When are the 2025 Capital Music Awards? 

• Location: National Arts Centre (NAC) Southam Hall1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1
• Date: Thursday, May 22nd, 2024 
• Red carpet: 7:00pm
• Show: 8:00pm
• Tickets: Tickets on sale as of Jan 17th, 2025 via National Arts Centre website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/37585

I’m a nominee, do I need a ticket?

Yes, everyone attending must purchase a ticket. If you’re a nominee and the discounted cost of attending is prohibitive, please reach out. 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 is growing at an exponential rate. To accommodate the demand of its ever-growing audience, we’re excited to move to the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall this year! This event takes a lot of production crew and volunteers, so thanks to your contribution, we are able to fairly compensate vendors and performers for their time and efforts in creating both a high production event and Ottawa’s largest music industry gathering. 

I'm a member, how do I access my discounted ticket? 

Your discount code lives on the home page of the member portal. Sign in here. 

Is there a dress code?

What is most important is to dress comfortably and be yourself. That said, don’t be afraid to dress up! Music industry folks like to get fancy, too. When attending the National Arts Centre, it's typical to see audiences sporting business casual to cocktail attire. Why not dust off that sparkly item in the back in your closet? 

To get some outfit inspiration, feel free to watch the official recap video from the 2024 Capital Music Awards here! 

Is this an all-ages event?

Yes!

Will food and drinks be offered at the Capital Music Awards?

There will be cash bars and snacks available for sale on-site during the event, serving both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Best to have dinner before arriving. 

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?

Yes. Tickets will be assigned, with attendees designating their seats upon ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased through the National Arts Centre website.  

What’s new in 2025?

To make the Capital Music Awards more inclusive and recognized, there are some exciting changes this year!

The Album of the Year and Music Educator of the Year awards are now up for public voting, joining the Single, Video, and Newcomer of the Year categories. This shift aims to bring in more fans and let their voices shine in celebrating local music excellence.

Plus, the Live Music Curator of the Year and Live Music Venue of the Year awards will now be decided by a panel of experts, highlighting the talent in the live music scene.

These updates are all about promoting inclusivity and celebrating everyone, making the awards a great platform for discovering new music!

The 2025 public vote categories include: 

• Album of the Year 
• Single of the Year
• Newcomer of the Year 
• Video of the Year 
• Music Educator of the Year 

How do I vote? 

Follow the VOTE NOW button on this page to vote. Only 1 vote per email address will be allowed. 

Who is eligible to win a Capital Music Award?

Anyone with professional ties to Ottawa that has been active between February 1st, 2024, and November 11th, 2024 will be considered for an award by the jury. Priority will be given to those with residential addresses and currently living in the National Capital Region.

Are past winners eligible to win a Capital Music Award?

Yes! 

Can anyone fill out a nomination form?

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 join OMIC using the promo code CMA2025 to submit their nominations for a limited time. 

How are performers chosen for the CMAs?

Like most decisions for the CMAs, a hardworking committee of OMIC members makes final decisions on hosts, award presenters, performers, and more. 

What do I do if I win an award?

If you’ve won an award, you will rise from your seat and make your way to stage left (the right side, if you’re looking at the stage from the crowd). 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 that 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, you’ll be escorted back to your seat in Southam Hall to enjoy the rest of the show. 

How do I become a sponsor for the Capital Music Awards?

If you’re interested in sponsoring the Capital Music Awards, please contact OMIC’s Executive Director, Mélanie Brulée at melanie@ottawamic.com and please see our Sponsorships & Partnerships Package here.

How do I get involved with the Capital Music Awards?

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact OMIC’s Membership and Communications Manager Zoë Argiropulos-Hunter at zoe@ottawamic.com.