Helpful Hints

Several things you can count on during your visit to the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN. It will be HOT, You will do a lot of walking/standing, and you are likely to see a thunderstorm or two pop-up during your stay. Below are some things you should have or do.
  • ​Wear comfortable shoes (don't break in a new pair of boots here)
  • Drink lots of water (stay hydrated)
  • Sunscreen (non aerosol)
  • Insect Repellent (non aerosol)
  • A hat or cap
  • Ponchos for the rain (umbrellas are not allowed)
  • Towel or Blanket if you are planning on going to the Riverfront stages
  • Extra batteries for your electronic devices (phone, camera, etc.)
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Extra SD Cards for you camera
  • Autograph book/CD covers (leave the CDs at home), photos of where you met the stars before, etc.
  • Sharpies, you never know who you will run into and where
  • Download the Official CMA Music Festival app to your phone to get the latest up-to-date information

​If you can think of anything we may have missed, let us know at countrystarphotos@gmail.com

Found a very good article online to help in your planning: ​notesonnashville.com/things-to-do/special-events/cma-fest/

Parking

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 Park it Downtown has information on 177 lots and 32,000+ parking spaces in and around downtown Nashville.

​Keep in mind that during certain events, such as the CMT Awards, certain lots may be reserved for staff and television crews. ​Also, during this time, some of the lots may not be accessible due to road closures especially along Broadway between 1st Avenue and 5th Avenue.

​This site also provides a search function for your convenience. ​Visit: ParkitDowntown.com for more details.
You an pre-purchase a parking pass for the Metro Courthouse: DETAILS

Restaurant Guide

The Country Music Association has put together a nice map of dining options in and around the downtown area of Nashville. See their MAP on the official CMA Festival Website.

​Some of these restaurants will take reservations thru their own sites or thru Open Table.

Read Reviews before you go (click below to view)
​Trip Advisor​
Nashville Eater
​Southern Living

Prohibited Items

There is quite a bit of information on the official CMA Music Festival Web-site regarding prohibited items. Some of those are listed here. For the most complete up-to-date list, please visit CMAfest.com

​PROHIBITED
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Animals (service animals are permitted)
  • Beach or sports balls
  • Camera attachments, tripods, monopods, etc.
  • Cameras with a detachable lens
  • Coolers, canisters or glass
  • Drones
  • Drugs
  • Firearms and other weapons
  • Fireworks
  • Flags
  • Frisbees and projectiles
  • Hoverboards
  • Horns, whistles, boomboxes, and other noise makers
  • Infant car seat carriers
  • Laser pointers
  • Outside alcohol
  • Outside food and beverages
  • Poles, selfie sticks, and/or sticks of any kind
  • Skateboards, bikes, rollerblades
  • Umbrellas and other objects that obstruct another patron’s view
  • Video, Audio, and/or recording devices (including GoPros)
  • Other items deemed disruptive or dangerous at the discretion of Event Management

Allowed
  • Binoculars
  • Camera phones, disposable cameras, and small digital cameras
  • Empty water bottles (no glass)
  • Ponchos
  • Sunscreen