Every June, Nashville turns into the center of country music as fans travel in for four packed days of live performances, fan experiences, and nonstop energy during CMA Fest. With stadium headliners, free daytime stages, artist appearances, and downtown excitement around every corner, it’s one of the biggest weekends of the year in Music City.
Whether you already have tickets or you’re still deciding if this year is the one to go, this guide covers everything you need to know. From headliners and ticket options to free events, helpful planning tips, things to do between sets, and where to stay close to the action.
When is CMA Fest 2026?
CMA Fest 2026 takes place Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, 2026, across multiple venues in downtown Nashville, including Nissan Stadium, Riverfront Park, Ascend Park, Broadway, and Music City Center. Each day offers a mix of daytime entertainment and major nightly stadium concerts, making it easy to fill your schedule from morning through night.
Along with events happening throughout the city, nightly performances at Nissan Stadium feature some of country music’s biggest names. Here’s a look at the 2026 headliners:
- Thursday, June 4: Deana Carter, Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, Tucker Wetmore
- Friday, June 5: Keith Urban, The Band Perry, Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, The Red Clay Strays, Shaboozey
- Saturday, June 6: Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce
- Sunday, June 7: Bailey Zimmerman, Russell Dickerson, Stephen Wilson Jr., HARDY, Luke Bryan, Riley Green
Ticket Options
From four nights of stadium concerts to daytime fan experiences and premium upgrades, CMA Fest offers several ticket options to fit your schedule, budget, and preferred festival experience.
Best for fans who want the complete CMA Fest experience at Nissan Stadium. Upper-level pricing starts at $290, plus fees, and includes admission to all four nights of stadium concerts plus access to Fan Fair X.
A great option for those who only want to attend one evening of main stage performances. Single-night tickets generally start at $70–$79 per night and offer flexibility to choose a lineup that fits your schedule.
Perfect for fans who want daytime entertainment, artist appearances, and an indoor break from the summer heat. Fan Fair X offers 1-day or 4-day admission with features like artist meet-and-greets, CMA Close Up and Spotlight Stages, shopping, and exclusive merchandise. Access is already included with four-night stadium passes.
Starts around $375 and upgrades your daytime experience with premium viewing areas, private restrooms, bar access, and air-conditioned comfort.
For guests wanting an elevated CMA Fest experience, premium packages offer upgraded access, hospitality, and some of the best views of the weekend.
Popular options include:
- Gold Rope Package – A premier offering with backstage and pit access, private lounge access, all-inclusive food and open bar, expedited entry, and private transportation.
- VIP Platform Stage Package – Dedicated VIP platform viewing, premium stadium seating, and all-inclusive hospitality.
- Main Stage Lounge Package – Luxury lounge access during stadium performances with upscale food and drinks.
- Field Suite Package – A private floor-level cabana suite at Nissan Stadium designed for groups, with customizable food and beverage service.
Hotel and ticket packages with premium inclusions generally range from $1,312 to $2,893+ per person, depending on accommodations and package level.
Free Shows & Fan Experiences
One of the best parts of CMA Fest is how much you can enjoy without a stadium ticket. Free daytime performances happen throughout downtown Nashville, with more than 200 artists performing across several popular festival areas.
You’ll find free shows and activities at:
- Riverfront Park, home to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, is one of the biggest daytime crowds of the weekend
- Ascend Park, featuring the Dr Pepper Amp Stage with rising artists and fan favorites
- Walk of Fame Park, hosting the Chevy Vibes Stage with music throughout the day
- Bridgestone Plaza, just off Broadway, is bringing live performances to the Good Molecules Reverb Stage in the middle of downtown
- Fan Alley, featuring the new Wrangler Remix Stage, emerging talent, and interactive fan experiences
For a break indoors, Fan Fair X at Music City Center includes artist interviews, live performances, shopping, games, and a comfortable air-conditioned space to recharge between events.
What to Know Before You Go
Before you dive into all the concerts, crowds, and downtown excitement, keep these helpful tips in mind for a smooth CMA Fest weekend.
- Clear bag policy: Major venues like Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater require clear bags no larger than 12” x 12” x 6”. A small clutch or wallet up to 4.5” x 6.5” is also permitted.
