Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini will return for a second year as hosts of CMA Fest, the three-hour special that brings country music's ultimate fan experience to a national television audience. CMA Fest airs WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 (8:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. Filmed during Nashville's annual CMA Fest, Thursday, June 7, through Sunday, June 10, the television special features more than 25 of country music's biggest names as they hit the stage during the four-day event. 2018 marks the 15th consecutive year of the broadcast, a feat no other U.S. music festival has achieved.