FAQ

General

• How can I join the Americana Music Association?

  If you are not yet an Americana Music Association member, you may learn more about membership and join here.

• Do I have to be a member of the Americana Music Association to attend AMERICANAFEST?

  You do not have to be a member to attend the festival.

  A discounted rate on AMERICANAFEST passes is available to members of the Americana Music Association leading up to the festival.

  Note: Walk-up rates will go into effect for ALL attendees two weeks prior to the start of AMERICANAFEST.

• Is there a printer-friendly schedule for AMERICANAFEST?

  Once the schedule is released, a printer-friendly version will be made available.

• Why I am not receiving emails from the Americana Music Association or AMERICANAFEST?

  First, please confirm that the email address you provided at the time of purchase is correct. If it is not, please email info@americanamusic.org.

  If it is, then you may have opted out of our emails at some point.

  To opt back in, please click here. If you do not opt back in, you will not receive any AMERICANAFEST updates from us or emails regarding invite-only events.

• My partner and I share an email address. Will this cause problems?

  Yes. Some events at AMERICANAFEST are invite-only and require an RSVP. Invitations are sent to the Passholder email addresses that we have on file, and constitute only one RSVP per address. Please create a unique email address for each attendee so that you do not miss out on any of these events. There is nothing we can do if an event fills to capacity or sells out.

Attending AMERICANAFEST

• This is my first time attending. Any advice?

  We’ve put together a handy First Timer’s Guide to give you a brief overview of what to expect at our one-of-a-kind event.

• Is there an AMERICANAFEST mobile app?

  Yes! Our app is available for download on Google Play and Apple Store. Updates for AMERICANAFEST 2024 will be available in late summer.

• Where can I stay?

  Visit our Travel & Lodging page for details on our host hotel and other travel information.

• I am a young adult. Can I get into an 18+ or 21+ venue if I'm with a parent or guardian?

  Some venues may welcome youth under 18 with their parents, while others are 18+ or 21+ regardless of parental accompaniment. Venues are unable to negotiate on this point. For complete venue information, please see individual venue listings in our mobile app.

• Are the venues accessible for mobility disabilities?

  Yes, all venues are accessible and ADA compliant. 3rd and Lindsley, City Winery, and Station Inn have large seated areas. We recommend arriving early to the venue if this is a requirement for you as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Passes & Ticketing

• What passes are available to attend AMERICANAFEST?

  There are two types of passes attendees are able to purchase.

  The Festival Pass gets you into all evening showcases at participating venues (*pending capacity and venue reservation policy), plus access to daytime parties and events.

  For any “can’t miss” shows, we recommend arriving early!

  The Silver Pass gives you access to all events during AMERICANAFEST, including daytime panels at the host hotel site, festival showcases (*pending capacity and venue reservation policy) and “sanctioned” parties and events.

  *If certain showcases are in high demand, an RSVP will be sent to Silver Passholders ONLY. If you have a Festival Pass, you will have to wait in line. Both passholder types will be able to enter venues at the same time, unless an RSVP has been issued. Silver Passes also provide priority access to venues.

• How do I purchase a pass to AMERICANAFEST?

  Passes can be purchased online here once our 2024 passes are on sale. You may also purchase passes at our pass pick-up locations during the week of AMERICANAFEST.

• Where do I pick up my pass once I purchase?

  Passes can be picked up Tuesday, September 17, 2024 through Saturday, September 21, 2024. Times and location will be announced at a later date. Passes will NOT be mailed to you and will only be available for pick-up during the week of AMERICANAFEST.

• Why Should I Choose the Silver Pass?

  If you work in the industry, the Americana conference is an opportunity to meet with other industry professionals in a relaxed yet festive environment. It’s an opportunity to sit in on the many panel discussions, covering many facets of the music business. It’s also an opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones.

  If you’re a fan, the Americana conference is an opportunity to hear from the artists and professionals who spend their lives making the music you love. It’s an opportunity to take a peek behind the curtain and meet others who share your passion.

  You can find more information and purchase a Silver Pass here.

• Will my registration information be shared with other Conference Pass holders?

  Yes. When you register you are given the option to have your name published. You may opt out if you wish. Email addresses will never be shared.

• Are there day pass options available?

  AMERICANAFEST passes can only be purchased for the duration of the festival.

• Can I buy tickets for individual showcases?

  Tickets are sold at the door on the night of the show, depending on individual venues’ policies, if AMERICANAFEST is not sold out and if venue capacity allows. However, tickets for individual showcases vary and you only have access to that one venue.

• Are AMERICANAFEST passes refundable?

  AMERICANAFEST passes are NOT refundable. Our refund policy can be found here.

  However, if you purchased a Silver Pass and are unable to attend, you may transfer the pass to the following year. You may also send your pass to someone else name by notifying us before Sept. 9, 2024. View our Pass Rollover & Transfer policies here.

• What happens if I lose my pass?

