CMA Festival
2026

CMA Fest 2026: Everything You Need to Know

CMA Fest, formerly known as Fan Fair, is the longest-running country music festival in the world, dating back to 1972 when it started as a small gathering at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium. Over five decades later, it has grown into a four-day spectacle that transforms Downtown Nashville into the epicenter of country music each June. Presented by SoFi for 2026, the festival anchors its nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, the 69,000-seat home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans on the banks of the Cumberland River, with dozens of additional stages spread across the city.

The 2026 Nissan Stadium lineup reads like a who's who of country music. Thursday night opens with Jason Aldean — one of the genre's most decorated touring acts with over 27 No. 1 hits — alongside rising superstars Ella Langley and Tucker Wetmore, plus throwback favorites Deana Carter ("Strawberry Wine") and Gretchen Wilson ("Redneck Woman"). Friday night raises the stakes further with Keith Urban delivering his signature guitar-driven show, Blake Shelton making a highly anticipated return to the festival stage, Cody Johnson bringing his traditional honky-tonk style, The Red Clay Strays performing a mid-field set, and Shaboozey riding the massive success of his 2024 breakout year.

Saturday belongs to Tim McGraw, who has been a CMA Fest staple for decades, joined by Jordan Davis, Carly Pearce, and the rapidly ascending Zach Top. Sunday closes the weekend with Bailey Zimmerman — whose debut album Religiously went platinum — alongside Russell Dickerson and a special mid-field performance from Stephen Wilson Jr. Additional performers, Platform Stage artists, and nightly openers are still being announced, meaning the lineup will only get bigger as June approaches.

What sets CMA Fest apart from every other music festival is the access. During the day, fans can see hundreds of artists perform for free at outdoor stages throughout Nashville. The Riverfront Park stage, Bridgestone Plaza, Walk of Fame Park, and Ascend Park all host full lineups from morning into the evening. The festival also features meet-and-greets, signing sessions, and photo opportunities that put fans face-to-face with the artists they love — something virtually no other festival of this scale offers. For 2026, the new Wrangler Remix Stage in Fan Alley adds even more emerging talent to the mix, including Emily Nenni, Lily Meola, ROME from Sublime with Rome, and dozens more.

Nashville itself is an essential part of the CMA Fest experience. Broadway's honky-tonks — Tootsie's, Robert's Western World, The Stage — keep the music going well past midnight, while neighborhoods like East Nashville and The Gulch offer world-class dining and nightlife. The festival's location along the Cumberland means easy access to Lower Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Ryman Auditorium, where special CMA Fest performances often take place during the week.

How to Buy CMA Fest 2026 Tickets

Where can I buy CMA Fest 2026 tickets?

Tickets for the Nissan Stadium nightly concerts may be available through the official CMA Fest website and authorized primary sellers such as Ticketmaster. Keep in mind that daytime concerts at Riverfront Park, Bridgestone Plaza, and other outdoor stages are free and open to the public — no ticket required. For the Nissan Stadium shows, verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee backed by over 20 years in the business.

What is the CMA Fest 2026 schedule?

CMA Fest 2026 runs Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7 in Downtown Nashville. The Nissan Stadium concerts typically begin in the evening, with gates opening in the late afternoon. Thursday's stadium lineup features Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Tucker Wetmore, Deana Carter, and Gretchen Wilson. Friday brings Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Shaboozey, and The Red Clay Strays. Saturday night is headlined by Tim McGraw with Jordan Davis, Carly Pearce, and Zach Top. Sunday closes with Bailey Zimmerman, Russell Dickerson, and Stephen Wilson Jr. Free daytime stages run from late morning through early evening at multiple locations across Nashville.

What should I know about Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest?

Nissan Stadium is located at 1 Titans Way on the east bank of the Cumberland River, directly across from Downtown Nashville. The venue holds approximately 69,000 fans and offers clear bag policies, mobile ticketing, and a variety of concession options throughout the concourse. Parking is available in surrounding lots, though many CMA Fest attendees opt for rideshare or the pedestrian bridge from Broadway. For 2026, the stadium also features mid-field satellite stages for special performances by The Band Perry and Stephen Wilson Jr., giving fans in every section a closer look at select artists.

Are resale CMA Fest tickets legitimate?

Yes — when purchased through a reputable marketplace. BigStub is a verified resale platform with the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket industry, more than two decades of experience, and a dedicated customer service team. Every ticket sold on BigStub comes with a buyer guarantee, and all sellers are vetted to ensure authenticity. Resale tickets are especially useful for CMA Fest since official inventory often sells out months before the festival, and resale gives fans a second chance at securing seats.

