Heading To CMA Fest? There’s One Important Warning You Need To Know
on Jun 02, 2026 • Updated Jun 04, 2026
If you’re one of the many country music fans visiting Nashville this weekend for CMA Fest, there are a few important things to keep in mind during your visit.
CMA Fest will return to downtown Nashville from June 4 to June 7. It’s the festival’s 54th year, and it will include appearances from dozens of performers.
That means thousands of people will travel from across the country to see their favorite artists, and with larger crowds comes a greater risk of theft and other crimes.
Nashville officials are encouraging anyone attending the event to stay aware of their surroundings and report anything that seems suspicious. Keeping an eye on your belongings and paying attention to what’s happening around you can help make your experience safer.
“If you see something, you say something,” Nashville Downtown Partnership’s marketing communications manager, Alexis Bell, said per WKRN. “When an increased population is coming downtown, you just want to make sure you have a plan, you want to make sure you know where you’re going to park, and to be aware of your surroundings.”
Thankfully, several safety measures will be in place throughout the weekend.
Attendees can expect to see Safety Ambassadors wearing yellow shirts, staff who have completed SAFE Bar training, and members of Red Frogs providing additional support. There will also be over 300 police officers working in downtown each day of the festival.
There will be stations available to help festivalgoers stay hydrated in the heat and keep their phones charged.
Another thing everyone should keep in mind is parking. According to Metro Nashville Police Department Central Precinct Commander Ricker Bearden, there will be less parking available at Nissan Stadium this year.
He told FOX 17 that visitors should plan ahead and make other parking arrangements before heading downtown.
“We’re asking everyone to arrive early and make time for their travel plans,” Bearden said.
If anyone notices a situation that seems unusual but doesn’t pose an immediate threat, officials advise contacting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s non-emergency line at (615) 862-8600.
More Than 150 Artists Will Perform At CMA Fest
It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any fan attending CMA Fest 2026. There aren’t many opportunities to see so many country music stars come together in one place to perform.
Even better, many of the daytime performances are free to attend. If you’re interested in the nightly stadium concerts featuring the headlining acts, though, you’ll need to purchase tickets.
Just a few of the big-name artists set to headline include Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and many more.
