CMA Awards 2025: Luxury Guide to Stay, Dine & Celebrate in Nashville

On November 19, 2025, the 59th Annual CMA Awards will take place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, which is Country Music’s signature night of recognition. The ceremony will air live on ABC at 8/7c, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. The Country Music Association returns the event to its home stage in Music City, celebrating the genre’s finest and offering attendees a rare chance to be part of history.

How You Should Attend: Dress, Behavior & Event Tips

Dress Code & Style Suggestions

The CMA Awards encourage black tie or formal attire. Men may opt for classic tuxedos or tailored dark suits, with a subtle nod to country flair for personal character. Women are encouraged to wear gowns, cocktail dresses, or formal evening attire. Sequins, tasteful metallic accents, and statement jewelry are acceptable, as long as they complement elegance. On the red carpet, avoid oversized bags or bulky accessories; compact clutches or wristlets work best.

What to Do at the Event

• Arrive early: doors open at 5:30 PM CT, with seating beginning by 6:45 PM CT to ensure everyone is in place before showtime.
• Catch the red carpet arrivals: many VIPs and nominees walk into public view before the main event, providing a moment for visibility and content.
• Move with intention: visit lounges, step into photo moments, and engage discreetly with fellow high-value attendees.
• Respect the schedule: expect award pacing, musical interludes, and acceptance speeches, and plan moments for intermissions or breaks.
• Observe etiquette: abide by VIP lounge boundaries, respect staff, and follow bag and entry policies to maintain ease and elegance.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Country Music Association (@cma)

Insider Tips

• Bring a lightweight shawl or wrap for venue chills or sudden temperature shifts.
• Choose comfortable but elevated footwear, keeping in mind that you may walk, stand, or navigate carpeted areas.
• Keep your bag compact and within the allowed size.
• Coordinate with your concierge team for arrival logistics or backstage credentials — efficiency matters when moments are moving fast.

Hotels & Where to Stay in Nashville

For a week of distinction, your basecamp matters. Nashville offers a curated selection of luxurious hotels and boutique hideaways, paired ideally with premium service:

• The Joseph, Nashville, a modern luxury boutique with curated art, refined finishes, and a location close to Broadway.
• Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, offering classic five-star service, impeccable amenities, and spacious suites that feel like residences.
• The Hermitage Hotel, steeped in history with a touch of southern elegance, offering tailored experiences with character.
• Boutique options in the Gulch or SoBro neighborhoods provide charm, privacy, and proximity.

VIP Tables Dubai design your accommodation beyond just booking. This includes suite upgrades, private floors, bespoke in-hotel amenities (such as spa access, evening turndown, and welcome gifts), as well as seamless early check-in or late check-out.

Dining: Signature & Exclusive Culinary Experiences

Nashville’s food scene is a well-kept secret among those in the know. For experience worthy of CMA caliber taste:

• Drusie & Darr: Nestled in the Joseph Hotel, Drusie & Darr offers an upscale dining experience featuring contemporary American cuisine with Southern influences, complemented by an exceptional wine list and a chic, modern atmosphere.
• Bourbon Steak: Located within the Fairmont Hotel, Bourbon Steak delivers a refined steakhouse experience with prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and an extensive bourbon selection, all set in a sleek and stylish space.
• Etch: A vibrant spot in downtown Nashville, Etch combines bold global flavors with locally sourced ingredients, offering a creative, contemporary menu and a sophisticated ambiance, perfect for an adventurous culinary experience.
• Husk: With a deep commitment to Southern heritage, Husk brings farm-to-table dining to the forefront, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in elevated dishes that celebrate the flavors and traditions of the South.
• Jeff Ruby’s: Known for its luxurious steakhouse ambiance, Jeff Ruby’s serves high-quality steaks, seafood, and classic cocktails in a glamorous setting, providing an unforgettable dining experience with impeccable service.

These top-tier kitchens combine southern soul with haute technique. Request private dining rooms, chef’s table experiences, or wine pairing menus for an evening beyond the public dining room.

VIP Tables Dubai team secure impossible reservations during peak demand. You’ll enjoy exclusive tables, private rooms, customized menus, wine pairings, and selective access regardless of guest lists.

Activities & Side Experiences

Beyond the awards, Nashville is a canvas of musical heritage, nightlife, and cultural discovery:

• Country Music Hall of Fame – Explore the history and heritage of country music through immersive exhibits, rare instruments, and iconic stage costumes that shaped generations.
• Grand Ole Opry – Step inside the home of legends. From classic performers to today’s chart-toppers, each show celebrates the soul of Nashville’s sound.
• Musicians Hall of Fame – A tribute to the unsung heroes behind the hits, this museum honours the producers, songwriters, and instrumentalists who defined the rhythm of American music.
• Explore Broadway nightlife and iconic live venues, or uncover hidden gems in East Nashville and 12 South, where boutique bars, intimate stages, and rising talents reveal the city’s creative pulse.

Request private curated experiences, such as songwriting sessions with established artists, behind-the-scenes studio visits, pop-up intimate concerts, or guided music industry tours.

With VIP Tables Dubai, your itinerary is tailored. We arrange exclusive backstage access, private transport, personalized route planning, and on-site concierge support. We orchestrate not just visits but privileges.

Elevating the CMA Awards Experience Via VIP Tables Dubai

In a world where every detail matters, VIP Tables Dubai deliver mastery in experience. We provide tailored packages for your elite experience:

• Hotel curation & bookings: aligning your stay with your expectations, style, and convenience.
• Transport & logistics: private car fleets, synchronized arrival and departure, luxury transfers.
• Dining & event access: priority reservations, backstage placement, VIP lounges.
• On-site support: concierge in your corner, real-time coordination, seamless problem-solving.

Let us help you own the narrative, move through the CMA week without friction and never settling for second-best. Contact VIP Tables Dubai now for the exclusive CMA Awards.