CMAOntario Festival & Awards
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the performers for the 2026 CMAOntario Festival & Awards taking place May 29-31, 2026 in Mississauga’s lakeside community of Port Credit with the support of Visit Mississauga, Port Credit BIA, and Ontario Creates.
The CMAOntario Festival & Awards will kick off May 29 with Songs & Stories, an intimate songwriters showcase hosted by Amy Aust in the Credit Room at the Port Credit Memorial Arena. 2026 CMAOntario nominees Elyse Saunders, Parker Graye, Ryan Langdon, and Yan Leduc of Les Rats d’Swompe will share the personal moments and inspirations behind their hit songs and perform exclusive acoustic versions.
New this year, the CMAOntario Festival will present The Trail, two nights of free live music at five venues on May 29-30. Audiences and industry can walk the waterfront to discover new talent and celebrate CMAOntario nominees at each stop along The Trail with performances by Andy Colonico, Angelica Appelman, Dayna Reid, Lucas Mason, Ty Wilson, Hayden Ryann, Bree Taylor, Rosewood Ave., Josh Taerk, Graham Bedard, Jessie T, Spencer Burns, Tim Albertson, Deborah O’Connor, Abby Stewart, Blake Jubenville, Makinna Givens, Adam Cousins, NESS, Olivia Mae Graham, Vincent Bishop, and Kristine St-Pierre.
Bonfire, presented by Misty City Music Festival, returns May 30 at Port Credit Memorial Arena with performances by Paige Rutledge, Jade Hilton, Bradley Hale, Tanaeya, and CMAOntario 2025 Breakthrough Artist Sully Burrows. A real fan favourite, Bonfire showcases some of Ontario’s brightest emerging talents lighting up the stage for a raucous party.
Hosted by multi CMAOntario winner Jason Blaine and Country Nights host Sam McDaid, the CMAOntario Awards Show will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend on May 31 at Port Credit Memorial Arena. The CMAOntario Awards will celebrate the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry with performances by: Sully Burrows, who leads with six 2026 CMAOntario nominations; Olivia Mae Graham, who is up for four awards; Jessica Sevier, up for three awards; Elyse Saunders, nominated for Female Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year; School House, nominated for Group or Duo of the Year and Roots Artist of the Year; Tyler Lorette, nominated for Male Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year; Cory Marks, nominated for Music Video of the Year; Les Rats d’Swompe, nominated for Francophone Artist of the Year; and the CMAOntario house band, The Western Swing Authority, who are nominated for Group or Duo of the Year and Roots Artist of the Year.