- Pack for the weather: Nashville in June can be hot and humid, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Free refill stations can be a lifesaver throughout the day.
- Prepare for rain: Afternoon showers are common, so pack a lightweight poncho. Umbrellas are typically not allowed inside venues.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll likely walk several miles a day between stages, Broadway, and stadium entrances. Broken-in sneakers or boots are your best bet.
- Bring a portable charger: Between photos, videos, maps, and the festival app, your phone battery can go quickly.
- Go cashless, but bring tip money: Most purchases are card or mobile-pay only, though cash is still useful for tipping bartenders, drivers, and service staff.
- Use the CMA Connect App: The easiest way to keep up with stage schedules, lineup changes, maps, and announcements.
- Skip driving when possible: Parking downtown can be expensive and difficult during festival weekend, so rideshares, scooters, and walking are often easier options.
Things to Do Between Shows
There’s plenty to enjoy between sets and concerts, and taking advantage of your downtime can make the weekend even better!
Pontoon Saloon is a popular option for groups wanting to cool off and see Nashville from the water. Located near Lower Broadway, these party cruises and sightseeing rides travel along the Cumberland River with skyline views, music, drinks, and a fun social atmosphere. It’s an easy way to take a break from crowded streets while still staying close to downtown.
Nashville Experience Tours are a great fit for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to explore more of Music City between performances. Options range from city sightseeing tours and hop-on-hop-off trolleys to music history stops, mural tours, and visits to landmarks like Music Row and the Ryman Auditorium.
If you’d rather keep things casual, use your free time to explore Broadway honky-tonks, grab hot chicken, browse local shops, or stop into one of Nashville’s many rooftop bars before heading back to the festival!
Where to Stay for CMA Fest
The right place to stay can make all the difference during festival weekend, keeping you closer to downtown for easier rides, shorter travel times, and more time enjoying everything Nashville has to offer. If you haven’t secured where you are staying for CMA Fest, don’t worry, we still have a few options available. We recommend doing so ASAP as these are going quickly!
Odyssey at the Park
Odyssey at the Park sits in Midtown, just 8 minutes from CMA Fest, placing guests close to the center of festival action. The building includes a pool and fitness center for downtime between shows, and offers walkable access to Midtown restaurants, bars, and live music. With easy access to both Midtown and Downtown Nashville, it works well for groups of all sizes, with the option to book individual units or combine multiple together in “combos” for added space. Check out a few available options for the CMA Fest weekend listed below!
2 Beds | 2 Baths | Sleeps 6
2 Beds | 2 Baths | Sleeps 6
4 Beds | 4 Baths | Sleeps 12
Set in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood, about 14 minutes from CMA Fest, Iris is a collection of four modern, 3-story townhomes. The location keeps guests close to festival stages and downtown energy, while still offering a more laid-back base to return to between long days in the city. 12 South and nearby Berry Hill favorites are all a short drive away, adding easy options for dining and downtime outside of CMA Fest plans. Each townhome includes an open layout and a private rooftop deck with a lounge area and an outdoor TV, making it a strong fit for group stays during festival weekend. A few available homes for CMA Fest weekend are featured below, with the option to book individually or pair multiple together.
4 Beds | 3 Bath | Sleeps 8
4 Beds | 3 Bath | Sleeps 8
4 Beds | 3 Bath | Sleeps 8
4 Beds | 3 Bath | Sleeps 8
Swiftie Dream House
4 Beds | 4 Baths | Sleeps 12
A Taylor-inspired stay just 10 minutes from CMA Fest, Swiftie Dream House sets the tone for a music-filled Nashville weekend. Spread across multiple levels, the home offers open living spaces for group downtime, a karaoke room for late-night sing-alongs after festival sets, and themed bedrooms inspired by different Taylor eras. Rooftop and outdoor patio areas add space to unwind between shows with skyline views and relaxed hangout spots. Midtown sits just minutes away, and Broadway and CMA Fest remain close by, keeping guests within easy reach of the weekend’s biggest events.
CMA Fest is four days of live music, fan moments, downtown energy, and everything people love about Nashville. Planning ahead helps you experience more, stress less, and make the most of the weekend. If you’re heading to Nashville for CMA Fest 2026, book early and be sure to check out our specials page for current discounts!
