ONE BIG LOVE began in October 2022 as a humble one-day “Gospel Brunch & Pig Roast” at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in East Nashville, Tennessee. What started as a neighborhood gathering has since evolved into a dynamic, ever-growing festival that spotlights some of the most inspiring musicians and visual artists in Nashville and beyond.

In its first year alone, One Big Love hosted over 100 world-class acts — from local up-and-comers to seasoned touring bands, Billboard chart-toppers, and Grammy Award-winning artists. The event has become a place where talent of every stripe converges, uniting under one banner of artistry, community, and joy.

Festival founder and curator Paul McDonald had dreamed of creating his own festival since he first picked up a guitar nearly 20 years ago. “I’ve spent most of my life on the road, playing everything from dive bars and honky-tonks to major festivals around the world. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wanted my own space — one where everyone is welcome at the table. No genres. No cliques. No egos. Just authentic artists doing it for the right reasons. I wanted a place where my friends and favorite musicians could come together, not just to share music, but to make an impact — raising funds for great causes and lifting up the local community.”

That ethos remains the heartbeat of One Big Love. Every edition blends Nashville’s finest visual artists, vendors, and musicians into an immersive cultural experience. The mission is clear: to give back.

This year, One Big Love returns bigger than ever — teaming up with AMERICANAFEST for a full day of music and community on September 9, 2025, at Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville. Two stages. World-class artists. Stunning visual art. And, most importantly, the event will benefit the SONGS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION, an incredible organization providing music mentorship + programs for kids & young adults with disabilities & illnesses across the USA.

One Big Love isn’t just a festival. It’s a movement — a reminder that when music, art, and purpose collide, the result is nothing short of magic.