CMA Fest is almost here, and whether you’re going or not, it will likely impact you in some way — cue our guide to navigating the weekend. Let’s start with a few fast facts, followed by transit options, fan experiences, and more.
Fast facts
- Festival dates: Thursday, June 8-Sunday, June 11
- 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 | Four-day parking passes for $129.35
- WeGo Star’s CMA Fest Express | Travel roundtrip Saturday from six transit stations for $15. The return train will depart from Riverfront Station at 1 a.m.
- 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.
A list of road closure leading up to and during CMA Fest. | Photo via NDOT
Road closures
Thursday June 1-Monday, June 12:
- Court of Flags at Riverfront Park
- Titans Way from Russell Street to Victory Avenue
Monday, June 5-Sunday, June 11:
- 1st Avenue from Demonbreun Street to Church Street
- Broadway from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
- Rep. John Lewis Way from Demonbreun Street to Broadway
Wednesday, June 7-Sunday, June 11
- 1st Avenue from KVB to Church Street
- Molloy Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
- Demonbreun Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
- Demonbreun Street from 4th Avenue to 6th Avenue
- Broadway from 1st Avenue to 4th Avenue
- Rep John Lewis Way from KVB to Broadway
- S. 1st Street from Woodland Street to Russell Street
- Russell Street from S. 1st Street to Titans Way
- Victory Avenue from Titans Way to S. 1st Street
Closures will occur on a rolling basis and change throughout the duration of the event, according to NDOT. Other than 1st Avenue, all northbound and southbound roads will remain open during the event, including 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Avenues.
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:
- D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe, 555 Church St. | Fuel up on pastries and an iced latte before a day at the festival.
- Liberty Common, 207 1st Ave. S. | Only going to the night shows? Make a dinner reservation 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 8-11 festival. Extend the fun all week with these events leading up to CMA Fest:
- Billboard Country Live In Concert | Tuesday, June 6 | 8 p.m. | Marathon Music Works | $75 | Featuring Jelly Roll with special guest Nate Smith
- Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge | Tuesday, June 6 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 6th & Peabody, 423 6th Ave. S. | Free | Play alongside artists like Ashland Craft, Charles Esten, Craig Campbell, and more — plus, stick around for a free concert.
- Country Kickoff on Skydeck | Tuesday, June 6 | 7 p.m. | $39.50 | Featuring performances by Brett Young, Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, Morgan Evans, and more
- Billboard Country Live in Conversation | Wednesday, June 7 | 10 a.m. | Marathon Music Works | $135 | Garth Brooks, Lauren Alaina, and Carly Pearce are among 15+ country artists scheduled to speak at this one-day conference for fans and industry insiders.
- Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam | Wednesday, June 7 | 9 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $65.50+ | This curated lineup will feature performances by Joe Walsh, John Oates, Sierra Ferrell, Chapel Hart, and others.
Fan events
Now in its 50th year, CMA Fest is all about the fans — it even got its start as “Fan Fair.” Bookmark the Fan Fair X schedule so you don’t miss Reba McEntire, Dierks Bentley, Wynonna Judd, and Brothers Osborne on the CMA Close Up Stage, along with artist meet-and-greets and performances. A four-day pass is $25.