Country singer-songwriter Charley Crockett has canceled the entire Canadian leg of his 2026 winter tour after being denied entry into the country twice in a 24-hour period.
The Texas native shared the news in a statement posted to social media, explaining that border officials refused him admission due to a past felony conviction related to marijuana possession with intent to distribute.
"I tried to cross the Canadian border twice in 24 hours," Crockett wrote. "After they denied me entry in Vancouver, I tried again in Kelowna and was rejected a second time. I've been advised that it would jeopardize my freedom to try and enter again."
Why Was Charley Crockett Denied Entry?
According to documentation Crockett shared publicly, Canadian authorities denied him entry because of a 2016 felony conviction in Virginia for possession with intent to distribute more than five pounds of marijuana.
Under Canadian law, foreign nationals with certain criminal convictions - even if the offense occurred years ago in another country - can be deemed inadmissible. In some cases, the equivalent offense under Canadian law carries severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
While cannabis is now legal in Canada for both recreational and medicinal use, large-scale possession and distribution offenses can still carry significant legal consequences.
Crockett's conviction, though nearly a decade old, appears to have triggered those border restrictions.
What Did Charley Crockett Say?
The 41-year-old singer did not hide his disappointment.
"Everybody's got a past," he wrote. "Mine's still haunting me."
Crockett expressed regret to fans across Canada, confirming that all scheduled shows would be canceled and that refunds would be issued at the point of purchase.
"I'm deeply sorry to announce the cancellation of my entire Canadian tour," he said. "I know this doesn't begin to make up for y'all's time and hard-earned money. I apologize to everyone affected. I know I let y'all down."
He added that Canada holds a special place in his touring history and that he hopes to return someday.
"I ain't one to quit, and I aim to be back one of these days real soon."
Which Tour Dates Were Canceled?
The canceled Canadian dates include:
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Feb. 23 - Edmonton, Alberta
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Feb. 26 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
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Feb. 28 - Winnipeg, Manitoba
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March 1 - Windsor, Ontario
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March 2 - Toronto, Ontario
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March 3 - Ottawa, Ontario
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March 5 - Montreal, Quebec
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March 6 - Niagara Falls, Ontario
The Vancouver show had already been postponed before the full cancellation was announced.
How Common Is This for Artists?
Crockett is not the first musician to face international travel restrictions due to past convictions. Several artists, including Jelly Roll, have spoken openly about how felony records complicated or delayed their ability to tour internationally.
Border laws vary by country, and criminal rehabilitation processes can take time. Even artists with passports and valid work visas can be denied entry depending on their record.
A Career Still Moving Forward
Despite the setback, Crockett's career momentum continues. The alt-country artist is preparing to release Age of the Ram, the third installment of his "Sagebrush Trilogy," arriving April 3, 2026.
While this chapter of his tour has closed unexpectedly, Crockett's candid acknowledgment of his past has resonated with fans who have followed his journey from busking on street corners to headlining international stages.
In an era when redemption and second chances are often part of an artist's story, Crockett's situation serves as a reminder that past decisions can carry long-term consequences - even years after a sentence has been served.
For now, Canadian fans will have to wait. But if Crockett's message is any indication, this is not goodbye - only a pause.
