CMA FEST PRESENTED BY SOFI CHAMPIONS MUSIC EDUCATIONTHROUGH THE CMA FOUNDATION

The biggest weekend in Country Music is just around the corner! From June 4–7, fans from across the globe will descend upon Nashville for the 53rd CMA Fest presented by SoFi. While the four-day event promises unforgettable performances, it also marks a massive milestone for the community. This year, the CMA Foundation celebrates 15 years of investing in music education, alongside the 10th anniversary of its flagship Music Teachers of Excellence program.
Since 2011, the Foundation has equipped educators and provided students with high-quality music programs. Because CMA Fest artists donate their time, a portion of the festival’s proceeds directly funds these initiatives. Throughout the weekend, student musicians and unique activations will spotlight this incredible mission.

Thursday, June 4: A Full-Circle Opening

The festival kicks off Thursday on the Riverfront Stage during Russell Dickerson’s opening set. Joining him is RePublic High School’s newly established marching band, led by Joshua Latham. Earlier this year, Dickerson was the face of the Foundation’s “Fund the Band” campaign, which raised the resources to launch this very program. Seeing these students take the stage represents a true full-circle moment for community investment.

Friday, June 5: Elite Educators & Charity Fashion

On Friday morning, Cane Ridge High School’s marching band, directed by Johnny Croft, takes center stage. Croft is a 2026 CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence honoree, embodying the lasting impact of dedicated educators.
Later that afternoon, three-time CMA Award-winner Carly Pearce hosts her fifth annual “Carly’s Closet” from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Music City Center. Fans can buy items from her personal wardrobe and enjoy a meet-and-greet, with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation.

Saturday, June 6: Stadium Dreams & Fan Fair Fun

Saturday afternoon brings the energy of the James Lawson High School marching band, directed by Rontrell Callahan, to Fan Fair X.
The excitement moves to Nissan Stadium that night. Fifteen-year-old mandolin player Shay Morgan from Clearwater, Florida, will join Carly Pearce onstage for a highly anticipated bluegrass performance before tens of thousands of fans, showcasing the Foundation’s mission in real time.

Sunday, June 7: The Grand Finale & Backstage Access

Closing out the weekend, Memphis Central High School’s marching band, led by multi-year Music Teacher of Excellence honoree Ollie Liddell, will perform outside Nissan Stadium to welcome fans for the nightly shows.
Behind the scenes, the CMA Fest Backstage Academy—supported by EqualizeHer, Empower, and AT&T—will host high school students for an immersive look at live music production, building workforce readiness for the next generation of industry leaders.

All Days: Shop for Good

Fans can give back throughout the entire festival at the dedicated “Shop For Good” area inside Fan Fair X. Participating vendors are donating a portion of their proceeds to the Foundation. Exclusive merchandise, like custom posters by Friendly Arctic and custom beaded bracelets by Strung, will be available at all CMA merch locations. Attendees can also bid at The Backstage Auction, browse artist gear at The Archives, or explore the hands-on Musical Petting Zoo presented by KHS America.
Get ready for a weekend where country music changes lives!