Country fans and Nashville locals know that CMA Fest is one of the busiest, most exciting events of the summer. With so many different subgenres and styles of country music culture coming to one city, there’s always a little something for everyone. Whether you prefer Tucker Wetmore or Shane Smith & The Saints, it’s more than likely that one of your favorite artists or bands will be somewhere in town performing for crowds that enter at no cost. While that sounds too good to be true, it’s been a Nashville tradition for decades, as the largest recurring country music festival in history.
Although Fan Fair X and Nissan Stadium also host many great acts on their stages, this guide will specifically highlight the best free events slated for 2026. Lineups for each of those stages can be found below:
As for the free stages, here are six acts that fans should not miss:
- Marcus King
Rock enthusiasts, country fans, and blues lovers would agree that Marcus King is worth the cost of tickets. Still, thanks to the free admission of the Chevy Riverfront Stage, CMA Fest attendees get the opportunity to catch a free performance. King has consistently delivered high-quality lyricism and arrangements, along with top-tier vocal and guitar skills, earning him respect. Even for those who have never heard a song from him, his CMA Fest performance will surely be worth attending, and will be one of the most talent-filled stages they’ve ever seen.
4:50 PM – 5:20 PM Sunday, June 7th @ Chevy Riverfront Stage
2. Mack Geiger
This Australian country singer has been on a quick rise in 2026 after the success of his song, “String By.” His traditional sound gives the Texas and red dirt scenes some worthy competition. Including the Australian equestrian sport of Campdrafting in “Campdraft Queen,” he uses elements of classic Western swing to create a style that’s totally his own. Because he is native to Australia, it’s rare to see Mack play in the United States, so this is the perfect opportunity for new fans. Assuming his CMA Fest performance will be with a full band, his attendees will surely hear the ever-soothing sounds of fiddle, steel, and one of the smoothest voices in today’s catalog of rising country acts. While it’s hard to vouch for Geiger’s live ability with so little history, his Instagram is full of proof of his vocal abilities, especially in the recent acapella cover of “She’s Actin’ Single” by Gary Stewart.
12:55 PM – 1:25 PM Friday, June 5th @ Chevy Vibes Stage
3. Stella Lefty
One way or another, Stella Lefty and her catchy hooks have probably made their way across your phone screen in the last few months. Lefty’s feel-good energy and performances are as compelling and contagious as her earworm choruses. Tracks like “Boston” have gone wildly viral, naming her as one of the fastest rises of a single country artist in recent years (Not to brag, but she’s also playing our Artist/Songwriter round inside Fan Fair X on Friday, June 5th.) Based on her meteoric trajectory, this could be one of the few opportunities to see Stella for free before she starts playing larger stages.
4:15 PM – 4:40 PM Thursday, June 4th @ Good Molecules Reverb Stage
4. Dylan Marlowe
Upon the release of 80 ACRES, a highly-regarded passion project, Dylan Marlowe has hit a serious high point in his career. The five-song EP featuring Treaty Oak Revival made waves in the country/rock scene, changing the way fans perceive Marlowe’s artistry. The energy Marlowe brings in his performances is electric, keeping the crowd constantly engaged, and lately, he’s been known to incorporate more rock and roll into his live covers. Marlowe has been known to perform his own versions of songs like “Dirty Little Secret” by All American Rejects and “Meant to Live” by Switchfoot. When Dylan lets that heavily grungey style come out at a show, it’s usually one of the highlights of the set, and that’s exactly the kind of music contains in the 80 ACRES project.. Although he isn’t listed on CMA Fest’s official website as “80 ACRES,” it’s more than likely that Marlowe will perform a song or two from the project during his set.
2:20 PM – 2:50 PM Friday, June 5th @ Chevy Riverfront Stage
5. Lily Meola
Lily Meola is one of the most impressive and respectable artists of the modern day. The Hawaii native has been referred to as Willie Nelson’s protege, and in 2026, she released numerous singles from her upcoming album, Lucky to Be, one of which features Nelson. Meola’s music is both soft and sweet, with entrancing melodies that elevate the already impactful messages of each song. Her style, while reminiscent of legendary outlaw heroes, evolves within country music in a way that feels fresh. With full yet intimate live performances that showcase her rich vocals, Meola knows how to win a crowd. Lily Meola’s unique stamp on country music deserves much more appreciation than it gets and is an act certainly worth seeing at CMA Fest.
4:35 PM – 5:00 PM Friday, June 5th @ Wrangler Remix Stage
6. Braxton Keith
As far as live performances go, Braxton Keith is one of the most electric entertainers in today’s roster of up-and-coming country stars. Keith owns the stage, turning his charismatic presence up to ten as he sings lines like “Drinks are on me, I’m Braxton Keith, and I own this bar.” In much of his new album, Real Damn Deal, he paints himself as a larger-than-life hero of the honkytonk, and while this comes off exuberantly confident, his shows prove he’s got the right energy to back up his arrogance. Braxton’s impressive vocal skills come out in full display at each show he plays, and with the addition of his always tight and talented band, this is one of the most fun groups to see live. With an entire record full of new material, Keith’s performance will be unlike anything returning concertgoers have seen.
5:40 PM – 6:10 PM Saturday, June 6th @ Chevy Riverfront Stage
To build your CMA Fest schedule, download the CMA Connect app, or go to https://cmafest.com/schedule/ to see when and where to catch your favorite acts throughout the week.
