How to go to CMT Awards' free Austin events with Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban

For the first time in history, the fan-voted Country Music Television Awards will take place deep in the heart of Texas. The big ceremony hosted by Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini and featuring performances by Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce and more will take place on April 2 at Moody Center.

To celebrate the move, event producers are staging a Texas-sized Austin takeover with a full slate of free events that are open to the public. A full list of RSVPs for all of the free events is available at Eventbrite.

Here's what you need to know.

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How to attend the CMT Awards Ceremony at the Moody Center

If you're a fan of radio country music, the already massive lineup for the main event at Moody Center grew bigger on Wednesday, when organizers added Darius Rucker plus Black Crowes, breakout artist Jelly Roll, Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard and iconic singer Wynonna Judd plus Ashley McBryde.

Country superstars Underwood, Shelton, Pearce and Keith Urban were already announced for the roster. Hosts Ballerini and Brown will also perform at the show.

Tickets to the event are on sale now for $229-$304 a pop, but if your budget is more like the average protagonist in a country song than say, Boss Hogg, you can try filling out an Eventbrite RSVP for seat-filler tickets.

Potential seat fillers, take note: The dress code is "elevated country" but not formal. Organizers say to leave the bright/sequined duds and full-length gowns at home, and crucially, don't wear a cowboy hat. Yes, you read that correctly.

Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Keith Urban to play free outdoor stage

At an as-yet-undisclosed location on March 29, some of the biggest stars who will appear at the awards ceremony will perform in "the heart of downtown Austin." Underwood, Brown plus Katelyn Brown, Urban and Tyler Hubbard are among the performers who will take the stage to tape a segment that will air as part of the awards.

Fans can register for a chance to snag a wristband for the event on Eventbrite. A news release about the event notes that event access for this, and all the events, will only be available to preregistered guests with event wristbands. Access is subject to capacity and "there are no other area viewing possibilities due to perimeter controls and fencing," according to organizers.

'CMT Crossroads' will stage a live outdoor taping with Darius Rucker and Black Crowes

CMT's longest running television show, "CMT Crossroads," is dedicated to exploring the roots of country music by pairing a country star with a popular artist from another genre. On March 31 in Austin, the show will take the artist formerly known as Hootie back to his rock origins alongside Black Crowes. Award-winning country star Rucker will join the Southern rock kingpins in an outdoor performance in front of a live audience "in the heart of downtown Austin," according to organizers.

Fans can register for a chance to attend on Eventbrite.

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What to know about CMT Music Awards red carpet and pre-show

Before the big ceremony on April 2, you can watch the evening's performers navigate the potentially perilous intersection of evening wear and Western wear on the red carpet. Hosts Cody Alan, Carissa Culiner and Marley Sherwood welcome the stars, and Central Texas band Midland and Jon Pardi will drop by to play their nominated song, “Longneck Way To Go.”

Fans can register for a chance to attend on Eventbrite

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On March 29, hosts Alan, Culiner and Sherwood will tape a show with appearances by awards show co-hosts Ballerini and Brown, plus Russell Dickerson and Lonestar. The Statesman has reached out to the CMT Awards for more information.

Fans can sign up for a chance to attend here.

Then there's the Ram Trucks Side Stage

On April 1, emerging artists will play an outdoor warm-up for the big event. Rising country talents Avery Anna, Chapel Hart, Jackson Dean, Lily Rose, Megan Moroney and Nate Smith will perform in an event set to air as part of the awards.

Fans can register for a chance to attend on Eventbrite.

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Don't miss the CMT Block Party hosted by CBS Austin's Trevor Scott with DJ Cassandra

"We Are Austin" host Trevor Scott hosts a two-day block party at the intersection of Ninth Street and Congress Avenue from noon to 4 p.m. on April 1-2. Saturday performers are Hannah Ellis, Matt Koziol and William Clark Green. Angel White, Danielle Bradbery and Tiera Kennedy play on Sunday.

The block party is family friendly with no RSVP required.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How to go to CMT Awards, free Austin events with Carrie Underwood