Canandaigua’s CMAC Up for ACM “Outdoor Venue of the Year”

Crowd gathers on a grassy lawn at sunset in front of the CMAC outdoor concert stage in the Finger Lakes.
Concertgoers gather on the lawn at the CMAC outdoor amphitheater in Canandaigua, New York, enjoying a performance at sunset.

A popular Finger Lakes concert venue is once again earning national recognition from the country music industry.

The Academy of Country Music® has announced nominations for its 61st annual awards, including the Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards. Among the nominees is the Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, commonly known as CMAC, in Canandaigua.

CMAC has been selected as one of five finalists for “Outdoor Venue of the Year,” a category that highlights top amphitheaters across the country. Other nominees include venues located in Colorado, Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. (see below)

Winners for the 2026 ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The honors will be formally presented during the 19th Academy of Country Music Honors event, which is held annually in August in Nashville.

May be an image of text that says 'OUTDOOR VENUE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES CMAC CANANDAIGUA, NY FIDDLER'S GREEN AMPHITHEATRE DENVER, co FLOORE'S COUNTRY STORE HELOTES, TX THE ORION AMPHITHEATER HUNTSVILLE, AL RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE MORRISON, co WALMART AMP ROGERS, AR ACADEMY COUNTRY MUSIC'

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