CMA Fest began in 1972 as Fan Fair, and it has been held in June in Nashville ever since. The modern name “CMA Fest” has been used since 2018.

Quick Scoop

  • Original start: April 12–15, 1972, at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium.
  • Moved to June: The festival shifted to June in its early years.
  • Current event timing: The 2026 CMA Fest is listed for June 4–7, 2026.

In short

If you were asking when it first happened , the answer is 1972. If you meant when it usually takes place , it is a June festival in Nashville.