The CMA Music Festival, presented by SoFi, remains one of country music’s most iconic and longest-running festivals, transforming downtown Nashville each summer into a multi-day celebration of musical excellence. Originating in 1972 as Fan Fair, the event debuted at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, where it welcomed 5,000 devoted fans. Over the decades, the festival has grown into a four-day extravaganza drawing tens of thousands of country music enthusiasts from across the globe, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the genre.
The festival’s well-earned reputation as the “Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience” stems from its unmatched artist accessibility and genre-spanning performances. Unlike most music festivals, CMA Fest is a charitable event: all artist appearances are voluntary, and proceeds are donated to support music education programs through the CMA Foundation, which has invested over $30 million into initiatives benefiting students nationwide since 2006.
Set to take place June 5–8, the festival spans multiple venues throughout downtown Nashville. The iconic Nissan Stadium will host nightly star-studded performances from some of country music’s biggest names, while the Riverfront Stage, located along the Cumberland River, will showcase a diverse mix of emerging and established artists in a high-energy, open-air setting.
This year’s CMA Fest offers expanded VIP and premium hospitality experiences, including Club-level seating at Nissan Stadium, access to exclusive lounges, and expedited entry. Fan-favorite attractions return, such as the CMA Close Up Stage at Fan Fair X, which offers intimate artist interviews, songwriter sessions, and industry panels in an indoor, air-conditioned venue at Music City Center.
Full ticket and package details are available on the official CMA Fest website.
