Peterborough Musicfest is rolling out its largest Diner’s Book to date, offering local residents a way to explore the region’s culinary scene while helping sustain one of Ontario’s longstanding free summer concert series. The 2026 edition, released November 28, features 85 dining offers from restaurants, cafés, pubs and food establishments across Peterborough, the Kawarthas and surrounding communities.
Priced at $30, the Diner’s Book provides more than $1,000 in potential savings through “buy one entrée, get the second half price” promotions and additional special offers. Revenue from every book sold is directed toward funding Musicfest’s free-admission concert model, which relies heavily on community support and partnerships to bring performers to Del Crary Park each summer.
“This year’s Diner’s Book isn’t just a way to save on incredible dining experiences; it’s a way to give back and help keep free admission music alive for everyone to enjoy,” said Tracey Randall, executive director of Peterborough Musicfest. “It’s also the perfect gift for the foodie in your life or that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. With something for every palate, it’s a gift that keeps giving all year long!”
The 2026 edition also includes the return of the popular “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” promotion, which has become a key driver of early sales. Organizers say this year’s expanded roster of participating venues reflects broad support across the hospitality sector, with many businesses opting in to help sustain a festival that draws significant foot traffic to downtown Peterborough and generates economic activity for tourism and local merchants.
Musicfest, which has operated for more than three decades, continues to position the Diner’s Book as a tool that benefits the community on two fronts: it directs spending toward local restaurants while bolstering the festival’s ability to stage major acts without charging admission. The organization notes that the concert series contributes to both the cultural vibrancy and the economic well-being of the region, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually.
The program’s timing is strategically aligned with the holiday season, when residents are looking for gift ideas that support local businesses. The organization says food-focused experience gifts continue to rise in popularity, especially as consumers seek value and community impact in their purchases.
The Diner’s Book can be purchased at several locations throughout the city and online. Lansdowne Place will offer copies at its Customer Service Desk, while Cogeco’s Customer Centre at 1111 Goodfellow Road will also carry the book. Online sales are available at www.ptbomusicfest.ca/shop, providing a convenient option for residents across the region.
With 2026 marking one of Musicfest’s most ambitious concert seasons yet, the organization says the fundraising model embedded in the Diner’s Book program is essential. Free concerts require extensive logistical planning, sponsorship acquisition and community engagement, all of which depend on sustainable revenue streams outside of ticket sales.
For many participating restaurants, the program offers an opportunity to reach new customers during a period in which the hospitality sector continues to adapt to evolving consumer patterns. The “buy one, get one” model is designed to incentivize diners to try new establishments, while repeat visits often follow as restaurants gain exposure to a broader audience.
As Musicfest prepares for the upcoming season, Randall says the community’s continued support is vital. Sales of the Diner’s Book, she noted, directly contribute to maintaining a festival that has become a cultural anchor for Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
The festival encourages residents to browse the full list of participating restaurants and dining experiences online. More information is available at www.ptbomusicfest.ca, along with details about upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities.
With local tourism organizations emphasizing regional collaboration and economic recovery, Musicfest officials say this year’s Diner’s Book exemplifies how partnerships between cultural institutions and local businesses can deliver mutual benefits. By supporting the program, residents can enjoy discounted meals, help sustain a major cultural attraction and contribute to the economic vitality of the area heading into 2026.
