Your Ultimate Guide to CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville
Check out trip tips and more!
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: June 26, 2025
CMA Fest is a country music lover’s dream! From meeting your favorite artist to watching superstars take the stage, it’s nonstop fun. Check out this guide to CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville to plan your trip!
CMA Fest 2026 Quick Facts
Location: Nashville
Dates: June 4–7, 2026
Tickets: 4-Day Pass + single-night tickets (if available)
Nightly shows at Nissan Stadium
Daytime stages are free & open to the public
CMA Fest is a four-day event that brings country music fans together from all over the world with their favorite artists. The best part of CMA Fest is that artists all donate their time. Portions of the proceeds from this event are used towards the CMA Foundation’s programs to keep music education in schools.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, 2026, for next year’s CMA Fest. Four-Day passes are on sale now for CMA Fest. If available, single night ticket sales will be announced at a later date. All tickets and passes are mobile. Only buy from Ticketmaster, the CMA’s official and trusted partner for ticket sales.
The fun all happens in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The festival spans multiple stages throughout the area, so there’s quite literally country music every turn you take! Keep reading to check out the breakdown of official CMA stages.
A four-day pass to CMA Fest includes a seat for the nightly show at Nissan Stadium. You’ll also receive access to Fan Fair X, as well as the Chevy Riverfront, Dr. Pepper Amp, Chevy Vibes, Good Molecules Reverb, and Hard Rock stages.
Nissan Stadium
Home of the Tennessee Titans, this NFL stadium is turned into a honky tonk each night during CMA Fest. Shows start in the evening and are jam-packed with a lineup featuring the best of today’s superstars and legends on the Main Stage, as well as emerging acts on the Platform Stage.
Fan Fair X at Music City Center
This is located inside Music City Center, a spacious convention center. From artist meet and greets to watching interviews with top stars at the Close-Up Stage, there’s always something fun happening here. The Spotlight Stage is your chance to see up-and-coming acts – that's here, too. You’ll also find food and merchandise vendors at Fan Fair X. Check out this guide on how to meet your favorite artists at CMA Fest.
Chevy Riverfront Stage
Situated next to the Cumberland River, this daytime stage is one of the most popular spots to visit during the festival.
Dr. Pepper Amp Stage
Head to this stage near Ascend Amphitheater to catch legendary favorites and today’s radio stars.
Chevy Vibes Stage
Located in the Music City Park, near the Music City Center, Bridgestone Arena, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Catch a performance from one of your favorites!
Good Molecules Reverb Stage
Don't miss your chance to see the next big act in country music! You’ll find this stage right in front of Bridgestone Arena.
Hard Rock Stage
Fans will gather on Broadway in front of the Hard Rock restaurant to watch an impressive lineup of artists take the stage.
The official CMA Fest lineup is typically announced during the springtime. The easiest way to plan your schedule is by downloading the CMA Fest app – you can access stage lineups, set times, and more. And of course, check back here; I’ll have all the details when they are available!
Once you have your tickets, that’s where the fun begins! There’s so much to do, here are some tips for making the most out of your CMA Fest trip.
Want to upgrade your experience at the Chevy Riverfront Stage? Check out the Riverside Retreat which includes perks like up-close views, guaranteed access, shaded areas misting stations, charging for mobile stations, air-conditioned restrooms, yard games, and beverage discounts.
Keep in mind that all daytime stages are open to the public. If the area reaches capacity, no more people will be allowed to enter until the crowd dwindles. Capacity announcements will be made on social media and in the app. Nissan Stadium is the only place that requires a ticket and has assigned seating.
During recent years, the lines for stages before gates open have been snaking around the city sidewalks and the wait time is long. If there’s someone you want to see first thing in the morning, plan to be there early so you don’t miss them!
If there’s an artist you really want to see, consider planning to be there at least an hour or earlier before their set. Hardcore fans will wait all day for their favorite because they don’t want to risk missing out on a spot.
If you don’t get into one of the stages, head over to another stage. There’s always someone you haven’t discovered yet, or a pop-up appearance by one of your favorites. My advice is to have a plan but keep it a loose plan. You won’t be able to do everything you want to do, so make the most of it.
If there’s an act you want to see, plan for it, but keep a few other ideas in mind in case something doesn’t work out. Schedules can change. Sets can be on time, or they could be running behind. That’s when the app really comes in handy; you can simply pull up who else is playing at that same time.
