Lineup Of Events Announced For The 60th ACM Awards Week

The Academy of Country Music has revealed a full schedule of events set for ACM Awards Week in Frisco, Texas, leading up to the 60th ACM Awards on Thursday, May 8 at Ford Center at The Star. From fan-facing concerts and charity fundraisers to industry gatherings, the week will spotlight a wide range of talent and honor the Academy’s six-decade legacy.

ACM Country Kickoff at The Star

Returning for its third year, the free, two-day ACM Country Kickoff will take over Tostitos Championship Plaza at The Star beginning Tuesday, May 6. Performances on the outdoor Carhartt Stage will feature ACM nominees Kassi Ashton, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Restless Road and Tucker Wetmore, alongside Josh Abbott Band, Maggie Antone, Drew Baldridge, William Beckmann, George Birge and The Wilder Blue. The event will be hosted by Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson of Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly and streamed live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch from 8–10 p.m. CT. Tickets for Tuesday are available here and Wednesday are available here.

ACM Edition of Whiskey Jam at Sidecar Social

On Tuesday, May 6 at 4 p.m., Nashville’s fan-favorite Whiskey Jam makes its way to Frisco for a free, high-energy show at Sidecar Social in The Star District. Hosted by singer and comedian Danae Hays, the event will feature sets by Russell Dickerson, John Morgan and The Wilder Blue, with more artists to be announced.

Jelly Roll & Friends at Billy Bob’s Texas

That same night, ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Jelly Roll will return to Billy Bob’s for Jelly Roll & Friends, a special benefit concert for ACM Lifting Lives. This marks the second year for the sold-out event, with surprise guests expected. Tickets go on sale Friday (April 25) and will be available here.

ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off

The annual Topgolf Tee-Off returns Wednesday, May 7 to Topgolf The Colony. The industry-only event includes an afternoon of golf and acoustic performances from rising artists, with proceeds supporting ACM Lifting Lives’ mental health initiatives. For more info or to purchase a bay, email liftinglives@acmcountry.com.

Opry NextStage Live from Texas

The Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Live returns for its third year at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 at the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall in Plano. Hosted by Jelly Roll, the event will showcase performances from Riley Green and 2025 NextStage artists Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore. Tickets are available now here.

“Play Something Country” Gala Honoring Brooks & Dunn

On Wednesday evening, May 7, ACM and ACM Lifting Lives will host an exclusive gala at Omni PGA Frisco, celebrating the achievements of 25-time ACM Award winners Brooks & Dunn. The night will include a cocktail hour presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, a seated dinner, silent auction, and tribute performances by Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson. Bobby Bones will host the event, with Shawn Parr presenting the pre-show and live auction. Table packages begin at $15,000. For more information, email liftinglives@acmcountry.com.

ACM Awards Official After Party

Following the main event on May 8, the ACM Awards Official After Party at the Omni Frisco Hotel will feature performances from legendary artists spanning the Academy’s 60-year history. Presented by Amazon Music, the invite-only celebration will honor this year’s winners and milestones.

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LB Cantrell

LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.