About the CMA Music Festival - Nashville Tennessee

What is the CMA Music Festival?:

CMA Music Fest, formerly known as Fan Fair, originated in 1972. Back then, country DJs had a convention, and fans would show up to get a glimpse of their favorite stars. The CMA and Grand Ole Opry decided if a festival were created at another time of year, it would relieve congestion and be an opportunity to showcase country music.

Why was the name changed from Fan Fair to CMA Music Festival?:

When Fan Fair moved from the Tennessee State Fairgrounds to Downtown Nashville in 2001, the CMA realized the name no longer fit the event. Fan Fair had evolved, with bigger venues, more diverse activities and bigger audiences. The name was changed to reflect this evolution.

What are some of the non-country music events that happen at CMA Music Festival?:

There is a sports zone with sporting events, demonstrations, celebrity competitions, and autograph signings. Stars from popular NBC daytime soap operas are also part of the fun, singing and performing for fans. Plus, there are cooking demonstrations and free samples of various products.

Where do I buy tickets for the CMA Music Festival?:

There are three ways to buy tickets.

1. Telephone:
Festival Box Office (Mon.-Fri.10:00AM - 5:00PM/CT)
1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378)
International Orders 1-615-770-2041
2. Mail/FAX:
Download the order form FAX or mail it in.
3. Internet Online:
Buy your tickets online at Ticketmaster.com

When is CMA Music Festival?:

In 2008, the CMA Music Festival will be held June 5-8, 2008.

What kind of Events happen at CMA Music Festival?:

From Thursday through Sunday, day and night, there are shows both indoors and outdoors. Many stars' fan clubs host fan club parties for their members, where fans can meet their favorite stars, get autographs and pictures with them. There are buses that run around town, stopping at the major event venues free of cost to fans that purchase four-day passes for the festival.

How do I get autographs?:

Other than joining fan clubs and getting autographs at the parties, you can meet many of your favorite stars as they sign autographs during the day at the convention center. Stars will have set times, and fans that arrive first thing when the doors open at 10:00 am can get tickets for autograph lines. Other booths are sponsored by larger companies like Country Weekly, CMT and GAC, and stars sign there as well.

What about the Grand Ole Opry? I've never seen that. Is that going on then too?:

You bet. There are Opry shows at the Grand Ole Opryhouse on Tuesday, Friday and two shows on Saturday. Then, there is an additional show on Saturday afternoon at the Ryman Auditorium downtown, plus a Sunday show, hosted by Brenda Lee.