The Country Music Association announced that the CMA Fest will not take place in 2020. The yearly event was canceled due to concerns about the safety of all in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual festival had been set for June 4-7, 2020 in Nashville.
“Today… is a first for our organization in 49 years and I share it with a heavy (but practical) heart. We have made the decision not to move forward with CMA Fest this year,” CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said in a statement to CMA members. “Please know the decision was not made overnight. Our team has been relentless in working through every scenario on behalf of our industry and fans. But after careful deliberation, and in following the latest guidance from national, state and local authorities, we felt it was time to start looking ahead to 2021.”
A statement from the CMA is below:
After careful deliberation, and in following the latest guidance from national, state and local authorities, we are sad to announce that CMA Fest will not take place in 2020.
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.
