You can now apply to play at CMA Fest in Nashville from June 3 – 7, 2026.
Starting in 1972, CMA Fest is the world’s longest country music festival, hosting tens of thousands of fans from all 50 states around the USA, Puerto Rico and 39 international countries.
Sounds Australia has been showcasing local talent at CMA Fest since 2023, with the Australian footprint growing steadily each year. In March this year, country music was named the fastest-growing genre in Australia across streaming platforms, following Spotify data that ranked Australia as the third-largest country music market globally—behind only the US and Canada.
Artist submissions are open through to 31 January 2026 for daytime stages only. All submissions will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified by mid-March. Submit your application at the CMA Fest website.