It's not just country music's biggest weekend. It's one of the most faith-filled festival lineups in years.
CMA Fest 2026 officially kicks off tonight, Thursday, June 4, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville - and for the first time in a while, Christian music fans have real reason to pay attention beyond the headliners.
Tonight's stadium stage opens with Jason Aldean leading a lineup that includes Ella Langley, Tucker Wetmore, Deana Carter, and Gretchen Wilson - but the faith story this week stretches well beyond the main stage.
CeCe opens the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Thursday by performing the national anthem, setting a tone for a festival that this year has woven Christian artists into nearly every corner of the schedule.
Brandon Lake is bringing something completely unique to downtown Nashville: a Sunday morning worship gathering called Cowboy Church, set for June 7 at 9:30 a.m. on the Chevy Riverfront Stage - open to the public. And he won't be alone. Dan + Shay will join Lake as special guests for the gathering.
Lake described the heart behind it simply: "Not the kind of church with suits and pews... the kind for the wanderers, the worn-out, the misfits, the ones who aren't sure they belong anywhere. If that's you - you're welcome here. Come as you are."
Leanna Crawford is also sharing her music with country audiences this week, and North Chapel is creating a prayer-filled space in the middle of downtown Nashville throughout the festival. MŌRIAH performs on the Chevy Vibes Stage on Thursday as well.
Worth noting: every artist at CMA Fest donates their time, with proceeds supporting music education through the CMA Foundation - a tradition of generosity quietly built into the biggest country weekend of the year.
Four nights. Hundreds of artists. And this year, more than a few moments that go beyond the music.
CMA Fest runs June 4-7 at Nissan Stadium and across downtown Nashville. Cowboy Church on Sunday morning is free and open to all.
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