Kelowna Poised to Host Historic Canadian Country Music Awards Weekend
The excitement is palpable throughout Kelowna as the city prepares to welcome the nation’s premier country music celebration: Country Music Week 2025 and the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) presented by TD. Taking place from September 10th to 13th, this highly anticipated event marks the first time Kelowna, nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, will serve as host city, promising an unforgettable experience for artists, industry professionals, and fans alike. The convergence of Canada’s country music elite in this picturesque BC locale is generating significant buzz, underscoring the growing anticipation for what promises to be a landmark weekend for Canadian country music.
A City Ready to Shine: Kelowna Embraces the Spotlight
Kelowna’s selection as the host city for the 2025 CCMA Awards is a testament to its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and burgeoning music scene. This prestigious event is expected to inject significant economic vitality into the region, forecast to generate over $11 million in economic impact and more than 2,000 room nights for local accommodations and businesses. Mayor Tom Dyas has expressed enthusiasm, highlighting Kelowna’s reputation as a world-class event-hosting city with a vibrant country music community. The city’s stunning waterfront, urban energy, and renowned hospitality are set to provide a spectacular backdrop for the festivities, showcasing the best of Canadian country music talent. The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) acknowledges the event’s location on the traditional territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people, recognizing their stewardship and cultural contributions.
Country Music Week: A Multi-Day Celebration
Country Music Week 2025 is designed as a comprehensive celebration, encompassing a music festival, an industry conference, and the highly anticipated televised awards ceremony. From Wednesday, September 10th, through Saturday, September 13th, venues across downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District will pulse with activity. Fans can anticipate a dynamic schedule featuring high-energy performances, intimate songwriter sessions, industry panels, pop-up shows, and extensive fan experiences.
CCMA House: Waterfront Park’s Festival Atmosphere
A significant component of the week’s festivities is CCMA House: Live at Waterfront Park, presented by Beem Credit Union. This two-day, all-ages outdoor festival, scheduled for Friday, September 12th, and Saturday, September 13th, will transform Kelowna’s picturesque Waterfront Park into a hub of live country music. The event promises a vibrant atmosphere with a vendor market, food trucks, sponsor activations, and a licensed area, culminating in a public viewing party for the CCMA Awards ceremony.
The lineup for CCMA House is a star-studded affair, featuring a blend of established artists and emerging talent. Friday, September 12th, will showcase performances by artists such as Chris Buck, Annika Catharina, Allison Daniels, Jade Eagleson, Teigen Gayse, Morgan Griffiths, Kalsey Kulyk, Kyle McKearney, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, Robyn Ottolini, Meghan Patrick, Restless Road, SACHA, The Road Hammers, The Washboard Union, Josh Stumpf, and Mitch Zorn. Saturday, September 13th, will feature performances from the James Barker Band, Hailey Benedict, Chevy Beaulieu, Blue Ridge Band, Brettyn Rose, Sully Burrows, Nate Haller, Andrew Hyatt, Alexandra Kay, Matt Lang, JoJo Mason, Jess Moskaluke, MacKenzie Porter, The Prairie States, Owen Riegling, Shantaia, Tebey, and Thelma & James. The CCMA House events are designed as a casual, fan-focused celebration, allowing attendees to experience the music up close.
The Main Event: The 2025 CCMA Awards Ceremony
The pinnacle of Country Music Week will be the 2025 CCMA Awards ceremony, presented by TD, taking place on Saturday, September 13th, at Prospera Place. For the first time ever, the awards will be broadcast live from Kelowna, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the event. Comedian, actor, and cultural icon Tom Green is set to host the prestigious ceremony, bringing his signature humour and energy to the biggest night in Canadian country music. Green expressed his honor in hosting, stating, “Country music has always been a big part of my life growing up in Canada. I can’t wait to be part of this celebration and to bring a few surprises to the stage in Kelowna.” CCMA President Amy Jeninga remarked, “We’re beyond excited to welcome Tom Green to host this year’s CCMA Awards. His bold creativity and deep Canadian roots make him the perfect choice to lead a show that celebrates connection, community, and world-class entertainment.”
The awards ceremony will feature an impressive roster of performers and presenters, celebrating the best in Canadian country music. Scheduled performers include Jade Eagleson, Noeline Hofmann, James Barker Band, Meghan Patrick, and Josh Ross, among others. The awards will also highlight artists like Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, Sacha, Restless Road, Dallas Smith, Alexandra Kay, Thelma & James, and Cameron Whitcomb. The list of presenters is equally impressive, featuring Hailey Benedict, Ty Bentli, Lisa Brokop, Dax, Shannon Ella, Jillian Harris + Justin Pasutto, James Barker Band, Alexandra Kay, Zach McPhee, Jess Moskaluke, MuchMusic VJs, Owen Riegling, Restless Road, Tony Stevens, Alli Walker, The Washboard Union, Joe Wood, and Xana. Hailey Benedict is also notably nominated for Female Artist of the Year, marking her fifth career CCMA nomination.
Ticket Information and Fan Engagement
Single-day tickets for CCMA House at Waterfront Park are now available, alongside other ticketing options for the week’s events. Tickets for the CCMA Awards ceremony at Prospera Place, held on September 13th, were made available through presales starting November 22nd, with general sales following shortly after. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the exclusive Kelowna 2025 fan newsletter for access to pre-sale codes, giveaways, and important announcements. Additionally, Mitch Zorn, a Kelowna-based artist, is among the finalists for SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition, with the finale scheduled to take place during Country Music Week in his hometown. His participation adds a local flavour to the national celebration.
As Country Music Week 2025 draws nearer, Kelowna is set to become the epicenter of Canadian country music, offering a vibrant celebration of talent, community, and the enduring spirit of the genre. The blend of performances, industry engagement, and community spirit promises a memorable event for all attendees.
