Local Emerging Artists to Perform Across 14 Festival Nights at Del Crary Park
Peterborough Musicfest and Cogeco are expanding the Future Sound Series for the 2026 festival season, increasing the number of performances featuring emerging local artists as the long-running Ontario music festival continues to invest in regional talent development and community-based live entertainment.
The expanded initiative will feature performances on 14 of the festival’s 16 concert nights this summer at Del Crary Park in Peterborough, Ont., providing artists from Peterborough and the Kawarthas with greater exposure ahead of the festival’s mainstage headlining acts.
The Future Sound Series, which debuted in 2025, has quickly become a central part of the festival’s programming strategy, reflecting broader efforts within Canada’s live entertainment industry to support local musicians and strengthen regional cultural economies.
Expanded Series Highlights Peterborough’s Growing Music Scene
The performances will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on select Wednesdays and Saturdays during the festival season, spanning musical genres including folk, indie-pop, country, reggae, alternative rock and singer-songwriter performances.
Festival organizers say the expanded lineup will feature both returning local performers and new acts from across the region, highlighting the diversity and depth of the area’s music community.
Among the featured artists this year are Graeme Jonez and James N. Wilson, whose appearances are supported through funding from The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
The series takes place before each evening’s headlining performance and is part of Peterborough Musicfest’s broader commitment to maintaining barrier-free cultural programming through free public admission.
Cogeco Continues Investment in Community Arts Programming
Cogeco, which returns as presenting sponsor for the 2026 Future Sound Series, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting local culture and emerging talent.
“At Cogeco, we are passionate about fostering vibrant local culture, and the Future Sounds Series is a powerful platform for discovering the next generation of musical talent,” said David Feeley, Manager of Programming and Community Relations at Cogeco. “After seeing the program’s incredible impact, we are absolutely thrilled to be back as a sponsor for the expanded 2026 series, helping to bring even more diverse and local performances to our community.”
Corporate sponsorships remain a key funding pillar for Peterborough Musicfest, alongside government support, private donations and fundraising initiatives. Organizers say that funding model has allowed the festival to maintain its free-admission structure for nearly four decades.
Festival Organizers Focus on Artist Development
Peterborough Musicfest officials say the Future Sound Series has created new opportunities for developing artists to connect with larger live audiences while building recognition within Ontario’s competitive music landscape.
“The Future Sound Series has become one of the most exciting additions to Peterborough Musicfest thanks to Cogeco and offers an incredible showcase for local artists to play from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during our concert nights,” said Matt Williams, Senior Events Manager at Peterborough Musicfest. “We’re grateful to continue building a space where the next generation of local artists can be seen and heard by our fanbase and are very excited to introduce you to this season’s Future Sound Series lineup!”
Music festivals across Canada have increasingly expanded programming focused on emerging artists as organizers seek to balance headline acts with long-term investment in regional music ecosystems.
Peterborough Musicfest, now entering its 39th season, remains one of the country’s most established community festivals and is widely recognized as Canada’s longest-running free-admission music festival.
Longstanding Festival Continues Economic and Cultural Role
Held annually on the shores of Little Lake, the festival attracts audiences from across Ontario and has hosted a range of major Canadian and international performers over the years, including Gordon Lightfoot, Blue Rodeo, Serena Ryder, Metric, Our Lady Peace and Dallas Green.
Festival organizers say the event continues to play an important role in supporting both cultural tourism and economic activity within the Peterborough region during the summer months.
Overseen by Executive Director Tracey Randall, festival staff and its board of directors, the organization’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community”.
Peterborough Musicfest 2026 Season Details
Dates
June 27 to Aug. 19, 2026
Schedule
Every Wednesday and Saturday
Location
Del Crary Park, Peterborough, Ont.
Admission
Free
Additional festival updates, lineup announcements and the full concert schedule are available through the festival’s official website and social media platforms.
As live music festivals continue to compete for audiences and sponsorship support across Canada, Peterborough Musicfest’s expanded Future Sound Series signals a growing emphasis on grassroots artist development while reinforcing the festival’s longstanding role within Ontario’s summer entertainment calendar.