Peterborough Musicfest has confirmed the dates for its 39th summer season, marking another year of free live music programming in the city’s downtown waterfront core and reinforcing the festival’s role as a major community and tourism draw in central Ontario.
The festival will return to Del Crary Park from June 27 to August 19, 2026, with concerts held at the Fred Anderson Stage overlooking Little Lake. Organizers said performances will take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m., continuing the format that has helped establish Musicfest as Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival.
While summer is still months away, the announcement signals that planning is already underway, including artist bookings, sponsor partnerships and local collaborations that support the festival’s operations and programming.
“Musicfest has always been about bringing people together,” said Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “There’s something incredibly special about sharing live music by the lake — it creates connection, joy, and lasting memories. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Del Crary Park for another summer of free concerts and community celebration.”
Set against the waterfront in the heart of downtown Peterborough, Musicfest has become a long-standing seasonal fixture that attracts both residents and visitors. Its free admission model has helped the event build a broad audience across age groups, while providing a platform for a mix of Canadian and international performers.
From a business and economic development perspective, events like Musicfest can play a meaningful role in supporting local spending during peak tourism months. Large outdoor concerts typically generate additional foot traffic for restaurants, bars, retail shops and nearby services, while also strengthening the city’s reputation as a summer destination.
Festival organizers said the Fred Anderson Stage at Del Crary Park will once again serve as the focal point for the season, turning summer evenings into large-scale community gatherings where thousands attend live performances by the lake.
The full lineup for 2026 has not yet been released, but the festival said announcements and season highlights will be rolled out in the months ahead. Organizers hinted that the season will feature a range of performers, from established names to emerging artists.
“From legendary performers to exciting new discoveries, lineup announcements and season highlights will roll out in the months ahead,” the festival said in its release.
Peterborough Musicfest said several popular elements are set to return for 2026, including the 50/50 Raffle Draw, the Invest In Musicfest donation drive, food vending, and pre-show activities. These additions help broaden the festival experience and also support fundraising efforts that help keep concerts free for the public.
The festival emphasized that its long-running free format depends heavily on community support, including sponsorship and volunteer contributions.
Peterborough Musicfest is “made possible through the generous support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners who believe in the power of live music to bring people together and keep the arts accessible for everyone,” organizers said.
The sponsorship and donor model is central to how Musicfest operates, allowing the festival to offer consistent programming without charging admission. For local businesses, sponsorship opportunities can provide visibility in front of large crowds throughout the summer and align brands with a high-profile community event.
The festival’s long history and established audience also make it a key part of Peterborough’s summer calendar, offering recurring entertainment in a central public space and supporting the city’s broader cultural ecosystem.
The 2026 season will run under the banner Peterborough Musicfest – Season 39, continuing a tradition that has spanned nearly four decades and positioned the event as one of the region’s most recognizable summer attractions.
Organizers confirmed the core details for the season as follows:
- Dates: June 27 – August 19, 2026
- Schedule: Every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
- Location: Del Crary Park, Peterborough, Ontario
- Admission: Free, supported by sponsors
Peterborough Musicfest said it will share ongoing updates, lineup announcements and additional information through its website and social media channels.
For more information, the festival directs the public to www.ptbomusicfest.ca and its official social media platforms.