CMA Fest 2027 Free Stages Guide
Free daytime concerts, stage locations, and 2027 lineup updates for CMA Fest in downtown Nashville.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: June 3, 2026
Last Updated: August 23, 2026
CMA Fest returns to Nashville June 10–13, 2027, and fans do not need a Nissan Stadium ticket to enjoy plenty of live music during the festival.
CMA Fest traditionally features several free outdoor daytime stages throughout downtown Nashville, giving fans the chance to see established country artists, rising stars, and new performers without purchasing a stadium pass.
The 2027 free stage artist lineups have not been announced yet. This guide will be updated as CMA releases the 2027 stage lineups, schedules, locations, and other details.
CMA Fest 2027 Free Stages Quick Facts
Dates: June 10–13, 2027
Location: Downtown Nashville
Free daytime concerts: Yes
2027 artist lineups: To be announced
Nissan Stadium concerts: Ticket required
Free stage schedules: To be announced
Is CMA Fest Free?
Parts of CMA Fest are free. Fans can attend the festival's outdoor daytime stages without purchasing a ticket, while the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium require admission. Fan Fair X and some other CMA Fest experiences also require tickets or passes.
Chevy Riverfront Stage
The Chevy Riverfront Stage is the largest daytime stage at CMA Fest and one of the most popular free stages during the festival.
Located at Riverfront Park along the Cumberland River, this stage often draws big crowds for well-known artists and high-energy daytime sets. It is a good choice for fans who want a major outdoor CMA Fest experience without needing a stadium ticket.
Because Riverfront is one of the biggest free draws at CMA Fest, fans should plan to arrive early for priority artists and have a backup plan in case the area reaches capacity.
2027 Lineup: To be announced
Location: Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville
Admission: Free
Dr Pepper Amp Stage
The Dr Pepper Amp Stage is located at Ascend Park, behind Ascend Amphitheater.
This stage is a strong choice for fans who want to catch a mix of newly charting artists, rising names and familiar country voices. It still gives fans a big daytime CMA Fest experience, but it can be a good alternative if Riverfront is too crowded or if the lineup better matches your must-see list.
2027 Lineup: To be announced
Location: Ascend Park, behind Ascend Amphitheater
Admission: Free
Chevy Vibes Stage
The Chevy Vibes Stage is located at Walk of Fame Park, near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Bridgestone Arena.
This stage is a convenient stop for fans exploring downtown Nashville during the day. It is also close to other CMA Fest areas, which makes it easier to build into a flexible schedule.
2027 Lineup: To be announced
Location: Walk of Fame Park
Admission: Free
Good Molecules Reverb Stage
The Good Molecules Reverb Stage is located at Bridgestone Plaza, near 5th Avenue and Broadway.
This stage is a good option for fans who want to catch rising artists in the middle of downtown Nashville. Because of its Broadway-area location, it can be easy to stop by while moving between other daytime plans, restaurants, bars and nearby festival areas.
If your CMA Fest goal is to discover artists you may not already know, Reverb is a good stage to keep on your schedule.
2027 Lineup: To be announced
Location: Bridgestone Plaza
Admission: Free
Wrangler Remix Stage
The Wrangler Remix Stage is new for CMA Fest 2026 and is located inside Fan Alley.
This stage replaces the Hard Rock Stage and focuses on rising artists throughout the day. It is a good stop for fans who want to explore Fan Alley activities while also catching live music.
Because this is a new stage for 2026, returning CMA Fest fans should pay attention to the location and schedule before assuming the same setup from previous years.
2027 Lineup: To be announced
Location: Fan Alley
Admission: Free
Is There a Hard Rock Stage at CMA Fest 2027?
The 2027 free stage lineup has not been fully announced. The Hard Rock Stage was part of CMA Fest in previous years but was replaced by the Wrangler Remix Stage inside Fan Alley for 2026. This guide will be updated if CMA makes any changes to the downtown stage lineup for 2027.
When Will the CMA Fest 2027 Free Stage Lineups Be Announced?
CMA has not announced a release date for the 2027 free stage lineups. The daytime schedules and performers are generally announced closer to CMA Fest, so check back in spring 2027 as additional festival details are released.
Tips for Attending CMA Fest Free Stages
Arrive early for the artists you care about most.
Check the CMA Fest app or official schedule before leaving for the day.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will likely be walking between stages.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and weather-friendly clothing.
Follow the CMA Fest bag policy before heading downtown.
Keep your phone charged.
Have a backup stage in mind in case your first choice reaches capacity.
Plan hydration and food breaks.
Give yourself enough time to move between stages.
Fans going to Nissan Stadium later should leave time for walking, security and getting to their seats.
CMA Fest 2027 Free Stages FAQ
Is CMA Fest free?
Parts of CMA Fest are free. Fans can attend the festival’s outdoor daytime stages in downtown Nashville without purchasing a ticket. The nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, Fan Fair X, and some other CMA Fest experiences require tickets or passes.
What stages are free at CMA Fest?
CMA Fest traditionally includes several free outdoor stages throughout downtown Nashville. In recent years, these have included the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage, Good Molecules Reverb Stage, and Wrangler Remix Stage. The official 2027 stage lineup has not yet been announced.
Do you need tickets for the CMA Fest free stages?
No. Admission is not required for CMA Fest’s free outdoor daytime stages. Space may be limited, however, and popular performances can draw large crowds.
When will the CMA Fest 2027 free stage lineup be announced?
CMA has not announced when the 2027 free stage lineups will be released. Artist lineups and daily schedules are typically announced closer to the festival. This guide will be updated as 2027 performers and stage schedules are announced.
Is the Chevy Riverfront Stage free?
Yes. The Chevy Riverfront Stage is a free CMA Fest daytime stage. Located at Riverfront Park, it is traditionally one of the festival’s largest outdoor stages.
Where is the Chevy Riverfront Stage?
The Chevy Riverfront Stage is located at Riverfront Park along the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.
Where is the Dr Pepper Amp Stage?
The Dr Pepper Amp Stage has most recently been located at Ascend Park near Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville. The 2027 stage locations will be updated when CMA releases additional festival details.
Is there a Hard Rock Stage at CMA Fest 2027?
CMA has not announced the complete 2027 stage lineup. The Hard Rock Stage was part of CMA Fest in previous years, while the Wrangler Remix Stage was used in Fan Alley for the 2026 festival. This guide will be updated if CMA makes additional stage changes for 2027.
When is CMA Fest 2027?
CMA Fest 2027 will take place June 10–13, 2027, in downtown Nashville.
More CMA Fest Planning Guides
Planning your full CMA Fest trip? These guides can help:
Ultimate Guide to CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville
CMA Fest Nissan Stadium Guide
CMA Fest Bag Policy
What to Pack for CMA Fest
How to Get Around CMA Fest
CMA Fest Safety Tips
Fan Fair X at CMA Fest