APPLY TO PLAY
2025 Canadian Finals Rodeo Celebrations
Multi-Venue Live Music Series Celebrating Canadian Finals Rodeo Week
Dates: Thursday, September 25 – Thursday October 2, 2025
Application Deadline: Monday August 25th, 2025 at 5pm MST
ABOUT
Apply to play this grassroots, multi-venue live music series happening across central Edmonton leading up to and during Canadian Finals Rodeo (Oct 1–4, 2025). This citywide celebration will bring a dynamic mix of performances to a variety of venues — from iconic music rooms to pop-up spaces — offering free shows for the public while providing paid performance opportunities for artists, making it accessible for all to enjoy and get in on the celebrations.
Programming will celebrate western culture, with artists primarily in the country music wheelhouse — including country, alt-country, Americana, roots, singer-songwriter, folk, and blues. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established act, this is your chance to connect with new fans, fellow performers, and the community during one of Edmonton’s biggest event weeks of the year!
This program is presented by Canadian Finals Rodeo, supported by Explore Edmonton, and produced by Bird Creatives.
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Paid performance opportunity (travel and accommodation not provided). All shows will be free to the public
Open to solo, duo, trio, and full band acts
Genres: Country, alt-country, Americana, roots, singer-songwriter, folk, blues (styles that reflect and celebrate western culture)
Artists of all ages welcome (youth performers may be programmed in all-ages venues)
Venues include a variety of music and pop-up spaces, primarily in central Edmonton
Sound provided; backline not guaranteed and arranged on a case-by-case basis
Must have experience performing live
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Artists based in Edmonton/Alberta or already planning to be in Edmonton during CFR week
Representation of diverse voices, styles, and stories within the country/roots music spectrum
Inclusion of Indigenous and culturally diverse programming that connects to western culture themes
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Applications close: Monday August 25th, 2025 at 5pm MST
Lineup announcement: Early September 2025
Performance week: Sept 25 – Oct 2, 2025 -
Contact andi@birdcreatives.com