Country Music is Coming Home: The 61st ACM Awards Return to Las Vegas!
- Keith Salwoski
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
Dust off your boots and get your vocal cords ready... the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards are officially coming back to their iconic home in Las Vegas!
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the MGM Grand Garden Arena will transform into the epicenter of country music for the 61st ACM Awards. After a few years away, the show is returning with a massive week of events that prove everything is better under the Vegas lights.
Mark Your Calendars: Ticket Info
Don't wait until the last minute—these will go fast. Here is the play-by-play for snagging your seats:
ACM A-List Pre-Sale: Starts Wednesday, February 25, at 10 a.m. PT. Sign up for the free ACM A-List newsletter to get your code.
General On-Sale: Starts Friday, February 27, at 10 a.m. PT via Vivid Seats or AXS.com.
The Full Festival Lineup
The awards show is just the grand finale. The ACM has curated a full weekend of events to keep the party going:
Friday, May 15 – Country on the Green: Riley Green and friends take over Topgolf Las Vegas. This is an intimate, up-close concert held right in the outfield. Price: $150 General Admission / $200 VIP.
Saturday, May 16 – Country’s Beach Bash: A reimagined outdoor concert at Mandalay Bay Beach. Imagine rising country stars performing while you dip your toes in the sand and wave pool. Price: Starting at $75.
Sunday, May 17 – The 61st ACM Awards: The main event at MGM Grand Garden Arena, streaming live on Prime Video.
Insider Tips: Where to Eat at MGM Grand
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is huge, and you definitely don’t want to be "hangry" when your favorite artist takes the stage. Since the show starts at 5 p.m. (doors at 4 p.m.), a late lunch or early dinner is a must.
Here are our top picks for a pre-show meal right inside the MGM Grand:
The "Celebrity Experience" – Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill: Located just a short walk from the Arena entrance, it’s lively, high-energy, and serves up incredible California-style pizzas and burgers. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch—you never know which country star might be grabbing a bite!
The "Foodie’s Choice" – Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak: If you want to celebrate the night in style, this is the place. Their wagyu beef and side dishes (like the mushroom risotto) are legendary. Give yourself at least 90 minutes here to really enjoy the meal.
The "Quick & Easy" – Grand Wok Noodle Bar: If you’re running a bit behind on your schedule, Grand Wok offers delicious, high-quality Asian cuisine (the Pad Thai is a fan favorite) in a much faster setting than a formal steakhouse.
The "Vegas Classic" – Nellie’s Southern Kitchen: Since you’re in town for Country music, why not go with Southern comfort food? Owned by the Jonas family, they serve up biscuits, fried chicken, and meatloaf that will make you feel right at home.
LAS Discounts Pro-Tip: The MGM Grand Garden Arena has a strict no admittance after 4:30 p.m. policy for the live broadcast. Make your dinner reservations for no later than 2:30 p.m. to ensure you have plenty of time to clear security!