The Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) will return to Las Vegas in 2026. The academy has confirmed that the show will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 17.
The move restores the event to Sin City after three years in Texas. It also signals a major comeback for one of country music’s biggest nights.
ACM Awards Las Vegas Revival Announced For 2026
The 61st ACM Awards will mark a “homecoming” to Las Vegas. According to the official release, the show will stream live exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. This continues a trend that started in 2022.
ACM CEO Damon Whiteside described the return as a return to “a place that holds a lot of history and special memories for the Academy.” “There’s no better place to host an exciting, global Country Music celebration than fabulous Las Vegas!” he added.
The event is shaping up as a major global celebration of country music, with ACM Awards Week kicking off on Friday, May 15. It offers several days of festivities, red-carpet events, and fan experiences leading into the main show.
Vegas Is Back In The Spotlight
Las Vegas has hosted the ACM Awards many times over the years, and the return reflects both tradition and logistics. The city’s iconic venues, like MGM Grand Garden Arena, have long been associated with major music and entertainment events. This makes the Strip a natural fit for country music’s biggest night.
For the production team behind the show, the return also represents a strategic homecoming. Dick Clark Productions CEO Jay Penske said the return to Las Vegas “strengthens” their ability to deliver world-class entertainment to fans. This means they get to present glamour, performance, and a wide reach for viewers around the world.
“2026 is going to be a very special year for the ACMs… partnering with MGM Resorts strengthens our deep commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and experiences for Country Music fans and partners alike,” Penske explained.
With live streaming available globally, the 2026 ceremony could reach hundreds of millions of viewers across more than 240 countries and territories. By so doing, it taps both traditional country audiences and international fans.
Looking Ahead to ACM Awards 2026
The 2026 ACM Awards in Las Vegas aim to build on recent momentum. The 2025 ceremony in Texas marked the 60th anniversary of the awards show. Returning to Vegas next year signals renewed energy and a mixture of country tradition with entertainment-heavy production.
While nominees, performers, and hosts have yet to be announced, ACM Awards Week promises several days of fan-centred events beginning May 15. Tickets and full details are expected to drop early in 2026.
