Get ready to paint the town neon! The “world’s longest-running country music festival” is officially returning to the heart of Music City. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-timer looking for that authentic Nashville vibe, the 53rd Annual CMA Fest is the place to be from Thursday, June 4, to Sunday, June 7, 2026.
For four sun-soaked days and star-studded nights, a two-square-mile stretch of downtown Nashville transforms into the ultimate country music playground. With hundreds of artists across 10 different stages, the energy is unmatched.
Where the Magic Happens
The festival takes over Nashville’s most iconic spots. Here is the lay of the land:
Nissan Stadium
This is the big one. Every night, the stadium hosts the genre’s biggest superstars for massive, high-energy shows under the stars.
Music City Center (Fan Fair X)
Want to get up close and personal? Fan Fair X is your home base for artist Q&As, intimate acoustic sets, and those coveted meet-and-greet moments.
The Outdoor Stages
The party spills into the streets! You can catch incredible daytime performances at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage, and Chevy Vibes Stage located along the riverfront and Broadway.
Ascend Amphitheater
This beautiful riverfront venue serves as another ticketed spot for premium daytime concerts.
Scoring Your Tickets
Tickets for 2026 are already available through official partners like Ticketmaster. Depending on how you want to festival, there are a few ways to get in on the action:
The Four-Night Stadium Pass
For the ultimate fan, this pass includes admission to every nightly show at Nissan Stadium plus four-day access to Fan Fair X. Prices typically start around $260 for upper-level seats and can go north of $800 if you want to be down on the field.
Single-Day Tickets
If you only have one night to spare, you can grab a seat at Nissan Stadium starting around $81.
The Free Experience
One of the best things about CMA Fest? You don’t actually need a ticket to have a blast. While the stadium shows and Fan Fair X require a pass, many of the outdoor stages throughout downtown are free and open to the public.
The Big Reveal:
Keep your eyes peeled in late March 2026, which is when the full artist roster is expected to be released.
Stay Connected:
Download the CMA Connect App. It’s the best way to get real-time schedule updates, maps, and alerts for surprise meet-and-greets.
Travel Easy:
The Nashville Visitor Center offers official vacation packages that bundle your hotel stay with stadium passes to take the stress out of planning.
Watch from Home: If you can’t make it to Broadway, ABC will air a three-hour primetime special featuring the festival’s best moments on June 26, 2026.
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