CMA Festival Cancels 2020 Event, Reschedules Next Year

y Frederick Breedon IV/WireImage – CMA Fest
Brett Eldridge performs at Nissan Stadium in Nashville during the 2016 CMA Fest

CMA Fest, the Nashville bash formerly known as Fan Fest, has been canceled for 2020 and rescheduled next year, ”after careful deliberation, and in following the latest guidance from national, state and local authorities,” the Country Music Association announced today (March 31).

“As the world is still greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19, we cannot in good conscience risk the health and well-being of our fans, artists, staff and Country Music community,” the statement continued.

Four-day passes that were purchased for this year’s CMA Fest will be honored for the rescheduled June 10-13, 2021, event. Full refunds will be available upon request for passes purchased through Ticketmaster or the CMA Fest box office. Those who purchased passes through “non-official channels” should contact the seller directly. All four-day pass purchases will receive an email within the next 24-48 hours with further instructions, according to the CMA.

“We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience, as our actions are always in the best interest of our Country Music community,” CMA writes. “In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to bring Country fans and artists together to celebrate the unique spirit and sense of unity that is at the heart of what CMA Fest stands for. We will also share information about future CMA events and ways to support those within our community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMA Fest takes over Nashville for four days in June, with events at most major venues including Nissan Stadium, Ascend Amphitheater, Riverfront Park, Forever Country Park at Budweiser Stadium, Walk of Fame Park and Hard Rock Café, among others. It’s become famous over its 48-year history as a fan-friendly event, with many major artists on hand in autograph booths, and attracts about 50,000 per day.