Capital Music Week (CxMW) Launches in Ottawa with Headliners, Industry Summits, and City-Wide Celebrations

Free and ticketed activities planned for fans, industry pros, and creatives May 20-25, 2025

The inaugural week-long celebration of Ottawa’s music scene includes headline performers Elijah Woods, Skydiggers, the Capital Music Awards, local talent showcases, a fireside chat with CBC q’s Tom Power, and a first-of-its-kind national summit on nightlife economies

Capital Music Week (CxMW) is Ottawa's premier music industry event, serving as a platform to amplify the city's musical talent and promote industry growth. From May 20th to 25th, 2025, the inaugural event will host concerts, workshops, an awards gala, and professional development activities, fostering collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, and fans. Led by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) in collaboration with dozens of partners, CxMW is dedicated to strengthening Ottawa's music ecosystem, boosting economic development, and enhancing the city's reputation as a dynamic music and nightlife destination.

SHOWCASING:

Showcase submissions are now closed, but artists can still submit to be considered for hundreds of other live performance opportunities throughout the year here: Artist Submission Form.

PREFERRED HOTEL RATES:

Coming in from out of town? Take advantage of special CxMW pricing with our preferred hotel partner, the stunning Fairmont Chateau Laurier by clicking the link.  

WHAT'S NEW:

The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is thrilled to unveil the schedule and first round of tickets for the inaugural Capital Music Week (CxMW) Festival. Taking place from May 20-25, 2025 in multiple venues across the city, the week-long celebration features public concerts, professional development summits, and networking opportunities designed to support and strengthen the local music ecosystem and nightlife economy. CxMW marks a significant milestone for Ottawa’s music industry by creating a new, innovative platform to showcase local talent and foster city-wide partnerships while animating numerous locations within the community. From free, family-friendly concerts in public spaces, to exclusive VIP experiences and everything in between, OMIC encourages all music lovers to partake in the week-long event. 

“CxMW is a calling card, a way for everyone to get involved and to gather around something creative, empowering, and inspiring,”  says OMIC’s Executive Director Melanie Brulée. “We see it as a platform to not only empower Ottawa’s artists and music entrepreneurs, but also to spark collaboration, foster careers, animate the community, and positively impact the region’s reputation and economy. By uniting creatives, industry leaders, and fans, we re-ignite the potential to catapult a thriving nightlife economy.” 

Among the key partners, Ottawa's Nightlife Commissioner Mathieu Grondin will spearhead the Canada After Dark Summit on May 20th and 21st. Grondin stated, “This international dialogue offers Ottawa a rare chance to drive collaboration and innovation, creating a dynamic and sustainable nightlife that resonates far beyond our city. The City of Ottawa’s Nightlife Office, in collaboration with OMIC and its partners, is eager to leverage Capital Music Week to boost late-night programming and champion policies that empower Ottawa's live music scene.” This 2-day event will set the stage for leaders to address key industry challenges and opportunities, reinforcing Ottawa’s position as a dynamic hub for nightlife strategy conversations.

Thanks to Grondin, Ottawa music venues and entertainment businesses wishing to prolong their alcohol sales are eligible to apply for a “municipal significance” liquor license extension to serve until 5 AM, a strategy often used to stimulate nightlife activities during city-wide music festivals in Toronto and Montreal. More information can be found on the City of Ottawa’s website. 

Ahead of Mayor Sutcliffe's official proclamation of Capital Music Week at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, CxMW’s preferred partner hotel, Tom Power of CBC “q” will kick off the week with a live interview of Jim Ed Norman, a Nashville producer known for his work in shaping the careers of Anne Murray, Randy Travis, Faith Hill and Blake Shelton. The intimate fireside chat will be followed by an exclusive first performance of Tara Shannon’s Cover Story, produced by Jim Ed. VIP “Meet & Greet” passes are available for this event, taking place at the National Arts Centre’s 4th Stage. 

The centrepiece of CxMW is the 6th Annual Capital Music Awards (CMAs), set to take place at the prestigious Southam Hall in the National Arts Centre on May 22. Since 2020, the CMAs have recognized and celebrated outstanding achievements in local music across 13 categories including Music Educator, Sound Engineer, and Group of the Year, amongst others. This year, the celebration will continue at the official after-party and electronic artist showcase at the ByWard After Dark Party at Lowertown Brewery and SkyLounge, further uniting artists, industry professionals, and fans.

