2026 CMA Music Festival
Events by Day
(Pre CMA Fest)
Note: This Site has no affiliation with the CMA Music Festival and is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with the Country Music Association, Inc./CMA Fest or any of its subsidiaries.
Even if you don't have a four day pass for CMA Fest, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Most of these require an additional fee. Where possible, a link will be included for purchasing these tickets. Events listed here are for major multiple artist events.
NOTE: All Date/Times and Artists can change at any time without notice.
If you have information on other events, please contact us at [email protected]
Flyers used on this page are the ones distributed by the event organizers. No ownership is implied.
Even if you don't have a four day pass for CMA Fest, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. Most of these require an additional fee. Where possible, a link will be included for purchasing these tickets. Events listed here are for major multiple artist events.
NOTE: All Date/Times and Artists can change at any time without notice.
If you have information on other events, please contact us at [email protected]
Flyers used on this page are the ones distributed by the event organizers. No ownership is implied.
Pre-CMA Fest
Multiple Days
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Multiple Days
- Music City Rodeo at Bridgestone Arena on May 28 - May 30
- Opry 100 at Grand Ole Opry (Various Dates)
- Musician's Corner at Centennial Park on May 29 & May 30
May 26
- Buddy's Place at Chiefs at 7:00 p.m.
- We are the Merle at 3rd and Lindsley at 7:30 p.m.
May 27
- Back Porch Sippin' at The Green Light at 7:00 p.m.
- Music City Roots at Harkin Hall (Madison) at 7:00 p.m.
- Chicago at The Grand Ole Opry at 7:30 p.m.
- Women Kickin' Country at 3rd and Lindsley at 7:30 p.m.
- Marcus King at Municipal Auditorium at 8:00 p.m.
- Uncle Bs Damned Ole Opry at Chiefs at 8:00 p.m.
- Song in a Hat at The Listening Room at 8:30 p.m.
May 28
- Mattie Jackson Whiskey Signing at The Nashville Palace at 6:00 p.m.
- Nashville Tour Stop at The Listening Room at 6:00 p.m.
- America at The Ryman at 7:30 p.m.
- Writer's Round at Chiefs at 7:30 p.m.
- Whiskey Jam at Whiskey Row at 8:00 p.m.
May 29
- Cowboy Up with Lanco at Skydeck on Broadway at 4:00 p.m.
- Gears & Guitars at Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar at 6:30 p.m.
- Jesse & Noah Album Release at Urban Cowboy Bar at 7:00 p.m.
- Teagan Stewart's Single Release at Cross-Eyed Critters at 8:00 p.m.
- Sixwire at 3rd and Lindsley at 8:00 p.m.
May 30
- Chris Wallin at the CMHOF at 12:00 p.m.
- Backstage Nashville at 3rd and Lindsley at 12:30 p.m.
- Ashley Gorley at the CMHOF at 2:30 p.m.
- Gravel Road Showcase Live at the City Winery at 7:00 p.m.
- All Star Night at the Station Inn at 9:00 p.m.
May 31
- Musician Spotlight at Country Music Hall of Fame at 1:00 p.m.
- R.O.P.E. Luncheon at the Troubadour Theater at 1:00 p.m.
- Dinner at the Opry at Grand Ole Opry SOLD OUT
- Steve Earle at The Ryman May 31 at 6:00 p.m.
- Whey Jennings Album Celebration at Troubadour Nashville at 7:00 p.m.
Multiple Days
Music City Rodeo
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About:
Music City Rodeo brings world-class PRCA championship rodeo to the heart of Nashville. For three unforgettable nights, Bridgestone Arena transforms into the ultimate western experience, combining the thrill of professional rodeo competition with performances from country music's biggest stars. Each night delivers non-stop action: watch the world's best cowboys and cowgirls compete for over $250,000 in prize money across eight championship events, then stay for a full headline concert. It's two incredible experiences in one unforgettable night. Date: May 28–30 Time: Rodeo begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by a full concert. Location: Bridgestone Areana 501 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
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Opry 100
Multiple shows are scheduled for the week prior to CMA Fest 2026. For more details, visit our OPRY page.
Musicians' Corner
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Since 2010, Musicians Corner has provided free public access to live music in the heart of Music City. Located in beautiful Centennial Park, the series generally takes place in May / June and September each year.
Over 1,500 artists have been showcased on the Musicians Corner stage, including legendary artists Emmylou Harris, Chris Stapleton, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Vince Gill, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Musicians Corner is a program of Centennial Park Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to preserve, enhance, and share the Parthenon and Centennial Park.
