How to Enjoy the CMA Music Festival

Once known as Fan Fair, the CMA (Country Music Association) Music Festival has become one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. The annual festival virtually takes over the downtown area of Nashville the second of week June. Attracting thousands of country music lovers, the CMA Music Festival can be a bit overwhelming for first timers, so here are some tips on how to survive the four-day flurry of musical madness and have a great time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Purchase your tickets. Buy a four-day pass that will include admission to musical stages and the autograph sessions at the convention center. Individual day tickets can be purchased, but these will not necessarily get you everywhere you want to go. For ticket availability and purchasing information go to CMAFest.com (see Resources below).
2. Make your travel arrangements and hotel reservations as soon as possible. Downtown hotels fill up fast, so don't wait until the last minute to try to find a place to stay during the festival.
3. Study your registration materials. There's crucial information there, including where to park, how to catch shuttles and what NOT to take into shows (no umbrellas, no backpacks). Read this information so that you know the rules ahead of time and avoid frustration.
4. Buy a poncho and carry it with you. Nashville can be scorching and dry one minute and pouring rain the next. The good news is, that unless there is lightning (or a very serious thunderstorm with high winds), outdoor shows go on, so keep your poncho handy.
5. Join some fan clubs for your favorite artists. Many artists - especially the larger names - will only do autograph sessions at the CMA Festival for their fan clubs. This is usually a one-time event set up prior to the week, and only fan club members will be aware of when and where it will be held. So, if you have some favorites (Reba, Wynonna, Faith, Tim and Kenny, to name a few), join their fan clubs if you'd like to see meet them.
6. Plan your day. The staff of the Country Music Association will put out an updated daily schedule every morning. The larger shows are scheduled well ahead of time, but the time and location of autograph sessions and other events can change daily. Grab one of these schedules first thing every morning to plan your day. They will be available at any of the numerous information booths.
7. Be prepared. You will probably spend a great deal of time outside so pack a tube of sunscreen and use it often. And drink lots of water.
8. Take time to enjoy Nashville away from the festival craziness. Take in a songwriters show at The Bluebird Cafe or do some antiquing in Franklin, Tenn. While you'll have fun at the festival, taking a break from the chaos, even if just for an afternoon or evening, will help you enjoy yourself more.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. You will experience many crowds and long lines, so bring a book or iPod and keep your sense of humor.