Festival season is officially heating up, and all roads are leading to Nashville for the 2026 CMA Fest. From June 4-7, downtown Nashville will once again turn into the ultimate destination for country music fans, packed with nonstop live performances, unforgettable fan experiences, and the electric energy that only Music City can deliver. If country music is your soundtrack to summer, this is one event you don’t want to miss!
CMA Fest 2026
June 4-7, 2026
Downtown Nashville, Tennessee
All Country Music, All the Time
For four days, the city comes alive with music on nearly every corner – from massive stadium headliners and legendary country icons to rising artists making their CMA Fest debut. Whether you’re singing along at the nightly stadium concerts, catching surprise daytime sets, exploring Broadway between shows, or meeting your favorite artists up close, CMA Fest offers a one-of-a-kind experience that goes far beyond a typical music festival.
What makes this the premier country music festival, however, is the stacked lineup. Featuring more than 250 acts on 9 official stages, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
The lineup for the nightly concerts includes Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top. The Band Perry and Stephen Wilson Jr. will also bring dynamic mid-field performances to the heart of Nissan Stadium.
The Ultimate Fan Experience
CMA Fest was founded as Fan Fair in 1972 as a way for fans to connect with the artists they love! The tradition continues inside Fan Fair X at Music City Center, complete with indoor stages where you can get up close and personal with your favorite country artists and celebrities at the CMA Close Up Stage. This stage hosts live, interactive interviews, acoustic performances and more. This is also the perfect opportunity to discover new favorite artists at the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage, where more than 50 emerging artists perform acoustic sets and host meet & greets.
This year’s Fan Fair X brings even more excitement to the CMA Close Up Stage with its exclusive Artist of the Day programming. Russell Dickerson will be featured on Thursday, followed by Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday, and Ashley McBryde on Sunday.
Apart from music, Fan Fair X hosts many exhibitors, including official CMA Fest presented by SoFi partners, marketplace merchants who sell clothing, accessories, home décor, country music labels featuring the latest and greatest music, and much, much more! Plus, enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing cold drink while getting out of the hot Nashville sun in the relief of air conditioning.
Secure Your Tickets!
CMA Fest offers several pass and ticket options to fit exactly what you’re looking for. From the complete CMA Fest experience with the CMA Fest Four-Night Stadium Pass to a single-day Fan Fair X ticket, they’ve got it all!
All passes and tickets are mobile for a convenient and secure experience. So, all you need during the event is your phone!
- Four-Night Stadium Passes: Enjoy full access to all nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, including performances from country music’s biggest stars. Passes are on sale now.
- Single-Night Stadium Tickets: Get access to a superstar-packed night of performances at Nissan Stadium on the date of your choice. Single-night tickets are on sale now.
- Riverside Retreat: Upgrade your experience with VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage, and Chevy Vibes Stage, offering exclusive amenities like shaded areas, mobile charging stations, and air-conditioned restrooms. Plus, enjoy early entry to the Chevy Riverfront Stage and discounted beverages. Tickets are on sale now.
- Fan Fair X: Get up close with your favorite artists through exclusive meet-and-greets, shop one-of-a-kind festival merch, and enjoy a variety of indoor activities at Music City Center. Tickets are on sale now.
- VIP Packages: Experience CMA Fest like never before with a VIP Package! Enjoy premium seating, backstage access, and exclusive hospitality all weekend long through Elevate Experiences, an Official Experiential Hospitality Provider of CMA Fest.
- Free Outdoor Stages: Catch hundreds of artists performing throughout downtown Nashville on multiple outdoor stages. These high-energy concerts are free to attend and showcase the best of country music, from emerging talent to well-established stars.
“I am so excited to be attending the CMA Fest this year. There is so much great talent I don’t even know where to start. My favorite is probably the Riverside retreat.”
Traci Greenwald
CLN
Giving Back Through Music Education
Beyond incredible performances, at its heart, CMA Fest reflects the country music community’s shared commitment to giving back. Through the participation of artists and the broader Country Music community, a portion of proceeds from each annual CMA Fest supports the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives nationwide, including Music Teachers of Excellence.
The program leverages the reach and influence of Country Music to elevate music education across the U.S., shining a national spotlight on the teachers building stronger, more well-rounded young people every day. Now in its landmark 10th year, the program has recognized more than 200 educators, with its legacy defined not by a single moment of recognition, but by the lasting impact those teachers have had on the students and communities they serve.
“Music Teachers of Excellence was built on the belief that our industry has a responsibility to invest in the people building the pipeline of music lovers, artists, and fans for generations to come,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “This milestone year isn’t just a celebration of these 30 remarkable educators. It’s a celebration of the legacy we have built together, and a reminder of how much more we can do when the music industry unites around a shared cause.”
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT CMAFOUNDATION.ORG.
Great music for a great cause? Count me in! Grab your friends, your tickets, and your favorite pair of cowboy boots and meet us in Music City!
Last Updated on 05/18/2026 by Carly Davidson
About the Author:
CLN Community Sponsor
