See CMT Music Awards stars perform for free

Ahead of the event’s first Austin showing, country music superstars will perform for the public across the city.

The Moody Center's entrance, from outside

The CMT Music Awards will take place at Austin’s Moody Center.

Photo by ATXtoda

The CMT Music Awards take place in Austin this Sunday, April 2 for the first time ever, and the star-studded event is bringing several other happenings to the Capital City.

And guess what? They’re free.

Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban | Wednesday, March 29 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Location TBD | Free | The location for this outdoor performance has yet to be announced, but it will be taped live.

The Black Crowes and Darius Rucker | Friday, March 31 | 7-10 p.m. | Downtown Austin | Free | This concert is also a taping of “CMT Crossroads,” the longest-running show on Country Music Television.

Ram Trucks Side Stage | Saturday, April 1 | 5:30-9 p.m. | San Jacinto Boulevard and East 20th Street | Free | See Nate Smith, Jackson Dean, and Lily Rose at this show.

Holding out for the main event? Headliners for the awards ceremony at the Moody Center include Blake Shelton and Wynonna Judd — tickets are available online for $229-$304.