The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will return to the dazzling city of Las Vegas following three successful years in Texas. Hosted by the legendary songwriter and best-selling female Country artist Shania Twain and 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 powerhouse performers set to take the stage include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top, 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.”
Thursday, May 14 – ACM’s Whiskey Jam Welcome
- Location: Ole Red Las Vegas
- Time: 8:00 – 11:00 PM
- ACM’s official kick-off to the weekend of celebration leading into the 61st ACM Awards. Whiskey Jam brings the best and brightest country stars to the Vegas strip. Free and open to the public.
- Performances by Avery Anna, The Band Perry, Caroline Jones, Jenna Paulette, and more
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 – United50 Pilates Reset
- Location: Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay
- Time: 9:45 AM
- Join UNITED50 for a Pilates Reset is a guided session designed to bring you back into alignment — physically and mentally. A moment to reset, recharge, and move with intention before stepping back into the pace of the weekend.
- Limited to 30 guests and included in your ticket price is a UNITED50 outfit and curated refreshments.
Saturday, May 16 – ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash
- Location: Mandalay Bay Beach Wave Pool
- Time:
- 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.
- Headlined by Keith Urban and 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: 5:00 PM
- Hosted by Shania Twain
- Powerhouse performers set to take the stage include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top, and more.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.acmcountry.com ’