  AMERICANAFEST passes are not replaceable. It is vital that you hold onto your pass. If the pass gets lost, a new one will need to be purchased.

Honors & Awards

• What are the Americana Honors & Awards?

  The Americana Honors & Awards is the yearly award show held at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Lifetime Achievement Honorees are honored and the illustrious “Of the Year” awards are presented for Artist, Album, Song, Duo/Group, Emerging Act, and Instrumentalist.

  You can find more information, including past winners, honorees, and nominees, here.

• I bought a pass for AMERICANAFEST. Does it get me into the Americana Honors & Awards show?

  The Honors & Awards ceremony is a separate ticketed event. Please sign up for our emails to stay up to date with our on-sale dates for the Americana Honors & Awards show in 2024.

Getting Involved at AMERICANAFEST

• How can I showcase at AMERICANAFEST?

  All artist and industry members may apply for a showcase. If you’re already a member, the showcase application will be emailed to your official member email address on the day submissions open. Please read it carefully and follow the instructions. You will also find the application when you log in to the member portal here.

  If you’re not a current artist or industry member and would like to submit, please join our association here. A Professional Artist membership has an annual fee of $35, while a Professional Industry membership is $75 for the year.

  Note: As an Artist or Industry member in good standing, there is no additional cost to submit for a showcase.

• What is the selection process for showcases?

  An objective panel of respected retailers, concert/club promoters and media professionals will review each submission.

  You can read more about the selection process here.

  All artists who submit for showcase consideration may attend AMERICANAFEST at a discounted rate, even if you are not chosen to showcase. Registration information and instructions will be included with the decision email. Please note, this offer will expire in late August, exact date to be determined.

• When will I be notified as to the status of my submission?

  All applicants will receive a response from us via email by June 30th. Due to high volume, please do not contact the office asking about the status of your application.

• Which genres are eligible for showcase consideration?

  The type of music accepted is Americana, which may include roots, country, folk, bluegrass, southern rock ‘n’ roll, blues, vintage R&B and soul music.

• I am an Americana Music Association member who is an industry professional. May I submit my non-member artist(s) using my membership?

  Yes, you may submit on behalf of your artist who may not be a current member.

• What do I need to know about my showcase time, equipment and pay?

  Official showcases are allotted a 45-minute set.

  The Americana Music Association provides two quality guitar amps, a bass rig and drum kit with cymbals, while the venues and the Americana Music Association furnish PA and lighting.

  Showcase artists are provided a modest stipend to help offset travel expenses. Showcasing artists also receive an AMERICANAFEST Silver Pass.

• How can I host a special event at AMERICANAFEST?

  At least one individual from each organization hosting and/or presenting an official event must have an AMERICANAFEST Silver Pass. This pass is included with the event listing fee. More information can be found here.

  Information for your event will be due in early June 2024.

• What is the difference between a special event and a showcase?

  Special events and their artist lineups (if any) are curated by sponsors, while a showcase is curated by the AMERICANAFEST Showcase Selection Committee. If you are interested in applying for an official showcase, please click here for more information.

• When can I have my event during AMERICANAFEST week (Sept. 17-21, 2024)?

  Approved timeframes for official special events are after 4pm on Tuesday, 9am – 6pm on Wednesday and 9am – 7pm from Thursday through Saturday.

• My event will have performing artists. Are there any particular set lengths?

  Official showcasing artists can play up to a 25-minute set at the event, while non-showcasing artists may perform up to a 45-minute set.

• I'm handling all the event planning myself. How do I go about securing a venue?

  We have a list of recommended venues here that you can reach out to, or you’re welcome to find your own venue in Nashville. Official showcase venues cannot be utilized for special events. Our office is unable to assist with securing a venue for special events.

• What type of marketing and promotion can I expect from becoming an official AMERICANAFEST event?

  Your event will be listed in our mobile app and here on our website. The listing would include a title (up to 90 characters) and a description (up to 70 words) of what attendees can expect to experience at your event. You are also welcome to submit a formatted mobile app image/graphic for our mobile app.

  Here are examples of special event listings in our programming. Information for your event will be due in early June 2024.

  In addition, your event may appear in our printed Program Guide and local third-party event sites. If you’d like to check out more advertising opportunities for purchase, please click here. If you’re interested in marketing your event to Nashville folks, we suggest advertising on local event calendar platforms like Do615 and NowPlayingNashville.

• How much does it cost for my Sponsor-Organized event to be listed in the festival programming?

  The listing cost depends on the length of your event. Please see the table below for more information.

  Event Length	Cost
  8 – 10 hours	$1,800
  5 – 8 hours	$1,550
  3 – 5 hours	$1300
  1 – 3 hours	$1050

• Can I volunteer for AMERICANAFEST?

  If you love music and want to help us out, then we will be accepting applications here in May 2025. If you are a music industry professional, we encourage you to purchase a Silver Pass to get the most out of AMERICANAFEST.