How To Throw A CMA Fest Viewing Party + 3 Themed Cocktails
CMA Fest Viewing Party: A Guide to Celebrate Country Music in Style
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Setting the Mood with Country Music
Your taste in Country Music and how long you’ve been a fan can greatly influence the mood of your CMA Fest viewing party. As for me, my love for Country music started during my middle school years. With varied musical influences around me – rock from my dad, oldies from my grandma, classical from my aunt, and classic country from my mom – my musical style ended up being a mix of rock, oldies, pop, heavy metal, and country. The country music I fell in love with was the “new country” with artists like Clint Black, Alabama, Garth Brooks, and more. This was a departure from the classic country tunes of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton that my mother listened to.
Planning Your CMA Fest Viewing Party
With the mere mention of a CMA Fest viewing party, you’re likely already imagining what you want. I chose to blend rustic metal and wood with glass and greenery for a warm, inviting aesthetic. Wood tones and rustic metals were softened by a white table runner, candles, and various glass decor pieces. Adding greenery and floral accents created an even softer, more welcoming atmosphere.
Food and Drinks for Your CMA Fest Viewing Party
For the food, I went with classic crowd-pleasers like Chicken & Waffles, Personal Apple Pies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. I also included party favorites like Cheese & Herbal Crackers, Fruit, and Popcorn.
Themed Cocktails to Elevate the Party
Creating themed cocktails is one of my favorite things to do for parties. Using some of World Market’s spirits and unconventional cocktail mixes, I crafted three themed cocktails based on songs by the artists. The ingredients and instructions for these cocktails are listed below and they’re sure to be a hit at any CMA Fest viewing party.
Celebrate the CMA Music Festival Concert
Ready with your country cocktails? The CMA Music Festival Concert, set to air on August 16th from 8:00-11:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC, is one not to miss. With performances by top country music artists, this three-hour special is sure to be a treat for any country music fan.
Get Inspired by Cost Plus World Market’s Experience
Before you dive into the thrilling performances, check out Cost Plus World Market’s experience at the 2017 CMA Music Festival in Nashville. Their meet-and-greets with seven world-famous country superstars are sure to inspire you for your own CMA Fest viewing party.
Conclusion
A CMA Fest viewing party is a fantastic way to celebrate your love for country music. With the right ambiance, food, drinks, and of course, country music, you’re sure to have a party that your guests will remember. So, get ready to raise a glass, tap your feet, and enjoy the show!
Remember, the CMA Music Festival directly benefits music education programs across the country, thanks to the generosity of every artist who performs for free at the Festival. The Festival proceeds support in- and after-school programs, touching the lives of 1 million students nationwide through the work of the CMA Foundation. For more information, visit CMAfest.com.| Topic | Details |
| — | — |
| Post Type | Sponsored Post |
| Sponsor | Unknown |
| Theme | CMA Fest Viewing Party |
| Music Background | A wide variety of music genres, with a particular love for “new country” |
| Party Decor | A mix of rustic metal and wood with glass and greenery |
| Party Food | A mix of classic and party favorites: Chicken & Waffles, Personal Apple Pies, & Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cheese & Herbal Crackers, Fruit & Popcorn |
| Themed Cocktails | Three different cocktails with unique ingredients, created with World Market’s spirits & unconventional cocktail mixes |
| Event | CMA Music Festival Concert, August 16th, 8:00-11:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC |
| Performers | A long list of top country music artists, including Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, and more |
| Related Events | Cost Plus World Market’s experience at the 2017 CMA Music Festival in Nashville, June 8-11th |
| Blog | My Sparkling Life |
| Affiliate Links | Yes |
| FTC Disclosure | Compliant with 16 CFR, Part 255 |
How to Choose the Perfect CMA Fest Playlist
When it comes to setting the mood for your CMA Fest viewing party, the playlist is essential. Depending on your guests’ tastes, you might want to include a mix of both classic country hits and contemporary chart-toppers. Don’t forget to include songs from the performing artists at the CMA Fest, so your guests can sing along during the live performances.
DIY Decorations for Your CMA Fest Viewing Party
Adding personalized touches to your party decor can make your viewing party unforgettable. Consider creating DIY decorations that reflect the country music theme. For example, you can use old vinyl records to create unique centerpieces or use bandanas as napkins for a fun, casual vibe.
Choosing the Right Food for Your CMA Fest Viewing Party
When it comes to food, think about what would be easy for your guests to eat while they’re watching the concert. Finger foods and appetizers are a safe bet. Consider serving classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, or pulled pork sliders. If you have guests with dietary restrictions, be sure to offer vegetarian or gluten-free options as well.
Creating the Perfect Country-Themed Cocktails
To make your CMA Fest viewing party even more memorable, consider serving country-themed cocktails. For example, you could serve a “Sweet Tea Sangria” or a “Bourbon Peach Smash.” If some of your guests prefer non-alcoholic beverages, you could offer a “Mocktail Mule” or a “Virgin Mint Julep.”
Getting the Most Out of the CMA Music Festival Concert
The CMA Music Festival Concert is the highlight of the party, so make sure your guests have the best viewing experience possible. Consider setting up a projector for a larger-than-life concert experience. You could also create a “concert bingo” game, with squares for things like “artist wears a cowboy hat” or “audience does a wave.”
Learning from Cost Plus World Market’s Experience
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out how Cost Plus World Market hosted their CMA Fest viewing party in 2017. They held meet-and-greets with seven country superstars, which added an exciting element to their party. While you may not be able to organize a meet-and-greet with a country superstar, you could consider hiring a local country band or a DJ specializing in country music to add some live music to your party.
Supporting Music Education with the CMA Music Festival
One of the best things about the CMA Music Festival is that it supports music education programs across the country. By hosting a CMA Fest viewing party, you’re not only celebrating country music but also supporting a great cause. Consider sharing this information with your guests and maybe even organizing a small fundraiser during your party to contribute to the CMA Foundation.
Conclusion
Hosting a CMA Fest viewing party requires careful planning and attention to detail, but the effort is well worth it. From choosing the right playlist to creating country-themed cocktails, every aspect of your party should reflect your love for country music. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and memorable experience for your guests while also celebrating and supporting the country music community. Happy planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMA Fest?
The CMA Fest, or Country Music Association Festival, is a four-day music event held annually in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring performances by top country music artists. The event is televised and serves as a major fundraiser for music education programs across the country.
When does the CMA Fest air?
The CMA Music Festival Concert is set to air on August 16th from 8:00-11:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC.
What kind of food should I serve at a CMA Fest viewing party?
For a CMA Fest viewing party, consider serving classic crowd-pleasers like Chicken & Waffles, Personal Apple Pies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Party favorites like Cheese & Herbal Crackers, Fruit, and Popcorn are also good options.
What kind of drinks should I serve at a CMA Fest viewing party?
Themed cocktails can be a fun addition to a CMA Fest viewing party. Consider creating cocktails inspired by country music songs or artists.
How should I decorate for a CMA Fest viewing party?
The decor for a CMA Fest viewing party can be inspired by country music and the rustic charm of Nashville. You might consider blending rustic metals and wood with glass and greenery for a warm, inviting aesthetic.
What is the CMA Foundation?
The CMA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association. It supports music education programs across the country, benefiting in- and after-school programs and touching the lives of 1 million students nationwide.
How does the CMA Fest benefit the CMA Foundation?
The proceeds from the CMA Fest go directly to the CMA Foundation. Every artist who performs at the Festival does so for free, generously donating their time and talent to support music education.
