FAQ

WHEN IS ECMA 2026?

May 20-24, 2026

WHERE IS ECMA 2026?

Sydney Cape Breton - Nova Scotia

WHO IS PERFORMING?

Performing artists will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

Our lineup will feature a mix of East Coast favourites and emerging talent, with announcements shared as details are confirmed. Stay tuned... more to come.

WHO ARE THE 2026 ECMA NOMINEES?

The full list of nominees for all music and industry awards was announced on January 28 during the ECMA Press Conference in Sydney, Cape Breton. You can find the full list here.

WHAT AWARDS ARE PRESENTED AT THE THURSDAY NIGHT AWARD SHOW?

IS THE FESTIVAL ALL AGES?

Many ECMA events are 19+; however, each year there are a number of family-friendly and all-ages events.

Age restrictions will be clearly noted in individual event listings.

DO I NEED TO DRESS UP FOR THE AWARDS SHOW? (IT SAYS IT'S A GALA?)

Not at all!

There’s no required dress code for the Awards Show. Some people love to dress up, others keep it casual... both are equally welcome. Wear what feels comfortable and true to you.

IS THE AWARDS SHOW ONLY FOR ARTISTS/INDUSTRY?

Not at all! The Awards Show is for everyone.

Artists, industry professionals, music fans, and community members are all welcome. The show features award presentations, live performances, and plenty of memorable moments. It’s a celebration meant to be shared.

PASS PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS

Pass pickup will be available at the Registration Desk located in the NSCC Building B Lobby during the following times:

• Tuesday, May 19: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Wednesday, May 20: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Thursday, May 21 – Saturday, May 23: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

When you arrive at the registration desk, simply provide your name and we’ll look up your pass for you. Please be sure to pick up your pass before attending any events that require pass access. If you’re planning to attend the Kickoff Party on Wednesday, May 20, please make sure to pick up your pass beforehand.

WHAT DOES THE VIP, INDUSTRY & FAN PASSES INCLUDE?

🎟 VIP PASS

You get:

• Music Awards - general seating
• Industry Awards

• Official Showcases

• Partnered Showcases & Stages

• Songwriters Circle

• Conference sessions

• Workshops

• Keynotes

• Export Buyers Stage

• VIP Events

• Front-line access (subject to capacity & advance registration)

This is the “I want it all” pass.

🎟 INDUSTRY PASS

You get:

• Official Showcases

• Partnered Showcases & Stages

• Conference sessions

• Workshops

• Keynotes

• Regular access to eligible events

The essential pass for artists, managers, and industry pros.

🎟 FAN PASS

You get:

• Official Showcases
• Partnered Stages
• Regular Access

Perfect for music lovers who want to soak in the live-show atmosphere all week long.

CAN I GET A SINGLE DAY PASS?

I’M A PERFORMER/NOMINEE – DO I NEED TO CHECK IN AT REGISTRATION?

Yes – even if you have a comp pass, please stop by the Registration
Desk on your first day so we can give you your official credentials,
schedule, and any artist-specific information. This helps us keep
everything running smoothly backstage and on the red carpet.

CAN I GET A TICKET FOR JUST ONE SHOWCASE?

Please note that advance tickets are not available for individual events, with the exception of the Opening Night Concert, East Coast Music Awards Presented by Rogers and Songwriters' Circle.

Tickets for showcases and other public events may be purchased at the door on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to capacity.

WHAT DOES "SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY/CAPACITY" MEAN?

Each venue has a specific capacity that is allowed in the space at any given time (often set by fire safety rules). If at anytime a venue is at capacity, no more passes or door sales will be allowed in. For pass holders, you can simply move onto the next venue.

The nature of these kinds of events means an ebb and flow of attendance from artists to artist, so more often than not everyone will get into the venue at some point.

ARE THERE DIGITAL TICKETS?

Pass holders: You may receive a digital confirmation for your purchase, but THIS IS NOT YOUR PASS. All passes must be picked up at the on-site box office during the event.

Single ticketed events: If you have purchased a ticket to a single show such as the East Coast Music Awards Presented by Rogers or the Songwriters' Circle, you will receive a digital ticket which is your valid ticket.

DO I NEED TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE OR CAN I BUY TICKETS AT THE DOOR?

Advance registration is strongly recommended – it saves time and guarantees your spot at popular sessions. Same-day tickets are available at the Box Office, but quantities are limited for certain events.

WHERE CAN I PICK UP MY PASS?

