If today is only the pre-fest, we’re not sure that we’re ready for the rest of the week. With kick-off events galore, it’s hard to tell where Wednesday ends and the CMA Music Festival begins. And for locals, today may mark the last day that we dare venture downtown for a piece of the fun – So take advantage of it!

4th Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade: Downtown at 2pm, free & open to the public. The parade will begin at 6th & Broadway, take Broadway to 3rd, take 3rd to Demonbreun, and take Demonbreun back to 6th to end at the Sommet Center.

3rd Annual CMA Block Party: Sommet Center Chevy Stage at 3pm, free & open to the public.

Marty Stuart’s 7th Annual Late Night Jam: Ryman Auditorium at 10pm, tickets are $29.50-$39.50.

City Of Hope 18th Annual Softball Challenge: Greer Stadium at 12pm, tickets are $18. The biggest names in country music take it to the softball diamond to benefit City Of Hope.

2nd Annual Country Weekly Fashion Show by Wrangler: Wildhorse Saloon at 8pm, tickets are $20-$50 and benefit Musicians On Call.

Photo by Jon Erickson.