Billboard Country Live has moved into Category 10 in downtown Nashville this week, turning the venue into a free, showcase-style hangout packed with big names and rising artists. The two-day run hits June 4 and 5, with a rooftop kickoff on June 3 honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players. On the bill are headliners The Red Clay Strays and Tucker Wetmore, plus surprise guests, branded giveaways, and a fan activation from Under Armour.
When and where
According to Category 10, the showcase takes place at Hurricane Hall inside Category 10 on June 4 and June 5, with the rooftop gathering set for June 3. Billboard's RSVP page also lists the venue address and notes that the shows are all ages until 9 p.m., then 21+ after that.
Who's on the bill
The updated lineup loads June 4 with The Red Clay Strays, Chase Rice, Corey Kent, Drew Baldridge, Hunter Hayes, The Band Perry, The Grimm, and Ty Myers. June 5 is set to feature Tucker Wetmore with Priscilla Block, Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Something Out West, and Stella Lefty, as reported by MusicRow. Local coverage has also highlighted the “surprise guests” angle that often pops up in CMA-week showcases, according to NewsChannel 5.
Giveaways, gear, and brand tie-ins
A press release distributed by Billboard and shared via PMC notes that Gibson will provide select gear and custom-wrapped guitars for onsite giveaways and will sponsor the soirée’s “Icon” award. Under Armour will roll out fan-facing experiences around its new “Bouncy Tee.” Those branded activations are part of a wider wave of marketing-heavy pop-ups that crowd into Nashville during CMA Fest week.
How to RSVP and get in
RSVP slots are available through Billboard, but organizers caution that an RSVP does not guarantee entry. Admission is first-come, first-served and subject to capacity, according to Category 10. If you are heading to Lower Broadway, plan to arrive early. Indoor spaces will be open to all ages until 9 p.m., then restricted to 21+.
Where this fits into CMA Fest week
Billboard Country Live is one of dozens of free and ticketed showcases that take over downtown Nashville during CMA Fest. Axios reported that CMA Fest will run downtown from June 4 to June 7, with headliners performing at Nissan Stadium. For visitors trying to navigate the long weekend, the mix of free daytime activations, surprise sets, and branded giveaways helps explain why downtown turns into the center of the country music universe for those four days.
