The 2026 ACM Honors will bring together country artists, songwriters, industry leaders and special award recipients for one of the Academy of Country Music’s signature events.

The 19th Academy of Country Music Honors is set for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Carly Pearce will return as host for the sixth year, with Parker McCollum joining her as co-host for the first time.

The Academy has now announced an all-star performer lineup featuring Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Carly Pearce, Carter Faith, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum and Trisha Yearwood. Brenda Lee will appear as a special guest, while Zach John King will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards.

Dolly Parton has also joined the list of special honorees. She will receive the ACM Poet’s Award and accept the honor through a special video message.

2026 ACM Honors Quick Facts

Event: 19th Academy of Country Music Honors
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Venue: The Pinnacle
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Hosts: Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum
Performers: Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Carly Pearce, Carter Faith, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum and Trisha Yearwood
Special Guest: Brenda Lee
Studio Recording and Industry Awards Presenter: Zach John King
Tickets: Available now through AXS
TV/Streaming: Not yet announced

When and Where Is the 2026 ACM Honors?

The 2026 ACM Honors will take place Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at The Pinnacle in Nashville.

The event celebrates special award recipients, off-camera ACM winners, studio musicians, industry leaders and others who have made an impact on country music. While the ACM Awards spotlight the year’s major televised categories, ACM Honors gives additional recognition to artists, songwriters, executives, musicians and industry figures whose contributions help shape the genre.

Who Is Hosting the 2026 ACM Honors?

Carly Pearce will return as host of the ACM Honors for the sixth year. For 2026, she will be joined by Parker McCollum, who will co-host the event for the first time.

Carly Pearce Parker McCollum ACM Honors.

Who Are the 2026 ACM Honors Honorees?

The 2026 ACM Honors will recognize a wide range of artists, songwriters, industry leaders, projects and organizations. This year’s special award honorees include Bill Anderson, Brett James, C2C: Country to Country, The Carter Family, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, “Landman,” Leslie Fram, Mike Curb and Scott Zolke.

ACM Poet’s Award: Dolly Parton, Brett James and The Carter Family

Dolly Parton has been added to the 2026 ACM Honors honoree lineup as a recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award. She will be celebrated with a special tribute and will accept the award through a prerecorded video message.

The honor recognizes Parton’s decades-long influence as one of country music’s most celebrated songwriters. Her catalog includes “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her work has also received multiple ACM Song of the Year nominations, including “You’re the Only One,” “9 to 5,” and “When I Get Where I’m Going.”

Parton is a 13-time ACM Award recipient and has hosted the ACM Awards three times.

Brett James and The Carter Family will also be honored posthumously with the ACM Poet’s Award.

The ACM Poet’s Award recognizes country music songwriters whose lyrical and musical contributions have made a lasting impact on the genre.

James built one of Nashville’s most successful songwriting careers, with songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert and many others. His credits include Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.

The Carter Family, often called “The First Family of Country Music,” helped define the sound and foundation of the genre. A.P. Carter, Sara Carter and Maybelle Carter became known for their harmonies and instrumental style after being discovered during the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Their recordings, including “Keep on the Sunny Side” and “Wildwood Flower,” remain part of country music history.

ACM International Award: C2C: Country to Country

C2C: Country to Country will receive the ACM International Award.

The award recognizes outstanding efforts to expand country music’s influence around the world. C2C has become one of the most important country music events outside the United States, with festivals held in cities including London, Glasgow, Manchester, Berlin and Rotterdam.

The festival has helped bring country artists to international audiences while strengthening the genre’s connection with European fans. Its past and recent lineups have included Brooks & Dunn, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, and more.

ACM Film Award: “Landman”

The Paramount+ series “Landman” will receive the ACM Film Award.

Inspired by Tex Ritter, the ACM Film Award honors a television series, television movie or feature film released within the past calendar year that prominently features country music.

“Landman,” created by Taylor Sheridan, stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Sam Elliott, Jacob Lofland, and Demi Moore. Set in the Texas oilfields, the series includes a soundtrack featuring country and Americana artists such as George Strait, Tyler Childers, Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Flatland Cavalry, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Luke Grimes, Zach Bryan, and more.

ACM Icon Award: Bill Anderson and Mike Curb

Bill Anderson and Mike Curb will each receive the ACM Icon Award.

The ACM Icon Award honors a country artist, duo, group or industry leader whose work across areas such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary work, and philanthropy has made a major impact on country music.

Anderson, known as “Whisperin’ Bill,” has built a career as a songwriter, recording artist, author, television personality and radio personality. His songwriting credits include Ray Price’s “City Lights,” George Strait’s “Give It Away,” Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss’ “Whiskey Lullaby,” and Kenny Chesney’s “A Lot of Things Different.” Anderson is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Curb is the founder and owner of Curb Records and has worked as a producer, songwriter, label executive and public servant. His label has been connected to artists including Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna Judd, Lee Brice, Dylan Scott, Jo Dee Messina, and more. Outside of music, Curb has served as Lieutenant Governor of California and established the Mike Curb Foundation, which supports music education, historic preservation and other initiatives.

ACM Spirit Award: Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves will receive the ACM Spirit Award.

Inspired by Merle Haggard, the ACM Spirit Award is presented to an honoree who reflects Haggard’s dedication to country music and storytelling. Musgraves, a seven-time ACM Award winner, has built a career that balances traditional country influences with her own creative point of view.

