ACM
Awards

A Historic Homecoming for Country Music

The ACM Awards have deep roots in Las Vegas. What started as a regional California organization in 1964 grew into the longest-running country music awards show when the first ceremony was held in 1966. The show moved to Las Vegas in the early 2000s, and the MGM Grand Garden Arena hosted the event from 2006 through 2014, again in 2016, and in 2018–2019. After a pandemic-era detour to Nashville and three years in Frisco, Texas, the 61st ACM Awards on May 17, 2026 mark a full-circle return. The ceremony is produced by Dick Clark Productions and streams exclusively on Prime Video, reaching fans in over 240 countries. Visit acmcountry.com for official updates.

What to Expect at the 61st ACM Awards

The ACM Awards are far more than a trophy presentation — they’re a live concert event featuring some of country music’s biggest names performing on one stage. Recent ceremonies have delivered unforgettable pairings like Ed Sheeran with Luke Combs, Dua Lipa with Chris Stapleton, and Rascal Flatts reuniting with Backstreet Boys. The 60th anniversary show alone featured over 40 artists. Previous hosts include Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Blake Shelton. The 2026 host and performer lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, with nominations expected in April. Follow the ACM on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) for announcements.

ACM Awards Week Events

ACM Awards Week transforms Las Vegas into country music’s capital for three days. On Friday, May 15, ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends takes over Topgolf Las Vegas for an intimate concert on the venue’s outfield (tickets start at $150 GA, $200 VIP). On Saturday, May 16, ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash brings rising stars to Mandalay Bay Beach & Wave Pool for an outdoor poolside concert ($75 GA, $150 VIP). Additional artists for both events will be announced in the coming weeks. The main ceremony follows on Sunday.

How to Buy ACM Awards 2026 Tickets

Step 1: Decide Which Events to Attend

ACM Awards Week runs May 15–17 in Las Vegas. You can attend the main ceremony on Sunday, the Riley Green concert on Friday, the Beach Bash on Saturday, or all three. Each event requires a separate ticket.

Step 2: Check Availability

Primary tickets for the 61st ACM Awards went on sale February 27 at 10 AM PT through AXS. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub with all-inclusive pricing—the price you see is the price you pay.

Step 3: Book Your Vegas Trip

MGM Grand Garden Arena is located on the Las Vegas Strip at 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South. The venue is connected to the MGM Grand hotel, with The Cosmopolitan, Aria, and Park MGM all within walking distance. Show time is 5 PM with no admittance after 4:30 PM.

ACM Awards 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

What date are the 2026 ACM Awards?

The 61st ACM Awards take place Sunday, May 17, 2026. The show starts at 5 PM PT at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and streams live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. This is the first time the ACMs have been held on a Sunday night since 2021.

Where are the ACM Awards in 2026?

The 2026 ACM Awards return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada after three years at Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. The MGM Grand is located at 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South on the Las Vegas Strip. The venue holds approximately 16,800 guests.

How do I watch the ACM Awards if I cannot attend?

The ceremony streams live and exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. It is not broadcast on traditional cable or network television. An Amazon Prime membership provides access to the livestream.

Who is the host of the 2026 ACM Awards?

The host has not yet been announced. Reba McEntire hosted the 59th and 60th ceremonies. Other past hosts include Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, and LeAnn Rimes. The 2026 host will be revealed in the spring.

When are ACM Award nominations announced?

Nominations for the 61st ACM Awards are expected in April 2026. The eligibility window covers January 1 through December 31, 2025. Last year, Ella Langley led all winners with five trophies and Lainey Wilson earned Entertainer of the Year.

What happens during ACM Awards Week?

ACM Awards Week 2026 spans three days in Las Vegas. Riley Green headlines ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green at Topgolf on Friday, May 15. ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash takes place at Mandalay Bay Beach on Saturday, May 16, featuring emerging artists. The 61st ACM Awards ceremony closes the week on Sunday, May 17.

Are ACM Awards tickets still available?

Primary tickets went on sale February 27 through AXS. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub with all-inclusive pricing and full buyer protection. ACM Awards Week event tickets for Riley Green at Topgolf and Country's Beach Bash at Mandalay Bay are also available separately.

Is ACMAwardsTickets.com an official site?

No. ACMAwardsTickets.com is an independent resale marketplace operated by BigStub. We are not affiliated with the Academy of Country Music, MGM Resorts, Dick Clark Productions, or Amazon. For official information, visit acmcountry.com. BigStub provides verified resale tickets with transparent all-inclusive pricing and buyer protection on every order.

What time should I arrive at the ACM Awards?

The ceremony begins at 5 PM PT with no admittance after 4:30 PM per the venue. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early to clear security, find your seats, and take in the pre-show atmosphere at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Who won Entertainer of the Year at the last ACM Awards?

Lainey Wilson won Entertainer of the Year at the 60th ACM Awards in 2025, along with three additional awards. Ella Langley won five categories including New Female Artist of the Year. The show featured appearances from Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, and more than 35 other artists.