ACM Awards Return to Las Vegas in 2026 With a Major MGM Grand Homecoming

The Academy of Country Music has officially confirmed that the 61st ACM Awards will return to Las Vegas in 2026, marking a big homecoming after three years in Texas. The show will take place Sunday, May 17, 2026, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and will once again stream globally on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.

ACM Awards Celebrate a Major Homecoming

It’s a full-circle moment for the ACMs, which have a long history at the MGM Grand. “It truly feels like a homecoming for us,” said Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO. “There’s no better place to host an exciting, global Country Music celebration than fabulous Las Vegas.”

ACM Awards Build on a Massive 60th Anniversary Year

The move comes on the heels of the ACMs’ massive 60th anniversary show earlier this year – the Reba-hosted milestone broadcast that featured more than 40 performers, from Alan Jackson and Chris Stapleton to Ella Langley, Wynonna Judd, Backstreet Boys and more. The show reached viewers in over 240 countries and territories, reinforcing its position as one of country’s biggest global moments.

A Bigger, Brighter 2026 in Las Vegas

Dick Clark Productions CEO Jay Penske added that 2026 is shaping up to be “a very special year” for the ACMs, pointing to the renewed partnership with MGM Resorts and their shared focus on world-class fan experiences.

Ticket Info and ACM Awards Week

The awards will also return to their Sunday night slot, and ACM Awards Week will kick off in Vegas on Friday, May 15, with ticket sales opening in early 2026. Fans are encouraged to follow ACM socials and sign up for the A-List for presale access and updates.

A Look Back at ACM History and What Comes Next

Founded in 1966 and now headquartered in Nashville with more than 5,000 members, the Academy continues to push for industry growth, representation and community support through initiatives like ACM Lifting Lives and ACM Level Up – while also evolving the show itself. In 2022, the ACMs became the first major awards ceremony to stream exclusively, launching the Prime Video era that continues today.

The 61st ACM Awards are promising big collaborations, huge performances and plenty of Vegas spectacle – a fitting next chapter as the show heads back to one of its most iconic homes.