Before the gates open
Thursday 3 JuneMusic runs from the afternoon. Mornings are free: get out on the water or into town.
- Easy outingCountry Music Hall of Fame
- FreeCentennial Park Parthenon exterior.
CMA Fest 2027: things to do nearby between sets
3 to 6 June 2027 · ExpectedNashville, United States
At CMA Fest the music runs from the afternoon, so mornings and the day after are free. This guide covers the town around the site: boat trips, a real meal, a shower and a day out from Nashville.
Airport to Nissan Stadium and downtown stages
Nashville (BNA) is 15 minutes from downtown.
Walk across the pedestrian bridge from Broadway.
Public transport directions to Nissan Stadium and downtown stages
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Airport and Music Valley | Chains near the Opry. |
| Mid-range | The Gulch and Midtown | Near Vanderbilt and downtown. |
| Splurge | Downtown | Luxury hotels near Broadway. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Nashville Downtown
- Mid-range: Graduate Nashville
- Splurge: The Hermitage Hotel
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual festival weekend schedule for 3 to 6 June 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
A day off-site
Friday 4 JuneSkip the early acts and take a day trip. Be back for the headliners.
- Half-dayHot chicken and food tour
- EatHattie B's
Campers: shower, food and a break
Day passes for pools and spas, and a real meal in town.
- Rain or heat backupFrist Art Museum.
- EatBiscuit Love
Recovery day
Monday 7 JuneSlow outings only.
- Free ideaBroadway live music (no cover in most bars).
- EatArnold's Country Kitchen
Family-friendly picks
- Nashville Zoo.
- Adventure Science Center.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Broadway honky-tonks.
5 tours worth booking for CMA Fest
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Daniel's distillery day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| Country Music Hall of Fame | Half day | Bad weather, Families |
| Hot chicken and food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Honky-tonk pub crawl | Evening | Night owls |
| Grand Ole Opry show | Evening | Night owls, Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Ryman Auditorium tour.
- Frist Art Museum.
Getting around on event days
- WeGo buses and rideshare; downtown is walkable.
Day trips from Nashville
- Franklin: 30 minutes
- Lynchburg: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for CMA Fest.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is CMA Fest 2027?
The next edition is 3 to 6 June 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Nissan Stadium and downtown stages?
Nashville (BNA) is 15 minutes from downtown. Walk across the pedestrian bridge from Broadway.
Where should I stay for CMA Fest?
For most visitors the best base is The Gulch and Midtown: Near Vanderbilt and downtown.
What else can we do around CMA Fest?
Good short outings in Nashville include Country Music Hall of Fame, Hot chicken and food tour. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near CMA Fest?
Family-friendly picks: Grand Ole Opry show, Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville Zoo.
How far is Nissan Stadium and downtown stages from Nashville centre?
About 1 km in a straight line. Walk across the pedestrian bridge from Broadway.
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