Summertime means festival season, and the CMA Fest 2024 is just around the corner. Country music lovers from across the globe will gather in Nashville for four days of endless country music excitement.
What Is CMA Fest?
CMA Fest is the premier event for country music enthusiasts. Originally launched in 1972 with a modest lineup for an audience of 5,000 at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, it has since evolved into a massive four-day extravaganza that takes over the entire Music City. Attracting tens of thousands of fans from every state and over 40 countries, it’s the world’s longest-running country music festival.
Beyond the music, CMA Fest also supports a good cause. Since 2006, part of the event’s proceeds has been directed towards the CMA Foundation, which funds music education programs for K-12 students nationwide.
Where Is CMA Fest Held?
CMA Fest transforms downtown Nashville into a sprawling festival ground. Fans can catch performances at various iconic spots around the city, with large stages set up to host concerts throughout the day. Venues include Bridgestone Plaza, the Walk of Fame, and along the Cumberland River. Each night, Nissan Stadium comes alive with performances by some of country music’s biggest stars.
When Is CMA Fest 2024?
Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9.
Who Is Performing?
CMA Fest is famous for its extensive lineup, featuring hundreds of acts. In 2022, over 250 artists performed across nine stages. This year’s lineup promises to be just as impressive. Notable performers at Nissan Stadium will include Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Thomas Rhett, Jelly Roll, Hardy, Keith Urban, Bailey Zimmerman, Lainey Wilson, and many more. For a full list of performers, visit CMAFest.com.
How to Get Tickets?
Many stages at CMA Fest offer free, first-come, first-served access. However, tickets are required for certain events. Shows at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater require a pass or ticket for entry. Fans can choose between a four-night pass for Nissan Stadium or single-night tickets. Additionally, a Fan Fair X ticket or a Stadium Pass is needed to access performances at the CMA Close Up Stage and the CMA Spotlight Stage inside the Music City Center.
CMA Fest also offers unique experiences like fitness classes with celebrity guests such as MacKenzie Porter, Alana Springsteen, and Tyler Cameron. These sessions also require tickets.
Which Stages Offer Free Admission?
Several stages at CMA Fest are free and open to the public. These include the Chevy Riverfront Stage, the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, the Chevy Vibes Stage, the Good Molecules Reverb Stage, and the Hard Rock Stage. Additionally, events on Broadway and in Fan Alley are free to attend.
What to Wear?
Comfortable shoes and attire are a must. Expect a lot of walking and standing, as seating is generally not available. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended to protect against the sun. Note that CMA Fest follows a clear bag policy for all locations and stages.
For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at CMAFest.com. Attendees can also download the CMA Connect App for the latest festival updates.