61st ACM Awards Returning to Las Vegas in May 2026

Country music's biggest stars to gather at MGM Grand Garden Arena for annual ceremony

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17, 2026, marking the show's return to Sin City after last being there in 2022. In the lead-up to the main awards ceremony, several special events are planned, including the ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends at Topgolf Las Vegas on May 15 and the ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash at Mandalay Bay Beach on May 16.

Why it matters

The ACM Awards are one of the most prestigious events in country music, honoring the genre's top artists, songwriters, and industry professionals. Las Vegas has long been a hub for the ACM Awards, and the return of the show to the city will draw thousands of fans and media attention to the vibrant country music scene.

The details

Tickets for all the ACM events, including the main awards show, will go on presale on Wednesday before becoming available to the general public on Friday. The 61st ACM Awards ceremony will be livestreamed exclusively on Prime Video.

  • The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will be held on May 17, 2026.
  • The ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends event will take place on May 15, 2026.
  • The ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash will be held on May 16, 2026.

The players

Academy of Country Music

The organization that hosts the annual ACM Awards, one of the most prestigious events in country music.

MGM Grand Garden Arena

The venue that will host the 61st ACM Awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

Riley Green

A country music artist who will perform at the ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green event.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 61st ACM Awards and the associated events will go on presale on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, before becoming available to the general public on Friday, February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

The return of the ACM Awards to Las Vegas in 2026 will be a major event for country music fans, as the city has long been a hub for the prestigious awards show. The lead-up events, including the Riley Green-headlined Topgolf concert, will further build excitement and anticipation for the main ceremony.