Nashville’s Ceremony Festival is raising the bar for its sophomore year, announcing a VIP upgrade that promises fans an even more immersive festival experience when the event returns to Cannery Hall on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The VIP option includes a priority entrance lane, access to the backstage artist lounge at the main stage, two drink tickets, and a merch bundle featuring exclusive items made just for VIP guests. The upgrades are now available for purchase alongside general admission passes.

Ceremony Festival will once again take over all three rooms of the newly renovated Cannery Hall, featuring a stacked lineup of 19 artists across the alt, rock, emo, and pop-punk spectrum. Performers include Sueco, Rain City Drive, Weathers, Jutes, Beauty School Dropout, Huddy, and The Foxies, among others.

The festival plans to spotlight Nashville’s creative community beyond music, with live tattooing by Kind Tattoo Parlor and art installations curated by Visual Minds. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the music kicks off at 4:30 p.m. CST.

“Ceremony was created with the vision of bringing the alternative scene to the heart of Nashville,” said founder Nick DeLouise. “In a city best known for its country roots, our goal was to introduce something fresh – a platform that shines light on both emerging and established voices in emo, pop punk, and alternative music.”

The artist lineup reflects that vision, blending fresh talent with fan favorites. “The 2025 lineup is a blend of rising talent we believe are next up in the scene and the artists fans asked for most,” DeLouise said. “After the 2024 festival, we gave our community a chance to share who they wanted to see – and we listened.”

Artists on the bill are just as enthusiastic.

“Grateful to be on this lineup. Headlining it is actually insane. Gonna be a sick night! Nashville’s not ready,” said Sueco.

“I can’t wait to see what this year brings,” said Colie Hutzler, head vocalist of Beauty School Dropout. “Ceremony is one of the only festivals really focused on bringing attention to the scene of new heavy/alt artists that’s been bubbling up over the last couple years. I have a feeling they got their finger on the pulse of this next generation of headliners that people don’t even realize yet.”

The excitement builds on last year’s sold-out debut, which featured Mod Sun, jxdn, KennyHoopla, and more. The inaugural event drew nearly 2,000 fans from across 31 states and four countries, proving there’s a hungry alt-rock audience in the heart of Music City.

“Nick’s vision for bringing the Nashville scene to life has been so rewarding to be a part of. The best part is playing with so many amazing bands that are on the come up, and being able to support them like they do me,” said John Harvie, who will return to perform this year. “This festival will be special to look back on years to come.”

As Nashville’s country-centric reputation continues to evolve, Ceremony Festival has emerged as a rallying point for the city’s alternative scene, one that celebrates the passion, energy, and diversity of modern rock culture.

Tickets and VIP upgrades for Ceremony Festival 2025 are on sale now at ceremonyfest.com.

Follow the festival on Instagram at @ceremonynashville.