CMA Fest is almost here, and whether you’re going or not, it will likely impact you in some way — so here’s how to navigate the weekend. Let’s start with a few fast facts, followed by transit options, fan experiences, and more.
Fast facts
- Festival dates: Thursday, June 6-Sunday, June 9
- Nine stages, including seven daytime and two nighttime
- All tickets and passes (including parking) will be mobile.
- Watch this video for what to pack + what leave at home.
- View all the festival maps in one place.
Tackling transit
There will be no need to panic at the parking lot this year. Get to the festival grounds by bus, train, or car using the options below.
- Nissan Stadium | A limited number of parking passes will go on sale Thursday, May 30 via Ticketmaster.
- WeGo Star’s CMA Fest Express | Travel roundtrip Saturday from six transit stations for $15. The return train will depart from Riverfront Station one hour after the event ends.
- Shuttles | Available to four-night pass holders across five daytime stops (8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.) + three nighttime stops (8 p.m.-1 a.m.).
Use this interactive map to view all downtown lots and garages and this schedule for all WeGo bus routes.
Road closures
Take a look at this map + lock in these dates.
Thursday, May 30-Monday, June 10:
- Titans Way from Russell Street to Victory Avenue
- Russell Street from South 2nd Street to Titans Way
- Victory Avenue from Titans Way to South 1st Street
- South 1st Street from Woodland Street to Russell Street
- The entire train station and cut out on 1st Avenue
Sunday, June 2-Sunday, June 10:
- Rep. John Lewis Way from Demonbreun to Broadway
Monday, June 3-Monday, June 10:
- Broadway from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
- 1st Avenue from Demonbreun to Church Street
Wednesday, June 5-Monday, June 10:
- 1st Avenue from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Demonbreun
- Molloy Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
- Demonbreun from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
- Broadway from 2nd Avvenue to 4th Avenue
- Demonbreun from 4th Avenue to Rep. John Lewis Way
- 2nd Avenue from Demonbreun to Broadway
Friday, June 7-Sunday, June 9 (7 a.m. until 7 p.m.):
- Rep. John Lewis Way from Korean Veterans Boulevard to Demonbreun
- Demonbreun from Rep. John Lewis Way to 6th Avenue
Grab a bite
CMA Fest will offer a variety of concessions across all stages and venues + Food Truck Row next to Music City Center. If you’re in the mood for some local eats and seats nearby (plus air conditioning), check out these spots:
- Drug Store Coffee, 200 4th Ave. N. | Fuel up on pastries and an Urban Juicer drink before a day at the festival.
- Deacon’s New South, 401 Union St. | Only going to the night shows? Make a dinner reservation and check out the new cocktail menu inspired by country artists before walking across the pedestrian bridge.
- Frothy Monkey, 235 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | Just north of the festival grounds you’ll find local coffee, sandwiches, and brunch fare waiting for you.
Pro tip: Look out for water stations on Broadway, near festival stages, and throughout Nissan Stadium.
Get the full experience
Locals know activities go beyond the June 6-9 festival. Extend the fun all week with these events leading up to CMA Fest:
- Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game | Monday, June 3 | 6:35 p.m. | First Horizon Park, 19 Junior Gilliam Way | $24 | Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, and more stars go to bat to raise money for Folds of Honor.
- Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge | Tuesday, June 4 | 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | 6th & Peabody, 423 6th Ave. S. | Free+ | Watch Jerrod Niemann challenge host and 2023 winner, Craig Campbell, alongside other celebs — plus, stick around for a free concert.
- Country Kickoff on Skydeck | Tuesday, June 4 | 7 p.m. | $64 | Featuring performances by Lady A, Parmalee, Matt Stell, LOCASH, and more
- Randy Travis, His Original Band, and Vocalist James Dupré | Wednesday, June 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $57+ | Following the release of his first song in more than a decade, Randy Travis will bring his “More Life” tour to Music City.
- BMI Block Party | Thursday, June 6-Saturday, June 8 | Times vary | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | Free | Head to PNC Plaza to see 16 BMI-affiliated artists take the stage.
Fan events
CMA Fest is all about the fans, that much was clear after its big half-century celebration last summer. In fact, the festival even got its start as “Fan Fair.” Bookmark the Fan Fair X schedule so you don’t miss Cody Johnson, Thomas Rhett, and Lainey Wilson on the CMA Close Up Stage, along with artist meet-and-greets and performances. A four-day pass is $25.