CMA Fest 2026: What to Know About Nashville's Country Music Celebration

Why this matters: CMA Fest is a major event for country music fans, drawing huge crowds and showcasing top artists. The TV special allows fans to experience the highlights from home, while early ticket sales give attendees a chance to plan for next year's festival.

CMA Fest is a four-day country music festival held annually in Nashville, Tennessee. Since its inception in 1972, it has grown into one of the largest and most celebrated country music events in the world. In 2025, the festival drew approximately 95,000 fans to downtown Nashville and featured more than 300 performances across various stages.

The 2026 festival promises another jam-packed schedule of live music, fan experiences, and artist meet-and-greets. Free outdoor stages are located along Lower Broadway, including the Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza, the Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park, the Hard Rock Stage, the Riverfront Stage, and the Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Amphitheater. Indoor activities and merchandise can be found at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center. Each night culminates with headliner performances at Nissan Stadium.

For those who can't attend in person, the "CMA Fest presented by SoFi" concert television special offers a chance to relive the excitement. The three-hour program, hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, will air on ABC and stream on Hulu, featuring standout performances from the 2025 festival. This year SoFi is the presenting sponsor, reflecting the partnership that aims to inspire financial independence through music.

How to Prepare:

Who This Affects Most:

June 4-7, 2026.

Downtown Nashville, Tennessee, with stages and activities throughout the area.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde.

Are you planning to attend CMA Fest 2026? Which artist are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!

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