If CMA Fest is the beating heart of Nashville each summer, then Fan Fair X is its soul: an all-day, air-conditioned hub where fans can get closer to country music than anywhere else in the city. Running from June 4–7 inside Music City Center, this sprawling indoor experience blends live performances, intimate conversations and once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greets, offering a different kind of energy to the stadium shows and Broadway chaos outside.
At the centre of it all is the CMA Close Up Stage, which this year boasts a headline ‘Artist of the Day' series that alone makes Fan Fair X worth the visit. Russell Dickerson kicks things off on Thursday, followed by Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday and Ashley McBryde closing things out on Sunday. These sessions go beyond standard performances too, often featuring interviews, storytelling and fan interaction that you simply won’t get on the main stages.
Beyond the headliners, the Close Up Stage programming reads like a crash course in the depth and diversity of modern country music. Highlights include Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly sessions with The Red Clay Strays and Maddox Batson, a fascinating artist exchange between Melissa Etheridge and Gretchen Wilson, and a must-see deep dive into songwriting with heavyweights Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally. There’s also a strong sense of history and genre crossover woven throughout, from a 40-year celebration of Randy Travis to discussions on country’s Black Southern roots featuring Waka Flocka Flame and Nappy Roots.
Meanwhile, the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage brings a constant stream of live music across all four days, spotlighting emerging artists and rising stars from late morning through to early evening. It’s here where fans can stumble upon their next favourite act, whether that’s a Nashville newcomer or an international artist beginning to make waves in the genre. The lineup is extensive, eclectic and refreshingly discovery-driven: exactly what CMA Fest does best.
New for 2026 is the CMA Experience, an immersive addition that takes fans behind the curtain of the Country Music Association itself. Through interactive exhibits and storytelling, it charts the organisation’s role in shaping the genre, from its awards legacy to its ongoing support of artists and the wider music community. It’s a thoughtful addition that gives Fan Fair X more depth, grounding the fanfare in the history and future of country music.
Ultimately, Fan Fair X is about access. It’s where fans can meet the artists they’ve followed for years, hear the stories behind the songs and experience country music in its most personal form: all without leaving the building. Whether you’re escaping the Tennessee heat for a few hours or planning to spend the entire day there, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the CMA Fest experience.
Tickets for Fan Fair X are available now via CMA Fest Fan Fair X Tickets. Four-day passes are priced at $31.05 (including fees), with single-day tickets available for $13. Programming on the Close Up Stage operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is highly recommended. Get the full line up by downloading the CMA Fest app.
