cma fest

JUNE 10-13, 2027

Everything you need to know before visiting the world's biggest country music festival.
Whether it's your first CMA Fest or your fifth, this guide will help you plan.

I finally had the chance to attend my first CMA Fest in 2025 and returned for the second time in 2026. As much as I loved my first experience, I enjoyed my second visit even more because I finally understood how everything worked.
CMA Fest can feel overwhelming at first. There are free concerts, stadium shows, Fan Fair X, Meet & Greets, Broadway events, pop-up performances, and thousands of country music fans all in one city. It's impossible to see everything, and that's completely okay.
That's exactly why I created this guide. My goal is to help you understand how CMA Fest works, share the things I wish I had known before my first visit, and hopefully make your experience even better than mine.
Whether it's your first CMA Fest or you're returning for another year, I hope this guide helps you spend less time planning and more time enjoying one of the best weekends in country music.

planning

  • If you're traveling all the way to Nashville, I highly recommend staying for at least a week - or even arriving the weekend before CMA Fest begins.

    As incredible as CMA Fest is, Nashville has so much more to offer than just the festival itself. Giving yourself a few extra days means you'll have time to explore the different neighborhoods, enjoy the restaurants, visit the Grand Ole Opry, and experience everything else Music City has to offer without feeling rushed.

    If you're able to arrive the weekend before, you'll also have the chance to experience the Music City Rodeo, which features rodeo events, live country music performances, and plenty of other activities. It's the perfect way to kick off your Nashville adventure before CMA Fest officially begins.

    💡 Insider Tip
    I wouldn't plan to arrive the day before CMA Fest starts. Give yourself a couple of days to settle in, adjust to the time difference, and explore Nashville before the festival gets into full swing. You'll enjoy the experience so much more and won't feel like you're trying to squeeze everything into four days.

  • Comfortable boots (or sneakers)
    You'll easily walk 20,000+ steps a day, so leave the brand-new boots at home unless you've already broken them in.

    Sunscreen
    The Tennessee sun in June can be intense, especially if you're spending hours at the outdoor stages.

    Reusable water bottle
    Stay hydrated throughout the day. You'll thank yourself later!

    Portable charger (Power Bank)
    Between taking photos, filming videos, and using the CMA Fest App, your phone battery disappears quickly.

    Sunglasses & a hat
    Perfect for long afternoons at the free stages.

    Rain poncho or lightweight rain jacket
    June is hot, but afternoon showers and thunderstorms can happen.

    Clear or small bag
    If you're attending the nightly stadium concerts, make sure your bag complies with the stadium's bag policy. A clear bag is usually the safest choice.

    💡 Insider Tip
    Pack for all four seasons in one day! Mornings and evenings can be pleasant, afternoons are often very hot, and at night it’s chill.

festival guide

  • My friends often ask me how CMA Fest works and whether it's really worth the trip. After attending for the second time in 2026, I can honestly say that it's one of the best festivals I've ever been to.

    Why?

    Because you get to see so many incredible artists perform for free throughout the day. The artists you listen to on Spotify every day are suddenly performing just a few feet away from you on one of the many outdoor stages across Downtown Nashville.

    There are several free stages located around Broadway, each featuring a fantastic lineup of artists. The Chevy Riverfront Stage is the largest and often hosts artists who are either performing at Nissan Stadium that evening or are on their way to becoming future stadium headliners. The atmosphere is simply incredible and one of my favorite parts of the entire festival.

    💡 Insider Tip
    Popular artists can attract huge crowds, so it's worth planning your day in advance. I highly recommend downloading the official CMA Fest App, where you can build your own schedule, keep track of performance times, and receive updates throughout the festival.

    One of my favorite memories from 2026 was attending Cowboy Church with Brandon Lake on Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. It was such a beautiful and special way to end the weekend. I really hope they continue this tradition in the years to come.

  • Don't just plan your schedule around your favorite artists - leave some time to discover new ones, too.

    One of the things CMA Fest does best is introducing fans to the next generation of country music. Many of the artists playing the free daytime stages today will be headlining tours and stadiums in just a few years.

    Some of my favorite artists were people I had never heard of before seeing them live at CMA Fest. That's the magic of the festival - you never know who you're going to fall in love with next.

