This year marks the 50th anniversary of the CMA Fest in Nashville. As the longest-running country music festival in the world, CMA Fest returns Thursday, June 8 through Sunday, June 11 in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing hundreds of artists together across multiple stages. Fans from around the globe head to the city for a festival experience filled with live performances, autograph signings, and unique opportunities to see favorite artists up close.
Among the lineup are many familiar faces from national talent competitions. Performers who gained attention on shows such as American Idol, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent are scheduled throughout the weekend, giving fans the chance to catch beloved contestants and rising stars performing live in an energetic festival setting.
Ahead of the main weekend, on Thursday, June 7, 19 Recordings—the American Idol record label—will host a showcase featuring eight artists at The Valentine. That showcase is a highlight for fans who follow Idol alumni and want to see emerging acts in a more intimate venue before the larger festival programming begins.
2023 CMA Fest Schedule
Thursday June 8
Lauren Alaina – 11:30 am – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Chayce Beckham – 1:45 pm – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Corey Kent – 2:30 pm – Chevy Riverfront Stage
RaeLynn – 10:15 am – Dr Pepper Amp Stage
Texas Hill (Casey James, Adam Wakefield) – 10:15 am – Hard Rock Stage
Emily Ann Roberts – 10:55 am – Hard Rock Stage
Grace Leer – 1:30 pm – Spotlight Stage
Pryor Baird – 3:00 pm – Spotlight Stage
Friday June 9
Restless Road – 3:15 pm – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Jake Worthington – 10:15 am – Chevy Vibes Stage
Chapel Hart – 1:15 pm – Chevy Vibes Stage
Madeline Merlo – 11:35 am – Maui Jim Reverb Stage
Dillon James – 4:00 pm – Spotlight Stage
Ian Flanagan – 4:30 pm – Spotlight Stage
Saturday June 10
Tyler Braden – 10:00 am – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Kameron Marlowe – 10:45 am – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Noah Thompson – 10:15 am – Chevy Vibes Stage
Home Free – 2:45 pm – Chevy Vibes Stage
Josh Gracin – 11:45 am – Dr. Pepper Amp Stage
The Dryes – 2:45 pm – Hard Rock Stage
Laci Kaye Booth – 1:30 pm – Spotlight Stage
Brennley Brown – 3:30 pm – Spotlight Stage
Sunday June 11
Danielle Bradbery – 10:45 am – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Drake Milligan – 1:00 pm – Chevy Riverfront Stage
Ashland Craft – 12:30 pm – Dr. Pepper Amp Stage
Harper Grace – 10:55 am – Hard Rock Stage
Jake Hoot – 12:15 pm – Hard Rock Stage
Alex Lambert – 4:15 pm – Hard Rock Stage
Bryce Leatherwood – 10:15 am – Maui Jim Reverb Stage
HunterGirl – 12:00 pm – Spotlight Stage
In addition to stage performances, many artists set aside time for fan interactions at Fan Fair, where fans can purchase merchandise and obtain autographs. Fans planning to meet performers should consult the official CMA Fest meet-and-greet listings for times and locations to avoid missing scheduled appearances.
CMA Fest offers a program that mixes headline shows with moments for discovery. With numerous stages operating throughout the festival footprint, attendees can plan a day that includes chart-topping acts, beloved talent-show alumni, and newer artists on the rise. Whether you prioritize a particular artist or enjoy wandering between stages, the schedule provides plenty of opportunities to experience a wide range of country music styles.
For those attending, arrive early to secure good viewing spots for popular sets, check local festival maps for stage locations, and keep an eye on official festival announcements for any schedule updates. Merchandise booths and autograph lines often form quickly, so planning ahead can help make the most of meet-and-greet opportunities. Above all, CMA Fest is designed to celebrate country music and bring fans closer to the artists they love.