Event Details

Incorporated in 2015, the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is a bilingual, member-based non-profit whose vision is to play a lead role in the economic, cultural, and social prosperity of Ottawa and the surrounding region by creating a thriving and inclusive music ecosystem. OMIC supports local artists, music professionals, and venue owners through advocacy, professional development, and signature programming including the annual Capital Music Awards and the City Sounds Live concert series. With over 425 active members, OMIC works closely with the City of Ottawa and private sector partners to embed music into the fabric of the city, most recently collaborating on the Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2023–2026 and recognized with the Desjardins Institutional Collective Excellence Award for its impact on Ottawa's regional music ecosystem.

This application is for "Capital Music Week (CxMW) 2026", a city-wide music and industry event taking place October 2 to 10, 2026, across multiple venues in Ottawa. Building on a successful 2025 pilot that attracted 5,000 attendees from 56 cities, the 2026 edition expands programming, venue activations, and partnership reach. Programming includes: (1) Headline concerts: major performances by national and international artists including Angine de Poitrine, Yas Levis, Bahamas, and Logan Staats at premier venues including the National Arts Centre, Bronson Centre, Maison de la Francophonie d'Ottawa, History (in partnership with Live Nation), and Metcalfe Plaza; (2) Curated showcases and local programming: performances by local and regional artists including Jessica Pearson and the East Wind, Lionyls, LeFLOFRANCO, and Opartheet at mid-size and independent venues including Gridwrks, Live on Elgin, Robo Lounge, Stray Dog Brewery, and Lowertown Brewery; (3) Free public and community programming: free, family-friendly performances and activations delivered in partnership with multiple BIAs with Metcalfe Plaza serving as a central hub with a capacity of approximately 500 attendees; (4) Industry and professional programming: the Canada After Dark Summit (October 5 to 7), panels, workshops, networking events, and B2B meetings expected to attract 150+ music industry professionals and policymakers from across Canada; and (5) Capital Music Awards (October 9, National Arts Centre): a large-scale awards ceremony recognizing excellence in Ottawa's music sector, serving as the flagship anchor event for both industry and public audiences.