Freedom Forum Launches Freely Fest

The music we love exists because artists have the freedom to create, speak up and be heard. That’s why Freedom Forum is launching Freely Fest: a music festival celebrating the power of music and our First Amendment freedoms. Taking place on April 8, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and streaming live, Freely Fest will shine a light on freedom of speech — a foundational right that belongs to us all and fuels the free expression that shapes our culture — with a lineup led by The Killers and T-Pain.

Music tells the story of America. Every generation has its defining anthems. Melodies that bring us to our feet or move us to tears. Lyrics that capture moments of joy or reflect times of sorrow. Songs that have sparked change and fueled movements. All powered by the First Amendment.

The Killers, who will headline Freely Fest, create music that spans generations. Their song “Land of the Free” reflects on the American dream, and “Mr. Brightside” has stood the test of time as an inspirational rallying cry — playing everywhere from sporting events to wedding dance floors.

T-Pain’s debut single “I’m Sprung” pioneered a bold, Auto-Tuned sound that challenged expectations of what popular music should be. Even amid criticism, he stayed true to his vision. His insistence on shaping his sound on his own terms illustrates how the First Amendment protects not just what artists say, but how they choose to say it.

Dominic Fike, Janelle Monáe and Avery Anna will round out the Freely Fest lineup, bringing a wide range of styles, stories and perspectives to the stage. Their work reflects the diversity of voices and creative expression that the First Amendment protects.

As a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms for all, Freedom Forum has spent more than three decades working toward our vision of an America where everyone knows, values and defends the five freedoms of the First Amendment — religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. The First Amendment belongs to every person who has ever raised their voice in a song, a prayer, a protest or a social media post — or chosen not to.

Yet, our First Amendment freedoms won’t endure on their own. We believe that educating all people about these essential rights — and inspiring people to use them — is the best way to protect the First Amendment for future generations. If people leave Freely Fest with that message, we will be one step closer to an America where everyone knows, values and defends these fundamental freedoms.

Jan Neuharth is the chair and CEO of Freedom Forum.