PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — Peterborough Musicfest is extending its popular 50/50 fundraising program beyond the summer concert season, launching monthly off-season draws as the non-profit organization begins preparations for its milestone 40th season in 2027.
The move follows a strong 39th season for the festival’s 50/50 program, which generated $120,930 in ticket sales. Half of that amount — $60,465 — was awarded as prize money to winning ticket holders, while proceeds retained by Musicfest will help support the organization’s free summer concert series.
Year-Round 50/50 Builds on Strong Summer Fundraising
The first off-season jackpot begins growing on September 1, allowing supporters to continue participating after the summer concerts have concluded.
Musicfest said the year-round initiative is designed to maintain fundraising momentum while preparations get underway for next year’s anniversary season.
“Our supporters made the 50/50 an incredible success this summer,” says Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Tracey Randall. “Their enthusiasm helped us reach $120,930 in sales and award more than $60,000 to winners. We’re excited to keep that momentum going as we begin working toward a milestone 40th season.”
The expansion gives Musicfest another recurring source of fundraising revenue during months when concerts are not being staged. Every ticket purchased through the off-season program will contribute to preparations for the festival’s 2027 season.
Three Summer 50/50 Prizes Remain Unclaimed
While the organization turns its attention to the new monthly draws, Musicfest is also asking summer ticket buyers to check their numbers.
Three winning tickets from the 2026 concert season remain unclaimed. They are associated with draws held during the July 15 Tyler Joe Miller concert, the July 18 Julian Taylor concert and the July 22 Matthew Good and His Band concert.
People who purchased 50/50 tickets during those events are being encouraged to verify their ticket numbers through Musicfest5050.ca.
The outstanding prizes come after a summer in which the fundraising program distributed more than $60,000 to winning participants.
Fundraising Supports Free Concerts at Del Crary Park
Peterborough Musicfest presents free-admission concerts at Del Crary Park each summer, drawing nationally recognized artists, emerging performers and tens of thousands of music fans to the shores of Little Lake.
The festival’s portion of the 50/50 proceeds helps cover costs associated with bringing performers to the Fred Anderson Stage and producing the annual summer concert series.
Operating a large-scale free music festival requires funding from several sources. As a non-profit organization, Musicfest relies on fundraising programs, corporate sponsorships, government and other grants, and support from the community to maintain free admission.
The year-round 50/50 program adds another fundraising channel at a significant time for the organization, with planning beginning for its 40th season.
Milestone 40th Season Set for 2027
Reaching four decades of operation will mark an important milestone for Peterborough Musicfest and its role in the city’s summer entertainment calendar.
The festival has built its programming around providing accessible live entertainment without charging admission, making fundraising and sponsorship revenue important components of its operating model.
Extending the 50/50 draws throughout the year allows supporters to contribute outside the traditional summer festival period while retaining the opportunity to win a share of each jackpot.
Tickets for the first off-season draw are now available through Musicfest5050.ca, where purchasers can also review complete ticket and draw information.
With the first jackpot already growing, Musicfest is looking to carry the fundraising strength of its 39th season into 2027 as preparations accelerate for its milestone 40th summer of free concerts in Peterborough.