April 3-6, 2025 | National Arts Centre & Canadian Museum of History
CFMA 2025 – Celebrating 20 Years of Folk Excellence
For the 20th Anniversary of the CFMA, the CFMA is returning to the birthplace of the awards in Ottawa/Gatineau.
In honour of our milestone 20th anniversary, we’re thrilled to bring the Canadian Folk Music Awards back to where it all began. CFMA President Graham Lindsey remarks, “The CFMA has always been about more than awards—it’s about bringing together our folk community, celebrating our stories, and honouring the incredible talent that defines Canadian music.”
This year’s awards week celebration runs from April 3 to 6, 2025 and features a series of bilingual concerts that spotlight the diversity, creativity, and cultural importance of Canada’s folk music scene. Instead of just one awards show, each concert will include several awards presentations.
Dates & Venues:
- April 3–6, 2025
- National Arts Centre (Ottawa) & Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau)
Tickets
VIP Wristbands and Tickets Now on Sale
Fans can secure their VIP Wristbands now at the early bird price of $125 (tax inclusive). These wristbands grant access to all four concerts—a significant saving compared to purchasing tickets individually (valued at $148 + tax and fees).
Individual concert tickets will also be available (see below).
April 3-6, 2025 | National Arts Centre & Canadian Museum of History
Concert Events & Award Presentations
Songwriter Showcase Concert
Date & Time: Thursday, April 3, 2025 @ 7:30PM
Venue: Canadian Museum of History
Performers:
Burnstick
Celeigh Cardinal
Geneviève Racette
Jeffery Straker
Michel Robichaud
Sandra Bouza
Awards Presented:
Contemporary Singer of the Year
Indigenous Songwriter(s) of the Year
New/Emerging Artist(s) of the Year
French Songwriter(s) of the Year
English Songwriter(s) of the Year
Producer(s) of the Year
Purchase a wristband to give you access to all four concerts (and other events). Tickets will get you into individual shows. The ticket link will take you directly to the Museum of Canadian History’s website.
Gala Awards Show
Date & Time: Friday, April 4, 2025 @ 7:30PM
Venue: National Arts Centre
Performers:
Connie Kaldor
Indian City
Kiran Ahluwalia
Lucy MacNeil
Mia Kelly
Sirène et Matelot
Awards Presented:
Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries
Traditional Album of the Year
Contemporary Album of the Year
Ensemble of the Year
Single of the Year
Instrumental Group of the Year
Purchase a wristband to give you access to all four concerts (and other events). Tickets will get you into individual shows. The ticket link will take you directly to the National Arts Centre’s website.
Traditional & Global Roots Concert
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 @ 7:30PM
Venue: Canadian Museum of History
Performers:
Bradley Murphy
Derina Harvey Band
Lemon Bucket Orkestra
Okavango African Orchestra
Prairie Comeau
The Andrew Collins Trio
Awards Presented:
Traditional Singer of the Year
Global Roots Album of the Year
Solo Artist of the Year
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year
Vocal Group of the Year
Instrumental Composer(s) of the Year
Purchase a wristband to give you access to all four concerts (and other events). Tickets will get you into individual shows. The ticket link will take you directly to the Museum of Canadian History’s website.
Family Music Concert
Date & Time: Sunday, April 6, 2025 @ 10:30AM
Venue: Canadian Museum of History
Performers:
Abigail Lapell
Amelia Parker
Irish Millie
Will and Seeka
Awards Presented:
Children’s Album of the Year
Young Performer(s) of the Year
Purchase a wristband to give you access to all four concerts (and other events). Tickets will get you into individual shows.
Admission: Free with museum entry
Accommodations
The Alt Hotel
The Alt is a 9-minute (650m) walk from the National Arts Centre (NAC) and offers a central location in Ottawa. With parking available across the street and a dedicated space for after-hours music, this will serve as our primary hotel for the 20th Anniversary celebrations.
Rooms from $169/night
Fairmont Château Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier is only a five minute walk from the NAC and is a beautiful historic hotel that will add a touch of elegance and charm to your CFMA 20th Anniversary visit to Ottawa.
Rooms from $219/night
Cartier Place Suite Hotel
The Cartier Place Suite Hotel is 10 minutes from the NAC and offers spacious accommodations ideal for those traveling with larger parties. Entry-level rooms include a separate bedroom and a pull-out couch, providing comfort and flexibility for your stay in Ottawa.
Suites from $229/night
RESERVATIONS: Phone the hotel at 1 800-236-8399 and mention the CFMAs
Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering at the CFMA 2025, please submit a Volunteer Form
Media Requests
Media Requests
For media inquiries regarding the event, please email Briana Doyle and [email protected].
Demandes des médias
Pour toute demande des médias concernant l’événement, y compris pour y assister, veuillez envoyer un courriel à Briana Doyle et à [email protected].