By the Banks of the Cumberland River
Sitting on the grass along the banks of the Cumberland River at Riverfront Park and listening to some great country music. Ahhh.. what a way to spend the day. Well, at least from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
The area is grassy and some parts are terraced off. There are two stages, and great views can be had just about anywhere in the area. There are lots of vendors selling carnival-type food, and there is also a booth where many stars will sign autographs after their performances. Do keep in mind that it gets really hot and humid in Tennessee in June, so bring a portable fan, or a cardboard one to keep yourself cool, and plenty of sunscreen, unless you like the lobster look.
There is a photo line for people to walk in front of the stage and take pictures of the artists, so great chances of getting great shots of your favorite stars.
The Adelphia Calls Each Evening
Thursday through Saturday night (June 9 - 12), there are scheduled shows at the Adelphia. Schedules are listed in your handy CMA Music Festival Program, so you will know when your favorite artists will perform. The Adelphia is very large, and I recommend the seating on the sides, unless you can find seats within the first 20 rows on the floor. Pretty much those seats are all gone by now as tickets have been on sale since last June. Yep, that's right. As soon as the CMA Music Festival is over, tickets go on sale for the next year. That's planning.
The Adelphia also has a photo line which starts at street level, and descends to the field where you cross in front of the stage (always moving) and then when you reach the other side, you ascend the steps back to the street level again. The Adelphia has the usual sporting event-type of food, so if you don't get something to eat before arriving, you needn't worry about not finding something to eat before heading to your seats.
After Hours Events
The Festival events start at 10:00 am as the Convention Center opens and the Riverfront Park Shows begin, and end as the show lets out at the Adelphia Coliseum around 10:30 or 11:00 pm. But there are also events downtown at the various nightclubs AFTER the Coliseum shows have ended. Here is a list of some of the events and their locations.
On Thursday night, Jun 9th, starting at 11:00 pm, the Superstar Spectacular show is held at the Ryman Auditorium. The lineup hasn't been announced as of the writing of this article, but you can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster for the show.
On Saturday night, June 11th, at the Wildhorse Saloon, NBC Daytime stars from Days of Our Lives and Passions will have a show. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Non-CMA Music Festival Events
On Thursday afternoon, June 9th, at Greer Stadium, at 1:00 pm, country stars play a fun game of softball in the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game.
On Friday afternoon, June 10th, at the Ryman Auditorium at 3:00 pm, you can view at matinee show of the Grand Ole Opry
Also at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday afternoon, June 9th, at 4:30 pm, and Friday afternoon, June 10th, at 4:30 pm, you can attend the CMA Celebrity Close-up. Hosted by Lorianne Crook. Artists have yet to be announced.
On Thursday last year the Golden Voice Awards were held. The show hasn't been scheduled yet this year, but you can keep an eye on the Official site of the Golden Voice Awards for updates.
Are you as tired as I am from just reading about everything there is to see and do at CMA Music Festival? I hope you enjoyed reading this information on the festival, and feel free to sign up for my free Planning Your Trip to CMA Music Festival newsletter course to learn even more.
