If you’re planning a trip to Nashville in June, chances are CMA Fest is already circled on your calendar, and for good reason. For four electric days, Music City transforms into one giant stage, welcoming country music fans from around the world for unforgettable performances, fan experiences, and nonstop energy.

As locals (and hosts to over 100 boutique vacation rentals across Nashville), we’ve seen CMA Fest done every possible way – the good, the chaotic, and the truly unforgettable. This guide is here to help you experience CMA Fest Nashville like a local, with insider tips, can’t-miss spots, and smart planning advice that will elevate your entire trip.

Whether this is your first CMA Fest or your fifth, here’s how to do it right.

What Is CMA Fest (and Why It’s a Big Deal)?

CMA Fest is the largest country music festival in the world, held every June in downtown Nashville. What started as a fan appreciation event has grown into a four-day celebration featuring:

• Hundreds of artists (from chart-toppers to rising stars)
• Multiple stages across downtown
• Daytime fan experiences and meet-and-greets
• Nightly stadium concerts at Nissan Stadium

Unlike many music festivals, CMA Fest offers a mix of ticketed and free stages, which makes it incredibly accessible – and easy to overpack your schedule if you’re not strategic.

Insider Tip #1: Don’t Try to Do Everything

This is the number one mistake we see visitors make.

There are stages at:

• Nissan Stadium
• Ascend Amphitheater
• Broadway (multiple outdoor stages)
• Riverfront Park
• Music City Center

Trying to bounce between all of them will leave you exhausted by day two. Instead, choose:

• One main nighttime venue (usually Nissan Stadium)
• Two daytime stages you’re excited about
• Plenty of buffer time for food, drinks, and exploring

CMA Fest is a marathon, not a sprint.

Insider Tip #2: Book Your Stay Outside the Broadway Bubble

Downtown Nashville is the heart of CMA Fest – but it’s also the most crowded and the loudest.

Staying slightly outside the core (think Germantown, East Nashville, The Nations, or 12 South) gives you:

• Quieter nights and better sleep
• More space for groups
• Easier rideshare access
• A more “local” Nashville experience

At Stay Local Nashville, our homes are designed for groups, couples, and festival-goers who want comfort without sacrificing location. Many of our properties are a quick Uber ride from the action, without the Broadway chaos outside your door at 3 a.m.

Best Neighborhoods for CMA Fest Visitors

🌇 Downtown (If You Want to Be in the Middle of It All)

Perfect if this is your first CMA Fest and you want to walk everywhere. Expect higher prices, noise, and crowds – but unbeatable proximity.

🎸 East Nashville (Local Favorite)

Creative, laid-back, and full of great food and dive bars. Ideal for repeat visitors or groups who want a break from Broadway.

🍔 Germantown

Walkable, charming, and packed with top-tier restaurants. Great for couples and food-focused travelers.

🌿 12 South

Boutique shopping, photo ops, and brunch spots. A great daytime escape before heading downtown for music.

Insider Tip #3: Eat Like a Local (and Not on Broadway)

Broadway is fun – but it’s not where locals eat during CMA Fest.

Instead, plan meals in advance at:

• Rolf and Daughters, Butchertown Hall, Geist (Germantown)
• Red Headed Stranger, Butcher & Bee (East Nashville)
• Edley’s BBQ, Epice, Locust (12 South)
• The Finch, Two Hands, Ladybird Taco (The Gulch)

Pro tip: Eat an early dinner (around 4–5 p.m.) before evening shows. You’ll skip long waits and avoid overpaying for festival food.

Getting Around CMA Fest Nashville Like a Pro

🚶 Walking

If you’re downtown, walking is fastest – but wear broken-in shoes. This is not the weekend to debut new boots.

🚗 Rideshare

Uber and Lyft are plentiful but surge heavily after stadium shows. Walk a few blocks away before requesting to save time and money.

🛴 Scooters

Fast and fun during the day. Avoid them late at night when crowds and traffic peak.

🚘 Parking

If you’re driving, book parking in advance or use neighborhood street parking and rideshare in.

Insider Tip #4: Daytime CMA Fest Is Underrated

Everyone talks about the nighttime shows – but daytime is where magic happens.

• Free outdoor stages often feature tomorrow’s headliners
• Artist pop-ups and brand activations offer giveaways and surprises
• The Fan Fair X inside Music City Center is perfect for AC breaks

If you’re flexible and open to discovering new artists, daytime CMA Fest is unbeatable.

What to Pack for CMA Fest

Locals swear by these essentials:

• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen (June sun and heat is real)
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Portable phone charger
• Crossbody bag or clear bag (stadium rules apply)

And yes -cowboy boots are welcome, but comfort always wins.

Make Your CMA Fest Trip More Than Just a Festival

One of the best parts of visiting during CMA Fest is that Nashville is fully alive. Build in time to:

• Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
• Take a morning walk at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
• Catch a songwriter round at The Bluebird Café or The Listening Room Café
• Explore local shops outside the tourist core

Staying a few extra days before or after CMA Fest can completely change your experience -and your stress level.

Where to Stay for CMA Fest in Nashville

A great CMA Fest trip starts with the right home base.

Stay Local Nashville offers boutique vacation rentals designed for festival travelers:

• Spacious homes for groups
• Stylish interiors perfect for pre-show gatherings
• Prime locations near CMA Fest hotspots
• Local support from people who know Nashville

Whether you’re here for a girls’ trip, couples getaway, or group music adventure, staying local makes all the difference.

CMA Fest Nashville is loud, joyful, crowded, and unforgettable. Embrace the energy, plan smart, and leave room for spontaneity – that’s where the best memories happen.

Final Local Advice

If you want help choosing the perfect neighborhood or property for your CMA Fest stay, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction. After all, there’s no better way to experience Music City than living like a local – even if it’s just for a few days.

Ready to plan your CMA Fest trip? Browse our Stay Local Nashville homes and book now to experience the festival the way locals do ⬇️🌇🎶🤠

FAQs:

How far in advance should I book my accommodations?

As early as possible. CMA Fest is a high-demand weekend, so the earlier the better. We still have a handful of rentals available, but they are going fast. Book today if you can!

How crowded does Nashville get during CMA Fest?

Very crowded—in the best way. CMA Fest is one of Nashville’s busiest weekends of the year, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. Expect packed sidewalks, long lines, and high energy, especially at night and on Broadway.

Is CMA Fest good for groups?

Yes—CMA Fest is ideal for girls’ trips, couples, and group getaways. Having a spacious home base makes a huge difference for pre-show gatherings, downtime between events, and post-concert wind-downs.