Get Involved
Get Involved
Get Involved
MUSIC IS A SIGNAL OF CHANGE, CREATIVITY & RESILIENCE IN CITIES
In the past 10 years, Alberta has been on a journey to become a leading emerging voice in the music cities movement in Western Canada and the world.
Home to renowned music festivals, artists, creators, producers, artist-friendly radio/platforms, Canada’s National Music Centre, Winspear Centre for Music, acclaimed music schools, music associations, live-music venues, and some of Canada’s most iconic music hall of famers, the province’s music legacy and ecosystem runs deep.
But Alberta is more than history and an existing vibrant music community—it’s a province and place in transformation. As Canada’s energy capital diversifies and continues to grow, music has become a signal of change, creativity, and cultural resilience.
WHY CALGARY, ALBERTA?
Calgary is the fastest-growing city in Canada, and it’s reimagining what it means to be a music city through some projects that have redefined the local music ecosystem:
A CITY AT A CROSSROADS OF GROWTH AND REINVENTION
It’s a city actively reinventing itself with new investments in arts, culture, technology, and creative industries that are central to that transformation.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION & PLACEMAKING IN ACTION
The venues along Music Mile, new capital infrastructure in Calgary East Village, the downtown core, and the newly branded Culture & Entertainment District represent one of North America’s most ambitious urban revitalization projects, offering delegates a living lab to experience placemaking in action.
GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY & WELCOMING CULTURE
Calgary is an international gateway and hub with direct flights from around the world, a can-do culture and hospitality, volunteer-driven events like the Calgary Stampede, and a multicultural community where over 40% of residents bring a global perspective to music and city-building.
WEST ANTHEM
Alberta’s leading music advocacy nonprofit, building awareness and capacity around music policy, artist support, and music tourism for over a decade.
A LIVING MUSIC LABORATORY
Calgary’s music scene offers grassroots innovation and international reach. Award-winning venues, numerous globally recognized music festivals and events year-round.
STUDIO BELL, HOME OF THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
One of the world’s few non-profit institutions combining preservation, performance, education, and innovation under one roof. Increasingly recognized as a global partner in music heritage, with collaborations ranging from ADISQ in Québec to Bruce Springsteen Archives in New Jersey.
RECOGNISED MUSIC EDUCATION FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS
Province-wide traditional and commercial music education institutions that are long-standing and produce exceptional talent.
AN EMERGING CANADIAN DESTINATION
Beyond music, Calgary is alive with experiences that surprise and delight. Delegates can explore more than 1,300 pieces of public art, sip craft beers from 40+ microbreweries, and visit world-class attractions like the Calgary Zoo, Spruce Meadows, Heritage Park, and The Confluence. With two of North America’s largest urban parks and the continent’s longest urban pathway network, the city blends big-city vibrancy with easy access to the outdoors.
GLOBALLY RECOGNISED FOR CLEAN, GREEN, AND WELCOMING LIVING
Calgary consistently ranks among the world’s cleanest and greenest cities, known for its friendliness and community spirit. Home to people representing over 240 ethnic origins, the city offers a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere that mirrors the global diversity of music itself.
GATEWAY TO NATURAL WONDERS AND INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
Calgary is the only North American city within driving distance of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Delegates can extend their stay to experience the Canadian Rockies, the Canadian Badlands, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and profound Indigenous heritage at places such as Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Writing-on-Stone. Few destinations offer such proximity to natural beauty and cultural history.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE CONVENTION
The Alberta Music Cities Convention is a place that will gather delegates working at the forefront of music city topics from all around the world.
Over 3 days, you’ll be able to engage in insightful discussions and network with peers from 25+ different countries, and:
Learn how to design an effective music policy that empowers venues and artists
Gain skills to fundraise for music projects and grow sustainable initiatives
Discover tools for music tourism to attract visitors and investment
Connect with global leaders and local pioneers shaping the future of music cities
This is more than an event—it’s the celebration of a 10-year journey to position Alberta as the leading music region in Western Canada, and to showcase the possibilities lying ahead as the city keeps strengthening its music ecosystem.
EXPLORE THE MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION EXPERIENCE
DISCOVER ALBERTA’S MUSIC LEGACY
AND MOMENTUM
Alberta’s music heritage spans millennia—from traditional Indigenous pow pow and Métis fiddle styles to global icons like k.d.lang, Tegan and Sara, and Corb Lund. Today, its live scene is world-renowned, with festivals like Calgary Stampede and the Calgary, Canmore, and Edmonton Folk Music Festivals, Music in the Badlands, and Country-Thunder drawing tens of thousands each year.
JOIN THE WAITLIST: GET EXCLUSIVE INFO AND DISCOUNTS FOR THE CONVENTION
Make sure to be part of the Alberta Music Cities Convention in October 2026.
Sign up for the waiting list now to:
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Secure early access to discounted tickets
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Receive all event updates directly
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Be part of the community shaping the future of music in Alberta
HOST PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Do you have any other questions regarding the Alberta Music Cities Convention, or want to sponsor? Contact Pablo at pablo@sounddiplomacy.com to learn everything related to the event's programme and activities.