CMA Fest 2026 Nissan Stadium Lineup and Schedule
Nightly lineup, schedule, entry tips and what to know before heading to the stadium.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: June 3, 2026
CMA Fest takes over downtown Nashville during the day, but Nissan Stadium is where the festival’s biggest nighttime concerts happen. Each evening brings a packed lineup of country stars, special performances, platform stage moments and stadium-sized sets.
If you are heading to Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026, here is what to know about the nightly schedule, tickets, bag rules, transportation and planning your evening.
CMA Fest Nissan Stadium Quick Facts
Dates: Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7, 2026
Location: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee
Show Type: Nightly CMA Fest concerts
Doors: Nissan Stadium doors open nightly at 6:30 PM CT.
Typical Start Time: Evening concerts begin around 8:00 PM CT
Tickets: Included with CMA Fest Four-Night Stadium Passes; single-night tickets may also be available through official ticketing
Best For: Fans who want to see the biggest CMA Fest performances of the night
What Happens at Nissan Stadium During CMA Fest?
Nissan Stadium hosts the main nighttime concerts during CMA Fest. While daytime stages are spread throughout downtown Nashville, the stadium shows bring fans together each night for some of the festival’s biggest performances.
The Nissan Stadium lineup usually includes a mix of current hitmakers, country legends, rising artists, special guests and short performances from platform or satellite stages. These shows are also part of what makes CMA Fest unique, since many of the performances are filmed for the CMA Fest television special.
Because the nightly concerts include multiple artists, fans should plan for a long evening. Arrive early enough to get through security, find your seat, grab food or drinks and settle in before the first performance.
CMA Fest 2026 Nissan Stadium Schedule
The CMA Fest 2026 Nissan Stadium schedule includes four nights of concerts from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7.
Thursday, June 4 CMA Fest Nissan Stadium Schedule
7:45 pm - Caylee Hammack National Anthem Performance
8:00 pm - Rhett Akins
8:30 pm - Tucker Wetmore
9:00 pm - Zach John King (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
9:45 pm - Vincent Mason (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
10:00 pm - Ella Langley
10:30 pm - Willow Avalon (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
10:40 pm - Deana Carter (Special Performance)
10:50 pm - Gretchen Wilson (Special Performance)
11:30 pm - Jason Aldean
Friday, June 5 CMA Fest Nissan Stadium Schedule
8:00 pm - Jo Dee Messina
8:30 pm - Blake Shelton
9:05 pm - Scoot Teasley (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
9:15 pm - Shaboozey
9:45 pm - Maggie Antone (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
10:00 pm - The Red Clay Strays
10:35 pm - The Band Perry (Satellite Stage)
10:45 pm - Keith Urban
11:30 pm - Cody Johnson
Saturday, June 6 CMA Fest Nissan Stadium Schedule
8:00 pm - Sara Evans
8:30 pm - Carly Pearce
9:00 pm - Kaitlin Butts (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
9:15 pm - Zach Top
9:45 pm - Emily Ann Roberts (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
10:00 pm - Jordan Davis
10:45 pm - Lainey Wilson
11:25 pm - Tim McGraw
Sunday, June 7 CMA Fest Nissan Stadium Schedule
8:00 pm - Clay Walker
8:30 pm - Russell Dickerson
9:00 pm - Kat Luna (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
9:10 pm - Bailey Zimmerman
9:40 pm - Jack Wharff Band (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
9:50 pm - Riley Green
10:25 pm - Laci Kaye Booth (Nissan Stadium Platform Stage)
10:30 pm - Hardy
11:15 pm - Stephen Wilson Jr. (Satellite Stage)
11:30 pm - Luke Bryan
Do You Need Tickets for Nissan Stadium at CMA Fest?
Yes. The Nissan Stadium concerts are ticketed events during CMA Fest.
Fans with CMA Fest Four-Night Stadium Passes have access to the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium. Single-night Nissan Stadium tickets are also available through official ticketing, with prices starting at $70, depending on availability.
If you only plan to attend free daytime stages, you can still enjoy a lot of CMA Fest without a stadium ticket. However, the Nissan Stadium shows are where the major nighttime concerts take place.