    💡 Insider Tip
    Don't spend your entire day waiting for one artist. Wander between the different stages and give someone new a chance. You might just discover your next favorite artist before everyone else does.

  • Fan Fair X is located inside the Music City Center and is the perfect place to take a break from the busy streets of Downtown while still enjoying everything CMA Fest has to offer.

    Inside, you'll find live performances, artist meet & greets, panel discussions, exclusive merchandise, and interactive lifestyle exhibits. It's also a great place to cool down and enjoy the air conditioning after spending hours outside in the Tennessee heat.

    You'll need a separate ticket to enter, which usually costs around $16, and in my opinion, it's absolutely worth it.

    💡 Insider Tip
    If you don't have a packed schedule, I highly recommend spending a few hours at Fan Fair X. Some of my favorite CMA Fest memories happened there—from watching Stella Lefty, Willow Avalon, Wyatt Flores, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Vincent Mason perform on stage, to meeting Chayce Beckham and seeing Brittany Aldean showcase her perfume brand. You never know who you'll run into, and that's part of what makes Fan Fair X so special.

  • Broadway is buzzing during CMA Fest - but don't just stick to the main bars. Keep an eye on everything happening around Downtown because some of the best performances of the week take place outside the official festival schedule.

    Places like Spotify House, Whiskey Jam, The Skydeck, and other venues often host exclusive showcases, surprise guests, and intimate performances from both established artists and rising stars. Many of these events are free or first come, first served, making them some of the most memorable experiences of the week.

    💡 Insider Tip
    Don't plan every evening too far in advance. During CMA Fest, surprise appearances happen all the time. Follow your favorite artists, record labels, and venues on Instagram throughout the week - you never know when an artist playing Nissan Stadium will show up for an intimate set just a few hours later. That's exactly what makes CMA Fest so special. Thank me later.

  • One thing many people don't realize is that you don't need stadium tickets to experience CMA Fest. I was one of those people before my first visit! You can enjoy an incredible festival experience just by exploring the free daytime stages around Downtown Nashville.

    That said, if your budget allows, I highly recommend experiencing the nightly concerts at the stadium.

    The shows usually begin around 6:30–7:00 PM, with artists performing every 15–30 minutes on either the Main Stage or the Platform Stage. Instead of full-length concerts, each artist performs a selection of their biggest hits, creating an unforgettable evening packed with one great performance after another. I personally love this format because you get to sing along to all your favorite songs and see so many artists in a single night.

    💡 Insider Tip
    I've sat in several different sections of Nissan Stadium. Unfortunately, I can't recommend the best seats just yet, as future CMA Fest stadium shows will be held in Nashville's new stadium. Once I've experienced the new venue myself, I'll be sure to update this guide with my recommendations.

TICKETS

  • You can sign up here to get first access to pre-sale passes for CMA Fest 2027!

  • coming in 2027

INFOS

  • Getting around Nashville during CMA Fest is easier than you might think. If you're staying within walking distance of Broadway, you're in the perfect location - you can easily walk to the free daytime stages, Broadway, and the stadium without needing a car.

    If you're staying a little further out, don't worry. Uber and Lyft are widely available and are the easiest way to get around. Just keep in mind that prices can increase after the nightly stadium concerts due to high demand.

    💡 Insider Tip
    For the girls: I personally felt safe walking around Downtown Nashville on my own, even at night. The streets are usually full of people during CMA Fest, which creates a lively atmosphere. That said, just like in any big city, always stay aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and trust your instincts.

  • Discover WHERE TO STAY.

    Hotels or Airbnb

  • The official CMA Fest App is a must-have before you arrive in Nashville. It includes the full festival schedule, artist lineups, stage locations, venue maps, and any last-minute updates throughout the weekend.

    One of my favorite features is that you can build your own personalized schedule by saving the artists and events you don't want to miss. It's incredibly helpful, especially since performances often overlap and there are so many things happening at once.

    💡 Insider Tip
    Download the app before you arrive and start planning your days in advance. As soon as the schedule is released, I like to add all the artists I want to see and leave a little free time in between - you never know when you'll discover your next favorite artist or stumble upon a surprise performance.