Accessing Free Concerts And Activities At Cma Fest In Nashville

Feb. 1, 2026, 3:28 p.m.

Tags: cmafest

CMA Fest, the longest-running country music festival in Nashville, Tennessee, provides numerous opportunities for attendees to enjoy free concerts, activities, and promotional experiences. The festival, which typically takes place in early June, spans multiple venues throughout downtown Nashville. According to source data, the event attracts nearly 100,000 fans and features over 300 performers. While nightly stadium concerts and certain indoor events require paid tickets, a significant portion of the festival is accessible to the public at no cost. This includes daytime outdoor performances, street activities, and various brand activations.

Free Stages and Performances

The core of the free CMA Fest experience consists of several outdoor stages that do not require tickets, lanyards, or wristbands. Source data identifies five primary free stages, though specific confirmations for future years may vary.

Chevy Riverfront Stage Located at Riverfront Park on the bank of the Cumberland River, this is identified as the largest free daytime stage at the festival. It is situated behind the Ascend Amphitheatre at the foot of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The venue features tiered areas for viewing. Shows on the Chevy Riverfront Stage typically begin at 10:45 a.m. daily. In 2024, performers included Dasha, Mason Ramsey, and LECADE.

Hard Rock Stage Positioned at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville, this stage offers free daily performances from Thursday through Sunday. It also hosts nightly performances from Thursday to Saturday. Shows generally begin at 10:15 a.m. daily. The stage distinguishes itself by offering both day and evening performances. Artists such as Tyler Booth, Sophia Scott, and the Flat River Band performed here in 2024.

BMI Stage The BMI block party takes place at an outdoor stage located in front of the Ryman Auditorium. Performances run daily from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Other Free Venues Additional free performance areas are located at the intersection of 5th Avenue (also known as Rep. John Lewis Way) and Broadway, anchoring the west end of the Honky Tonk Highway. This location is directly in front of the Hard Rock Cafe.

Source data also references potential free shows at SkyDeck on Broadway, located on the patio of the Fifth and Broadway complex. However, specific details for upcoming years should be verified, as the documentation notes, "(Awaiting 2025 confirmations.)" Additionally, there are artist showcases on the second floor of Whiskey Row during the festival.

Major Brand Activations and Promotional Events

Several major brands host free-to-attend events and "houses" during CMA Fest, offering fans access to concerts by recognized artists.

Spotify House at Ole Red For the fifth year, Spotify activated Blake Shelton's Ole Red bar and honky-tonk as its "Spotify House" installation. This event featured 60 artists, including Grammy winner Ashley McBryde, Luke Bryan, and viral favorites such as Dasha and Shaboozey. Source data indicates that Spotify hosts daily concerts with recognized artists at Ole Red's. However, due to high demand, attendees are advised to arrive early for admission.

Universal Music Group at SkyDeck Universal Music Group brings a significant portion of its roster to the SkyDeck venue at 5th and Broadway. This activation has featured artists such as Tyler Hubbard, The War and Treaty, Anne Wilson, and Sam Williams.

Camp Sony at Acme Feed & Seed Camp Sony takes place at Acme Feed & Seed from June 6-9, operating daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Festival Kickoff Rooftop Party A Festival Kickoff Rooftop Party is held at Acme Feed & Seed on the Wednesday before the festival begins, typically from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tyler Rich Fan Party The Tyler Rich Fan Party is held at Barstool Nashville on Friday of the festival weekend, usually beginning around 4:15 p.m.

CMA Rising Stars Meet & Greet This event is typically held on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fan Fair X and Ticketed Events

While much of the festival is free, certain popular events require paid admission. Fan Fair X, held inside Music City Center on Level 3, is a major draw. It includes the CMA Close Up Stage and the Spotlight Stage, offering acoustic performances, interviews, games, shopping, and comfortable seating. Fan Fair X is generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are also required for concerts at Nissan Stadium (Main and Platform Stages) and the Ascend Amphitheater. These ticketed venues feature A-list concerts and nightly performances. According to source data, tickets for these events can range from $15 to upwards of $325. Fan Fair X entry can be included with certain ticket packages, or separate tickets can be purchased.

Promotional Freebies and Activities

Beyond music, CMA Fest offers various promotional freebies and activities, often sponsored by partners. Attendees can find free games, giveaways, and samples.

Brand Freebies Source data mentions that exhibitors offer carnival-style games where participants can win items such as frisbees, water bottles, and drink koozies. Some exhibitors also showcase shiny new cars or big-ticket items. Specific food samples, such as Sugar Bee apples, have been noted as freebies available at the festival.

Photo Opportunities There are Instagram-ready backdrops, including the CMA Fest logo, available for attendees to take photos in front of.

Navigational Tools To help attendees navigate the extensive festival grounds, the CMA offers a free phone app. This app is recommended for understanding the daily schedule and navigating the day.

Logistics and Planning

Location CMA Fest takes place across multiple venues in downtown Nashville, including Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater. The festival area generally centers around Broadway and 1st Avenue North.

Tickets and Costs The festival offers a range of experiences: * Free: Daytime outdoor shows, activities on Broadway and Fan Alley, and certain street performances. * Under $25: Specific budget-friendly options may be available, though the primary paid events (stadium tickets) start at $15. * Stadium Tickets: Prices vary significantly ($15 to $325+) depending on the day (Thursday is usually cheaper than Sunday) and seating type (General Admission vs. VIP).

Accommodations Hotels in the downtown area can be expensive, with rates potentially reaching $600-$700 per night. As an alternative, source data suggests considering Airbnb for more affordable and spacious lodging options.

Charitable Component A portion of the proceeds from CMA Fest supports music education through the CMA Foundation. To date, more than $30 million has been donated as a result of the event.

Conclusion

CMA Fest offers a robust lineup of free entertainment, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers. The festival's free offerings are primarily concentrated on outdoor daytime stages, such as the Chevy Riverfront Stage and Hard Rock Stage, and include brand-sponsored events like Spotify House. While paid tickets are required for nightly stadium concerts and indoor exhibitions like Fan Fair X, attendees can fully experience the atmosphere of Music City through free performances, promotional giveaways, and street activities. Prospective attendees should utilize the official CMA Fest app for the most current schedules and navigation.