Spotlighting the vibrancy of Ottawa’s local talent with variety of artists ranging from Pop to Punk, and R&B to Rock, attendees will witness a powerful celebration of Ottawa's music scene including local showcasing artists opening for headliners Elijah Woods and Skydiggers' long-awaited homecoming to the nation's capital since their tour with Paul Langlois. On May 21 and 22, the National Arts Centre will host the Ontario Music City Showcase - free lunch-hour concerts featuring exciting performances from artists across the province in addition to local talent.

CxMW OFFICIAL CONFERENCE & MEET UP SCHEDULE

May 20 - Women and Gender Diverse Folks - Women in Music Canada Meetup @1 Elgin Restaurant 5PM-7PM

May 21 + 22 - Industry Leaders, Policymakers - Canada After Dark: A Nightlife Forum @National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage 9AM-5PM (2 days)

May 24 - Creatives, Aspiring Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Organizations - Sound x Summit: Panels, Workshops & Exhibitor's Market @Bayview Yards, 9AM-6PM (breakfast and lunch included!)

CxMW OFFICIAL CONCERT SCHEDULE

May 20 - Behind the Scenes with a Legend: The Producer’s Chair: Tom Power interviews legendary Eagles producer Jim Ed Norman with performance by Tara Shannon @National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage - 7PM

May 20 - Big Band, Soul Jazz & Live Funk: The Commotions, KellyLee Evans, OK Naledi @The Bronson - 7PM

May 21 + 22 - FREE ALL AGES SHOWS! Lunchtime Shows: Ontario Music City Showcases @National Arts Centre (Artists from Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, Kingston, Toronto and London) - 12PM

May 21 - FREE ALL AGES SHOW! Hot 89.9 Pop Night! elijah woods, Emma Lamontagne, Akeem Oh @The Bronson - 7PM

May 22 - Music Awards Gala Night - Capital Music Awards @National Arts Centre, Southam Hall - 7PM

May 22 - Funk DJ Art Installation Party - ByWard After Dark Party @SkyLounge + Lowertown Brewery - 11PM

May 23 - Roots Rock Night! Skydiggers, Mia Kelly, Satellite Birdhouse @The Bronson - 7PM

May 23 - Funk, Afrobeat and African Diaspora Celebration - TIMEKODE @City at Night 10PM

May 24 - Urban, Reggae, World Night! CRANIUM Artist Showcases @National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage 7:30PM

Check out these events too! 

May 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 - Jazz Lovers! CxMW Jazz and Latin Concerts @Bar Robo/Queen St Fare 7PM nightly

May 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 - Indie, Rock, Punk, Folk- NXT LVL Emerging Artist Series @Rainbow Bistro, @Brass Monkey and @Live on Elgin 

May 21, 22, 23, 24 Ukulele Jam, Dave Gunning, LeeRoy Stagger, LeVolume - @Red Bird  

May 23 - Dance & Disco Lovers! Soft Serve: Waacking Dance Battle & Disco Dance Party @27 Club 7PM

Wanna get involved? 

I'm a Supporter/Volunteer:

The Volunteer Application Form is now closed due to the large amount of interest! It’ll take a village to make this event a success so thank you all!

I'm a Brand/Company/Sponsor:

Looking to get visibility in front of 5000+ of dynamic consumers, creators, businesses, and tourists? See our Sponsorship Deck and talk to Melanie Brulée melanie@ottawamic.com about how we can tailor a package to fit your price point and needs. No investment is too small, let's get you involved.

I'm an Artist or Music Entrepreneur:

If you're a developing, emerging or export-ready artist or music worker, save Saturday May 24th for the Sound x Summit panels and workshops to launch your career to a WHOLE OTHER LEVEL! Join 200 industry pros and creatives for a whole day of connecting and learning. Get your tickets here. Breakfast and lunch included. 

Artist submissions for showcases are closed, but you can be considered for other performance opportunities throughout the year by filling out our 2025 Artist Submission Form.