Brayden King performs on the Original 16 Stage during Whoop-Up Days 2025. (Image Credit: Excite Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Whoop-Up Days nominated for Country Music Alberta award

Feb 3, 2026 | 1:12 PM

Lethbridge’s largest annual summer festival is getting some major recognition.

Country Music Alberta has announced that the 2025 edition of Whoop-Up Days is a finalist for the Live Event or Presenting Series of the Year (Large Market) award.

Paul Kingsmith, Director of Event Development at Excite Lethrbidge, says it is an honour for Whoop-Up Days to be included among some of the province’s largest and most prestigious music events.

“Over the past couple of years, we have focused on increasing the music options for our guests, and with that, have focused on giving a stage to the many incredible artists we have right in our backyard. We thank CMAB voters for this honour and also thank the many great artists who have chosen to work with us,” says Kingsmith.

Last year’s festival featured many country artists from Alberta, such as Trevor Panczak, Morgan Klaiber, FoxxWorthee, Brayden King, Nice Horse, Tyson Ray Boorsboom, Willy Big Bull and the BFC All-Star Band, and Bennett Mitchell.

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There was also live music at the Whoop-Up Days parade, Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo pre-show, Siksikaitsitapi Indigenous Music Showcase, Whoop-Up Days busker program, Whoop-Up Days Community Stage, and Rodeo Reds post-event party.

Artists featured at these events include Armond Duck Chief, the Cody Hall Band, Brody Jerome, Boots Graham and more.

The other nominees for the award include Calgary Stampede, Country Thunder Alberta, Big Valley Jamboree, and Cody Snyder Charity Bullbustin’ 2025.

The 15th Annual Country Music Alberta Awards will be presented on March 22, 2026, in Edmonton. Learn more here.