What Time Should You Arrive at Nissan Stadium?
Plan to arrive early, especially if it is your first time attending CMA Fest.
The nightly concerts usually begin around 8:00 PM CT, but thousands of fans are entering the stadium around the same time. Give yourself enough time for walking, security, bag checks, restroom stops, concessions and finding your seat.
If there is a specific artist you do not want to miss, do not wait until the last minute to head toward the stadium. Downtown Nashville can be crowded during CMA Fest, and walking routes, bridges and security lines can take longer than expected.
CMA Fest Bag Policy for Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium follows the CMA Fest clear bag policy during the festival.
For official CMA Fest venues and stages, fans should plan to bring an approved clear bag. Clear bags must be made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and cannot be larger than 12” x 12” x 6”. Fans may also bring a small clutch or wallet that is 4.5” x 6.5” or smaller.
Every bag is subject to inspection, so it is better to check the rules before you leave for the day than to deal with a problem at the gate.
For more details, read my guide and recommendations for best bags to take to CMA Fest.
Getting to Nissan Stadium During CMA Fest
Getting to Nissan Stadium takes planning during CMA Fest because downtown Nashville is busy, roads may be closed and thousands of fans are moving between the daytime stages and the stadium.
Many fans walk to Nissan Stadium from downtown using one of the pedestrian bridges. If you are using rideshare, parking downtown or taking a shuttle, check your route before the evening concerts begin.
For 2026, do not assume you will be able to park directly at Nissan Stadium because of construction around the new football stadium. CMA Fest recommends planning ahead with parking reservations, public parking options, rideshare or walking routes.
Leaving Nissan Stadium After the Concert
Leaving Nissan Stadium can be one of the busiest parts of the night.
When the show ends, thousands of fans are leaving at the same time. Sidewalks, bridges, rideshare pickup areas and downtown streets can all be crowded. Before the concert starts, decide how your group plans to leave.
You may want to choose a meeting spot, walk back downtown, wait for the crowd to thin or arrange a pickup farther away from the stadium area. Having a plan before the final performance can make the end of the night much easier.
Tips for CMA Fest Nights at Nissan Stadium
Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you are walking from downtown.
Bring an approved clear bag and keep your essentials simple.
Charge your phone before heading to the stadium.
Save your ticket to your phone wallet before arriving.
Check the weather before you leave for the night.
Eat before the show or give yourself enough time for concessions.
Know your section, gate and seating location before you enter.
Make a plan for how you will leave after the concert.
CMA Fest Nissan Stadium FAQs
Where is Nissan Stadium located?
Nissan Stadium is located across the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville. During CMA Fest, many fans walk to the stadium from downtown using pedestrian bridges.
Are the Nissan Stadium concerts free?
No. The Nissan Stadium concerts are ticketed CMA Fest events. Free performances happen at other CMA Fest stages throughout downtown Nashville.
Are Nissan Stadium concerts included with CMA Fest passes?
The nightly Nissan Stadium concerts are included with CMA Fest Four-Night Stadium Passes. Single-night tickets may also be available depending on the year and availability.
What time do the Nissan Stadium concerts start?
The CMA Fest 2026 Nissan Stadium concerts are scheduled to begin around 8:00 PM CT each night.
Should I bring a clear bag to Nissan Stadium?
Yes. Plan to follow the CMA Fest clear bag policy for Nissan Stadium. Approved clear bags must be 12” x 12” x 6” or smaller, and small clutches or wallets must be 4.5” x 6.5” or smaller.
Can I go to daytime CMA Fest events and Nissan Stadium on the same day?
Yes. Many fans spend the day at downtown stages, Fan Fair X or other CMA Fest events, then head to Nissan Stadium for the nighttime concerts. Just leave enough time for walking, security and crowds.
Is Nissan Stadium where the CMA Fest TV special is filmed?
Many of the CMA Fest television special performances are filmed during the nightly Nissan Stadium concerts.
More CMA Fest Planning Guides
Planning your full CMA Fest trip? Start with these helpful guides:
Ultimate Guide to CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville
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