Peterborough Musicfest has finalized the lineup for its 39th season, adding Canadian music icon David Wilcox and brass-funk collective My Son The Hurricane to a summer schedule that will feature 16 free-admission concerts at Del Crary Park in Peterborough, Ontario.
The latest announcement completes the festival’s programming for the 2026 season, which will bring together established Canadian performers, emerging artists and first-time festival acts on the Fred Anderson Stage. Organizers say the lineup is designed to offer a broad mix of musical styles while continuing the event’s long-standing commitment to free live entertainment.
David Wilcox will return to the Fred Anderson Stage on Saturday, Aug. 8, marking his third appearance at Peterborough Musicfest. Widely recognized as one of Canada’s enduring rock musicians, Wilcox has built a career spanning more than four decades, earning a reputation for his guitar playing, songwriting and catalogue of well-known hits, including Riverboat Fantasy, Downtown Came Uptown, Bad Apple and That Hypnotizin’ Boogie.
Festival organizers expect his performance to be one of the highlights of the summer, reflecting his popularity with Musicfest audiences over previous appearances.
Two weeks earlier, on Saturday, July 25, Niagara-based My Son The Hurricane will make its Peterborough Musicfest debut. The 12-member ensemble has developed a reputation for energetic live performances that combine multiple horn players, drummers, percussionists, guitar, keyboards and a dynamic frontwoman into a high-energy brass-funk show.
The band has toured extensively across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe. According to festival organizers, the group sold out 45 performances during 2025 and attracted international attention after a viral performance video generated more than 30 million views within a few weeks.
Festival Highlights Diverse Canadian Talent
The completed Season 39 lineup reflects a wide range of musical genres and generations of Canadian artists, from classic rock and country to folk, tribute performances and contemporary acts. Returning favourites and new performers are expected to provide audiences with a varied concert experience throughout the summer.
“We’re thrilled to finally share the complete Season 39 lineup with our community,” said Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “This season brings together an incredible mix of artists, genres, and live music experiences. Whether you’re singing along to a favourite song, discovering a new artist, or simply enjoying an evening by the lake with friends and family, Musicfest is all about creating shared experiences, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Del Crary Park this summer.”
This year’s lineup includes Gowan, Good Lovelies, Tyler Joe Miller, Matthew Good and His Band, Dwayne Gretzky, Crash Test Dummies, David Wilcox and My Son The Hurricane, among others. Emerging Canadian musicians will also take the stage as part of the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco.
Festival organizers say the programming aims to appeal to audiences of all ages by combining chart-topping hits, singalong favourites, dance-oriented performances and opportunities for attendees to discover new Canadian artists.
Free Concert Series Continues Through the Summer
Peterborough Musicfest will continue its tradition of offering free admission to every concert throughout the season. Performances will take place every Wednesday and Saturday evening at Del Crary Park, with an additional Canada Day concert scheduled for July 1.
Situated along the shores of Little Lake, the outdoor venue has become one of Ontario’s best-known summer concert destinations, drawing local residents and visitors alike for live performances in a waterfront setting.
The complete Season 39 concert schedule is available through the festival’s official website.
Festival Maintains Longstanding Free Admission Model
Peterborough Musicfest has operated as a free-admission event through a funding model that combines support from corporate sponsors, government funding, fundraising initiatives and private donations. Many of the festival’s corporate sponsors are locally owned businesses, helping sustain one of Canada’s longest-running free outdoor music festivals.
Over the years, the festival has welcomed numerous high-profile Canadian performers, including Dallas Green, Little River Band, Metric, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, Gordon Lightfoot, Down With Webster, Terri Clark and Blue Rodeo.
Led by Executive Director Tracey Randall, staff and a board of directors, Peterborough Musicfest’s mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.” Organizers continue to seek sponsorship support from businesses and individuals to help maintain the festival’s free-admission format while attracting established and emerging Canadian performers each summer.