The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will return to the dazzling city of Las Vegas following three successful years in Texas. Taking place from the world-renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena, the award celebration will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT, continuing the groundbreaking legacy of the ACM Awards as the first-ever major awards show to livestream exclusively. The first round of powerhouse performers set to take the stage include Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green, with many more unforgettable performances to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Returning to the Sunday night timeslot, the Emmy-nominated, star-powered experience will feature unprecedented performances, exclusive collaborations, and unexpected moments from the biggest Country Music stars, all while celebrating the genre’s most iconic and emerging talent. ACM Award winner Cody Johnson will take the stage following his 2025 win for ACM Song of the Year. Reigning Entertainer of the Year and 16-time ACM Award recipient Lainey Wilson returns to the ACM Awards stage with the world premiere performance of “Can’t Sit Still.” Four-time ACM Award winner and 2026 ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green headliner, Riley Green, will deliver a performance of his hit song “Change My Mind.”
Friday, May 15 – ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends
- Location: Topgolf Las Vegas
- Time: 8:00 PM
- ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends will be a can’t-miss, intimate concert experience featuring your favorite Country Music stars performing some of their biggest hits like you’ve never seen them before.
- Performances by headliner Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, Randy Houser, and more.
- Tickets are available at $200 for VIP Early Access to General Admission doors and $150 for General Admission.
- All ticket proceeds benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.
Saturday, May 16 – ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash
- Location: Mandalay Bay Beach Wave Pool
- Time: TBD
- ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash is a reimagined fan-favorite outdoor concert experience set against the iconic Mandalay Bay Beach and Wave Pool, featuring dynamic performances from Country Music’s rising stars.
- Performances by Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Flatland Cavalry, Braxton Keith, and Tucker Wetmore, plus members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2026 – Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts, and Hudson Westbrook.
- Tickets are available starting at $150 for VIP and $75 for General Admission.
Sunday, May 17 – 61st ACM Awards
- Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena
- Time: TBD
- Powerhouse performers set to take the stage include Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Riley Green, with many more unforgettable performances to be revealed in the coming weeks.