You can walk from Chevy Riverfront to the other downtown stages in about 15 minutes, depending on the influx of people going from place to place. Nissan is a trek over the pedestrian bridge, or you can hop on a shuttle if you are a four-day pass holder. Look for the shuttle stops around the downtown area.
Remember, you’ll have to go through security at all of these stages, and this takes time. Patience is key. Skipping the line or saving spots for friends is definitely frowned upon and people will call you out.
Don’t keep your schedule so jam packed that you are spending most of your time trying to get fro mone place to another. Pick a stage, watch a few sets, and go to another stage.
The nighttime concerts at Nissan Stadium can run long into the night. One of the cool things about CMA is that the nightly shows are filmed for an ABC special that airs later in the summer. If you aren’t afan of getting up early in the morning after a long night, I’d recommend keeping your morning schedule pretty light.
Most of all, make sure you enjoy it! This is the ultimate week for country music fans. Take the selfies, get the autographs, and sing along to every song! Check out this guide on how to meet your favorite country singers at CMA Fest.
Planning a trip to CMA Fest? Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to Nashville for another unforgettable year, these frequently asked questions cover everything you need to know - tickets, stages, lineup timing, getting around downtown, and what to expect during the four-day festival. Use this CMA Fest FAQ as a quick reference while planning your 2026 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About CMA Fest
Is CMA Fest free to attend?
Yes and no. Many daytime stages are completely free and open to the public, including Chevy Riverfront, Chevy Vibes, Dr. Pepper Amp, Good Molecules Reverb, and the Hard Rock Stage. However, nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium require a ticket or 4-Day Pass.
Do artists really perform for free at CMA Fest?
Yes. One of the most unique things about CMA Fest is that artists donate their time. Portions of the proceeds benefit the CMA Foundation, which supports music education programs across the U.S.
What does a CMA Fest 4-Day Pass include?
A 4-Day Pass typically includes:
Reserved seating for all four nights at Nissan Stadium
Access to Fan Fair X at Music City Center
Entry to official daytime stages throughout downtown Nashville
Exact inclusions can vary slightly each year, so it’s always best to review ticket details when purchasing.
Can you attend CMA Fest without buying a ticket?
Absolutely. Many fans attend CMA Fest without purchasing tickets and still see dozens of performances. Daytime stages are free, and you may also catch pop-up performances and surprise appearances around downtown Nashville.
When is the CMA Fest lineup announced?
The official CMA Fest lineup is usually announced in the spring leading up to the festival. Stage schedules and set times are released closer to the event. The CMA Fest app is the easiest way to stay up to date once schedules go live.
Where is Fan Fair X located?
Fan Fair X takes place inside Music City Center in downtown Nashville. It features:
Artist meet & greets
Close-Up Stage interviews
Spotlight Stage performances
Merchandise and food vendors
How early should you arrive for daytime stages?
If there’s an artist you really want to see, plan to arrive at least one hour before their set - sometimes earlier. Popular artists often draw long lines, and stages may temporarily close once they reach capacity.
Are kids allowed at CMA Fest?
Yes, CMA Fest is family-friendly, and you’ll see fans of all ages attending. Parents should plan ahead for heat, crowds, and long days, especially with younger children.
How do you get between CMA Fest stages?
Most daytime stages are within a 15-minute walk of each other in downtown Nashville. Nissan Stadium is farther away, across the pedestrian bridge. Shuttles are typically available for 4-Day Pass holders.
Are bags allowed at CMA Fest?
All stages require guests to pass through security. Bag policies can vary by venue, so check official CMA Fest guidelines before arriving. Clear bags are often recommended to speed up entry.
What happens if a stage reaches capacity?
If a stage fills up, entry will be temporarily paused until space opens. Capacity updates are announced via social media and the CMA Fest app, so it’s helpful to keep notifications turned on.
Is CMA Fest filmed for TV?
Yes. The nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium are recorded for a CMA Fest television special that typically airs on ABC later in the summer.
Is CMA Fest worth it?
For country music fans, CMA Fest is considered one of the best fan experiences in the genre. Between free daytime shows, artist meet & greets, and nightly stadium concerts, it’s a one-of-a-kind event for country fans of all ages.
Country Music News
Get ready for CMA Fest 2026 with everything you need to know about tickets, dates, stages, and making the most of your country music-filled weekend in Nashville.