If you’re live music-obsessed and live in Nashville, there’s a good chance you’ve had CMT Music Awards Week on the brain for weeks now. While there are a ton of shows going on at any given time in Music City, this week will be brimming with free events that are open to the public. From a workout dance party (yes, you read that correctly) to a showcase celebrating women in country, these events aim to spotlight the emerging artists taking over the industry.
Before the genre’s biggest names take the stage at the CMT Music Awards show on Wednesday, June 8th, here’s the free concerts and parties you’ll want to attend to see the rising stars before they’re on the main stage.
Date: June 3
Time: 7:30 - 10:30 pm
Artists: Runaway June, Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis
Location: TopGolf Nashville (500 Cowan Street)
Golfing + live music? Sign us up. To kick off the week, three of the genre’s buzziest new acts will be performing for the masses at everyone’s favorite hang, TopGolf. On the bill is Runaway June, known for the stellar three-part harmonies, Morgan Wallen, a singer-songwriter whose performed with everyone from Florida Georgia Line to Jason Aldean, and Jordan Davis, who dazzles crowds thanks to his unique blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop.
Note: this event is 18+
Date: June 4
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 pm // 11:15 pm meet-and-greet
Artists: Lindsay Ell, Clare Dunn, Erin Enderlin
Location: The Cambria hotel (118 8th Ave S)
Who runs the world? Girls. Taking the stage for a powerful all-female evening of music and storytelling will be three of our favorite new acts, Lindsay Ell, Clare Dunn, and Erin Enderlin. Concert-goers can enjoy light food and a cash bar in an intimate setting as they listen to the ladies leading the charge for equal representation in country music. After the show, fans will have the chance to get some face time with the artists during the exclusive meet-and-greet, which will also take place at The Cambria.
Note: this event is 18+
Date: June 4 + 5
Time: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Artists: Lainey Wilson, Brandon Lay, Cassadee Pope, Ingrid Andress, Rachel Wammack, Hardy
Location: Schermerhorn Plaza downtown Nashville (1 Symphony Pl)
Is there anything better than a block party in your city? Bringing together the neighborhood through live music, the two-day celebration will give attendees the opportunity to see awesome performances, attend meet-and-greets, and play games for prizes. And did we mention there will be free Wendy’s?
Tuesday and Wednesday boast different lineups, so make sure to pop by both days to catch all six acts. Set times below!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Date: June 4
Time: 8:30pm
Artists: Brooks & Dunn and friends (Brett Young, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Midland, Brandon Lancaster from LANCO)
Location: Downtown Nashville, the corner of 5th and Broadway
Name a more iconic country duo than Brooks & Dunn. Since launching their careers in 1990, the Country Music Hall of Fame inductees have blessed fans with 12 studio albums, which play home to classics like “Boot Scootin' Boogie", “Honkey Tonk Stomp”, and “Brand New Man”.
On Tuesday, they’ll be hitting the iconic CMT Crossroads stage to play songs from their collaborative album, Reboot, which dropped last month. The No. 1 album features everyone from Brett Young to Luke Combs, both of which will be joining the two-piece onstage.
As it’s standing-room only and entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis, you’ll want to arrive early to nab a good spot.
Date: June 4 + 5
Time: 1:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Bridgestone Plaza (501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
If you’re like us and are all-aboard the karaoke train, the Hershey Certified Country Gold experience has your name all over it. Residents of Nashvegas will have the opportunity to belt out the words to their favorite songs from the heart of downtown Nashville, where the RV will be stationed. Not a fan of the spotlight? Aside from karaoke, fans can also enjoy free Hershey’s Gold, a digital photo booth, and prizes (including a chance to attend the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night!).
Date: June 5
Time:
Location: Barry’s Bootcamp Nashville (308 11th Ave S)
If there’s anything that can help motivate you during your workout, it’s a good playlist. CMT Sweat is taking it up a notch, adding a live DJ to the mix for their classes Wednesday morning at Barry’s Bootcamp as the official kickoff to the awards show later that night. Join in for one of the three free sessions to get free swag, and healthy breakfast.