Canadian Folk Music Awards Return to Calgary
The Canadian Folk Music Awards Announce Key Details for 2026 Return to Calgary
Celebrating New Categories, Local Honourees, and a Multi-Venue Format
Calgary, AB — May 28, 2025 — Today, The Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA) proudly unveiled major announcements for their 2026 edition during a community gathering at Festival Hall in Calgary, hosted in collaboration with the Calgary Folk Festival. The event marked the official kick-off to a 21st anniversary celebration of folk music in Canada, set to take place April 9–12, 2026.
Returning to Calgary - a city rich in folk tradition and musical diversity - the 2026 CFMAs will feature four distinct gala concerts, a range of public programming, private industry showcases, and a renewed focus on national and international export development. New this year is the addition of an award category recognizing excellence in album cover art, acknowledging the visual storytelling that enhances the listener's experience.
“Calgary is thrilled to be selected as the host city for the 2026 Canadian Folk Music Awards, celebrating the rich tapestry of folk music that our city loves,” said Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President of Sales at Tourism Calgary, a proud CFMA funder. “Calgary has a vibrant music scene, with iconic events like the Folk Music Festival and venues like the National Music Centre and Festival Hall. We look forward to providing an amazing backdrop to honor Canada's folk music heritage and welcoming artists and fans with the western hospitality that defines our city.”
During the press conference, CFMA also announced this year’s Order of Folk recipients: Tom Coxworth, longtime CKUA Radio host of Folk Routes, and Ruth Lund and John Lund, dedicated community volunteers whose decades of contributions have shaped Calgary’s folk music landscape.
The 2026 CFMAs will take place across key cultural venues in Calgary, including Bella Concert Hall, the National Music Centre, and the Westin Calgary, which also serves as the event’s host hotel and a hub for transportation. Gala concerts will include programming that spans songwriting, global traditions, innovative voices, and family-friendly experiences—ensuring something for every kind of folk fan.
Additional programming will include an Alberta Showcase (in partnership with Alberta Music) for export buyers, a Francophone networking event, the annual Trad Session hosted by CFMA President Graham Lindsey, and private receptions and after-parties for delegates and nominees. More public events and community activities will be announced closer to the festival dates.
Submissions for nominations and juror applications open Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with an early bird deadline of June 11 and final submission deadline of July 15. Jurors will be confirmed by late July, with judging commencing shortly after. Nominees will be announced in fall 2025, and performer lineups will be shared in February 2026.
The Canadian Folk Music Awards would like to thank its 2026 funders and partners: Tourism Calgary, Alberta Music, and the Calgary Folk Festival, with more to be announced in the coming months.
Join us as we begin the journey to Calgary 2026—celebrating the voices, stories, and spirit of Canadian folk music.
2026 Funders / Partners
Tourism Calgary
Alberta Music
The Calgary Folk Festival
The Canadian Folk Music Awards gratefully acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters.
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