Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
🎶 Get ready, country music fans—CMA Fest is back and bigger than ever! 🌟 Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned festival-goer, this iconic Nashville event is packed with unforgettable performances, surprise guest appearances, and nonstop entertainment. From legendary stars to rising talents, every corner of Music City is buzzing with excitement. 🎸✨ Grab your cowboy boots, soak in the electric atmosphere, and get ready for an epic celebration of all things country music! 🤠🎤
Xcalibr, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This content is taken from the upcoming book Nashville Local’s Guide for Visitors and Newbies, which you can support on Kickstarter by clicking the link above. This article may contain affiliate links, which compensate me a bit for my time at no extra cost to you.
The Layout of the Land
CMA Fest takes place downtown from the Music City Center over the river to the Stadium. Below is a map showing the different parts of this event.
There are three paid venues in the festival:
- Stadium concerts – these are the big name acts that play each night. Headliners are
- Thursday – Jason Aldean
- Friday – Keith Urban
- Saturday – Rascall Flatts
- Sunday – Luke Bryan
- Ascend Ampitheater Concerts – also big names, but themed
- Whiskey Jam
- Jake Owen and Friends
- Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out
The Stadium concerts take place on two stages, the Main Stage and the Platform Stage. There is also Fan Fair X, which has two stages Closeup and Spotlight and also features meet & greet opportunities with country stars. This runs $28, but is free with the 4-night stadium pass. The 4 day passes run anywhere from $327.25 to $4142.05 for VIP seating (includes meals, open bar, close up performances. The Ascend shows are as low as $15 for lawn seats and up to $70 for the pit up near the stage.
The rest of the stages are free, including AMP Stage, Riverfront Stage, Reverb Stage, and the Vibes Stage.
Fan Fair X
Fan Fair originally launched as the name for CMA Fest when I moved to Nashville in 1997. The first event took place in 1972 at the Municipal Auditorium, now home to the Musicians Hall of Fame. In 2004, organizers renamed it CMA Fest due to declining attendance. Last year, more than 90,000 fans attended daily, and this year’s festival is projected to exceed that number.
At Fan Fair X at CMA Fest 2025, country music fans experience exclusive artist interactions, exhibits, and immersive displays. Held indoors at the Music City Center, this vibrant hub features meet-and-greets, panel discussions, and interactive showcases that highlight the legacy and culture of country music. Whether collecting autographs from legendary artists or discovering rising stars, Fan Fair X delivers an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience.
Each day, top country stars take the stage for live acoustic performances, intimate Q&A sessions, and personal fan interactions. Industry insiders and songwriters lead engaging panels, offering fans a rare glimpse into the creative process behind their favorite hits.
Beyond the music, Fan Fair X is packed with activities, including exclusive merchandise booths, photo ops, and interactive experiences celebrating country music’s rich heritage. Fans can explore historical exhibits, browse rare memorabilia, and engage with brand activations designed to bring the spirit of CMA Fest to life. Step into the heart of the festival, absorb the energy, and make lasting memories with fellow country music enthusiasts!
Local’s Tip: If you want to see more intimate Q&A’s and concerts, be sure to get a Fan Fair ticket. The artists playing here will also have shows on the bigger stages around downtown, but the smaller, more intimate shows are worth looking at.
Planning
I’ve mapped out the full lineup for every stage, so you won’t miss a single act! 🎶
Keep in mind, Fan Fair X—home to the Spotlight and Closeup stages—costs $28 for entry. But here’s a pro tip: if you’ve got a 4-day stadium concert pass, you get in for free!
Other Things to Do
If you are not attending the concerts at night, there is still plenty going on in the local Honky Tonks. Each night of CMA Fest will be crazy and sometimes an up and coming artist will book a slot at a local bar and play and meet & greet. If you have addition time, check out my article The Short Trip Nashville Itinerary: How to Explore Music City in a Day or a Weekend for more ideas.
Here are a few other ideas:
- Book the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hatch Print, and Studio B Tours. Recommended to hit Studio B at their earliest tour, then Hatch Print, then take your own time at the museum.
- Take a tour at the Ryman – the Self-Guided Tour is the most flexible, but the guided tour also gets you back stage and the VIP tour also gets you a print and lanyard.
- Visit the free Tennessee State Museum and Farmer’s Market.
Peace and Grace,
