CMA Fest: A guide to unofficial shows with Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and more

Luke Combs in a parking lot? Thomas Rhett headlining a small club? Darius Rucker leading an all-star benefit show?

When CMA Fest week hits Nashville, nothing seems out of the question for where Music City's best-known hitmakers could pop up for a surprise performance or one-of-a-kind collaboration.

Take a stroll off the beaten path to Nissan Stadium and Riverfront Park with a handful of CMA Fest week shows that aren't part of the official bill but should still fill the appetite of country music fans hungry for an only-in-Nashville experience.

(Return to this list throughout CMA Fest week for updates on shows.)

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June 6: Darius Rucker and friends at the Ryman

"Wagon Wheel" singer Darius Rucker enlists a group of surprise guests for a one-night show raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He's keeping this year's guest list under wraps, but past artists to support Rucker's fundraising concert include Sheryl Crow, Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde and Brad Paisley, among others. Tickets start at $50. More information at ryman.com.

June 6-12: Gibson Garage anniversary celebration

Guitar giant Gibson celebrates the one-year anniversary of Gibson Garage — a six-string play yard opened last summer inside Cummins Station — with a packed week of performances, giveaways and pop-up surprises. Appearances include Darius Rucker, Marcus King, Danielle Bradbery, Elvie Shane, Eric Paslay and more. More information at gibson.com/en-US/garage.

June 7: Thomas Rhett at Marathon Music Works

Sirius XM and Pandora team to deliver a free club show headlined by arena-sized country star Thomas Rhett. The "What's Your Country Song" artist plays the free gig ahead of his CMA Fest appearance June 10 at Nissan Stadium. Connor Smith opens the show. Fans can RSVP at sxmpandorapresentthomasrhett.splashthat.com.

June 8: Luke Combs outside BMI Nashville

Luke Combs kicks off his CMA Fest week with a party unlike any other — and you're invited. The perennial hitmaker celebrates nine consecutive chart-topping country radio hits with a $10 concert from the BMI parking lot in Nashville's Music Row neighborhood. Find more information at bmi.com.

June 8: Late Night Jam at the Ryman

Described by host and Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart as "the pirate ship" of CMA Fest week, Late Night Jam returns to the Ryman for what should be a rowdy night of songs and stories from Stuart, Emmylou Harris, Billy Strings, Marcus King and more. Tickets start at $35.50 before fees. Find more information at ryman.com.

Related: Which historic guitars will Marty Stuart share at the Late Night Jam? Here's a sneak peek

June 10: Brett Eldredge on Skydeck

"Lose My Mind" singer Brett Eldredge celebrates the release of his new album "Songs About You" with a free show on the Skydeck inside Assembly Food Hall. Doors to the 5:30 p.m. show open at 4:30 p.m. and fans can expect to enter on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information at assemblyfoodhall.com.

The lineup: See the full CMA Fest 2022 lineup of who is performing (and where)

Related: Spotify announces the CMA Fest 2022 return of 'Spotify House' concerts to Ole Red

June 9-12: Spotify House at Ole Red

Ashley McBryde, Breland, Lainey Wilson, Nikki Lane, Cole Swindell, Mickey Guyton and dozens more appear at the Lower Broadway bar as part of Spotify's annual CMA Fest takeover. Music runs 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. on June 9-11, capping with a matinee show on June 12. The free Spotify House opens to fans each day during CMA Fest on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information at spotify.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 2022 CMA Fest week: A guide to unofficial shows in Nashville