ONE BIG LOVE IS A MUSIC, FOOD, & ARTS FESTIVAL ESTABLISHED IN 2022 BY PAUL MCDONALD THAT SUPPORTS COMMUNITY AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

ONE BIG LOVE began as a humble “Gospel Brunch & Pig Roast” in the backyard of Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison, TN in October 2022. Since then, it has grown into one of Nashville’s most soulful and authentic grassroots music and arts festivals—a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. In its first year alone, ONE BIG LOVE welcomed over 120 artists and bands, ranging from rising local stars to Grammy-winning legends and Billboard-charting acts.

Founded and curated by veteran songwriter and performer Paul McDonald, the festival was born from a vision nearly two decades in the making. “After spending most of my life on the road—touring clubs, dive bars, and festivals across the country—I wanted to create a space where everyone was invited to the party,” says McDonald. “No genres. No egos. No gatekeepers. Just artists who live and breathe their craft, coming together to lift each other up and give something meaningful back to the community.”

More than just a festival, ONE BIG LOVE is a mission-driven experience, designed to highlight the most inspiring musicians, artisans, and chefs in the Southeast—all while raising funds for local nonprofits and charitable causes. Every event is curated with intention: blending Nashville’s finest live music with regional cuisine, visionary art, and carefully selected vendors to create an immersive cultural celebration unlike anything else in the city.

In 2025, ONE BIG LOVE is proud to partner with Americanafest to host the official Opening Night Party on September 9 at Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville. This flagship event will serve as a high-profile kickoff to one of the most respected music industry gatherings in the country—positioning ONE BIG LOVE at the intersection of grassroots authenticity and national recognition.