Grand Ole Opry CMA Fest 2026 Events Guide
The Opry’s 100th year celebration brings CMA Fest week shows, free plaza concerts, backstage tours, and special events to Nashville.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Date Published: May 26, 2026
The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating CMA Fest 2026 with a week of special events across Nashville, including shows at the Grand Ole Opry House, a Ryman Auditorium performance, a sold-out Opry NextStage showcase at Category 10, free live music on the Opry Plaza, and backstage tour options at the Opry House.
The lineup is part of the Opry’s Summer of the Century celebration, marking the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th year with major country artists, Opry favorites, and rising stars.
Grand Ole Opry CMA Fest Week Shows
The Opry’s CMA Fest week celebration begins Tuesday, June 2, with American Idol winner Hannah Harper making her Grand Ole Opry debut. The kickoff show also includes Opry member and American Idol judge Carrie Underwood, newly crowned ACM New Female Artist of the Year and Opry NextStage alum Avery Anna, and more.
Throughout the week, the Opry will continue its CMA Fest programming with multiple lineups featuring a mix of country legends, current stars, Americana favorites, and rising artists.
Opry Celebrates CMA Fest Lineup
Artist lineups are subject to change, and the names listed below should not be considered the order of appearance. More artists will be announced for each show.
Tuesday, June 2 - Grand Ole Opry House
7:00 pm & 9:30 pm
Carrie Underwood
Avery Anna
Hannah Harper
Drake Milligan
Wednesday, June 3 - Grand Ole Opry House
7:00 pm
Flatland Cavalry
Laci Kaye Booth
Lanie Gardner
Friday, June 5 - Grand Ole Opry House
7:00 pm
Old Crow Medicine Show
Mark Wills
Deana Carter
Maddox Batson
Maggie Rose
Jordan Davis
Saturday, June 6 - Ryman Auditorium
2:00 pm
Pam Tillis
Chancey Williams
Bryce Leatherwood
Morgan Myles
Saturday, June 6 - Grand Ole Opry House
7:00 pm
Suzy Bogguss
Pam Tillis
Rhett Akins
Fans planning to attend should check the official Opry schedule before making plans, as additional artists may be announced and show details can change.
Opry 100 Plaza Summer Concert Series During CMA Fest
Fans visiting the Grand Ole Opry during CMA Fest can also enjoy free live music outside on the Opry Plaza as part of the Opry 100 Plaza Summer Concert Series.
The outdoor series takes place every Friday and Saturday evening from May 22 through September 5, with free performances, food trucks, cold drinks, and live country music before Opry shows.
During CMA Fest week, the June lineup includes:
Friday, June 5 - Opry Plaza
Brett Landin
Saturday, June 6 - Opry Plaza
Mary Sarah
The free concerts begin at 5:15 p.m. on the Opry Plaza. The Outdoor Concert Series is sponsored by Travel + Leisure.
Opry NextStage Live at Category 10 Is Sold Out
The Grand Ole Opry is also bringing Opry NextStage Live, presented by Tecovas, to Category 10 in downtown Nashville during CMA Fest.
The one-night-only event takes place Wednesday, June 3, at Hurricane Hall inside Category 10. The showcase features several members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2026, including Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Carter Faith, Alexandra Kay, Emily Ann Roberts, and Jake Worthington.
Each artist is scheduled to perform a solo set, giving fans a chance to see some of country music’s rising voices during one of Nashville’s busiest music weeks.
The event is currently sold out, but fans can still follow Opry NextStage for future updates and additional artist announcements.
What Is Opry NextStage?
Launched in 2019, Opry NextStage highlights emerging country artists and connects them with the Grand Ole Opry’s long-running tradition of spotlighting the genre’s future.
Since its launch, Opry NextStage alumni have gone on to chart No. 1 singles, headline arena tours, earn major award recognition, and reach important career milestones. NextStage alum Lainey Wilson has also become an official Grand Ole Opry member.
For CMA Fest fans, Opry NextStage Live offers another way to experience the Opry’s connection to country music’s next generation, even outside the Opry House.
Why the Opry’s CMA Fest Events Stand Out
CMA Fest brings country music to stages all across Nashville, but the Grand Ole Opry’s CMA Fest week programming adds a unique connection to the genre’s history.
During the Opry’s 100th year, fans can see legendary artists, longtime Opry favorites, current hitmakers, and rising acts across several Nashville venues. The Opry House shows offer the classic Grand Ole Opry experience, while the Ryman Auditorium performance connects the celebration to one of country music’s most historic stages. The sold-out Category 10 event adds a downtown spotlight for emerging artists.
Together, the events give CMA Fest fans several ways to include the Grand Ole Opry in their week.
Opry Backstage Tours During CMA Fest
Fans who want a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Ole Opry can also add an Opry Backstage Tour to their CMA Fest plans.
Available throughout the summer, Opry Backstage Tours offer four different ways to go backstage at the iconic Opry House. Visitors can choose the tour that fits their style and get a closer look at the venue where country music history is made night after night.
Tour availability, times, and ticket options may vary, so fans should check the official Opry website when planning their visit.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for Grand Ole Opry CMA Fest week shows are available through the official Opry website.
Opry NextStage Live at Category 10 is currently sold out. Fans should check official event pages for the latest updates, lineup changes, entry details, and any additional ticket information.
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