Your Ultimate Guide to CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville
Check out trip tips and more!
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: June 26, 2025
Updated: March 30, 2026
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. CMA Fest will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on ABC and Hulu this summer. The special will be executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, 2026, for 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.
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.
The following artists are playing at Nissan Stadium at CMA Fest in 2026:
CMA Fest Schedule for Thursday, June 4
Ella Langley
Jason Aldean
Tucker Wetmore
Special Performances By:
Deana Carter
Gretchen Wilson
CMA Fest Schedule for Friday, June 5
Blake Shelton
Cody Johnson
Keith Urban
The Red Clay Strays
Shaboozey
Special Performance By:
The Band Perry
CMA Fest Schedule for Saturday, June 6
Carly Pearce
Jordan Davis
Tim McGraw
Zach Top
CMA Fest Schedule for Sunday, June 7
Bailey Zimmerman
Hardy
Luke Bryan
Riley Green
Russell Dickerson
Special Performance By:
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Additional Nissan Stadium performers, as well as Platform Stage performers, openers and the national anthem performer will be announced in the coming weeks, along with surprise moments fans won’t want to miss. Performers across all daytime stages and activities will be announced in the coming weeks.
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.
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 Schedule
Situated next to the Cumberland River, this daytime stage is one of the most popular spots to visit during the festival.
Thursday, June 4
11:00 am - 11:30 am - Russell Dickerson
11:50 am - 12:20 pm - Ty Myers
12:40 pm - 1:10 pm - Ashley Cooke
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Cooper Alan
2:20 pm - 2:50 pm - Ernest
3:10 pm - 3:40 pm - Stephen Wilson Jr.
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Redferrin
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm - Vincent Mason
5:40 pm - 6:10 pm - Shane Smith & the Saints
Friday, June 5
11:00 am - 11:30 am - Chayce Beckham
12:40 pm - 1:10 pm - Charles Wesley Godwin
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Kameron Marlowe
2:20 pm - 2:50 pm - Dylan Marlowe
3:10 pm - 3:40 pm - Tucker Wetmore
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Tyler Braden
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm - RaeLynn
5:40 pm - 6:10 pm - Dasha
Saturday, June 6
11:00 am - 11:30 am - Maddox Batson
11:50 am - 12:20 pm - Nate Smith
12:40 pm - 1:10 pm - Ian Munsick
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Drew Baldridge
2:20 pm - 2:50 pm - Josh Ross
3:10 pm - 3:40 pm - Midland
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Kaitlin Butts
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm - Carter Faith
5:40 pm - 6:10 pm - Braxton Keith
Sunday, June 7
11:00 am - 11:30 am - Lauren Alaina
11:50 am - 12:20 pm - Tigirlily Gold
12:40 pm - 1:10 pm - Priscilla Block
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Waylon Wyatt
3:10 pm - 3:40 pm - Molly Tuttle
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Chase Matthew
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm - Marcus King
5:40 pm - 6:10 pm - Makenzie Carpenter
Dr. Pepper Amp Stage Schedule
Head to this stage near Ascend Amphitheater to catch legendary favorites and today’s radio stars.
Thursday, June 4
11:15 am - 11:45 am - The Jack Wharff Band
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm - Kaylee Bell
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm - Cody Hibbard
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - Pecos & The Rooftops
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm - Willow Avalon
3:25 pm - 3:55 pm- Drake Milligan
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm - Shaylen
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm - Travis Bolt
Friday, June 5
11:15 am - 11:45 am - Dave Fenley
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm - Ty Herndon
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm - Melissa Etheridge
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - Angie K
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm - The War And Treaty
3:25 pm - 3:55 pm - Uncle Kracker
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm - Erin Kinsey
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm - Craig Campbell
Saturday, June 6
11:15 am - 11:45 am - Kolby Cooper
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm - John Morgan
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm - Noeline Hofmann
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm - Tyler Farr
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - Billy Dean
3:25 pm - 3:55 pm - Travis Denning
3:30 pm - 3:55 pm - Blake Proehl
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm - Emily Ann Roberts
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm - Blanco Brown
Sunday, June 7
11:15 am - 11:45 am - Greylan James
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm - Pam Tillis
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - Late Night Thoughts
3:25 pm - 3:55 pm - Leanna Crawford
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm - Kaylee Rose
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm - Canaan Smith
Chevy Vibes Stage Schedule
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!
Thursday, June 4
11:15 am - 11:45 am - Alana Springsteen
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm - Chase McDaniel
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm - Karley Scott Collins
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - Kelsey Hart
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm - Walker Montgomery
3:25 pm - 3:55 pm - Graham Barham
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm - Tayler Holder
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm - Colt Ford
Friday, June 5
11:15 am - 11:45 am - Shane Profitt
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm - Willie Jones
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm - Mack Geiger
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - Madeline Merlo
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm - Lanie Gardner
3:25 pm - 3:55 pm - Jade Eagleson
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm - Melanie Dyer
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm - Austin Snell
Saturday, June 6
11:15 am - 11:45 am - Hannah McFarland
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm - Sister Hazel
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm - Bellah Mae
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - Owen Riegling
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm - Caylee Hammack
3:25 pm - 3:55 pm - Lauren Watkins
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm - Adrien Nunez
5:05 pm - 5:35 pm - Dax
Sunday, June 7
12:05 PM - 12:35 PM - Neal McCoy
12:55 PM - 1:25 PM - Mae Estes
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM - Drake White
2:35 PM - 3:05 PM - Maggie Antone
3:25 PM - 3:55 PM - Ashland Craft
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM - Mark Wills
5:05 PM - 5:35 PM - Frankie Ballard
Good Molecules Reverb Stage Schedule
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.
