CMA Reveals Star-Studded 2026 Fan Fair X Lineup, Adds New Experiences

In less than a month, CMA Fest presented by SoFi will take over the heart of Nashville from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7. With the four-day event just around the corner, the Country Music Association has announced the star-studded acts set to take over Fan Fair X inside Music City Center.

Attending Fan Fair X has been a longstanding tradition for so many country music fans. This experience gives them the unique opportunity to witness conversations with legendary acts, attend met and greets with rising stars, shop the indoor marketplace and see performances pop up all day long. Fan Fair X will once again run each day of the festival from 10:00 AM-5:30 PM and requires purchase of one of the various CMA Fest ticketing options available.

The excitement continues this year with the addition of exclusive Artist of the Day programming on the CMA Close Up Stage, featuring Russell Dickerson on Thursday, Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday, and Ashley McBryde closing things out on Sunday.

Beyond these stars, fans in attendance can hear conversations and/or appearances from Maddox Batson, Clint Black, Gretchen Wilson, Carter Faith and so many more.

CMA Close Up Stage programming: 

Thursday, June 4: 

• The Red Clay Strays on Amazon Music’s “Country Heat Weekly” Live 
• Sound & Story: An Artist Exchange featuring Melissa Etheridge & Gretchen Wilson 
• Behind the Hits featuring John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass and Parker Welling 

Friday, June 5: 

• Latino Trailblazers in Country with FILMORE, Andrea Vasquez and Alyssia Dominguez 
• Country Central Presents: Charles Wesley Godwin, Willow Avalon, Wyatt Flores and Stella Lefty 
• Crook & Chase: Legends & Friends with Clint Black 
• Country & Rap: The Black Southern Roots of American Music with Waka Flocka and Nappy Roots 

Saturday, June 6: 

• 40 Years of Randy Travis: Exploring the Icon’s Legacy and Impact 
• The Songwriters Behind Country’s Biggest Hits with Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally 
• Audacy Presents: Music You Should Know featuring Carter Faith, Warren Zeiders and Katie Neal 
• The Last Take: Behind “On My Way to Heaven” Video with Tanya Tucker and Dennis Quaid 
• The Listening Room: 20 Years of the Stories Behind the Songs: Drew Baldridge, Taylor Austin Dye and Emmett Stevens Jr. 

Sunday, June 7: 

• Maddox Batson on Amazon Music “Country Heat Weekly” Live 
• Up Close With Brandon Lake 
• Dreams Across Boarders: Making Nashville Home with Gareth, Owen Riegling and Kaylee Bell 
• Unbridled: Women of Texas Country, From the Ground Up: Jenna Paulette, Kylie Frey and RaeLynn

Additionally, for the first time, Tractor Supply Company will be sponsoring the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage, where a lineup of emerging acts will deliver live acoustic sets each day from 11:00 AM-5:20 PM in Music City Center.

Performers for this stage include Austin Mackay, Blue Ridge Band, The Boykinz, Bre Kennedy, Carlisle Wright, Dzaki Sukarno, Desiree Dawson, ERLAND, Faith Hopkins, Gabi Sklar, Gary Frost, Gloria Anderson, Hayley Payne, Jake Hoot, James Maslow, Jarrad Wrigley, Kaleb Sanders, Kelsey Lamb, Kelsi Mayne, Kingswood, Leah Blevins, Liam Price, Maddie Lenhart, Mike Parker, Mogan Griffiths, Noah James, Parker Graye, Rachael Fahim, Sacha, Sadie Bass, Sammy Arriaga, Shawnee Kish, Something Out West, Tori Darke, Tyler Rich, Zoe Jean Fowler and 2’Live Bre. 

Fan Fair X is introducing a brand-new addition this year with the debut of the CMA Experience, an immersive space designed to give fans a closer look at the history and impact of the Country Music Association. The interactive installation will take attendees through the organization’s legacy with exhibits and storytelling centered around memorable moments, major achievements, and the awards that have helped define Country Music over the years.

Along with celebrating the genre’s history, the CMA Experience will also highlight the many ways the organization continues to support and connect the Country Music community through year-round initiatives. Overall, the space is meant to give fans a more personal and behind-the-scenes look at the artists, programs, and moments that have impacted the evolution of the genre.

Those looking forward to taking part in all that Fan Fair X has to offer can purchase tickets, which are available now at CMAfest.com/fanfairx. A Four-Day Pass is sold at $31.05 (including fees) while a Single-Day Pass is available for $13 per day.

Once inside, access to programming at the Close Up Stage will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning fans will want to arrive early to secure a spot. Attendees can also keep up with the latest meet-and-greet schedule through the Official CMA Connect App, where even more sessions are expected to be added throughout May.

With several different CMA Fest ticket options available, fans can choose the experience that fits them best, whether that means crossing the Cumberland River to attend nightly stadium shows or enjoying the festival’s free daytime performances.

CMA Fest Ticket options include:

• Four-Night Stadium Passes: Enjoy full access to all nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, including performances from Country Music’s biggest stars. Passes are on sale now. 
• Single-Night Stadium Tickets: Get access to a superstar-packed night of performances at Nissan Stadium on the date of your choice. Single night tickets are on sale now.  
• Riverside Retreat: Upgrade your experience with VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage offering exclusive amenities like shaded areas, mobile charging stations and air-conditioned restrooms. Plus, enjoy early entry to the Chevy Riverfront Stage and discounted beverages. Tickets are on sale now. 
• Fan Fair X: Get up close with your favorite artists through exclusive meet-and-greets, shop one-of-a-kind festival merch and enjoy a variety of indoor activities at Music City Center. Tickets are on sale now, and more information on programming will be coming soon.  
• VIP Packages: Experience CMA Fest like never before with a VIP Package! Enjoy premium seating, backstage access and exclusive hospitality all weekend long through Elevate Experiences, an Official Experiential Hospitality Provider of CMA Fest.  
• Free Outdoor Stages: Catch hundreds of artists performing throughout downtown Nashville on multiple outdoor stages. These high-energy concerts are free to attend and showcase the best of Country Music, from emerging talent to well-established stars.   

CMA Fest is once again a chance to give back as a portion of proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation, supporting music education initiatives across the country.

The event is also set to be captured for a network television special airing on ABC on Thursday, June 25 at 8/7c, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.