Celebrating the best in Northern Ontario film, television and music, the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards ceremony and conference will take place at Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury from June 18-20.

“We’re thrilled to once again celebrate the excellence of Northern Ontario music and film projects, while encouraging and supporting musicians and filmmakers to grow in their careers,” said Patrick O’Hearn, associate executive director of Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION), which puts on the awards program.

“It’s incredible to be working with Place des Arts again this year on NOMFA. Knowing that northern musicians and filmmakers combined this year to set records with the number of award submissions, we think having both the conference and ceremony anchored at this incredible venue will be great for hosting both local and visiting guests who want to make the most of a celebratory weekend in Sudbury.”

CION staff report that music and film submissions for NOMFA 2026 have surpassed previous highs established in 2024, which at the time preceded record-breaking attendance for the three-day conference.

Hopeful for an even bigger turnout this time around, CION is working behind-the-scenes on producing a roster of must-see live music sets that will cap off each evening of NOMFA 2026.

“Part of what makes NOMFA so special is the invigorating feeling of being completely immersed in arts and culture for a few days, surrounded with inspiring artists and delegates,” notes Melanie St-Pierre, lead of CION’s music sector development.

“You can develop relationships and network during the day to then unwind with new friends at wonderfully curated music showcases each night. This year, we’re excited to program new opportunities for music nominees to perform throughout the conference schedule while bringing back late-night NOMFA staples like the Indigenous Excellence showcase.”

CION will announce the nominees in April.

The full NOMFA 2026 conference will run from Thursday, June 18 to Saturday, June 20, 2026, and promises three full days of celebration, education, and meaningful networking.

More information about the schedule (industry sessions, showcases, and individual ticketing options) will be published to CION’s website and social media accounts by early spring 2026.