CMA Fest Adds New Wave of Performers to Already Star-Studded Lineup

For over five decades, CMA Fest has brought country music fans to Nashville for four days of nonstop performances.

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

April 22, 2026

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10:02 am

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Emily Ann Roberts, Zach John King, Laci Kaye Booth; Photos Courtesy CMA

As fans count down the days until CMA Fest, the Country Music Association has unveiled even more performers for the already star-studded lineup.

CMA Fest Runs June 4-7, 2026

Newly announced additions include Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Laci Kaye Booth, Maggie Antone, Scoot Teasley, Vincent Mason, Willow Avalon, and Zach John King, all of whom will take the stage inside Nissan Stadium on the Platform Stage.

In addition, country favorites Clay Walker, Jo Dee Messina, Rhett Akins, and Sara Evans are set to open the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, while Caylee Hammack will perform the national anthem on Thursday.

The crowd at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo Courtesy CMA
The crowd at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo Courtesy CMA

CMA Fest’s free daytime stages are also getting bigger, with a new wave of performers added to the lineup. CeCe will launch Thursday’s festivities at the Chevy Riverfront Stage with the national anthem. The Dr Pepper Amp Stage will spotlight Filmore on Friday and Gabriella Rose and Nappy Roots on Sunday. 

Over at the Chevy Vibes Stage, MŌRIAH performs Thursday, followed by Love and Theft on Sunday. The Wrangler Remix Stage keeps the party going with Omer Netzer on Saturday and MORGXN on Sunday. Sunday morning will also bring the return of Cowboy Church, as Brandon Lake leads a high-energy, uplifting gathering at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. 

Brandon Lake performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo by Hunter Berry/CMA
Brandon Lake performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo by Hunter Berry/CMA

Previously announced performers for the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium include Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top. Fans can view the full lineups for the remaining stages HERE.  

Tickets

While the outdoor stages around downtown Nashville are free, there are a variety of paid options for the festival, including four-night stadium passes, single-night stadium tickets, VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage via Riverside Retreat, access to Fan Fair X, and VIP Packages. More info HERE.

Nissan Stadium during the 2025 CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo by  John Russell/CMA
Nissan Stadium during the 2025 CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo by John Russell/CMA

CMA Fest continues to make an impact on the community through its charitable efforts. A portion of proceeds from the event supports the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives nationwide. More information can be found at CMAfoundation.org

As in years past, CMA Fest will once again be filmed for a nationally televised special set to air later this summer on ABC and Hulu. Robert Deaton will serve as executive producer and writer, with Alan Carter directing the broadcast.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.