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May 26
Buddy's Place
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Buddy's Place
We started out as a unique house concert venue that has evolved over the years into something truly special! Once an artist plays at Buddy's Place or you attend as a guest, you become part of the family. Date: Tuesday, May 26 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Chief's on Broadway 200 Broadway Nashville, TN Artists: Brett Sheroky,Tana Matz,Nate Fredrick |
We are the Merle
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Bringing together some of the best players in town along with special guest Sunny Sweeny to celebrate the music of Merle Haggard.
Date: Tuesday, May 26 Time: 7:30 p.m. (doors 6:00 p.m.) Location: 3rd and Lindsley 818 3rd Avenue South Nashville, TN Tickets: $18.44 - $29.76 |
May 27
Back Porch Sippin
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Real Stories. Real Music. Here For The Songwriters. Come sing along, raise a glass, and celebrate 5 amazing years with us. Giveaways, tastings, & so much more. See yall there.
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Music City Roots
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Come enjoy Music City Roots at Harken Hall on May 27, bringinga lineup that blends tradition, storytelling and contemporary country energy.
Born as a live radio show and now a nationally recognized television series, Music City Roots has a long-standing partnership with WMOT 89.5 FM in the Murfreesboro–Nashville area. Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 p.m. (Doors 6:00 p.m.) Location: Harkin Hall 514 Madison Station Blvd Madison, TN, 37115 Tickets: from $25 Performances by: Rhonda Vincent, Hannah Dasher, Crystal Bowersox, and Heather Thomas |
Chicago
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Chicago (the Band) at the Grand Ole Opry House.
Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Grand Ole Opry House 600 Opry Mills Drive Nashville, TN, 37214 Tickets: from $73 |
Women Kickin' Country
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Women Kickin' Country Unity show Featuring Caitlin Mae, Kaitlyn Croker, Rachel Schumacher, and Michelle Lee
Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 p.m. (Doors 6:00 p.m.) Location: 3rd and Lindsley 818 3rd Ave S Nashville, TN 37210 615-259-9891 Tickets: $12.54 - $18.44 |
Marcus King Tour
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Marcus King Band will be stopping in Nashville to bring the Darling Blue Tour Pt. 2, with special guests Willow Avalon and Penelope Road, to the Nashville Municipal Auditorium!
Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 8:00 p.m. (Doors 7:00 p.m.) Location: Municipal Auditorium 417 4th Avenue North Nashville, TN Ticket Prices: $98.00, $87.00, $76.00, $65.00, $54.25, and $43.25. |
Uncle B's Damned Old Opry
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Uncle B's
Damned Ole Opry Uncle B’s Damned Ole Opry brings Bryan Simpson’s wild, genre-bending “musical circus” to Chief’s with a tribute to The Judds! Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 8:00 p.m. Artists: Brit Taylor, Leah Blevins, Ashland Craft, Logan Simons, Ella Gibson & Bryan “Uncle B.” Simpson and more TBA |
Song in a Hat
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Eric Paslay: Song in a Hat
"Song in a Hat offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience the songwriting process in Music City. Guests will write a song idea or title on a slip of paper and toss it into a hat. Eric will randomly draw one slip out of the hat, and that guest will join him and the other songwriters on stage to help co-write a song!" Songwriters: Eric Paslay, Rivers Rutherford Date: Wednesday, May 27 Time: 8:30 p.m. Location: The Listening Room 618 4th Ave S Nashville, TN 37210 Tickets: $20 |
May 28
Mattie Jackson Whiskey Signing
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Visit The Nashville Palace on May 28 from 6–8 PM for a special Silverbelly Whiskey bottle signing with Mattie Jackson, daughter of country legend Alan Jackson. Come grab your bottle, meet Mattie, and be part of a great night at The Palace.
Must purchase or pre-order your bottle at:
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Date: Thursday, May 28 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Location: The Nashville Palace 2412 Music Valley Drive Nashville, TN |
Nashville Tour Stop
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Nashville Tour Stop is pullling into The Listening Room Cafe just prior to CMA Fest 2026 week. Tickets are on sale now featuring Drew Pulliam, Kaleb Scherer, Zach Moody, and Due South.
Date: Thursday, May 28 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: The Listening Room 618 4th Avenue South Nashville, TN Price: $20 |
America
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America brings their Happy Trails Tour to the Ryman Auditorium.
