Last year was my very first CMA Fest, and I’ll be honest — I was a little overwhelmed (in the best way). With downtown Nashville buzzing, stages on every corner, surprise sets, and thousands of country music fans packing the streets, I definitely felt like a wide-eyed newbie trying to take it all in. But after getting my boots dusty and learning the lay of the land, I’m so hoping to be invited back this year — because now I know exactly how to do CMA Fest right.
And trust me, you’re going to want to, too.
From June 5–8, CMA Fest returns for another unforgettable four days of live music, community, and that one-of-a-kind Nashville energy. This year marks an exciting milestone with SoFi joining as the first-ever presenting sponsor, bringing fresh energy and exclusive benefits to fans.
As always, the Nissan Stadium stage will be the heart of the action every night, with jaw-dropping performances and unexpected artist collabs that only happen at CMA Fest. The initial lineup is already stacked: think Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, and more. And that’s just scratching the surface.
But what really makes CMA Fest magical is what happens all over downtown Nashville. With 10 stages, including the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage, and Bridgestone Plaza, there’s live music happening basically from sun-up to sundown (and beyond). And the best part? Many of these outdoor shows are totally free — no ticket needed.
New this year, or at least new to me now that I know where to go, are perks like the Riverside Retreat VIP upgrade, giving you shade, air-conditioned restrooms (bless), and a comfy spot to watch the action from three of the biggest stages.
And if you’re looking to connect even deeper, Fan Fair X at the Music City Center is the place to meet your favorite artists, grab exclusive merch, and escape the summer heat.
CMA Fest isn’t just a good time — it’s also about giving back. All artists donate their time, with proceeds from ticket sales going to support the CMA Foundation, which funds music education programs across the U.S. So yeah, that ticket in your hand is helping the next generation of musicians learn, grow, and dream big.
Tickets & Details You Should Know:
- Four-Night Stadium Passes are available now.
- Single-Night Nissan Stadium Tickets go on sale Friday, March 28 at 10:00 AM/CT, starting at $79.80.
- VIP Packages and upgrades like the Riverside Retreat are also up for grabs.
- Free outdoor stages? Just show up.
With last year’s rookie run behind me, I’ve got my eyes set on the perfect combo of big-name performances, hidden-gem sets, and maybe even a few backstage hangs (fingers crossed). Whether it’s your first CMA Fest or your fifteenth, this year is shaping up to be one for the books.
Get all the info, ticket options, and updates at CMAfest.com, and don’t forget to download the official CMA Connect App to plan your perfect fest schedule.
Let’s go, y’all. See you in June — and this time, I won’t be the one looking lost.
