The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Performers for CMAOntario Festival & Awards
Sully Burrows, Olivia Mae Graham, Elyse Saunders, Jessica Sevier, plus The Trail, a new waterfront concert-hopping showcase.
MISSISSAUGA, ON – 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.
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.
“As Ward Councillor, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the CMA Ontario Festival & Awards Weekend to Port Credit. This exciting lineup of events will bring our waterfront to life with incredible music, talent, and community spirit. From live performances to celebrating emerging and established artists, this weekend truly showcases the best of Ontario’s country music scene. I invite residents and visitors from across the City and throughout the GTA, 905 communities to come and experience the energy, support the artists, and enjoy everything Port Credit has to offer.” — Councillor Stephen Dasko
“We gratefully acknowledge the support of Visit Mississauga and the Port Credit BIA, and are proud to bring our festival and awards weekend back to Mississauga after a successful year in 2024,” said Patrick Duffy, Chair of the CMAOntario Board of Directors.
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 with the support of Visit Mississauga, Port Credit BIA, and Ontario Creates. 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.
The CMAOntario Festival & Awards will also host the R2i Conference from May 30-31 in the Credit Room at Port Credit Memorial Arena. Artists can kick-start their path to success in the country music industry with panels, workshops, and keynotes that provide expert insights, practical tools, and proven strategies.
2026 CMAOntario Festival and Awards
May 29-31, 2026
Port Credit in Mississauga, Ontario
Tickets and Schedule: https://cmaontario.ca/events/
Songs & Stories
May 29 at 8 pm
Port Credit Memorial Arena – Credit Room
$20
The Trail
May 29-30 at 7 pm-Midnight
Port Credit Waterfront – Various Venues
The Pump House Grille Co.; Shore Grill & Grotto;
The Crooked Cue; Roc’n Doc’s; The Donegal Arms
FREE
Bonfire
May 30 at 7:30 pm
Port Credit Memorial Arena
$20
R2i Conference
May 30-31
Port Credit Memorial Arena – Credit Room
14th annual CMAOntario Awards
May 31, 2026, at 7 pm
Port Credit Memorial Arena
Tickets from $35
Media Contact: Damien Nelson, damien@wantandable.ca
CMAOntario Nominees and Performers are available for interviews
Media Accreditation Now Open: https://cmaontario.ca/media-accreditation/
www.cmaontario.ca
Facebook / X / Instagram: @theCMAOntario
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About CMAOntario: In 2007, Rob MacArthur and founding patron Linda Wright, together with a number of key industry professionals, founded the Country Music Association of Ontario. The Association’s mandate is to foster the growth and development of Ontario’s country music and its industry – provincially, nationally and internationally.
Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for the destination. Visit Mississauga is committed to implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan, promoting local businesses, talents and coordinating large-scale events within the city. To learn more about Visit Mississauga, or check out other exciting events coming to Mississauga, go to visitmississauga.ca.