Can I buy single-night CMA Fest tickets or only four-day passes?

Both options are typically available. The official CMA Fest site sells four-day Nissan Stadium passes, and single-night options may also be released. On the resale market, you can find both four-day passes and individual night tickets, so you can choose the specific evening that features the artists you most want to see. Check the listings on BigStub for current availability.

What if I can't attend — can I resell my CMA Fest tickets?

If your plans change, resale platforms like BigStub provide a marketplace for selling tickets you no longer need. Be sure to list them early, as demand for CMA Fest tends to increase as the event approaches and especially after the full lineup is announced.

CMA Fest 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

What is CMA Fest?

CMA Fest, presented by SoFi, is the world's biggest country music festival. Held annually in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee, it features four nights of concerts at Nissan Stadium plus hundreds of free daytime performances across multiple outdoor stages. The festival dates back to 1972 and draws over 80,000 fans each year.

When is CMA Fest 2026?

CMA Fest 2026 runs from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7, 2026. Nissan Stadium concerts take place each evening, while free daytime stages operate from late morning through early evening across Downtown Nashville.

Where is CMA Fest 2026 held?

The main nightly concerts take place at Nissan Stadium, located at 1 Titans Way on the east bank of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee. Free daytime concerts are held at Riverfront Park, Bridgestone Plaza, Walk of Fame Park, Ascend Park, and Fan Alley.

Who is performing at CMA Fest 2026?

The Nissan Stadium lineup includes Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Shaboozey, HARDY, Jordan Davis, Carly Pearce, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Wetmore, Ella Langley, Zach Top, The Red Clay Strays, Russell Dickerson, Deana Carter, Gretchen Wilson, The Band Perry, and Stephen Wilson Jr. Hundreds of additional artists perform on the free daytime stages.

Who headlines Thursday night at CMA Fest 2026?

Thursday, June 4 features Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Tucker Wetmore, Deana Carter, and Gretchen Wilson on the Nissan Stadium stage.

Who headlines Friday night at CMA Fest 2026?

Friday, June 5 brings Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Shaboozey, and The Red Clay Strays to Nissan Stadium, with The Band Perry performing a mid-field satellite set.

Who headlines Saturday night at CMA Fest 2026?

Saturday, June 6 features Tim McGraw, Jordan Davis, Carly Pearce, and Zach Top at Nissan Stadium.

Who performs Sunday night at CMA Fest 2026?

Sunday, June 7 closes the festival with Bailey Zimmerman, Russell Dickerson, and a mid-field performance from Stephen Wilson Jr. at Nissan Stadium.

Are the daytime CMA Fest concerts free?

Yes. All daytime concerts at Riverfront Park, Bridgestone Plaza, Walk of Fame Park, Ascend Park, and the new Wrangler Remix Stage in Fan Alley are free and open to the public. No ticket or wristband is required for daytime events.

How much do CMA Fest 2026 Nissan Stadium tickets cost?

Prices vary depending on seat location and whether you purchase a four-day pass or a single-night ticket. Official prices start at a set face value, while resale prices on platforms like BigStub fluctuate based on demand. Check BigStub for current pricing and availability.

What is the Wrangler Remix Stage at CMA Fest 2026?

New for 2026, the Wrangler Remix Stage is located inside Fan Alley and features emerging and independent artists including Emily Nenni, Lily Meola, ROME from Sublime with Rome, and many more. Performances on this stage are free.

Can I meet artists at CMA Fest?

Yes. CMA Fest is known for its fan access, including meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and photo opportunities with artists throughout the festival. These events take place at various locations in Downtown Nashville during the daytime hours.

What is the bag policy at Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest?

Nissan Stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Bags must be clear plastic or vinyl and no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Small clutch purses (approximately 4.5 x 6.5 inches) are also permitted. Non-clear bags, backpacks, and oversized purses are not allowed.

How do I get to Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest?

Nissan Stadium is located at 1 Titans Way in Nashville, across the Cumberland River from Downtown. You can walk across the pedestrian bridge from Broadway, use rideshare services, or park in the lots surrounding the stadium. Many festivalgoers prefer walking or rideshare since parking fills up quickly during CMA Fest weekend.

Is CMA Fest 2026 presented by a sponsor?

Yes, CMA Fest 2026 is presented by SoFi. The festival is produced by the Country Music Association and has been a cornerstone of Nashville's summer calendar for over 50 years.