Tips to Get the Most from CMA Fest

CMA Fest

Getting the Most from the CMA Music Festival

You pay a pretty penny for that festival lanyard. Make sure you get the most out of it by heeding these tips from CMA Fest veterans. Also included are answers to “Where’s the closest…”

THANKS, Y’ALL!

SEE YOU AGAIN JUNE 5-8, 2025.

Did you know that many of the festival activities don’t require registration? Discover what’s free to everyone..

CMA Fest

Before you arrive at CMA Fest…


CMA Fest is cashless.

Your money’s good at most non-official events but CMA Fest has gone cashless so bring your credit card or have your phone set up for Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Activate “Find My iPhone” or similar app.

These days losing a phone can be a major headache. Before you arrive, activate an app that will help you track down your phone if it goes missing.

Download the CMA Fest app.

Probably the answers you’re looking for will be at your fingertips in you download the CMA Fest app. Available from Google Play and the Apple Store. Things can change rapidly so, to stay up to date, consult the app.

Prioritize your daily activities.

This is a tough one because many of the CMA Fest events overlap. In addition to the official activities, there are pop-up events and non-publicized live music showcases. Never pass up the chance for air conditioning. By the way, musicians in most bars play for tips and, in some cases have to pay to perform; help them make that money back by tipping generously.

Check out fan club offerings.

I just came across this information on fan club gatherings celebrating such stars as Gary Allan, Thomas Rhett, Montgomery Gentry, Terri Clark, and others.

Did You Know

CMA Fest was formerly Fan Fair. Before that, it was a DJ event.

CMA Fest traces back to 1972, when the Country Music Association (CMA) organized a gathering primarily for country music DJs. This early event aimed to foster closer relationships between DJs and the artists they supported on the radio. Held initially at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, it provided a platform for DJs to meet artists, discuss new releases, and network within the industry. 

Over time, country music fans started showing up, and this simple meetup evolved into Fan Fair. This annual music festival offered fans a unique opportunity to interact with their favorite artists. 

From its humble beginnings as a gathering of industry insiders, Fan Fair grew in popularity. In 2004, it was renamed the CMA Music Festival. Today, the CMA Fest is one of the largest country music festivals globally, attracting fans worldwide for four days of nonstop music, entertainment, and friendship.

Want to learn more? Take a deeper dive on Wikipedia.

While at CMA Fest…


Carry only the essentials.

Only clear bags like the one posted on this page (12″x12″x6″ or smaller) are allowed at Nissan Stadium–one per person. They can be backpacks, fanny packs, shopping bags, etc. Travel light but be prepared. Essentials: Photo ID, money/credit card, CMA Fest pass, empty plastic water bottle* (water stations available), sunblock lotion or spray mist (no aerosol cans), sunglasses, lodging key. Recommended: hat, band-aids, safety pins, phone, poncho or rain jacket (no umbrellas allowed), insurance card (in case of emergency), lip balm, contact info if you’re traveling alone.  For late-night purchases, see the Corner Market below. *For details on what items are allowed, visit this CMA Fest page.

Do not bring…

In addition to the typical banned items (knives, outside food or beverages, glass, and such), the Nissan Stadium list extends to a few items you might not expect: cameras with detachable lens, GoPros, umbrellas, signs on sticks or poles, helium balloons, e-cigarette refill cartridges, any form of adhesive-backed decals or stickers, aerosol cans, battery-powered lights, or laser pointers.

Plan how to get to and from CMA Fest events.

Visitors with disabilities–please visit the CMA Fest FAQ: ADA Accessibility section. Individuals with mobility issues might also want to check out my blogpost Navigating Nashville with a Wheelchair.

If you’re staying downtown, no sweat–because pretty much everything is within walking distance. If you’re lodging in a nearby hotel, check on the availability of a hotel shuttle; many provide rides to destinations within three miles–but may not run late into the evening. If you catch a WeGo bus, the fare is $2.00 for most rides to and from downtown.

Of course, you can also hail a cab or ride-share but Uber/Lyft will probably be operating at their higher surge rates; still it may prove less costly than paying for downtown parking. But if you are driving…

Know where you’re parked.

Sure, you’re excited to dive into the festivities but STOP. Make a note of where you’re parking or take a picture of signs or landmarks within view. If you’re into apps, use one like Find My Car Smarter, Anchor Pointer or Honk that allow you to record the exact GPS of your vehicle. You’ll find more specific guidance at my post Parking Made Easier.

Need a map?

This link takes you to CMA Fest’s map page so you can get your bearings for the festival area, Nissan seating chart, Ascend Amphitheatre, and more.

Hide your lanyard.

You’ll need it for Fan Fair X, Ascend Amphitheatre, and Nissan but you might want to tuck it away when leaving the festival area. It’s like a billboard telling the unscrupulous “I’m not from around here.”

Take the train on Saturday afternoon.

If you live or are staying along the route of the Music City Star, there’s a special CMA Fest Express running between Lebanon and Riverfront Park with five stops en route (map). Round-trip cost is $15 plus a $2 handling fee. Limited to 400 seats.

Here’s the line-up schedule stage-by-stage.

Daily reminders


Beware the heat.

Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothes that breathe. If you’re wearing a hat, keep in mind that baseball caps and straw hats also breathe; felt cowboy hats don’t. Wear sunscreen.

Maintain happy feet.

You’ll do a ton of walking at the CMA Fest so think about your feet. Every year I see dozens of people limping down Broadway in just-bought cowboy boots.They may be stylin’ but they’ll also be hurtin’. Wear comfortable shoes. But if your heart’s set on western wear, here’s everything you need to know about buying cowboy boots.

Drink a lot of water.

More than you think you need. Not to offend but, if your urine is darker than pale yellow, it is likely you’re dehydrated. Look for water stations on the festival grounds plus vendors who are selling bottled water. There’s some disagreement about the hydration value of sodas and beer but neither is a substitute for plain ol’ water. And speaking of alcohol…

Know your alcohol limits.

I won’t stop you from wise and legal consumption but don’t be like the 50 people arrested in a previous year. Most were charged with public intoxication. By the way, the legal minimum age is 21 and you can count on being carded so carry a photo ID. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot (or anywhere else) and miss out on all the live music and attractions.

Stay well-fed.

In the rush from one concert to another, you might be tempted to skip a meal. If you don’t have snacks with you, there are a few places for reasonably priced food to go. For example, Robert’s Western World on Broadway offers its Recession Special: $6 for fried bologna sandwich with chips and a PBR. Mike’s Ice Cream & Coffee on 2nd Ave. N. was selling muffins and bagels for $2.50.

Among the most popular restaurants in Nashville are those that specialize in barbecue. including several that within easy walking distance. I also offer a solution if you want hot chicken but others in your party don’t.

Free music is everywhere.

All the honky tonks on (and off) Broadway offer live music and free admission (unless. something special is scheduled) but remember to tip the band. You’ll find live music in hotel lobbies, boot stores, street corners, the airport, and restaurants. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Centennial Park hosts free concerts at Musicians Corner in the area next door to McDonald’s; it’s just one of many outdoor series.

Enjoy CMA Fest for free.

You’ll need to pay up to get into the big nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium and other major events but there’s a lot to enjoy on the street including live music and vendor freebies. No registration required for those.

Bagail clear bag

Bagail clear bag

Stadium Approved Clear Tote Bag with Zipper Closure

Bagail Clear bags meets Stadium Tournament guidelines. Approved to be used where regulations require clear bags such as football games, concert, events, parks and stadiums.

(affiliate link, not an endorsement)

Downtown Essentials

When you need more than a Honky Tonk

Closest Pharmacy

  • Walgreen’s Our only downtown pharmacy at 226 5th Ave., N. Store hours: M-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-7pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Pharmacy hours: M-F 7:30am-5:30pm, Closed on Sat-Sun.

Closest Grocery/Convenience Stores

  • Corner Market at 300 Church St. crams a ton of merchandise in a slender space. If you need a cup of non-designer coffee, a toothbrush, Red Bull or Pepto-Bismol, these folks can hook you up. Note: they’re open later than the others. Hours: Sun-Thurs, 7am-9pm; Fr-Sat, 7am-midnight.
  • M&M Market at 203 2nd Ave., N. is tiny but if you only need snacks, beverages, or Pepto-Bismol, this may be your salvation. Note it’s extended weekend hours. Hours: Sun-Wed., 7am-11pm; Thurs, 7am-midnight; Fri-Sat., 7am-3am.
  • Southernaire is in SoBro, south of Broadway at 150 3rd Ave, S.. You won’t find Cheerios or Gatorade here; it’s an upscale market with artisanal products, locally grown produce, a selection of bottled craft beers, a butcher’s counter and a prepared food spot for paninis and daily specials.
  • Dollar General Store (DGX), 206 3rd Avenue, S. This location caters to the tourist population with items you won’t find in the typical Dollar General. Basically an urban convenience store.
  • Turnip Truck, located in The Gulch at 321 12th Ave. S., advertises itself as “your natural grocery.” Translation: fresh, locally sourced, whole foods along with a juice bar, salad bar and hot food bar. Hours: M-Sat 7:00am-9pm, Sun 8am-8pm.
  • Whole Foods at 1202 Broadway includes a hot bar, in-house bakery and a dining area. Open 7am-10pm daily.
  • Publix-Capitol View is a smaller-than-average store but still has a butcher shop, bakery and deli. Open 7am-10pm daily.
  • Nashville Fresh Market at 531 4th Ave. Sl crams a lot into its store include beverages, fruit, snacks, over-the-counter meds, and to-go meals.

Closest Medical Attention

For after-hours care, the closest ER facilities are St. Thomas Midtown and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Another option is GetWell Health, a mobile medical practice that comes to you for basic care, IV infusions, and such.

Read what downtown police officers recommend to stay safe and be smart downtown.

Make the best of CMA Fest

Be prepared with these handy ideas from Amazon.

(affiliate links, not consider an endorsement)

Reuable rain gear

TIP: order matching colors so you can find your friends in a crowd.

Cellphone lanyard

Never have to ask, “Now where did I leave my phone?”

Portable charger

It pays to have back-up power for your phone.