Anyone been to the CMA Fest?

Tara&Ryan

I'm reposting because I think it was too early in the morning. 

DH and I are thinking of traveling to Nashville for the CMA Festival in June. It will be our "birthday gift" since ours are both in June. We are thinking of buying a package ticket/hotel deal.  I am wondering if you girls can give advice, thoughts, tips about the event/hotel/ticket seats, etc?  Thanks

jillianfries

I've never been to the Festival, but I'm from the Nashville area. I might be able to answer a question or two.

ALittleBirdy

jillianfries:

I've never been to the Festival, but I'm from the Nashville area. I might be able to answer a question or two.

Ditto  

Locals try to stay far away from the city during CMA week It's, um, good people watching that's for sure! 

 

kklickka

ALittleBirdy:

jillianfries:

I've never been to the Festival, but I'm from the Nashville area. I might be able to answer a question or two.

Ditto  

Locals try to stay far away from the city during CMA week It's, um, good people watching that's for sure! 

 

I also live in the area.  You couldn't pay me enough money to go downtown during CMA fest...I would love to see some of the concerts, but it's a little too crazy for me down there.

Brittany FreyBox

I also live in Nashville basically downtown. I have only been once and it was just to see a couple of artists when I was interning for a publishing company so I dont know anything about the tickets. There are TONS of hotels around downtown though. Where are you looking at staying? If you dont want to be right downtown there is a cool newer hotel called Hotel Indigo in Midtown. Its modern and they have live music there every night. 

There is also this AMAZING hotel called Union Station. It is in the old train station and it is beautiful. It is also sorta in Midtown. It probably isn't the cheapest but definitely the coolest hotel. 

AudNicole

I've been twice, and we are trying like he'll to make it back again this year. I'm on my phone write now, but I'll try and type out ky thoughts for u tomorrow. Feel free to PM me, or page me on Pets.

AudNicole

Cma Fest Rocks! 

The entire down town area is roped off for this.  There are autograph signings in the convention center, everyone from Trace and Brooks and Dunn, to charlie Daniels, to the up and comers (and those that might not get anywhere at all).  The bigger artists aren't there all day every day, and you probably will have to wait in line forever to get the autograph, but you can take pics.

Then the riverfront stage has older acts, and newer.  I saw eric church a couple years ago on that stage.  you can usually find a good spot any time of day, but it will be hot.

The streets will have a couple more stages with no-names, and lots of event type things, like dog agility stuff.  its just a festive atmosphere.

The people watching is grand, too.  And, theres a good chance you'll see an artists just walking around.  I've got a great pic of Dierks butt while he was down there one year  

Don't worry to much about getting great seats in the stadium.  with the screens every seat is good, and its not so packed you can't move around some.  unless you want on the "floor".  

If you join a fan club for a favorite artist, they probably have something going on Weds night for you.  There may be after-hours deals, too, for places that person is playing.  

Be aware that the sunday night concert won't get over until 9 or 10, so monday morning work is hard to get to

ETA:  if your hotel is far enough away you need to drive in (and if you can get a walking distance hotel, do) its worth the pass to park.   IMO its worth a crappier hotel closer to downtown than a nicer hotel 30 minutes away.