Her 2026 recognition follows a career that has included Grammy wins, major touring success and critical acclaim. Musgraves’ albums and songs have helped make her one of country music’s most distinctive voices, from “Golden Hour” and “Deeper Well” to her Zach Bryan duet “I Remember Everything.”

ACM Service Award: Scott Zolke

Scott Zolke will receive the ACM Service Award.

Inspired by Mae Boren Axton, the ACM Service Award recognizes a country artist, duo, group or industry leader who has served the Academy of Country Music.

Zolke is an entertainment attorney and partner at Loeb & Loeb LLP. His work has included representing clients across television, media, radio, sports and music. He has also represented the Academy of Country Music, including work connected to ACM’s agreement with Amazon Prime Video for the ACM Awards.

ACM Lifting Lives Award: Eric Church

Eric Church will receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award.

The award honors a country artist, duo, group or industry professional devoted to improving lives through the power of music and service to others.

Church is being recognized in part for his disaster relief work following Hurricane Helene. His efforts have included co-organizing Concert for Carolina with Luke Combs, donating royalties from “Darkest Hour” and supporting rebuilding efforts in North Carolina through his Chief Cares fund. Through Chief Cares, Church has also supported causes including orphanages, relief efforts and humane society shelters.

ACM Lift Every Voice Award: Leslie Fram

Leslie Fram will receive the ACM Lift Every Voice Award.

The award recognizes a country artist, industry leader or affiliate who plays a role in elevating underrepresented voices within country music.

Fram has been a longtime advocate for women and diverse artists in the genre. Through her work at CMT, she launched CMT’s Next Women of Country, helping create more visibility and opportunities for artists including Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, Ashley McBryde, Brittney Spencer, and others. Her work has also included Change the Conversation, Nashville Music Equality, Equal Access and CMT’s Equal Play initiative.

Other 2026 ACM Winners Being Recognized

In addition to the special award honorees, the 2026 ACM Honors will recognize Ella Langley, Jessie Jo Dillon and the winners of the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards.

Langley was named ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year, while Dillon received ACM Songwriter of the Year.

ACM Studio Recording Award Winners

Bass Player of the Year: Jimmie Lee Sloas
Drummer of the Year: Fred Eltringham and Jerry Roe
Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year: Bryan Sutton
Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year: Gordon Mote
Specialty Instrument Player of the Year: Stuart Duncan
Electric Guitar Player of the Year: Rob McNelley
Audio Engineer of the Year: Justin Niebank
Producer of the Year: Dann Huff

ACM Industry Award Winners

Casino of the Year — Theater: Choctaw Grand Theater
Casino of the Year — Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena
Festival of the Year: Stagecoach
Fair/Rodeo of the Year: Cheyenne Frontier Days
Club of the Year: The Pinnacle
Theater of the Year: Ryman Auditorium
Outdoor Venue of the Year: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Arena of the Year: Bridgestone Arena
Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year: Ed Warm
Promoter of the Year: Adam Weiser

2026 ACM Honors Ticket Information

Tickets for the 2026 ACM Honors are available now through AXS.

ACM Lifting Lives is also offering an exclusive VIP package benefiting the organization. The package includes two premium side-stage balcony seats, complimentary drinks, backstage red-carpet photo access, a private meet-and-greet and commemorative merchandise.

Who Is Performing at the 2026 ACM Honors?

The Academy of Country Music has announced the first group of performers for the 2026 ACM Honors.

Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Carly Pearce, Carter Faith, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, and Trisha Yearwood are scheduled to perform as the ceremony celebrates this year’s honorees.

Brenda Lee will also appear as a special guest. Zach John King will present the portion of the ceremony recognizing the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Award winners.

Will the 2026 ACM Honors Air on TV or Streaming?

The Academy of Country Music has not announced TV or streaming plans for the 2026 ACM Honors.

While ACM Honors has aired or streamed in past years, broadcast details can vary by year. As of now, the confirmed information includes the date, venue, hosts, honorees and ticket information, but no TV or streaming partner has been announced for the 2026 event.

What Is ACM Honors?

ACM Honors is an annual Academy of Country Music event that celebrates special award honorees, studio musicians, industry leaders, songwriters and other winners who are not always recognized during the main ACM Awards broadcast.

The event is known as one of the country music industry’s most respected nights because it highlights the people and projects that shape the genre on stage, behind the scenes and around the world.

2026 ACM Honors FAQ

When is the 2026 ACM Honors?

The 2026 ACM Honors will take place Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Where is the 2026 ACM Honors?

The ceremony will be held at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.

Who is hosting the 2026 ACM Honors?

Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum will co-host the ceremony.

Who is performing at the 2026 ACM Honors?

The announced performers are Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Carly Pearce, Carter Faith, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, and Trisha Yearwood.

Will Brenda Lee appear at the ACM Honors?

Yes. Brenda Lee has been announced as a special guest.

Is Dolly Parton attending the ACM Honors?

Dolly Parton will be honored with the ACM Poet’s Award and will accept through a special video message. An in-person appearance has not been announced.

Are tickets available for the 2026 ACM Honors?

Yes. Tickets are available now through AXS.

Will the 2026 ACM Honors be televised?

TV and streaming plans for the ceremony have not yet been announced.

2026 ACM Honors Guide: Date, Venue, Tickets and Honorees

The 2026 ACM Honors will return to Nashville with Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum hosting a night celebrating country artists, songwriters, industry leaders and special award recipients.