The ACM Awards Return to Las Vegas in 2026 — And It’s a True Country Homecoming

It’s official: the Academy of Country Music Awards is heading back to Las Vegas, and country fans can dust off their boots with pride. After three blockbuster years in Texas, the ACM, Prime Video, and Dick Clark Productions have announced that the 61st ACM Awards will return to the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The ceremony will once again livestream globally on Prime Video—continuing its legacy as the first major awards show to stream exclusively—and on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.

For the ACM, coming back to Vegas isn’t just a venue switch—it’s a full-circle moment. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to MGM Grand… It truly feels like a homecoming for us,” said ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. And he’s not wrong. Many of the ACM’s most unforgettable nights played out right at MGM Grand, making this 2026 return a nostalgic celebration wrapped in glittering Las Vegas energy.

Dick Clark Productions CEO Jay Penske echoed the excitement, calling 2026 “a very special year for the ACMs,” and highlighting the strengthened partnership with MGM Resorts to deliver world-class entertainment for fans. If last year’s 60th anniversary spectacular was any indication, they aren’t bluffing. The 2025 show, hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, delivered powerhouse performances from more than 40 artists—from Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson to Eric Church, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, and even a surprise Backstreet Boys moment. Broadcast in over 240 countries and territories, it cemented the ACM Awards as one of the biggest, brightest global celebrations of country music.

With the awards returning to their Sunday night slot in 2026, fans can expect even more high-wattage performances, emotional wins, and unexpected collaborations. The ACM has a history of bringing together unforgettable pairings—Dua Lipa with Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran with Luke Combs, and Rascal Flatts with the Backstreet Boys, to name just a few. And with the show returning to the entertainment capital of the world, the possibilities feel even larger.

ACM Awards Week will officially take over Las Vegas starting Friday, May 15, 2026, with special events, fan activations, and star-powered appearances leading up to the big show. Tickets for the awards and all surrounding events go on sale in early 2026, giving country lovers ample time to plan their Vegas getaway.

The ACM Awards, first established in 1966, remain the longest-running country music awards show—and one of the most innovative. After making history in 2022 as the first awards ceremony to stream exclusively, the ACM has continued pushing boundaries with iconic hosts like Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire and by championing inclusivity initiatives like ACM Level Up. With more than 5,000 members worldwide and a charitable arm dedicated to improving lives through music, the Academy is as committed as ever to the artists, fans, and communities behind country’s biggest moments.

For more information and updates as 2026 approaches, fans can follow the Academy of Country Music across their social platforms, join the conversation using #ACMawards, and sign up for exclusive presale access through the ACM A-List.

Las Vegas loves a comeback—and next May, the ACM Awards are poised to deliver one of their biggest yet.