Date: Thursday, May 28 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: The Ryman Auditorium 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, TN, 37219 (615) 889-3060 Tickets: from $74 |
Writer's Round at the Neon Steeple
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Writer's Round
Rachel Thibodeau is a multi-platinum, award-winning songwriter behind hits recorded by Billy Currington, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, and Trisha Yearwood, while Annie Bosko is a rising country artist and songwriter whose debut album California Cowgirl blends classic country roots with modern star power. Date: Thursday, May 28 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Chief's on Broadway 200 Broadway Nashville, TN Artists: Rachel Thibodeau, Annie Bosko |
Whiskey Jam
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Every Monday AND Thursday night at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Nashville. FREE.
This event is 21+ Date: Thursday, May 28 Time: 8:00 p.m. Location: Dierks Bentley's Whisky Row 400 Broadway Nashville, TN Performances by: Kyle Schuesler, DEK of Hearts, Alex Graham, Bristol Coon, Audrey See, Tori Miller |
May 29
Cowboy Up with Lanco
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Get ready to Cowboy Up with LANCO at Skydeck on Friday, May 29 for a high-energy night of live country music, line dancing, and a late-night party with RIOT RANCH. Date: Friday, May 29 Time: 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM (May 30) Doors: 3:00 PM Schedule: 4:00 PM: Urban Cowboy Line Dancing Lessons: 6:15 PM: Trent Ingram, Full Band 7:45 PM: Payton Howie 9:00 PM: LANCO 10:30 PM: Riot Ranch This event is free, so round up your friends, arrive early, and get ready to Cowboy Up with LANCO at Skydeck. |
Gears and Guitars
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The two-part event welcomes fans and locals to Hank Williams Jr. Boogie Bar in downtown Nashville for a classic NASCAR car show and an appearance from Hyak Motorsports driver and 2023 Daytona 500 Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Later that night, fans are also welcomed to a special concert at Hank Williams Jr. Boogie Bar featuring artists Bart Lattimore, Daniel Cain, Nicholas Vernon, and Ben Miller & Co. During the concert, social media influencer Hannah Dasher will host a special meet-and-greet, along with a silent auction featuring items signed by Richard and Kyle Petty. Date: Friday, May 29 Car Show: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Concert: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. with Performances by: Bart Lattimore, Daniel Cain, Nicholas Vernon, Miller & Co. Special Meet & Greet: Hannah Dasher. Location: Hank William Jr. Boogie Bar 419 Broadway Nashville, TN |
Jesse & Noah Album Release
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Jesse & Noah to host an Album Release Party on May 29 prior to CMA Fest 2026. Jesse & Noah are the sons of David Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers. Date: Friday, May 29 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern 9 Music Square South Nashville, TN 37203 |
Teagan Stewart's Single Release
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Celebrate the release of "The Waiting Game" by Teagan Stewart with a full band show, opened by Taylor O'Connor and Abby Rose.
Date: Friday, May 29 Time: 8:00 p.m. Location: Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole (The Graduate Hotel) 101 20th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37203 Tickets: $12.51 |
Sixwire
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Sixwire is an American country music band from Nashville, Tennessee, United States. The group consists of Andy Childs (lead vocals, guitar), Steve Hornbeak (keyboards, vocals), John Howard (bass guitar), Steve Mandile (guitar, vocals), and Chuck Tilley (drums, percussion). Robb Houston (rhythm guitar) was a former member. The band's name references the six strings on a guitar
Date: Friday, May 29 Time: 8:00 p.m. (doors 6:00 p.m.) Location: 3rd and Lindsley 818 3rd Avenue South Nashville, TN Tickets: $26.81 |
May 30
CMHOF: Songwriter Session: Chris Wallin
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Catch songwriter Chris Wallin at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Date: Saturday, May 30 Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Location: Country Music Hall of Fame 222 Rep. John Lewis Way South Nashville, TN |
Backstage Nashville
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Hear country music’s biggest songs and the stories behind them at DAYTIME hit songwriters show - BACKSTAGE NASHVILLE!
