CMA Fest kicks off with a diverse lineup on the Chevy Riverfront Stage, featuring Ashley Cooke, Carter Faith, Chase Matthew, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Drew Baldridge, ERNEST, Ian Munsick, Josh Ross, Lauren Alaina, Maddox Watson, Max McNown, Midland, Nate Smith, Priscilla Block, RaeLynn, Russell Dickerson, Tigirlily Gold, Tucker Wetmore, and Vincent Mason.

The festival blends free outdoor daytime performances with ticketed Nissan Stadium shows, offering additional paid options for broader access.

Outdoors, four designated stages will showcase artists: Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr. Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park, Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park, Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza, and the Wrangler Remix Stage inside Fan Alley.

Proceeds from CMA Fest support the CMA Foundation’s nationwide music education initiatives, with all participating artists performingfree to bolster the cause.

SoFi remains the official presenting sponsor, with member benefits and CMA Fest updates channeled through sponsor and festival platforms.

A portion of ticket sales also benefits CMA Foundation programs, reinforcing the festival’s charitable mission.

Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead using the CMA Connect app, which provides the full schedule, set times, and venue details.

The CMA Fest app offers a complete schedule and planning tools at the official CMA Fest website, facilitating roaming and coordination for fans.

Organizers emphasize CMA Fest as the longest-running country festival and highlight its transformative impact on downtown Nashville, turning it into a global country-music hub.

The article includes a human-interest note about a teenager named Cole in Gallatin needing prayers.

VIP and premium packages, such as the Platform Stage and Gold Rope options, sit at premium price points, with Riverside Retreat VIP upgrades and other experiences listed.

This year marks Nissan Stadium’s final season before the Titans relocate in 2027, adding a logistical context to the festival.