ACM Awards Sets Return to Las Vegas, Reveals 2026 Date
3 minute readPublished: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 5:00 pm
ACM Awards to Return to Las Vegas in 2026
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards are set to return to Las Vegas in 2026, marking a homecoming for the prestigious event. After a three-year stint in Frisco, Texas, the 61st annual show will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The awards show will be streamed live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.
Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music, expressed excitement about the return, citing the venue's historical significance and special memories for the Academy. Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, emphasized the commitment to delivering world-class entertainment for country music fans.
The 60th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, took place in 2025 and featured performances and appearances from over 40 artists. The broadcast reached audiences in more than 240 countries and territories. The ACM Awards Week will commence on Friday, May 15, 2026, in Las Vegas. Tickets for the awards show and related events will be available for purchase in early 2026.
The ACM Awards have a history of innovation, being the first major awards ceremony to exclusively live stream, in partnership with Prime Video. The show has been hosted by Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire since forming its partnership. The ACM Awards are also the first country music awards show to be nominated for an Emmy.
BNN's Perspective:
The ACM Awards' move back to Las Vegas seems like a sensible decision. The city's entertainment infrastructure and established appeal to a broad audience should provide a strong platform for the awards show. The focus on streaming platforms ensures the event remains accessible to a global audience, which is crucial for the continued growth of country music.
Keywords: ACM Awards, Country Music, Las Vegas, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Prime Video, Amazon Music, Twitch, Reba McEntire, Awards Show, Music, Entertainment, 2026, Damon Whiteside, Dick Clark Productions, Tickets, Streaming