This September, Kelowna will make history as it hosts the Canadian Country Music Awards for the very first time, and while the official festivities belong to the CCMAs, the RCA is joining in the spirit with our own celebration of country music and community.
Country Music Week will bring an exceptional lineup of performances, showcases, and industry events to venues across our city. Alongside these exciting happenings, we’re hosting our own country-inspired programming at the Rotary Centre for the Arts – including one official CCMA event and RCA-led activities. Giving audiences plenty of ways to get into the country spirit.
RCA’s Country-Inspired Community Events
In addition to hosting the CCMA Songwriters Unplugged Series, the RCA is presenting our own themed programming to help the community join in the celebration.
It's impossible to overlook one of the most powerful and enduring aspects of country music – the songwriting. There's something special about the intimate setting our theatre provides, a place where audiences can connect with the stories behind the songs that make country music.
As part of the official Country Music Week schedule, the 2025 CCMA Songwriters Unplugged Series continues to shine a spotlight on the heart of the genre, celebrating the craft of original songs and the stories that shape them. This year's series introduces audiences to both emerging talent and familiar voices, offering an intimate look at the words and moments that define country music.
The CCMA Songwriters Unplugged Series, presented by SOCAN with Apple Music, will feature:
Wednesday, September 3rd (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): CCMA Songwriters Unplugged 1
Thursday, September 4th (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): CCMA Songwriters Unplugged 2
Friday, September 5th (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): CCMA Songwriters Unplugged 3 - Crossing Borders featuring Apple Music's Ty Bentli
These sessions will give audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from the songwriters about their creative process, the inspiration behind their songs, and the craft that transforms personal experiences into universal stories that resonate with listeners everywhere.
Bringing the Community Together
Join the RCA Grand Ole Opry (September 12, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM), where local songwriters and musicians take center stage, and it's completely free for our community. While admission is free, registration is required to secure your spot for this special evening. The evening kicks off with a spirited cowgirl hat competition, followed by music and dancing. It's an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent right here in our community.
We wanted to ensure that during the week of showcases, our community could come together to celebrate our own homegrown talent without any barriers. Whether you're a performer or someone who's always wanted to try, this is your stage. We're looking for all kinds of country music, from traditional to contemporary, original songs to covers. The format is relaxed and welcoming, designed to encourage participation rather than intimidate. Think of it as our community's answer to the famous Grand Ole Opry tradition, but with a distinctly Kelowna flavour.
OPEN MIC: Reach out to the RCA Program Coordinator if you are interested in being part of the open mic event. Performance slots are limited.
Contact: [email protected]
What This Means for Kelowna
Country Music Week represents an exciting moment for our city. It brings national attention to Kelowna as a destination for major cultural events, supports our local businesses, and gives our community the chance to experience great entertainment close to home. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrates the power of music to bring people of all ages together.
For local musicians and songwriters, it's an inspiring opportunity to see industry professionals up close and learn from them.
Join Us for the Celebration
As we prepare to welcome Country Music Week to Kelowna, we’re proud to contribute our own programming alongside the official events. Music has the amazing ability to create connections and bring communities together. This September, whether you're attending the songwriter sessions, learning to line dance, or bedazzling a cowgirl hat, you'll be part of something special.
Everyone plays here, and we hope you'll be part of this historic moment for our community.
Ready to join the celebration? Visit our website for tickets and more information about all our Country Music Week programming.
-1.png)