, with the celebration continuing into January 1, 2027.
Is there a Nashville Big Bash 2027?
Yes. The December 31, 2026 event welcomes the arrival of 2027, so it may be referred to as either Nashville Big Bash 2026 or Nashville Big Bash 2027.
What time does Nashville's Big Bash start on CBS?
The CBS broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on December 31. The second portion airs from 10:30 p.m. to 1:05 a.m. ET/PT.
What channel is Nashville's Big Bash on?
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash airs nationally on CBS.
Can I stream Nashville's Big Bash?
Yes. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can stream the CBS special live. The program will also be available to stream on demand the following day.
Is Nashville's Big Bash free to attend?
Yes. The New Year's Eve concert at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is free and open to the public.
Where is Nashville's Big Bash held?
The live concert takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville, where the city's Music Note Drop takes place at midnight.
Has the full Nashville Big Bash 2026 lineup been announced?
Not yet. HARDY, Little Big Town and The Red Clay Strays are confirmed, with more announcements expected before New Year's Eve.
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