Country music filled the streets of Kelowna this September as the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Country Music Week made its highly anticipated debut in the city. 

While the final tourism and economic impact assessments are still underway, early results paint a very positive picture:

  • Hotel occupancy in Kelowna for the week of September 7-14 was up 10.5% year-over-year; this significant increase indicates strong out-of-town attendance.
  • The Kelowna Visitor Centre saw a 58% increase in traffic during the event week, as guests sought out local experiences, transportation, and retail products.
  • The dedicated Country Music Week page on our website, its sub-pages, and the official CCMA event listings generated more than 61,000 page views. 
  • Media exposure skyrocketed, with national coverage across broadcast, print, and digital platforms helping to raise the profile of Kelowna as a vibrant, year-round destination for events and culture.

These numbers not only reflect the excitement of hosting a major cultural event but also underscore the impact of large-scale tourism activations on generating broad economic and community benefits.

CCMA Live at Waterfront 7

CCMA Country Music Week 2025 proved to be more than just a celebration of music—it was a celebration of Kelowna’s ability to host world-class events in a welcoming, scenic, and accessible setting. Artists and industry professionals alike praised the hospitality, the natural beauty, and the enthusiastic local support. From fans dancing at Waterfront Park to exclusive industry sessions in boutique venues, the event showcased both the city's infrastructure and its spirit.

With the successful hosting of Country Music Week, Kelowna has reaffirmed its place on Canada’s map as a premier event destination. Tourism Kelowna will continue to collaborate with local partners, the government, and national event organizers to build on this momentum, offering more unforgettable experiences to both locals and visitors.

Stay tuned for a full impact report in the coming months. 

Have questions about major event and sport hosting in Kelowna? Connect with me at sara@tourismkelowna.com. 


About CCMA Country Music Week 2025

From September 10 to 13, Kelowna hosted Canada’s biggest week in country music, drawing fans, artists, industry professionals, and media from across the country for a four-day celebration. 

While the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD were the marquee event, the week was packed with music and entertainment throughout the region. Official programming went far beyond the televised award show, including:

  • Several public and VIP events, including the Songwriters' Series, Industry showcases, and Top of the Country, brought together the best of Canadian country music and immersed fans in the Country Music Week experience.
  • The Industry Conference, which welcomed hundreds of delegates from across the country. 
  • CCMA House Live on the Waterfront, an iconic and unforgettable two-day outdoor festival, featuring live performances from top Canadian country music artists.
  • The CCMA Country Crawl, a showcase of emerging and established Canadian country artists that took over the Central Okanagan, featuring over 45 artists performing at 12 venues from Lake Country to West Kelowna.