Whoop-Up Days’ focus on showcasing Alberta talent has earned the Lethbridge festival a nomination from Country Music Alberta.
The annual event is one of five finalists for Country Music Alberta’s Live Event or Presenting Series of the Year (Large Market) award. The nomination recognizes the organization’s commitment to promoting Alberta country music artists during the Aug. 19 to 24 festival, which featured more than a dozen Alberta performers across seven stages.
Paul Kingsmith, director of event development with Excite Lethbridge, said it is an honour for Whoop-Up Days to be included alongside some of the province’s largest 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,” Kingsmith said. “We thank CMAB voters for this honour and also thank the many great artists who have chosen to work with us.”
Artists featured during the 2025 festival included Trevor Panczak, Morgan Klaiber, FoxxWorthee, Brayden King, Nice Horse, Tyson Ray Boorsboom, Willy Big Bull and the BFC All-Star Band, and Bennett Mitchell.
Music programming also extended beyond the main stage, with performances tied to the Whoop-Up Days parade, the Lethbridge and District Pro Rodeo pre-show, the Siksikaitsitapi Indigenous Music Showcase, the busker program, the Community Stage and the Rodeo Reds post-event party. Additional artists appearing at those events included Armond Duck Chief, the Cody Hall Band, Brody Jerome and Boots Graham.
Other nominees in the category include Big Valley Jamboree, Calgary Stampede, Cody Snyder Charity Bullbustin’ and Country Thunder Alberta.
The winner will be announced at the fifth annual Country Music Alberta Awards on March 22 in Edmonton.
