CMA Fest 2025: Nashville’s Premier Country Music Festival Draws 95,000 Fans

CMA Fest 2026 Countdown Begins: Country Music’s Biggest Celebration Returns to Nashville with Four Days of Star-Packed Performances and Fan Experiences

Get ready, country music fans — the countdown to CMA Fest 2026 is officially underway. With just 342 days left until the world’s largest country music celebration returns to Nashville, anticipation is already building for what promises to be another unforgettable four-day event filled with live music, exclusive fan encounters, and nonstop entertainment.

Following the massive success of CMA Fest 2025 — which drew an estimated 95,000 fans from around the globe — the 2026 edition is expected to be even bigger. Held in the heart of downtown Nashville, CMA Fest transforms the city into a country music paradise, featuring over 300 live performances across multiple iconic stages. The 2025 festival treated fans to surprise stadium sets, high-energy outdoor shows, and intimate fan experiences that created unforgettable memories and strengthened the artist-fan connection at every turn.

When and Where Is CMA Fest 2026?

The 53rd annual CMA Fest will take place from June 4 to June 7, 2026, bringing four jam-packed days of country music to Nashville. The festival takes over the downtown area, lighting up Lower Broadway and surrounding venues with a mix of free outdoor stages and ticketed nighttime performances.

Free stages include:

Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza

Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park

Hard Rock Stage at First and Broadway

Riverfront Stage along the Cumberland River

Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Amphitheater

Fans can also experience Fan Fair X, held inside Music City Center, where artist meet-and-greets, interviews, photo ops, and exclusive festival merchandise await.

Each evening, the action culminates at Nissan Stadium, where some of the biggest stars in country music deliver electrifying headline performances under the lights, making for unforgettable nights filled with music and celebration.

How to Get Tickets for CMA Fest 2026

Tickets for CMA Fest 2026 are on sale now and available through Ticketmaster. Multiple ticketing packages are offered, with prices varying depending on the level of access and seating options. Fans are encouraged to purchase early, as this multi-day event typically sells out quickly due to high demand and global interest.

Can’t Wait? Catch the CMA Fest 2025 Special on ABC and Hulu

For fans eager to relive the excitement of 2025, the official television special, CMA Fest Presented by SoFi, will air on Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. The three-hour concert event is hosted by country stars Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, and features show-stopping performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, and many more. The special will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day, offering fans a front-row seat to the best moments from the festival.

Who Performed at CMA Fest 2025?

The 2025 edition of CMA Fest delivered an all-star lineup that included legendary acts and rising stars alike. Major headliners included Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and Rascal Flatts, with performances spread across the city’s many stages.

Other notable artists from the lineup:

Blake Shelton

Ashley McBryde

Cody Johnson

Gabby Barrett

Mickey Guyton

Keith Urban

Maddie & Tae

Parker McCollum

Marcus King

Dylan Marlowe

Riley Green

Midland

Lainey Wilson

Shaboozey

Darius Rucker

Kelsea Ballerini

Ashley Cooke

Drake Milligan

Bailey Zimmerman

And over 200 more performers spanning every corner of the country genre

From breakout newcomers to country royalty, the 2025 festival was a showcase of the genre’s rich diversity and talent.

What to Expect in 2026

While the official CMA Fest 2026 lineup has not yet been released, fans can expect another star-studded roster and a packed schedule of performances, fan events, and exclusive experiences. To stay up to date with announcements, lineup drops, and festival tips, fans can sign up for Country Connection emails at CMAfest.com.

Experience the Magic of CMA Fest

CMA Fest isn’t just a concert series — it’s a four-day celebration of country music’s heart, soul, and community. Whether you’re dancing on Broadway, meeting your favorite artist at Fan Fair X, or watching the stars shine at Nissan Stadium, the festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings fans and artists closer together. Mark your calendar for June 4–7, 2026, and start planning your trip to Nashville, Tennessee, for country music’s biggest party of the year.