When/where are the 2026 Capital Music Awards? 

Location: National Arts Centre (NAC) Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1

Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Red carpet: 6:00 PM 
Show: 8:00 PM 

Tickets: on sale May 20, 2026 at ottawamic.com 

When is Capital Music Week 2026?

October 2-10, 2026 in various locations across the National Capital Region. More info at cxmw.ca 

When will CMA nominees be announced?

On May 20th, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, we’ll announce the nominees at a free, in-person press conference event in Peter A. Herrndorf Place inside the National Arts Centre. No tickets required. 

I’m a nominee. Do I need a ticket?

Yes, everyone attending must purchase a ticket. Nominees and their guests (yes, all of your guests) get access to $15 tickets using a special link that we’ll email to you. If the cost of attending is prohibitive, please reach out to natalie@ottawamic.com. We want you to be there. 

Wait, why do nominees need to purchase a ticket?

With the support of our community, the Capital Music Awards continues to grow rapidly. Your contribution helps ensure vendors and performers are fairly compensated while supporting a high-quality production and Ottawa’s largest gathering of music industry professionals.

Is there a dress code?
What is most important is to be yourself and be comfortable in your skin. That said, don’t be afraid to dress up! Music industry folks like to get fancy, too. At the National Arts Centre, it's typical to see audiences in business casual to cocktail attire. Do you, boo. 

Is this an all-ages event?

Yes!

Will food and drinks be offered?

No food will be served at this event. There will be cash bars open on-site during the event, serving both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. 

Is the venue accessible?
Yes! The National Arts Centre is accessible and offers accessible washrooms, with accessible seating available in Southam Hall during the ceremony. Please visit the National Arts Centre website to learn more about the venue’s accessibility. 

Are seats assigned?

In 2026 we’re making all seats at the Capital Music Awards general admission so arrive early to get your seat of choice. A section of seating close to the stage will be reserved for nominees and their guests. 

What’s new in 2026?

We’ve got a fancy new Rules and Regulations document to take the guesswork out of nominating! 

Which categories are going to public vote in 2026?

After passing a juried process, nominees from the following categories go to public vote: 

• Newcomer of the Year 
• Single of the Year
• Video of the Year 
• Live Music Curator of the Year 
• Music Educator of the Year 

I’m not an OMIC member. Can I receive a Capital Music Award?

Yes! While only OMIC members are eligible to nominate themselves or others for a Capital Music Award, anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can be a recipient. 

How do I find out the eligibility criteria for each category? 

Check out our Rules and Regulations document for all eligibility information. 

Are past recipients eligible to win a Capital Music Award?

Only recipients in certain categories are eligible to receive back-to-back Capital Music Awards. Check out our Rules and Regulations document for more information. 

How do I fill out a nomination form?

Head to ottawamic.com to nominate. Only submissions completed by OMIC members in good standing will be considered by the jury. Not an OMIC member yet? Learn more about OMIC membership and sign up here. New members can sign up for a free one-year membership using the code CMA2026 for a limited time. 

How are performers chosen for the CMAs?

Like most decisions for the CMAs, a hardworking volunteer programming committee of OMIC members makes final decisions on hosts, award presenters, performers, and more. For more information on getting involved and joining committees, reach out to Natalie Bernardin, our member liaison and Director of Operations at natalie@ottawamic.com. 

What do I do if they call my name to receive an award?

Do a happy dance! Seriously though, rise from your seat, kiss your loved ones and make your way the stage via the stairs. If you have accessibility issues and have been nominated, please reach out to Natalie Bernardin natalie@ottawamic.com so we can make arrangements for you to get to the stage. You will meet the award presenters at the podium as the house band plays you on. After accepting your award, you will have the chance to speak for up to 2 minutes. You may want to prepare what you will say and thank all the people who have helped you get to where you are!

After your short speech, you will be escorted backstage to have your photo taken by our event photographer. Take some time before the awards ceremony to figure out how you’d like to pose for the photo. Once the show starts, things will be moving fast! After your photos have been taken, you may be asked to speak with the invited press for an interview. From there, head back to your seat in Southam Hall to enjoy the rest of the show, trophy in hand! 

I want to volunteer. How do I get involved with Capital Music Week (CxMW)?

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact coordinator Justin Gunderson justin@ottawamic.com 

I want to contribute/partner. How do I become a sponsor of Capital Music Week (CxMW)?

If you’re interested in sponsoring, please contact OMIC’s Executive Director, Mélanie Brulée melanie@ottawamic.com. Click here to see OMIC’s 2026 Brand Alignment deck.