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SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, NAMED AS THE HOST CITY FOR COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK 2026 AND THE 2026 CCMA AWARDS

SASKATOON IS SET TO WELCOME CANADA’S BIGGEST NIGHT IN COUNTRY MUSIC – SEPTEMBER 2026

SASKATOON, SK – (June 25, 2025) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) proudly announced today that the City of Bridges – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will play host to Country Music Week 2026 and the 2026 CCMA Awards airing exclusively on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app and available to stream next day on Crave. Known for its rich musical heritage, dynamic arts scene, and prairie hospitality, Saskatoon will provide the perfect backdrop for this landmark celebration of Canadian country music in September 2026.

This marks the third time that Country Music Week has been held in Saskatchewan and the second time in Saskatoon. With its vibrant cultural fabric and deep-rooted connection to Canadian music, Saskatoon promises an unforgettable experience for artists, industry professionals, and fans alike. The event is made possible through the support of the City of Saskatoon, Discover Saskatoon and Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels (SDMH), the Government of Saskatchewan, and the 2026 Host Committee.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the CCMA Awards and Country Music Week back to Saskatoon,” said Amy Jeninga, President of the Canadian Country Music Association. “Saskatoon is a city that is filled with creativity and heart. It’s warm community, thriving music scene, and commitment to the arts make it an ideal home for our 2026 celebration of the best and brightest in Canadian country music.”

“On behalf of the Saskatoon Tribal Council we welcome the Canadian Country Music Awards and Country Music Week to lands of the First Nations people in Treaty 6 Territory,” shared Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatoon Tribal Council. “This event is an opportunity to showcase culture, language and identity with our community in Saskatoon. We are proud to help lead a future where inclusion is deeply rooted in reconciliation and a standard in our destination.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the Canadian Country Music Awards back to Saskatoon,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “Our city has a deep appreciation for country music and a strong track record of hosting world-class events. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Saskatoon’s vibrant arts community, our warm hospitality, and the energy that makes this city such a special place. We can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for Canada’s country music stars and fans.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support the 2026 Canadian Country Music Awards being held in the city of Saskatoon,” said Honourable Alana Ross, Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport. “Saskatchewan has a strong reputation for hosting successful cultural events on both a national and international stage. This event will provide another opportunity to showcase our province’s world-class hospitality while contributing significant economic benefits to the community.”

Located along the South Saskatchewan River and known as “The City of Bridges,” Saskatoon is recognized for its mix of small-town charm and urban sophistication. From its historic Broadway Avenue and vibrant Riversdale district to award-winning restaurants, Indigenous cultural landmarks, and innovative art galleries, the city offers an exciting and immersive experience for visitors.

“Saskatoon is thrilled to be hosting Canadian Country Music Week in 2026,” said Discover Saskatoon CEO Stephanie Clovechok. “This national celebration will bring together artists, fans, and industry leaders who already know and love our city – and those who are about to be surprised by what they find here. We’ve saved you a seat, and we can’t wait to share Saskatoon’s hospitality, creativity, and cultural heartbeat with the country.”

The 2026 CCMA Awards promise an electrifying night of performances and celebrations. Further programming for Country Music Week 2026 will be announced at a later date. Fans are encouraged to sign up HERE to be the first to receive event details and ticketing information.

Click HERE for the digital toolkit.

About the Canadian Country Music Association^® (CCMA^®)

Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and recognizing Canadian country music. Through year-round initiatives, the CCMA celebrates the spirit, community, and creativity fostered by country music, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

About CTV

CTV is Canada’s most-watched broadcaster and has been #1 for the past 24 years in a row. CTV provides unparalleled entertainment programming across two broadcast networks and streaming from CTV.ca and the CTV app; a powerful suite of specialty channels including CTV Comedy Channel, CTV Drama Channel, CTV Life Channel, CTV Sci-Fi Channel, CTV Wild Channel, CTV Nature Channel, and CTV Speed Channel; and digital channels CTV Throwback and CTV Movies. CTV also features a wide range of sports and information programming, including CTV News, Canada’s highest-rated national and local newscasts. Bell Media’s suite of specialty channels also includes USA Network, Oxygen True Crime, Much, and E! CTV’s parent company is Bell Media, Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in premium video, audio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media.

