PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — Peterborough Musicfest has been named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events, a designation that underscores the free concert series’ growing cultural and economic impact and reinforces its position as a major tourism draw in the region.
The recognition, awarded by Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO), places the long-running summer concert series among the province’s most influential and well-executed cultural events. The honour comes as organizers prepare for the festival’s 39th season, set to begin June 27 at Del Crary Park.
For Peterborough Musicfest, which has spent nearly four decades transforming the city’s waterfront into a live music destination, the award represents validation of both artistic quality and community support.
“This recognition belongs to our volunteers, our sponsors, our artists, our donors and every single person who brings a lawn chair down to Del Crary Park on a Wednesday or Saturday night,” said Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “Musicfest has always been about access, energy and community — and this honour reflects the strength and spirit of our supporters.”
Founded in 1987, the festival has grown into Canada’s longest-running free outdoor concert series, attracting more than 100,000 attendees each summer. Its barrier-free model — funded through corporate sponsorships, government support, fundraising initiatives and private donations — has made it both a cultural cornerstone and an economic engine for Peterborough and the surrounding region.
Tourism officials and municipal leaders say events of this scale generate significant spinoff benefits for local businesses, including restaurants, hotels and retailers, particularly during the peak summer season.
In a joint statement, City Councillors and Community Services Co-Chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk highlighted the event’s broader community and economic contributions.
“Congratulations to Peterborough Musicfest on being named one of the Top 100 Festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario. As we look forward to the 39th season beginning on June 27, we recognize the work of Musicfest’s staff, board, and volunteers in creating one of Peterborough’s most beloved summer traditions: a celebration of culture, creativity, and community along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway – one of Ontario’s most beautiful settings.”
The Top 100 designation is determined by an independent panel of judges who evaluate festivals based on criteria including innovation, economic impact, community engagement and overall execution. Industry observers say inclusion on the list can enhance a festival’s profile, attract sponsorship and strengthen tourism marketing efforts.
For Peterborough Musicfest, the recognition comes at a time when communities across Canada are increasingly relying on cultural events to stimulate economic recovery, strengthen regional identity and attract visitors.
Organizers say the festival remains focused on maintaining its founding principles while continuing to evolve.
As preparations continue for the 2026 season, Peterborough Musicfest has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping concerts free and accessible, showcasing diverse and internationally recognized talent, supporting local business partnerships and enhancing the waterfront experience.
Over the years, the festival has hosted a wide range of prominent Canadian and international performers, including Dallas Green, Metric, Serena Ryder, Blue Rodeo and the late Gordon Lightfoot. The ability to attract high-profile artists without charging admission has helped distinguish the event within Canada’s competitive summer festival landscape.
The festival’s funding model — which relies heavily on local sponsorship — also reflects its integration into the regional economy. Many of its corporate supporters are locally owned businesses, reinforcing a cycle in which community investment supports cultural programming that, in turn, drives economic activity.
Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community,” a goal that aligns with broader municipal efforts to position Peterborough as a cultural and tourism destination.
With concerts scheduled through Aug. 19, organizers say the upcoming season will continue to build on the festival’s legacy while delivering economic and cultural benefits.
Nearly 40 years after its founding, Peterborough Musicfest’s latest provincial recognition highlights the growing importance of community-driven cultural events — not only as entertainment, but as strategic assets in regional economic development.