The CMA Music Festival is a unique celebration of country music that takes place annually in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Fans who attend are treated to four days of music and fun, including special opportunities to meet the stars for autograph sessions and photo opportunities. There's a lot to see and do, and we'd like to share some tips for getting the most from your days and nights at this year's fest.

If you will be traveling from out of town to attend, please also visit Mahalo's CMA Music Festival Parking and CMA Music Festival Events pages ... these share very helpful tips and information on the logistics of various festival areas, so you can plan ahead for attending the special activities and concerts you don't want to miss. You might also want to keep abreast of the latest news about this year's fest by following the CMA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation), Twitter (www.Twitter.com/Country Music), and MySpace (www.MySpace.com/cmamusicfestival). Pre-festival news announced on these sites includes some unique opportunities to meet the stars and win festival tickets. http://www.facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation http://www.Twitter.com/Country Music http://www.MySpace.com/cmamusicfestival

'

If you are interested to meet your favorite country star, visit the FAQ at cmafest.com for very helpful info on how autograph signing events and photo opportunities at Fan Fair Hall are scheduled and conducted. Unlike in previous years, there will be a formal schedule for fan meet-and-greet events in 2010, and this schedule should become available via the official site at least a week before the festival begins. http://www.cmafest.com/info/faqs.aspx

Before heading out to the festival, make sure you acquaint yourself with the lists of allowed and prohibited items that are specific to each concert location. These lists are also posted on the FAQ page at cmafest.com. http://www.cmafest.com/info/faqs.aspx

When attending concerts, make sure you bring along enough cash to cover your purchase of food and beverages. Most of the festival's concession stands don't accept credit cards. ATM's are available throughout the downtown area and also at Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall and LP Field, but be prepared for long lines at the ATM's that are most convenient to the festival's concert venues. http://www.cmafest.com/info/faqs.aspx

Nashville is hot and humid in June, so be sure to pack appropriate summer clothing and comfortable shoes. It is wise to also bring a tote bag ... very handy for carrying rain gear in case of a summer shower, autograph-related items, promotional gifts, and souvenirs.

If you'll be in Nashville on June 9, the day before the festival begins, consider taking an evening stroll to Bridgestone Arena to witness the excitement of the 2010 CMT Music Awards. Tickets for the event are sold out, but chances are good that you'll spot some top stars smiling for the cameras outside the venue. Event is scheduled to begin at 7pm. http://www.cmtmusicawardspress.com/2010/about/ http://www.cmtmusicawardspress.com/2010/nomineesandrecipients

While attending the festival, consider allowing time to explore the many Nashville attractions that showcase it's rich country music heritage and culture. For information on additional country music shows, exhibits and special events around the city, visit the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau's CMA page at www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/cmafest. http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/cmafest