The Country Music Association (CMA) announced Tuesday morning that the highly-anticipated CMA Fest is cancelled for June 4-7 in Nashville, Tennessee due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The four-day festival is known for being the “ultimate country music fan experience” for the genre.
Held annually, this event brought tens of thousands to “Music City” each year, offering unique artist interactions and up-close and personal concerts with some of country music’s top artists. CMA Fest began in 1972 and has become a staple in country music since. The festival has been able to reach millions thanks to the national broadcast on ABC, most recently hosted by Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini.
The CMA took to social media today to release the following statement: via twitter.
Whether you planned to attend CMA Fest for the first time, or you have attended many times throughout the last 48 years, we know how special this festival is for Country Music fans around the globe and that many will be disappointed by this decision. As the world is still greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19, we cannot in good conscience risk the health and wellbeing of our fans, artists, staff and Country Music community.
We will honor four-day passes purchased for this year’s event for CMA Fest 2021. However, if you prefer a full refund, we will provide one upon request if your passes were purchased through Ticketmaster or the CMA Fest Box Office. Those who purchased passes through non-official channels should contact the seller directly. Within the next 24-48 hours, all four-day pass purchasers will receive an email with further instructions.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience, as our actions are always in the best interest of our Country Music community. 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.
Please keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe, and we hope you will join us for CMA Fest next year, June 10-13, 2021.
Alright coronavirus – you heard it on Stars and Guitars first.
You can take our social lives, you can take our concert season, but you cannot take our country music!
