Presented by Godzspeed, Capital Music Week is back October 2–10 with 100+ artists taking over 25 venues across Ottawa.
Ottawa, ON, September 16, 2026 – More than 100 artists across 25 venues will take over Ottawa this fall as Capital Music Week (CxMW) returns for its second year October 2–10, headlined by JUNO Award-nominated artists Bif Naked and Tyler Shaw, with multi-platinum Ottawa artist Jamie Fine serving as 2026 Ambassador.
From Southam Hall and major concert venues to neighbourhood cafés, public spaces and unexpected corners of the city, CxMW will bring nine days of live music, showcases, industry events and cultural programming to Ottawa.
A Coming of Age for Ottawa’s Music Soul
Watch: CxMW Our Soul is Our Sound Video
Bif Naked will open Capital Music Week on October 2, performing her new dance single Hey Little Frankie as part of a DJ and drag show hosted by Jamie Fine and featuring Canada’s Drag Race alum Saltina Shaker. The following day, Bif returns for a second, more intimate appearance, hosting and performing at a Women in Music song circle alongside Kellylee Evans and Capital Music Awards nominees.
“Ottawa has an incredible music community, but for too long we’ve been telling our story in pieces,” says OMIC Executive Director Melanie Brulée. “Capital Music Week brings it together. It’s about putting artists in the spotlight, connecting them with new audiences and industry, and inviting people to experience Ottawa through its music. We want to build a city where artists can build careers, audiences can discover something new, and music is part of how Ottawa sees itself and how the rest of the country sees us.”
Incredible Nine Days of Music in Ottawa
Across the nine days, CxMW will feature performances by Bif Naked, Tyler Shaw, Logan Staats, Ya Levis, and Amanda Rheaume, alongside dozens of artists from Ottawa and beyond. Programming ranges from concerts and showcases to music documentaries, photography exhibitions across multiple cafés, workshops, panels, and an Ontario Music Cities Boat Cruise.
7th annual Capital Music Awards at NAC
The 7th annual Capital Music Awards, presented by the National Arts Centre, will take place Friday, October 9 at Southam Hall. Co-hosted by Tyler Shaw and Kellylee Evans, the awards will recognize a record 58 nominees across 13 categories and feature six diverse live performances, including Ottawa 200’s official anthem, written and performed by Jessica Pearson, Yao and Amanda Rheaume.
Two Music Conferences
CxMW also brings artists and music professionals together through two conferences. The Independent Music Business Summit offers a full day of panels, workshops and networking focused on building sustainable careers and businesses in music.
Canada After Dark
Canada After Dark, Canada’s national summit on nightlife and the nighttime economy, returns October 7–8 at the National Arts Centre. Co-presented with the City of Ottawa’s Nightlife Office, the summit brings together Canadian and international leaders to explore the economic, cultural and social potential of cities after dark.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe will once again officially proclaim Capital Music Week, recognizing the growing role of music in the city’s cultural identity and economy.
Presented in partnership with Godzspeed under the theme “Our Soul Is Our Sound,” Capital Music Week celebrates the artists, venues and communities shaping Ottawa’s sound while creating new opportunities for audiences to discover them.
Tickets are on sale now, with the full schedule and event information available at CxMW.ca.
About the Capital Music Awards (CMAs)
Since 2020, the Capital Music Awards have celebrated musical excellence and innovation across the National Capital Region. Spanning 13 categories, the awards ceremony and red carpet honour the artists, venues, promoters, technicians, music educators, and entrepreneurs whose work helps shape Ottawa’s cultural identity and vibrant music ecosystem. The 2026 Capital Music Awards will take place on Friday, October 9, at Southam Hall inside the National Arts Centre, marking the second time Ottawa’s local music community will be celebrated on one of the country’s premier national stages. Discover the 2026 CMA Nominees: Website
