CMA Fest Riverfront Stage Guide

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Jun 3

Lineup, location and tips for one of CMA Fest’s biggest free stages.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: June 3, 2026

The Chevy Riverfront Stage is one of the busiest daytime destinations at CMA Fest. Located at Riverfront Park along the Cumberland River, this free outdoor stage brings fans close to major country artists, rising performers and some of the most talked-about daytime sets of the festival.

If you are planning your CMA Fest schedule, the Riverfront Stage is worth paying attention to early. It is one of the largest daytime stages at the festival, and because it is free to attend, crowds can build quickly for popular artists.

Here is what to know about the CMA Fest Riverfront Stage, including the 2026 lineup, location, access, Riverside Retreat upgrade and crowd tips.

CMA Fest Riverfront Stage Quick Facts

Dates: Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7, 2026
Location: Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville
Stage Name: Chevy Riverfront Stage
Admission: Free to the public
Best For: Fans who want a major daytime CMA Fest stage with well-known artists and a high-energy crowd
Upgrade Option: Riverside Retreat

Where Is the CMA Fest Riverfront Stage?

The Chevy Riverfront Stage is located at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville, along the Cumberland River.

This makes it one of the most recognizable daytime stage locations at CMA Fest. It is close to Broadway, downtown hotels, restaurants, bars and other festival areas, which makes it a convenient stop if you are building a daytime schedule around multiple stages.

Because of its location and lineup, Riverfront can also be one of the more crowded daytime spots. If there is an artist you really want to see, plan to get there early and give yourself extra time to move through downtown.

Is the CMA Fest Riverfront Stage Free?

Yes. The Chevy Riverfront Stage is free to the public during CMA Fest.

You do not need a Nissan Stadium ticket to attend performances at Riverfront. That makes it a great option for fans who want to experience CMA Fest during the day without buying tickets to the nightly stadium concerts.

However, free does not mean unlimited space. Gates may close if an area reaches capacity, so fans should plan ahead for the biggest performances.

CMA Fest 2026 Riverfront Stage Lineup

The 2026 Chevy Riverfront Stage lineup includes four days of daytime performances from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7.

Thursday, June 4

10:30 am - RePublic High School Marching Band

10:50 am - CeCe - National Anthem Performance

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

11:50 am - 12:20 pm - Alana Springsteen

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 - Laci Kaye Booth

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

9:30 am - Cowboy Church with Brandon Lake and special guest Dan + Shay

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

2:20 pm - 2:50 pm - Max McNown

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 - Mackenzie Carpenter

Why Fans Love the Riverfront Stage

The Riverfront Stage is a good fit for fans who want to see today’s hottest artists during the day without needing a separate ticket.

You should prioritize Riverfront if:

You want a free CMA Fest stage with a strong lineup.
You are interested in daytime performances from current hitmakers and rising country artists.
You want to stay near downtown Nashville and Broadway.
You are comfortable with bigger crowds.
You are willing to arrive early for the artists you care about most.
You want to make daytime music a major part of your CMA Fest trip.

Riverfront may not be the best fit if you are trying to avoid crowds, need a lot of shade or want a more relaxed place to move in and out throughout the day. For those fans, smaller daytime stages or Fan Fair X may be easier options.

What Is Riverside Retreat?

Riverside Retreat is a paid upgrade option for CMA Fest fans who want a more comfortable experience near the Riverfront Stage.

The main Riverside Retreat location is at 1st Avenue near Fort Nashborough, close to the Riverfront Stage. The upgrade includes perks such as early admission with a private entrance to the Riverfront Stage, shaded seating, air-conditioned restrooms, discounted bars, phone charging stations, food options, yard games and access to satellite locations at the Chevy Vibes Stage and Dr Pepper Amp Stage.

Riverside Retreat does not replace the free Riverfront Stage experience. Instead, it gives fans an upgraded area and extra amenities during the festival day.

Tips for Attending the CMA Fest Riverfront Stage

Arrive early for the artists you most want to see.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Check the weather before heading out.
Bring an approved bag that follows CMA Fest rules.
Keep your phone charged before you arrive.
Have water and plan hydration breaks.
Choose a backup stage in case Riverfront reaches capacity.
Know where your group will meet if you get separated.
Do not wait until the last minute to move to another stage or evening event.

How to Build Riverfront Into Your CMA Fest Schedule

If one artist is your must-see performance, build your schedule around that set and arrive early. If you are more flexible, Riverfront can be a great place to stop for several performances before moving to another stage, Fan Fair X or your evening plans.

Fans going to Nissan Stadium later in the day should also leave enough time for food, walking, security and getting across downtown before the nighttime concerts begin.

CMA Fest Riverfront Stage FAQs

Where is the Riverfront Stage at CMA Fest?

The Chevy Riverfront Stage is located at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville along the Cumberland River.

Is the Riverfront Stage free?

Yes. The Riverfront Stage is free to the public during CMA Fest.

Do I need a CMA Fest ticket for the Riverfront Stage?

No. You do not need a Nissan Stadium ticket to attend the free Riverfront Stage performances.

Can Riverfront reach capacity?

Yes. Like other CMA Fest daytime areas, access can be limited if crowds reach capacity. Arriving early is the best plan for popular artists.

What is Riverside Retreat?

Riverside Retreat is a paid CMA Fest upgrade with amenities near the Riverfront Stage, including early admission, shaded areas, air-conditioned restrooms, charging stations, bars, food options and additional satellite locations.

Is Riverfront good for first-time CMA Fest fans?

Yes, but first-time fans should plan ahead. Riverfront is one of the biggest daytime stages, so it is exciting, convenient and crowded. Pick your must-see artists, arrive early and have a backup plan.

Should I go to Riverfront or Fan Fair X?

It depends on your priority. Riverfront is best for free outdoor daytime performances. Fan Fair X is better for indoor activities, artist panels, shopping, meet and greets and air conditioning.