Canadian Country Music Association Awards
Kelowna rocked the 2025 Canadian Country Music Awards! With over 27,500 attendees and a sold-out show, the event generated a direct local economic impact of $11.7M and supported almost 4,000 jobs. The energy, hospitality, and community spirit made this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to build on this success and welcome more major events to our city in 2026!
The City of Kelowna is proud to be the host city for the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards show and the biggest week in country music! From September 10 until the 13th, Kelowna will be the hub for all things Canadian country music; from artist activations, family-friendly events, outdoor concerts and more, Kelowna will provide a beautiful back drop, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.
How did we get here? Let Chris Babcock, the City of Kelowna’s Event Development Manager highlight what it takes to bring an event like this to Kelowna.
Surprisingly, the process to bring the CCMA Awards to the city began 2-3 years ago. Chris states, “it starts with us identifying an event that would be a good fit for Kelowna and then reaching out to a host organization to informally explore the concept.” From there, relationships are built and the City is able to discover what is important for the host organization so the City can begin working towards that goal. “Ongoing negotiations, identifying best practices, and understanding past experiences help put our best foot forward.”
Once the bid is secured, the ground work begins.
“A host committee is formed to manage the event’s many components,” continues Chris. These include logistics like transportation and parking, dressing up the city with pageantry like banners or art, and business engagement to ensure they can provide a great visitor experience. “It’s also important to develop activations around Kelowna that provide an opportunity for the broader community to get involved.”
Each event also presents its own unique requirements.
For example, the Brier needed volunteers with curling expertise, while the CCMA Awards demand skills in live music production, something Kelowna’s Community Theatre team is well-equipped to handle.
The impact of hosting the CCMA Awards extends far beyond the music.
“Events like this bring economic stimulus from increased tourism and local spending as well as social and cultural enrichment as the city shares experiences, celebrates heritage, and fosters community pride,” says Chris.
Looking ahead, the City is preparing to host the Memorial Cup and the BC Summer Games, both which are in different stages of planning. These events will further contribute to Kelowna’s vibrancy and offer shared opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Creating an “eventful city” is more than hosting a series of events, it’s a philosophical shift. It requires a proactive, integrated approach that aligns with community values and local initiatives. “We’re in a good place right now,’ says Babcock. “And I think, now more than ever, there is a better overall understanding and appreciation of what events can offer a community”.
Make the most of your time in Kelowna with plenty to discover beyond the main stage!
Explore events at the Rotary Arts Centre including the Family Square Dance Social, RCA Grand Ole Opry, Family Country Hat Decorating, Beer and Bedazzle Your Cowgirl Hat Workshop, and the Contra Line Dance series
Learn about the Ranching and Rodeos Exhibition at the Kelowna Museums
Get artsy with Free Admission to the Kelowna Art Gallery on Sept 11th
Talk a walk up Knox Mountain and discover our Artist in Residence spoken word installation
YLW is going country!
For many visitors to Kelowna, their CCMA Awards experience begins and ends at Kelowna International Airport. During Country Music Week, experience live music, airport art installations, and capture the moment at the "Barn and Barrel" selfie station, sponsored by Road 13 Vineyards.
Catch the following live music sets before security in the terminal rotunda:
- Sept 10, 12-2:30 p.m. - Okanagan Symphony Orchestra's string trio
- Sept 11, 11-3pm - CCMA Awards solo and duo acts
If you want to learn more about hosting a major event in Kelowna, please contact our Event Services Team at [email protected] or 250-469-8423.