All event passes will be available for pick up at the main box office on site. The Box Office is right beside the Registration Desk. You can purchase last-minute tickets, upgrade your pass, or buy merchandise and festival swag. Cash, card, and contactless payments are accepted. Bring your photo ID and the confirmation email you received.

NOTE: You need either your physical ticket or your digital ticket for entry to the awards show.

I LOST MY PASS OR TICKET – CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT?

Yes! Come to the Registration Desk with your photo ID. We’ll verify your purchase and issue a replacement (there may be a small replacement fee for lost physical passes). We strongly recommend taking a photo of your pass on your phone as backup.

I BOUGHT TICKETS ONLINE BUT HAVEN’T RECEIVED MY PASS YET – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

No worries! Just come to the Registration Desk with your order confirmation number and photo ID. We can print your pass on the spot. You can also check your email spam folder or log back into your Tixr account to make sure the ticket transferred correctly.

WHAT IS A "VIP TABLE"?

VIP Tables are the most glamorous way to experience the East Coast Music Awards Presented by Rogers. You and nine guests can be up close to the stage, walk the red carpet, and enjoy food and drink provided by our sponsors during the evening.

For more information or to purchase a VIP table, click below.

CAN I PURCHASE A TICKET OR PASS FROM A THIRD PARTY SELLER?

PLEASE DO NOT purchase passes from 3rd parties – only purchase through the official ECMA ticketing website to ensure their legitimacy. Counterfeit tickets and passes will not be honoured, and ECMA will not be responsible for the promotion or sale of counterfeit tickets and passes.

WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?

All ECMA Tickets and Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE, but transfers are available.

I WANT TO UPGRADE MY PASS. CAN I?

Yes you can!

• Fan → Industry

• Fan → VIP (based on availability)

• Industry → VIP (based on availability)

You can email us at [email protected] for access to the upgrade link.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

Most of the events will be happening in the downtown core. You will find the most up-to-date hotel information on this page.

HOW DO I GET TO SYDNEY, CAPE BRETON?

Sydney, Cape Breton is accessible by air, car, bus, and shared transportation, whether you’re travelling locally, nationally, or from abroad.

I’m travelling from within Cape Breton or Nova Scotia

🚗 By Car

Sydney is well-connected by highway and easy to reach from anywhere in Nova Scotia.

• From Halifax: approximately 4–4.5 hours by car
• From mainland Nova Scotia: cross the Canso Causeway, then follow Highway 105
• From elsewhere on Cape Breton: most communities are 30–90 minutes away

Road conditions are generally good, and fuel stops are available along major routes.

🚌 By Bus

Intercity bus service connects Halifax to Cape Breton, with stops in Sydney and surrounding communities.

• Travel time varies by route and stops
• Ideal for delegates, students, and those not renting a car
• Local transit, taxis, and rideshare options are available upon arrival

Bus schedules may be limited, so advance planning is recommended.

I’m travelling from elsewhere in Canada

✈️ Option 1: Fly to Halifax (YHZ) + Ground Transportation

This is the most flexible and commonly used route.

• Fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport
• Continue to Sydney by:
– Rental car
– Intercity bus
– Shared or private ground transportation

Total travel time from Halifax to Sydney is approximately 4–4.5 hours.

✈️ Option 2: Fly Directly to Sydney (YQY)

Sydney has a regional airport located about 15 minutes from downtown.

• Direct flights are available from select Canadian hubs
• Flight availability may vary seasonally
• Car rentals and taxis are available at the airport

I’m travelling from the U.S. or internationally

✈️ International Route

• Fly into Halifax (YHZ) via a major international gateway
• Continue to Sydney by:
– Domestic connecting flight
– Rental car
– Bus or ground transportation

Halifax offers the widest range of international connections in Atlantic Canada.

Can I use rideshare or shared transportation?

Yes, once in Nova Scotia or Cape Breton, visitors commonly use:

• Rideshare services (availability varies by area and time of day)
• Taxis and local car services
• Shared shuttles or group transportation, especially for events

These options are most reliable within Sydney and nearby communities.

Once I’m in Sydney

Sydney is compact and easy to navigate:

• Short travel times between venues
• Walkable downtown core
• Taxis, rideshare, and local transit available
• Most hotels, venues, and restaurants are within a small radius

Long daily commutes are not required during the festival.

Good to Know

• Flight, bus, and seasonal routes may change so booking early is recommended
• Winter and spring travel conditions can vary; allow buffer time
• Staying an extra day is encouraged... Cape Breton is worth it 🌊🎶