When the CCMA Canadian Country Music Week rides into town, you can bet Kelowna comes alive—boots tapping, spirits soaring, and the city’s creative pulse beating just a little louder. Whether you're a die-hard country fan, a first-time visitor, or just here for the vibe, this September's Country Music Week celebration promises more than a music-filled weekend. It's a full-on celebration of country spirit, creativity, and the unbeatable charm of the Okanagan.

So, where should you hang your hat and kick off your boots? And what should you do between shows and star sightings? Let’s make your Canadian Country Music Week in Kelowna one for the books.

What to Expect

^{Photo Credit. CCMA and Tour Bus Entertainment}

CCMA Canadian Country Music Week is more than the awards show; it’s a four‑day festival featuring public concerts, the industry conference, songwriting showcases, legend performances, and exclusive events that put you up close with established stars and emerging talent.

The grand finale takes place Saturday, September 13, at Prospera Place. Hosting the awards this year is Tom Green, bringing his signature humour and energy to the evening.

Where to Stay

Special Packages & Promotions

Kelowna is ready to roll out the welcome mat with special hotel packages and promotions available for CCMA attendees. From complimentary wine tastings to dining deals, several local accommodations are offering added perks to help you make the most of your stay.

More Places to Stay

^{Coast Capri Hotel. Photo: BC Ale Trail & Norma Ibarra}

Kelowna has a spot for every kind of traveller and every kind of country fan. Whether you’re here for a weekend of shows or planning an extended Okanagan getaway, you’ll find plenty of great options close to the action:

• Hotels, Motels & Resorts: From trusted brands to lakeside resorts with spa-like perks, these stays keep you comfortable and close to the CCMA festivities.

• Pet Friendly: Travelling with your pup? Kelowna has a range of accommodations that welcome furry friends, so everyone can enjoy the fun.

• Vacation Rentals: Great for groups or longer stays, vacation rentals include lakefront homes, modern condos, and everything in between.

• Bed & Breakfasts: Get a cozy, local experience with charming B&Bs offering home-cooked meals and insider tips.

• Camping: Prefer the great outdoors? Pitch a tent or park your RV at scenic campgrounds just a short drive from the downtown core.

• Cabins & Cottages: Tucked into the hills or perched by the lake, these quiet retreats are ideal for winding down after a night of music.

• Hostels: For the budget-conscious or social travellers, Kelowna’s hostels offer friendly, affordable accommodations with a community vibe.

Wherever you hang your hat, you’re never far from good tunes, great views, and a warm Kelowna welcome.

Click Here to View Accommodations

What to Do: Beyond the Music

Canadian Country Music Week is the star, but Kelowna knows how to fill the whole stage. Once you’ve clapped and danced your heart out, the city still has more to offer. Whether you're looking to keep the energy going or unwind between events, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the best of Kelowna.

^{Patio at Jackknife Brewing. Photo: BC Ale Trail}

Explore Downtown

Start your morning or ease into the evening with a walk along Kelowna’s 2 km lakeside boardwalk. Stretching from Prospera Place to City Park, the path winds past sandy beaches, public art, and the scenic marina. On one end of the boardwalk, you will find Rotary Marsh Park, a tranquil bird sanctuary where you can spot everything from osprey to blue herons and even the resident beaver. Just a few steps inland is the Cultural District, where you’ll find art galleries, museums, and public art displayed. This walkable part of the city is full of creativity, character, and casual spots to stop for coffee or a bite.

Eat and Drink

You’re in wine country, but that’s just one part of Kelowna’s growing food and drink scene. Downtown and the North End are packed with craft breweries, urban wineries, cocktail bars, and restaurants, many located in walkable clusters. Pull up a stool at a local tasting room or join a guided food tour to learn the stories behind the flavours. These tours are a great way to meet local chefs, sample dishes made with Okanagan ingredients, and discover hidden culinary gems.

Outdoor Fun

Kelowna in September often feels like a bonus month of summer. The warm days and cooler evenings are perfect for getting outside. Hike local favourites like Knox Mountain or Mount Boucherie, take a lakeside bike ride, or squeeze in a round of golf with a mountain view. Water lovers can rent kayaks or paddleboards, or even boat rentals, to explore Okanagan Lake at their own pace. For a slower afternoon, book a wine tour and take in the golden light over vineyard-covered hills.

Add-on Excursions

If you have extra time in your schedule, Kelowna makes it easy to explore even more. Visit Kasugai Japanese Garden, a peaceful hidden gem tucked behind City Hall. Take in the stunning views from Myra Canyon Trestles, part of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail, ideal for walking or biking. Or keep things laid-back with a visit to one of Kelowna’s popular beaches like Boyce-Gyro or Hot Sands Beach. These quiet stretches of sand are perfect for relaxing between concerts or enjoying a final moment of sunshine before heading home.

Explore Beyond Downtown

^{Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market in the Landmark District. Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography}

While downtown Kelowna is full of energy during Country Music Week, there’s so much more to discover just a short drive or transit ride away. Neighbouring communities and local neighbourhoods each offer their own vibe, hidden gems, and scenery worth exploring.

• West Kelowna sits just across the bridge and is home to some of the region’s iconic wineries. The Westside Wine Trail winds through rolling hills, with tasting rooms offering sweeping lake views and award-winning pours. Between sips, check out Sncewips Heritage Museum to connect with local Indigenous culture or view syilx public art.
• Lake Country, located north of the city, is known for its relaxed pace and stunning natural beauty. The scenic Lakeshore Wine Route brings you past vineyards, orchards, and panoramic lake views. Visit local farm stands, enjoy a tasting, or take a walk along Wood Lake or Kalamalka Lake—perfect for a peaceful afternoon away from the crowds.

Back in Kelowna, each neighbourhood offers something unique:

• Pandosy Village, near the beach, is ideal for boutique shopping, wellness studios, and casual cafés—a great spot for browsing or a light lunch.
• North End delivers industrial creativity with a cluster of breweries, artist studios, and cool hangouts where locals gather for craft drinks and music.
• Glenmore is a residential neighbourhood with mountain views, parks, and pathways. It’s a great place for a quiet walk or to explore local bakeries and coffee shops. 
• South East Kelowna offers a more rural feel, with orchards, wineries, and scenic country roads. It’s a beautiful area for a leisurely drive or a relaxing afternoon at a winery patio.
• Rutland offers colourful mural spotting, local flavour at global cuisine restaurants, a great thrifting scene, and stunning trails along Mission Creek Greenway and in Black Mountain.
• Airport District is more than just a hub for travellers. This fast-growing area includes golf courses, hotels, the UBC Okanagan campus, and proximity to scenic walking trails and farmland.
• Landmark District is Kelowna’s business and innovation hub, but it also features trendy cafés, restaurants, farmers' markets, fitness studios, and boutique services. It's a great area to grab a coffee or a bite between events.

No matter where you go, each area welcomes you with friendly locals, great food and drink, and those signature Okanagan views. Whether you have just a few hours or an extra day beyond organizers’ planning, exploring beyond downtown adds depth and delight to your Country Music Week experience.

_{Cover Image: CCMA and Tour Bus Entertainment.}