CMA Fest is almost here, with more than 150 artists performing at various stages all over downtown Nashville. The four-day event, held June 9 to 12, concludes each night with the star-studded shows at Nissan Stadium, featuring Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and more. But there are so many other performances and events taking place all over Music City, leading up to the stadium concerts. Keep reading for nine of our favorites.
1. Darius and Friends
Darius Rucker is once again kicking off CMA Fest week with his star-studded Darius & Friends benefit. Held on Monday, June 6 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, proceeds from the show benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Previous guests included Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde and more.
Tickets are available here.
2. Brett Eldredge at Skydeck
There might not be a better backdrop for Brett Eldredge‘s velvety voice than Skydeck, part of the Assembly Food Hall as part of Fifth + Broadway. Eldredge will perform a free show there on Friday, June 10, at 5:30, premiering his new Songs About You album.
Find more information here.
3. Home Free
Home Free will perform on Saturday, June 11 at 4:00 PM, at the Chevy Riverfront stage. The all-vocal group, who sold-out the Ryman last year on their Warmest Winter Tour, will bring their all-vocal harmonies to the outdoor stage to share their music, their humor, and their infectious love of performing for their fans.
Home Free will also appear at Fan Fair X on June 11, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM to meet fans and sign autographs.
4. Jake Hoot
Jake Hoot has been continuing to make a name for himself after winning Season 17 of The Voice in 2019. The father of one — with one on the way — has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, opened for Alabama, had a hit single with Kelly Clarkson, and headlined plenty of his own shows. Hoot will perform at the Maui Jim Reverb stage on Thursday, June 9 at 12:45 PM.
Hoot will also appear on June 10, from 11:30 AM to noon at Fan Fair X to meet fans and sign autographs.
5. Scotty McCreery at Whiskey Jam
Scotty McCreery will perform on Sunday, June 12, at 4:45 at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, but that isn’t the only chance fans will get to see him this week. The American Idol alum will also headline Whiskey Jam in Nashville on Monday, June 6. The free show, which will also include performances by Brian Kelley, Tyler Farr, Morgan Evans and more, will be held in the parking lot of Loser’s Bar & Grill, located at 1913 Division Street in Nashville.
6. Thomas Rhett at Marathon Music Works
Thomas Rhett is part of the Nissan Stadium lineup on Friday, June 10, but he will also headline a free show at Marathon Music Works on Tuesday, June 7. Rhett will be joined by his Bring The Bar To You Tour opener Conner Smith for the free show, Doors open at 6:30.
Find more information here.
7. Kelsea Ballerini at CMA Close Up Stage
Few artists have seen their careers explode in recent years as much as Kelsea Ballerini. The Tennessee native will discuss her music, her career, her life and more on Friday, June 10, at the CMA Close Up Stage, inside Fan Fair X, at 11:00 AM. Ballerini will also perform at Nissan Stadium that night.
8. Todd Tilghman at the Grand Ole Opry and Hard Rock Cafe
Todd Tilghman is going to be busy on the final day of CMA Fest. The Season 18 winner of The Voice will perform at the Hard Rock Cafe at 11:00 AM, and then head to the Grand Ole Opry, as part of their annual Sunday Morning Country show.
9. Josh Turner
Josh Turner will have his turn in the Assembly Food Hall on June 9 at 2:00 PM. The South Carolina native will bring his smooth bass voice to his own show, along with Mo Pitney, who will open for Turner.
Tickets are available here.