ONE BIG LOVE was born in October 2022 as a simple “Gospel Brunch & Pig Roast” at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in East Nashville. What began as a neighborhood gathering has since blossomed into a vibrant cultural movement — a festival that celebrates music, art, and community at the highest level.

In its very first year, One Big Love welcomed more than 100 artists to its stage — from local rising stars to Grammy Award winners, Billboard chart-toppers, and acclaimed touring bands. It quickly became a space where artistry transcends genre, reputation, and ego — uniting performers and audiences alike under a shared spirit of joy, authenticity, and connection.

Founder and curator Paul McDonald has carried this vision for nearly two decades. After years of touring the world and experiencing everything from small-town dive bars to iconic festivals, he dreamed of creating something different: a festival with no boundaries. A place where artists and audiences gather not for accolades, but for the love of music, community, and the power of art to make a difference. “I wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome at the table,” McDonald says. “No labels. No cliques. Just great artists coming together, and in the process, giving something back.”

That ethos is still the heartbeat of One Big Love. Each edition brings together Nashville’s finest musicians, visual artists, and makers for an immersive cultural experience that extends far beyond the stage. At its core, the festival is about generosity — using art as a force for good.

Now entering its third year, One Big Love returns with its most ambitious edition yet, in partnership with AMERICANAFEST on September 9, 2025, at Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville. Two stages. Extraordinary artists. Transformative art. And above all, a mission-driven purpose: proceeds will benefit the Songs for Kids Foundation, which provides music mentorship and life-changing programs for children and young adults with disabilities and illnesses across the United States.

One Big Love is not just a festival — it is a catalyst for community, creativity, and compassion. It is proof that when music, art, and purpose align, the result is nothing less than extraordinary.