Date: Saturday, May 30 Time: 12:30 p.m. (Doors 11:00 a.m.) Location: 3rd and Lindsley 818 3rd Ave S Nashville, TN 37210 615-259-9891 Tickets: GENERAL ADMISSION This is a seated show. General Admission ticket holders choose their seats upon entry. High top tables, low top tables, and bar seating available when doors open at 11am. $32.45 ($25.00 + $7.45 fees, including tax) VIP RESERVED TABLE The price is per ticket. Which includes your seat at a reserved table. In order to have a reserved table you must purchase 4 reserved tickets. (There are no individual reserved seats) $47.29 ($37.50 + $9.79 fees, including tax) Appearing: Heidi Newfield , Clint Daniels , Ben Williams with Will Banister |
Ashley Gorley: Poets and Prophets
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Catch hit songwriter Ashley Gorley at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Date: Saturday, May 30 Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Country Music Hall of Fame 222 Rep. John Lewis Way South Nashville, TN |
Gravel Road Showcase
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Gravel Road Music Group to host an Artist showcase at City Winery just prior to the start of CMA Fest 2026 week. This is in addition to their CMA Fest takeover of Redneck Riviera on June 4, 5, 6.(details pending). Date: Saturday, May 30 Time: 7:00 p.m. (doors 6:00 p.m.) Location: City Winery 609 Lafayette Street Nashville 37203 Price: $24 (General Admission Seating) Performances by: Mika Lynch, Maggie Thompson, April Cushman, Kelly Neff, and Emily Brooke
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All Star Bluegrass
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Join The Station Inn for Bluegrass All-Star Night hosted by Gena Britt!✨ Don’t miss it!
$25 tickets at the door! 🍻🪕 Date: Saturday, May 30 Time: 9:00 p.m. (doors 7:00 p.m.) Location: The Station Inn 410 12th Avenue South Nashville, TN Performances by: Gena Britt, Jeff Partin, Brandon Rickman, Jeff Parker, & Jim VanCleve! Don’t miss it! |
May 31
Musician Spotlight
Dean Berner
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Musician Spotlight with Dean Berner at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Date: Sunday, May 31 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Location: Country Music Hall of Fame 222 Rep. John Lewis Way Nashville, TN Free to Members. Free with Museum Admittance but need to reserve a spot. |
R.O.P.E. Luncheon
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Annual CMA Fest R.O.P.E. Luncheon
Date: Sunday, May 31 Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Troubadour Theater 2416 Music Valley Drive Nashville, Tn (615) 889-2474 Tickets: at Door $30 for Members $40 for Non-Members Performers: Leona Williams Kylie Diffie Bobby G Rice. |
Dinner at the Opry
with Ella Langley
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Experience a one-of-a-kind private dining event, courtesy of Chase Sapphire Reserve. For the first time, we’re opening the Grand Ole Opry stage, one of the most famous stages in music history, for an exclusive dining experience spotlighting Nashville’s vibrant dining and country music scene.
As a part of this unique experience, country music star Ella Langley will host a small photo opportunity following an intimate acoustic set from her latest album “Dandelion”. Reserve cardmembers can expect this while savoring signature dishes from Bastion. Limited tickets go on sale Apr 24 at 9:00 a.m. CT. Sapphire Membership: $795 per year APPLY We are not a Sapphire Member so we have no other details on this event. |
Steve Earle
51 Years of Songs & Stories
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Steve Earle 51 Years of Songs & Stories at the Ryman Auditorium.
Date: May 31 Time: 7:30 P.M. Location: Ryman Auditorium 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North Nashville, TN, 37219 Price From: $53 |
Whey Jennings Album Celebration
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WHEY JENNINGS BAPTIZED BY FIRE ALBUM CELEBRATION
Date: Sunday, May 31 Time: 7 pm to 10 pm Location: The Troubadour Nashville 2416 Music Valley Drive Nashville, TN 37214 Tickets: $39.19 - $55 |
The Bluebird Cafe
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Location:
4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 Phone: (615) 383-1461 |
Everyday, the Bluebird hosts 2 show: 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.sit Click HERE to Visit the BLUEBIRD section of our "by location" page for more details
May 26 - 6:00 p.m.
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May 26 - 9:00 p.m.
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May 27 - 6:00 p.m.
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May 27 - 9:00 p.m.
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May 28 - 6:00 p.m.
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May 28 - 9:00 p.m.
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May 29 - 6:00 p.m.
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May 29 - 9:00 p.m.
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May 30 - 6:00 p.m.
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May 30 - 9:00 p.m.
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May 31 - 6:00 p.m.
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May 31 - 9:00 p.m.
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The Listening Room
Multiple times per day, The Listening Room has Writer's Rounds of 2 - 4 songwriters. Click HERE to Visit The Listening Room section of our "by location" page for more details
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Location:
The Listening Room 618 4th Avenue South Nashville, TN |
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