61st Academy of Country Music Awards
Country Music
Season: May 2026
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with Shania Twain hosting the evening broadcast on Prime Video — the second consecutive year the ceremony streamed globally rather than on traditional television. Country music's annual return to Las Vegas brought together the genre's biggest names for a four-hour production at the 17,000-seat arena at 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd. Ella Langley dominated the night by sweeping all seven of her nominations, including Female Artist of the Year, in one of the most decisive individual performances in recent ACM history. Cody Johnson won Entertainer of the Year, country music's highest individual honor; Parker McCollum took Album of the Year for his self-titled project; Brooks & Dunn claimed Duo of the Year while Red Clay Strays won Group of the Year. The ACM Awards has been held in Las Vegas more than any other city in the ceremony's history — the Strip's hotel infrastructure, media production capacity, and entertainment brand make it the natural home for country music's premier annual broadcast. The ceremony's timing during ACM Week (May 14–17) overlapped with EDC Week in 2026, creating one of the highest-demand hotel weekends of the year on the Las Vegas Strip. Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand is located steps from the Garden Arena and operates until 5 AM on show nights — free guest list for Hakkasan and other Strip venues is available through NoCoverVegas. Sources: acmcountry.com/news/winners-announced-for-61st-academy-of-country-music-awards, rollingstone.com/music/music-country/2026-acm-awards-winners-list-1235554212, axs.com/events/1241503/61st-academy-of-country-music-awards-tickets
61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena
61st Academy of Country Music Awards is a limited-engagement show at MGM Grand Garden Arena, meaning it runs for a defined period rather than as an open-ended residency. These shows often sell out faster than standard productions, so booking early is strongly recommended. Check the official venue website for the exact run dates before planning your trip.
Venue Type
arena
Capacity
17,157 seats
Location
MGM Grand
Arrival Tips & Parking
MGM Grand Garden Arena is a large-format arena, so arriving 30 to 45 minutes before showtime is recommended. Security lines move through multiple checkpoints. Bag policies are strictly enforced — check the venue website before you pack. Rideshare drop-off zones can be congested on show nights; the venue may have a designated pickup location separate from the main entrance.
MGM Grand Garden Arena is located at 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Parking options vary by show — on big nights, self-park garages fill early and valet lines get long. Rideshare is one of the most efficient options for shows that let out all at once, though surge pricing is common post-show. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, walking is often the best option and lets you avoid traffic entirely.
Dress Code
Dress code for arena and stadium shows in Las Vegas is casual — jeans, sneakers, and a comfortable outfit are the norm. There is no formal dress requirement for most concerts. That said, if you plan to head to a nightclub after the show, you will want to wear something that meets nightclub standards: no athletic wear, no ripped clothes for men, closed-toe dress shoes recommended.
After 61st Academy of Country Music Awards — Las Vegas Nightlife
Most Las Vegas shows let out between 10 PM and midnight — right when the nightclub scene hits its stride. Whether you're after an EDM headliner, a hip-hop night, or a high-energy open-format club, the Strip has options within a short rideshare ride of any major venue.
The key is signing up for guest list before the show. Guest list entry is free and skips the cover charge — you just need to arrive before the cutoff (typically 11 PM or midnight depending on the club). Sign up the morning of your concert and plan your after-show spot so you can go straight from the venue to the club without losing momentum.
OMNIA Nightclub
Caesars Palace
XS Nightclub
Wynn Las Vegas
Zouk Nightclub
Resorts World
Hakkasan
MGM Grand
Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub
The Cosmopolitan
Drai's Nightclub
The Vanderpump Hotel
LIV at Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Tao Nightclub
The Venetian
Jewel Nightclub
ARIA Resort & Casino
On The Record
Park MGM
Bottled Blonde
Horseshoe Las Vegas
Drai's After Hours
The Vanderpump Hotel
Gentlemen's Clubs
Strip Clubs After 61st Academy of Country Music Awards
Las Vegas strip clubs stay open well past 4 AM and offer free guest list entry with complimentary transportation from your hotel — popular with show-goers wrapping up early.
Sapphire Las Vegas
Crazy Horse 3
Treasures
Hustler Club
Spearmint Rhino
Peppermint Hippo
Kings of Hustler
Palomino Club
Little Darlings
Deja Vu Showgirls
Daytime Entertainment
Pool Parties & Dayclubs
Start your Vegas day at a pool party before the show. Las Vegas dayclubs run March through October with free guest list — the perfect afternoon before a night out.
Encore Beach Club
Marquee Dayclub
Tao Beach
Ayu Dayclub
Omnia Dayclub
Wet Republic
Stadium Swim
Palm Tree Beach Club
Las Vegas Entertainment
More Las Vegas Shows & Residencies
Eagles
Dead & Company
Bruno Mars
Lady Gaga
Rod Stewart
Penn & Teller
David Copperfield
Cirque du Soleil: O
Carrot Top
Mat Franco
Las Vegas Nightlife Resources
Nightlife Guides for Show-Goers
By Hotel
Nightlife Near Your Hotel
When to Go Out
Las Vegas Nightlife by Day of Week
Special Occasions
Celebrating in Las Vegas
61st Academy of Country Music Awards Las Vegas — Common Questions
How do I get tickets to see 61st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas?
Tickets for 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena are available through the official venue box office and major ticketing platforms. For residencies and long-running shows, tickets are typically on sale well in advance. For touring acts, tickets go on sale a few months before the show date. If the show is sold out, check verified resale platforms — avoid unverified third-party sellers to protect against fraudulent tickets.
What is the dress code at MGM Grand Garden Arena?
Dress code for arena and stadium shows in Las Vegas is casual — jeans, sneakers, and a comfortable outfit are the norm. There is no formal dress requirement for most concerts. That said, if you plan to head to a nightclub after the show, you will want to wear something that meets nightclub standards: no athletic wear, no ripped clothes for men, closed-toe dress shoes recommended.
Where is MGM Grand Garden Arena located?
MGM Grand Garden Arena is located at 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. It is one of Las Vegas's premier performance venues and is easily accessible from most major Strip hotels. Most rideshare services have designated drop-off zones nearby.
What nightlife is nearby after the show?
Las Vegas nightlife kicks into gear just as most shows let out — typically between 10 PM and midnight. Several of the top nightclubs on the Strip are within a short rideshare ride or walking distance of most venues. OMNIA at Caesars Palace, XS at Wynn, Hakkasan at MGM Grand, and Zouk at Resorts World are among the most popular options. Sign up for free guest list before the show so you can go straight from the concert to the club.
Is 61st Academy of Country Music Awards returning to Las Vegas?
61st Academy of Country Music Awards's Las Vegas dates are part of a touring engagement. Check the official tour schedule for current Las Vegas dates — touring acts may add or adjust dates as the tour progresses.