Darius Rucker and Friends 2026: Lineup & Tickets
The annual concert returns to the Ryman with surprise guests benefiting St. Jude.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Date Published: April 28, 2026
Multi-time Diamond-certified country star Darius Rucker is set to return to the Ryman Auditorium on Monday, June 1, for his 17th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.
The highly anticipated event has become a staple of CMA Fest week in downtown Nashville, unofficially kicking things off with an unforgettable night of music and philanthropy.
What To Expect at ‘Darius and Friends’?
Since its launch, “Darius and Friends” has grown into one of the most meaningful events surrounding CMA Fest, raising more than $5.1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The concert features Rucker alongside a surprise lineup of special guests, a tradition that keeps fans guessing every year and delivers once-in-a-lifetime collaborations on stage.
Rucker’s connection to St. Jude dates back to 2008, when a visit to the hospital inspired him to make a long-term commitment to the organization’s mission of advancing treatments and finding cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
A Tradition of Star-Studded Surprise Guests
Part of what makes “Darius and Friends” such a must-see event is its history of unforgettable guest appearances.
Over the years, artists joining Rucker on stage have included:
Lauren Alaina
Jason Aldean
Brooks & Dunn
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Sheryl Crow
Dan + Shay
Vince Gill
Jelly Roll
Morgan Wallen
…and many more, spanning both established superstars and rising artists.
Last year’s show was praised by The Tennessean as “a night of old favorites and new music delivered by both seasoned and fresh faces from the music industry.”
How to Get Tickets to ‘Darius and Friends’
Tickets for the 17th annual benefit concert start at $69, with VIP packages available up to $249.
Pre-sale: Wednesday, April 29 at 10 a.m. CT
Public on-sale: Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. CT
Where to buy: AXS.com
Given the venue’s intimate size and the event’s popularity, tickets typically sell quickly, especially with the added excitement of surprise guest appearances.
Darius Rucker and Friends 2026: FAQ
When is Darius Rucker and Friends 2026?
The concert takes place on Monday, June 1, 2026, unofficially kicking off CMA Fest week in downtown Nashville.
Where is Darius Rucker and Friends held?
The event is held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Who is performing at Darius Rucker and Friends 2026?
Darius Rucker will headline the show, along with a surprise lineup of special guests that is not announced in advance.
How do I get tickets to Darius Rucker and Friends 2026?
Tickets are available through AXS, with pre-sale beginning April 29 at 10 a.m. CT and general public on-sale starting May 1 at 10 a.m. CT.
How much are tickets for Darius Rucker and Friends?
Ticket prices start at $69, with VIP packages available up to $249 depending on seating and experience options.
What is Darius Rucker and Friends?
It’s an annual benefit concert hosted by Darius Rucker during CMA Fest week that features surprise guest performances and raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Is Darius Rucker and Friends part of CMA Fest?
While not an official CMA Fest event, it is widely considered one of the key kickoff concerts during CMA Fest week in Nashville.
More CMA Fest 2026 Guides
See the lineup for this fan-favorite event.