About Discover Saskatoon and Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels (SDMH) 

Discover Saskatoon is the official Destination Management Organization (DMO) for Saskatoon and the surrounding region. The organization is primarily funded by Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Incorporated (SDMH), a collective of leading hotels committed to advancing Saskatoon’s visitor economy. Discover Saskatoon also receives additional support from the City of Saskatoon through a fee-for-service agreement.

Together, SDMH and Discover Saskatoon drive growth through strategic marketing, major event attraction, and experience development. SDMH hotel partners contribute through a voluntary Destination Marketing Program that fuels initiatives to elevate Saskatoon’s global profile, attract high-impact events, and enhance the visitor experience.

The visitor economy contributes nearly $800 million annually to the Saskatoon region, driving economic diversification, job creation, and community vibrancy. Through this partnership, SDMH, The City of Saskatoon, and Discover Saskatoon play a vital role in growing Saskatoon’s prosperity and global presence.

Learn more at discoversaskatoon.com or sdmh.ca.

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Media Contacts:

For the Canadian Country Music Association

Charlotte Thompson | [email protected]

For CTV

Rachael Neumann | rachael.neumann@bellmedia,ca

For Discover Saskatoon & SDMH

Leanne Schinkel | [email protected] | 306-807-8110

For CCMA Awards + Country Music Week Sponsorship Inquiries

[email protected]

Country Music Week Mentorship Program

Presented by CCMA x Creative Okanagan

The Country Music Week Mentorship Program is a collaborative initiative between the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) and Creative Okanagan, designed to support the professional development of emerging country artists and up-and-coming country music industry professionals. 

This program connects approved applicants with established industry professionals through tailored mentorship opportunities. Participants will receive personalized guidance, gain access to key events during Country Music Week, and build meaningful industry relationships to help advance their careers.

The program will be promoted through Creative Okanagan’s network and CCMA channels and is open for applications until July 22, 2025. 

APPLY HERE: https://creativeokanagan.com/artist-development/country-music-week-mentorship-program/

Program Overview

• Each mentor and mentee will be thoughtfully paired.
  Pre-Event:

  • One introductory virtual meeting between mentor and mentee prior to Country Music Week.

  • Mentee will participate in a pre-event session hosted by Creative Okanagan.

• During Country Music Week (September 10–13, 2025):

  • Mentor and mentee will attend the CCMA Industry Opening Reception together.

  • Mentees will receive access to:

    • CCMA Industry Opening Reception 

    • CCMA Songwriters’ Unplugged Series presented by SOCAN with Apple Music

    • CCMAU Seminar Series Presented by Rogers

    • Country Connects: Industry Networking Roundtables Presented by Rogers

    • Songwriting Workshop

    • Country Connects: Mentorship Lounge presented by Rogers

• Post-Event:

  • One follow-up meeting between mentor and mentee, arranged by the participants

  • Mentees will complete a brief participant survey to support program evaluation.

Selection Process

Our selection committee will consist of experienced music industry professionals who bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. They will thoughtfully review each application, evaluating past and current projects as well as your goals for the mentorship program.

Eligibility

• Open to applicants from across Canada. 

• Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or legally authorized to work and live in Canada.

• We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and cultural perspectives, with a commitment to fostering a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

• If you require accommodations or have accessibility needs, please contact [email protected].

Mentee Commitments

• Attend a virtual pre-event mentorship session

• Attend Country Music Week activities as outlined

• Mentees are expected to book their own meetings and share their goals and questions with the mentors. 

• Commit to participating in this program and Country Music Week. We understand that mentees may have conflicts, but they are encouraged to take advantage of all that this program has to offer

• Complete a post-program survey

Apply today: https://creativeokanagan.com/artist-development/country-music-week-mentorship-program/

Deadline: July 22, 2025 at 8:00pm ET