STAGES
CMA Fest is all about the music from across the Country spectrum! Whatever your style, we’ve got you covered with SEVEN daytime stages and TWO nighttime stages. Learn more about each music-packed stage.
LEARN MORECMA Fest Guide for Returning Attendees
WELCOME BACK TO CMA FEST PRESENTED BY SOFI! We are extremely excited to be putting on the 52nd CMA Fest in downtown Nashville – the heart of Music City. Your attendance continues to directly support 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.
To help remind of you all the important details, we’ve put together a quick refresher guide below.
TICKET TYPES & MOBILE TICKETING
If you’ve already purchased the CMA Fest Four-Night Stadium Pass, you’re good to go! Still considering all the options? Only going to be in Nashville for the weekend? Take a look at our Passes & Tickets page to find the best fit for you – we’ve got it all, including parking!
WE’VE GONE MOBILE! All tickets and passes will be mobile this year for a convenient and secure experience. So, your phone is all you need! Check out all the options below.
SEE ALL PASS & TICKET OPTIONS
UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE!
Riverside Retreat is back for its fourth year with two NEW satellite locations! The main Retreat is located just north of the Riverfront Stage at Fort Nashboro and is an exclusive oasis for a limited amount of fans.
• Early Admission with Private Entrance to the Riverfront Stage
• Outdoor, Shaded Seating and Air-Conditioned Restrooms
• Exclusive Food Options and Exclusive Discounted Bars with Specialty Drinks
• Cell Phone Charging Stations
• Riverfront Stage Streamed To Riverside Retreat For A Close-Up View
• Yard Games and MORE! Open 9:30AM-6:30PM each day
LINEUPS & SCHEDULE
Four days, four nights of jam-packed music with your fellow die-hard Country fans - that's what CMA Fest is all about! As the festival approaches, artist lineups and stage schedules will be announced in the CMA Connect App where you can build your personalized schedule so you won't miss a second!
DOWNLOAD THE APPOFFICIAL MERCHANDISE
Start living your Fest life NOW by ordering official CMA Fest 2025 merch online or in the CMA Connect App! Shop tees, tanks, hats, accessories and more. Plus, we'll have multiple shop locations throughout the festival grounds.
ORDER NOW
CMA CONNECT APP & CMA FAN ACCESS
The NEW 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 APPYou’ve been to CMA Fest presented by SoFi before, so you’re already a pro! Here are some reminders to make the most out of your experience:
MEET & GREETS
Meet & greet sessions in Fan Fair X at Music City Center are first come, first serve! So, all you have to do now is join any line once inside Fan Fair X! Meet & greet schedule will be released in the CMA Connect App in May!
FAN FAIR X INFORMATIONCASHLESS PAYMENTS
CMA Fest venues and vendors are cashless, so don’t forget to pack your credit/debit cards or set up Apple Pay/Google Pay on your phone.
GATE TIMES
Entry to all daytime outdoor stages open at 10AM with the exception of Good Molecules Reverb Stage opening at 10:30AM. At times, gates may close as capacity is reached, but more free music is just around the corner at other stages!
STAGESCLEAR BAGS
Clear bags are required at all CMA Fest venues and stages. They must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12” x 12” x 6”. In addition to a clear bag, a small clutch bag or wallet 4.5” x 6.5” or smaller is allowed. Exceptions will be made for medically-necessary items. Visit our FAQs for full details.
FAQSFOOD & BEVERAGES
Stay fueled throughout the four days with food & beverages at all CMA Fest stages and venues! Plus, water refill stations are located throughout the festival.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
CMA Fest is a family-friendly event! Read our FAQs for details about children age 2 and under attending for free.
FAQSPROHIBITED ITEMS
There are a few things you'll need to leave at home. These include, but are not limited to: inflatables, cameras with detachable lenses/selfie sticks, chairs, coolers, drones, firearms and weapons, flags, outside food & beverage, umbrellas. For the complete list, please reference our Prohibited Items List and Event Policy.
FAQSFAQS & INFO BOOTHS
Didn't find what you expected on this page? Still have questions? Visit our FAQs for more or click the “Need Help?” button to interact with our CMA Fest Virtual Assistant! Plus, you can stop by our information booths on-site at the festival.
FAQS
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
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 BODYARMOR throughout the festival to encourage multiple-use containers and reduce single-use plastic
- 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
