Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026 comes to Calgary: music as an engine for urban transformation

Celebrating a decade of Alberta's music advocacy and shaping the next era for Western Canada's music cities.

In the past 10 years, Alberta has been on a journey to become a leading emerging voice in 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? A New Model for Music Cities

Calgary isn’t just growing, it’s transforming. As Canada’s fastest-growing city, it has embraced music as a core driver of urban revitalization, cultural identity, and economic innovation. From downtown renewal to globally recognized institutions, Calgary offers a living blueprint for what a 21st-century music city can be.

A City Reinventing Itself

Calgary stands at a unique crossroads, channeling investment into arts, technology, and culture to reshape its identity. This isn’t just talk; it’s action. The city’s Music Mile, East Village revitalization, and newly branded Culture & Entertainment District represent some of North America’s most ambitious urban placemaking projects. For delegates, Calgary serves as a real-world laboratory for seeing how music can activate urban spaces.

A Thriving and Connected Music Ecosystem

• West Anthem: Alberta’s leading music advocacy organization, supporting artists, policy, and music tourism for over a decade.

• Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre: A world-class institution blending preservation, education, and innovation — and a partner to global icons like the Bruce Springsteen Archives.

• Award-Winning Venues and Festivals: From grassroots spaces to international events, Calgary’s calendar pulses with music year-round.

Global Reach, Local Spirit

With direct flights from major international hubs, a multicultural population (over 40% of residents hail from elsewhere), and a famously welcoming atmosphere, Calgary bridges local authenticity with global connectivity. This is the city of the Calgary Stampede — a volunteer-driven spectacle that embodies its can-do spirit.

More Than Music: Experience and Environment

Beyond the music, Calgary surprises. Explore 1,300+ public art installations, sample craft beer from 40+ microbreweries, or escape into nature via North America’s longest urban pathway network. The city is consistently ranked one of the world’s cleanest and greenest — a place where vibrant city life meets pristine outdoor access.

A Gateway to Heritage and Adventure

Calgary is the only major North American city within driving distance of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Canadian Rockies, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and profound Indigenous heritage locations like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. It’s not just a conference destination — it’s the starting point for an unforgettable cultural and natural journey.

What to Expect at the Convention: Sound & Strategy in Action

The Alberta Music Cities Convention will bring together delegates from across the globe working at the forefront of music and urban development. Over three days, you will engage in focused discussions and build connections with peers from more than 25 countries.

Here’s what you will gain:

• Actionable Policy Insights: Learn to design effective music policies that support venues, artists, and local ecosystems.

• Sustainable Funding Skills: Develop strategies to finance music projects and grow long-term initiatives.

• Music Tourism Tools: Discover how to attract visitors and investment through music-driven tourism.

• Global & Local Networking: Connect with international leaders and local innovators shaping the future of music cities.

This event marks the 10-year anniversary of a concerted effort to establish Alberta as Western Canada’s leading music region. It is both a celebration of this milestone and a forward-looking platform to strengthen the music ecosystem for the decade ahead.

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

Join us in Alberta for a global gathering focused on music, policy, and urban development.

Explore the full event details at Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026.

Sign up to the waiting list now to secure early access to discounted tickets and receive all event updates directly.