As the final weeks dwindle, anticipation is reaching a crescendo in Kelowna, British Columbia, as the city prepares to host the 2025 Canadian Country Music Week and the prestigious Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) presented by TD. From September 10 to 13, the vibrant Okanagan city will transform into a hub of Canadian country music, marking a significant milestone as Kelowna welcomes the national celebration for the very first time. This extensive event promises four days packed with live performances, industry gatherings, fan experiences, and the grand finale: the 2025 CCMA Awards ceremony, all designed to showcase the immense talent within Canada’s thriving country music scene.
A Week-Long Festival of Country Music
Country Music Week 2025 extends beyond the main awards show, offering a comprehensive program for fans and industry professionals alike. The festivities officially kick off on Wednesday, September 10, with various events spread across downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District. Highlights include the CCMA House: Live at Waterfront Park, presented by Beem Credit Union, a two-day, all-ages festival taking place on Friday, September 12, and Saturday, September 13. This outdoor celebration at Kelowna’s picturesque Island Stage within Waterfront Park will feature continuous live music, a lively vendor market, diverse food trucks, sponsor activations, and an official viewing party for the CCMA Awards.
The CCMA House boasts an impressive lineup for both days. Friday, September 12, will see performances by a diverse array of country artists, including Chris Buck, Annika Catharina, Allison Daniels, Teigen Gayse, Morgan Griffiths, Josh Stumpf, Mitch Zorn, Dawson Gray, Jade Eagleson, Kalsey Kulyk, Kyle McKearney, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, Robyn Ottolini, Meghan Patrick, Restless Road, SACHA, The Road Hammers, and The Washboard Union. The excitement continues on Saturday, September 13, with 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 taking the stage, alongside a special performance by the main awards host, Tom Green.
Beyond the Waterfront Park festivities, Country Music Week will also host the SiriusXM Top of the Country Finale Concert on September 11 at Waterfront Park, featuring headliner Cameron Whitcomb. Other anticipated events include the CCMA Legends Show and a series of intimate Songwriters’ Sessions, offering unique opportunities to connect with the storytelling heart of country music.
The Main Event: 2025 CCMA Awards at Prospera Place
The pinnacle of the week is the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD, set for Saturday, September 13, at Prospera Place. This gala event, broadcasting live from Kelowna for the first time, will be exclusively aired on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app at 8 p.m. ET, with next-day streaming available on Crave.
Adding an unexpected twist to Canada’s biggest night in country music, the 2025 CCMA Awards will be hosted by comedian, actor, and cultural icon Tom Green. Known for his unconventional humour and energy, Green is set to bring a unique charm to the ceremony. Amy Jeninga, President of the CCMA, expressed the association’s excitement, noting Green’s bold creativity and deep Canadian roots make him the ideal choice to lead a show that celebrates connection, community, and world-class entertainment.
Star-Studded Lineup and Leading Nominees
The awards ceremony promises an unforgettable night with a powerhouse lineup of performers and presenters. Announced performers for the main show include Madeline Merlo and Tyler Joe Miller, Sacha and Restless Road, Dallas Smith and Alexandra Kay, Thelma & James, Cameron Whitcomb, Jade Eagleson, Noeline Hofmann, James Barker Band, Meghan Patrick, and Josh Ross. A roster of presenters, including Hailey Benedict, Ty Bentli, Lisa Brokop, Dax, Shannon Ella, Jillian Harris + Justin Pasutto, Jess Moskaluke, Owen Riegling, and The Washboard Union, will also grace the stage.
Leading the charge in nominations for the 2025 CCMA Awards are Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb, both with an impressive six nods. Close behind are Brett Kissel and Owen Riegling, each securing five nominations. Jade Eagleson garnered four nominations, while Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, and Sacha each earned three. A significant addition to this year’s program is the new ‘Francophone Artist of the Year’ award, recognizing exceptional achievements by French-speaking acts within Canadian country music, with its inaugural nominees including Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire, and Salebarbes.
Kelowna’s Moment in the Spotlight
Hosting the CCMA Awards and Country Music Week is a major coup for Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley. It marks only the third time British Columbia has hosted Country Music Week since 1977, and the first for Kelowna. City officials and Tourism Kelowna anticipate a substantial economic impact from the influx of artists, industry professionals, and thousands of music fans. The event offers a unique opportunity for Kelowna to showcase its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and renowned hospitality on a national stage.
The Canadian Country Music Association has also formally acknowledged that Country Music Week 2025 will take place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people, recognizing their continued stewardship of the land and the rich cultural traditions that have thrived there for generations.
Tickets and How to Join the Celebration
For those eager to experience the excitement firsthand, tickets for both the main CCMA Awards show at Prospera Place and single-day tickets for CCMA House at Waterfront Park are currently available. Various ticket options, including VIP Sneak Peak Experiences, offer enhanced access and unique opportunities for fans.
Supported by the Government of British Columbia, Creative BC, Tourism Kelowna, the City of Kelowna, and the 2025 Host Committee, the upcoming Canadian Country Music Week and Awards are set to be an unforgettable celebration. As Kelowna counts down to this historic event, the buzz continues to build, promising an unparalleled experience for everyone involved and further cementing the strong presence of country music in Canada.
