CMA Fest Guide for First Time Attendees

WELCOME TO CMA FEST! We’re so happy you’re coming to Nashville for The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience. Your attendance directly supports students nationwide! A portion of the proceeds are donated to the CMA Foundation whose mission is to give every child access to quality music education.

There’s a lot going on in downtown Nashville during CMA Fest, so we’ve put together some helpful info below to help you navigate:

PASSES & TICKETS

We offer several pass and ticket options to fit exactly what you’re looking for. From the complete CMA Fest experience with the CMA Fest Four-Night Stadium Pass to a single-day Fan Fair X ticket, we’ve got it all!

All passes and tickets are mobile for a convenient and secure experience. So, all you need during the event is your phone!

SEE ALL PASS & TICKET OPTIONS

CMA CONNECT APP & CMA FAN ACCESS

The CMA Connect App is the one-stop shop for all things CMA Fest!
Lineups & stage schedules
Festival maps
Official merch & playlists
FREE STUFF with CMA Fan Access – By scanning QR codes on-site in the app, you’ll be entered for chances to win awesome prizes. The more QR codes you scan, the better prizes you’re eligible to win! Best of all, it’s totally FREE.
AND MORE!

Download it from the Apple Store or Google Play and turn on notifications to stay up-to-date!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

We know attending CMA Fest for the first time is thrilling, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. So much to do, so little time, right?! Before you get to Nashville, here are some important things to know:

 

FAN FAIR X

Meet & greets, music, merch and more!

CMA Fest was founded as Fan Fair in 1972 as a way for fans to connect with the artists they love!

  • The tradition continues inside Fan Fair X at Music City Center! Your four-night stadium pass includes admission, or you can purchase a four-day or single-day Fan Fair X ticket.
  • All Meet & Greet lines are first-come, first-served. The full schedule of sessions will be released in the CMA Connect App!
  • Plus, artists can also drop by at a moment’s notice to meet fans, so make sure you stay connected by turning on notifications in the CMA Connect App to be in the know!

WHAT TO PACK

In addition to your clear bag and refillable water bottle, here are some things we recommend you pack:

  • Phone with CMA Connect App downloaded & tickets ready! Plus a phone charger or external battery.
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Boots made for walkin’ (but, really, any comfortable shoe)
  • Rain coat or poncho, just in case
  • Photo ID for alcohol purchases
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

SUSTAINABILITY

We’re doing our part to be responsible humans on Mother Earth and want to share our efforts with you. Some of these we’ve been doing for many years (and you just didn’t know it)!

  • Free Hydration Stations brought to you by DripDrop throughout the festival to encourage multiple-use containers and reduce single-use plastic
  • CMA Fest has partnered with RAIN to provide sustainable aluminum bottled spring water available for sale at daytime CMA Fest concessions.
  • Donating unused backstage catering to community organizations through Musically Fed that are comprised of at least 50% veterans and who focus on feeding the food insecure
  • Diverting waste to reduce garbage going to landfills, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution
  • Serving food & beverage at outdoor vendors using compostable service ware

EXPLORE NASHVILLE

We know one reason people travel to CMA Fest for the first time is to visit our home city of Nashville, Tennessee! Whether you’re an explorer or plan to stay around downtown, there’s a ton to do and see. Our friends at Visit Music City have recommendations for first timers, including what landmarks & music venues to see, attractions to do, neighborhoods to stroll through and more while you’re here!

NASHVILLE FOR FIRST TIMERS