Kelowna, alongside six other cities across the country, has been nominated for Music City of the Year at the 2026 Live Music Awards, an exciting recognition of the city’s growing reputation on the national stage. 

Over the past several years, Kelowna has firmly established itself as a premier destination for live music. The city has successfully hosted some of Canada’s most prominent industry events, including Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards in 2025, drawing artists, industry professionals, and fans from across the country. At the same time, Kelowna continues to foster a thriving local scene, anchored by standout homegrown festivals such as Denim on the Diamond and Rock the Lake, which consistently attract large crowds and top-tier talent.

In the years following the pandemic, the city has also seen a strong grassroots resurgence in live music. Smaller venues and community-driven spaces have played a vital role in revitalizing the scene, with locations like Red Bird Brewing becoming key hubs for live performances, emerging artists, and intimate audience experiences.

Together, these efforts have helped shape a vibrant and dynamic music ecosystem, one that continues to grow, evolve, and gain recognition nationwide.
 

^{Jodie B performing at the BreakOut West 2023 Opening Ceremony. Image credit: Joey Senft}
 

Presented by the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), in partnership with Departure, the 2026 Live Music Awards celebrate what has been an extraordinary year for Canada’s live music sector. This year’s nominations feature an impressive 190 nominees across 24 categories, reflecting the depth, diversity, and resilience of the industry from coast to coast.

As noted on the CLMA website, the awards shine a spotlight on the ingenuity, perseverance, and excellence that define Canada’s live music community. From independent venues and major festivals to promoters, agents, production teams, and collaborative initiatives, the categories recognize the full spectrum of contributors who bring live music experiences to life.

Winners of the 2026 Live Music Awards will be announced live on May 6, 2026, at the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto.