Country music fans can start gearing up for the biggest night in country music!  The 2025 CCMA Awards will take place at Kelowna's Prospera Place on Saturday, September 13th. Pre-sale tickets are on sale today with the general on sale starting on Friday, November 22 at 10am PST.

Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close to all your favourite artists, showcasing and celebrating some of country music’s biggest stars and homegrown talent. 

Country Music Week is more than just the Awards Show, it's also a Music Festival, and an Industry Conference. In the days leading up to the main event, there will be many other live shows that are open to the public, including CCMA House, songwriter's series, talent showcases, and the Legends Show, all of which provide an exclusive opportunity to engage with country music's biggest stars.  The industry conference allows the Canadian country music industry to honour those working behind the scenes through educational workshops and seminars, networking receptions, and awards ceremonies. 
 

What to Expect in Kelowna in September

September is a great month to visit Kelowna! You can still feel that summer vibe lingering in the air, temperatures are warm, and patios are still open. You can make the most of the full roster of Kelowna activities, from playing in or on the lake, to wine and beer tasting, to golfing on spectacular championship golf courses. 

Though the crowds lessen slightly from the peak summer months, September can still be quite busy, so it’s always recommended to secure bookings or reservations in advance for any accommodations, activities, or attractions that are a must during your visit.
 

Where to Stay

Now is the time to start looking at where you want to lay your head during Country Music Week, and Kelowna has a great variety of properties that fit all types of budgets. If you want to stay where all the action is, downtown Kelowna has several options including the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, The Royal Kelowna, Prestige Beach House, Hotel Zed, and Royal Anne Hotel. 

However, if you would rather focus on exploring some other areas of Kelowna during your trip, there are plenty of other options, that are still only a quick drive away from the downtown action. Click here for the full list of hotels, motels, and resorts in Kelowna. 

What to Do 

Of course you're coming to listen to country music, but since you're here, you might as well explore Kelowna while you're at it! Whether you are adding a few days and extending your trip, or adding a little adventure to your days in between music shows, there are some great options in September. 

A lot of the CCMA shows will take place downtown Kelowna, which has a lot to offer. You can stroll the 2km boardwalk that leads from behind Prospera Place to City Park, or you can visit several museums in the area all within walking distance in Kelowna's Cultural District, such as the Kelowna Art Gallery, the Okanagan Heritage Museum, or the Okanagan Military Museum, among others. For all the foodies in the stands, downtown walking food tours, are a great way to learn a little about the history of the city and indulge in some amazing eats. Downtown's North End has become known for its craft beverage scene, with breweries, a cidery, a cocktail bar, and even a winery, it's the perfect spot to indulge in authentic Okanagan tastings. 

If you're looking to extend your exploring of Kelowna, here are some great options to make the most of your days...

Wine Tasting: Kelowna is the birthplace of winemaking in British Columbia; known for its top-quality wines that regularly win national and international awards. With nearly 40 wineries within a 20 minute drive, you’ll find plenty of terroir to swirl, sip and savour. Make sure you book a guided tour where you learn all the information and don't have the hassle of driving. 

Craft Breweries: Kelowna is also home to microbreweries, cideries, distilleries, and unique crafts. One can enjoy the local flavours produced with a passion for hand-crafting. Make sure you order the tasting flight to make the most of your visits! 

Pack your Clubs:  Vineyards, orchards, semi-desert terrain, rolling hills, and expansive lakes make the golf courses in the area some of the most picturesque in the country. With 18 golf courses to choose from, decided where to tee off will be the hardest decision to make. 

Get on the Water: The temperature in September is still great to get on, or in, the water. You can enjoy the lake from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), wake boat, sailboat, pedal-boat, charter boat, flyboard, kayak, or canoe - we have boats of every kind for water enthusiasts.

Harvest Season: September is full harvest season and for those looking to satiate their taste buds, there will be plenty of options. With its diverse and rich food scene, Kelowna is a palate pleaser, to say the least. From street-side cafés to lake-side bistros, we bring an abundance of appetizing dining and nightlife options to the table.

These are just a few ideas of things you can do while you're visiting Kelowna for your Country Music Week experience - for your information please visit the Tourism Kelowna website, or reach out to our Visitor & Community Engagement team. 

We look forward to welcoming you in 2025!