Thursday, June 4
11:00 am - 11:25 am - The Kruse Brothers
11:45 am - 12:10 pm - Tyce Delk
12:30 pm - 12:55 pm - Just Jayne
1:15 pm - 1:40 pm - Brad Cox
2:00 pm- 2:25 pm - Jason Scott & The High Heat
2:45 pm - 3:10 pm - Alexandra Kay
3:30 pm - 3:55 pm - Julia Cole
4:15 pm - 4:40 pm - Stella Lefty
5:00 pm - 5:25 pm - Bryan Andrews
Friday, June 5
11:00 am - 11:25 am - Cody Lohden
11:45 am - 12:10 pm - Kevin Powers
12:30 pm - 12:55 pm - Scoot Teasley
1:15 pm - 1:40 pm - Elizabeth Nichols
2:00 pm - 2:25 pm - Atlus
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm - Sophia Scott
3:30 pm - 3:55 pm - Jacob Hackworth
4:15 pm - 4:40 pm - Myles Morgan
5:00 pm - 5:25 pm - MaRynn Taylor
Saturday, June 6
11:00 am - 11:25 am - Alex Lambert
11:45 am - 12:10 pm - Jamie MacDonald
12:30 pm - 12:55 pm - Cassidy Daniels
1:15 pm - 1:40 pm - Eli Winders
2:00 pm - 2:25 pm- Gareth
2:45 pm - 3:10 pm - Trey Lewis
3:30 pm - 3:55 pm - Blake Proehl
4:15 pm - 4:40 pm - Belle Frantz
5:00 pm - 5:25 pm - Preston Cooper
Sunday, June 7
11:00 am - 11:25 am - Jenna Davis
11:45 am - 12:10 pm - Timmy McKeever
12:30 pm - 12:55 pm - Abbey Cone
1:15 pm - 1:40 pm - John Foster
2:00 pm - 2:25 pm - Tyler Nance
2:45 pm - 3:10 pm - Will Moseley
3:30 pm - 3:55 pm - Wesko
4:15 pm - 4:40 pm - Ava Hall
5:00 pm - 5:25 pm - McCoy Moore
Wrangler Remix Stage Schedule
New for 2026 is the Wrangler Remix Stage located inside Fan Alley.
Thursday, June 4
11:20 am - 11:45 am - Sterling Elza
12:05 pm - 12:30 pm - Hogslop String Band
12:50 pm - 1:15 pm - Ashley Kutcher
1:35 pm - 2:00 pm - Sons of Habit
2:20 pm - 2:45 pm - BODHI
3:05 pm - 3:30 pm - Gannon Fremin & CCREV
3:50 pm - 4:15 pm - Brooke Lee
4:35 pm - 5:00 pm - Hayden Coffman
5:20 pm - 5:45 pm - ROME
Friday, June 5
11:20 am - 11:45 am - SKEEZ
12:05 pm - 12:30 pm - Trey Pendley
12:50 pm - 1:15 pm - Highway Home
1:35 pm - 2:00 pm - Carson Wallace
2:20 pm - 2:45 pm - Hayden Blount
3:05 pm - 3:30 pm - Jay Webb
3:50 pm - 4:15 pm - Payton Smith
4:35 pm - 5:00 pm - Lily Meola
5:20 pm- 5:45 pm - Tyla Rodreigues
Saturday, June 6
11:20 am - 11:45 am - Benny G
12:50 pm - 1:15 pm - Chandler Walters
1:35 pm - 2:00 pm - Jake Banfield
2:20 pm - 2:45 pm - CeCe
3:05 pm - 3:30 pm - Dalton Davis
3:50 pm - 4:15 pm - Lil Man J
4:35 pm - 5:00 pm - Alli Walker
5:20 pm - 5:45 pm - Cole Goodwin
Sunday, June 7
11:20 am - 11:45 am - Matt Cooper
12:05 pm - 12:30 pm - Clayton Mullen
12:50 pm - 1:15 pm - The Wilder Blue
1:35 pm - 2:00 pm - Emily Nenni
3:05 pm - 3:30 pm - Kat Luna
3:50 pm - 4:15 pm - Aniston Pate
5:20 pm - 5:45 pm - Chancey Williams
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 Wrangler Remix Stage. However, nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium require a ticket or a 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 was announced on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 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?
CMA has confirmed that the CMA Fest television special will air on ABC later this 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.
CMA Fest Planning
Country Music News
A complete guide to CMA Fest fan club parties, including how to get access, what to expect, and a chronological list of events as they’re announced. Updated regularly to help fans plan their CMA Fest week.