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Saskatoon to Host 50th-Anniversary Country Music Week, Culminating in CCMA Awards
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will transform into Canada’s country‑music capital from September 16 to 19, 2026, as the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) stages its annual Country Music Week. The week will close with the CCMA Awards on Sunday night at SaskTel Centre, marking the association’s 50th anniversary.
Founded in 1976 as the Academy of Country Music Entertainment, the CCMA has presented the Canadian Country Music Awards since 1982. Country Music Week, a rotating festival that shifts host cities each year, blends fan‑centric events, industry workshops, and the awards ceremony. Saskatoon’s selection follows a nine‑year gap since the city last hosted the awards and reflects Saskatchewan’s deep‑rooted country‑music heritage and its loyal fan base. CCMA president Amy Jeninga cited local stars such as Tenille Arts, Jess Moskaluke, and Kalsey Kulyk as proof of the province’s contribution to the national scene. She also noted Saskatoon’s central location, making it an accessible road‑trip destination for listeners across west‑central Saskatchewan.
The week’s fan‑focused lineup is already generating buzz. Tickets for the awards show are on sale, and a limited number of VIP packages let attendees stroll the red carpet and hold a CCMA trophy. The Legends Show, featuring veteran country musicians, has sold out, prompting the addition of a new performance slot to meet demand. Songwriters Unplugged, presented by SOCAN and Apple Music, offers audiences a behind‑the‑scenes look at Canada’s biggest country hits, with artists and songwriters sharing the stories that inspired the songs.
Beyond the glitz, Country Music Week delivers robust industry programming. The CCMA has long run professional development, networking, and educational sessions, and the week consolidates these efforts by giving emerging performers a chance to meet industry leaders and share the stage with established acts. Economic impact is a cornerstone of the event; Jeninga cited previous Country Music Week festivals that generated more than $17 million in local economic activity, including hotel stays, restaurant patronage, and tourism. Attendees are encouraged to stay in Saskatoon, dine locally, and explore the city’s attractions, turning the event into a broader vacation experience.
The 50th anniversary of the CCMA underscores five decades of support for Canadian country music. The association’s mission—to promote, recognize, and develop Canadian talent—remains central to the week’s programming. The awards ceremony will honor the year’s top Canadian country artists, while the surrounding events celebrate the genre’s storytelling roots and its evolving blend of traditional sounds with pop and rock influences. Tickets for the CCMA Awards and fan events are available through the CCMA website and selected partners. For those who cannot attend in person, the awards ceremony will broadcast live on CTV and stream on Crave.
In sum, Saskatoon’s 2026 Country Music Week promises a comprehensive celebration of Canadian country music—from its historic roots to its current industry dynamics—while delivering a significant economic boost to the local community and showcasing Saskatchewan’s talent on a national stage.
Founded in 1976 as the Academy of Country Music Entertainment, the CCMA has presented the Canadian Country Music Awards since 1982. Country Music Week, a rotating festival that shifts host cities each year, blends fan‑centric events, industry workshops, and the awards ceremony. Saskatoon’s selection follows a nine‑year gap since the city last hosted the awards and reflects Saskatchewan’s deep‑rooted country‑music heritage and its loyal fan base. CCMA president Amy Jeninga cited local stars such as Tenille Arts, Jess Moskaluke, and Kalsey Kulyk as proof of the province’s contribution to the national scene. She also noted Saskatoon’s central location, making it an accessible road‑trip destination for listeners across west‑central Saskatchewan.
The week’s fan‑focused lineup is already generating buzz. Tickets for the awards show are on sale, and a limited number of VIP packages let attendees stroll the red carpet and hold a CCMA trophy. The Legends Show, featuring veteran country musicians, has sold out, prompting the addition of a new performance slot to meet demand. Songwriters Unplugged, presented by SOCAN and Apple Music, offers audiences a behind‑the‑scenes look at Canada’s biggest country hits, with artists and songwriters sharing the stories that inspired the songs.
Beyond the glitz, Country Music Week delivers robust industry programming. The CCMA has long run professional development, networking, and educational sessions, and the week consolidates these efforts by giving emerging performers a chance to meet industry leaders and share the stage with established acts. Economic impact is a cornerstone of the event; Jeninga cited previous Country Music Week festivals that generated more than $17 million in local economic activity, including hotel stays, restaurant patronage, and tourism. Attendees are encouraged to stay in Saskatoon, dine locally, and explore the city’s attractions, turning the event into a broader vacation experience.
The 50th anniversary of the CCMA underscores five decades of support for Canadian country music. The association’s mission—to promote, recognize, and develop Canadian talent—remains central to the week’s programming. The awards ceremony will honor the year’s top Canadian country artists, while the surrounding events celebrate the genre’s storytelling roots and its evolving blend of traditional sounds with pop and rock influences. Tickets for the CCMA Awards and fan events are available through the CCMA website and selected partners. For those who cannot attend in person, the awards ceremony will broadcast live on CTV and stream on Crave.
In sum, Saskatoon’s 2026 Country Music Week promises a comprehensive celebration of Canadian country music—from its historic roots to its current industry dynamics—while delivering a significant economic boost to the local community and showcasing Saskatchewan’s talent on a national stage.