Submissions for 2026 YYC Music Awards now open
Posted Mar 2, 2026 10:12 am.
The YYC Music Awards are back for the 11th year, and submissions are now open for the fall event.
The eligibility period for submissions, an album or single commercially released, is from March 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026, with organizers saying the time frame must be “strictly enforced,” and submissions won’t be accepted beyond this time frame.
Submissions close on May 1, 2026.
“We set some huge landmarks during our 10th anniversary year, and with Calgary nearing two million, we’re more than ready to rise to the next goalpost,” says Stephanie Hutchinson, the president and director of the YYC Music Awards.
“These awards reflect the unique creative energy of Calgary and the incredible people who continue to make this city a wonderful place to collaborate, create, and share music.”
Eligible artists must be from the Calgary area, which includes Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, Strathmore and areas up to a maximum of 125 kilometres from the city, along with living in the area for a minimum of six months from the date of submission.
Members in groups must also have at least 50 per cent of them from the eligibility area.
A new category was introduced at the 2025 awards, the “Live Performer of the Year” award for those who haven’t “necessarily focused on recording.”
Overall, there are 29 categories recognizing the best of Calgary’s music scene in various ways, which include recordings of the year for Alternative, Blues, Children’s, Classical, Country, EDM, Folk, Inspirational/Holiday, Jazz, Metal, Pop, R&B/Soul, Rap, Rock, and World/Cultural Music.
More information on the awards and how to submit can be found online.
