Peterborough Musicfest Putting Instruments In The Hands Of Young Musicians

By Scott Arnold

A new Peterborough Musicfest program is giving children and youth the chance to discover the joy of making music before select concerts at Del Crary Park this August.

Launching Saturday, August 1, First Note invites children and youth to discover the joy of making music by exploring a variety of instruments in a fun, welcoming environment (photo by scott arnold)

First Note officially launches Saturday, Aug. 1, offering young musicians an opportunity to explore a variety of instruments in a fun, welcoming environment before enjoying a night of live music.

The free hands-on program requires no registration, lessons or previous musical experience. Children and youth can simply drop in, try an instrument and experience the excitement of making music for themselves.

The idea behind First Note has been years in the making for Peterborough Musicfest, with the goal of creating more opportunities for young people to connect with music.

"One of the things we've talked about for years is finding more ways to put instruments into children's hands," said Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. "Not every young person has the opportunity to explore music at school or at home, and sometimes all it takes is one experience to spark a lifelong passion. We often ask, 'Where's our next Serena Ryder?' Maybe First Note is where that journey begins."

The program is made possible through support from the Peterborough Foundation, with instruments provided by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments.

“By creating free, hands-on music experiences for children and youth, this program removes barriers to participation and opens the door to creativity, confidence and the joy of making music,” said Shirl Delarue, Board Chair of the Peterborough Foundation.

First Note will take place before four Peterborough Musicfest concerts on Aug. 1, 5, 8 and 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

Children and youth are invited to drop in anytime during program hours.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Dwayne Gretzky Along with Shania Twain and Garth Brooks Tributes Headline Peterborough Musicfest This Week

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Musicfest is almost halfway through its summer concert season, with another week of free live music ahead after two memorable performances at Del Crary Park last week.

Returning for their sixth appearance at peterborough musicfest, Dwayne Gretzky is one of Canada’s most in-demand live acts, known for delivering a high-energy set of classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Last week brought two very different, but equally energetic, nights to Peterborough Musicfest.

Wednesday’s performance featured Matthew Good and His Band, drawing what Musicfest organizers believe was the biggest crowd of the summer so far, with more than 10,000 people estimated to be in attendance.

The crowd was filled with longtime fans who sang along throughout the performance as Matthew Good delivered a set featuring songs from across his career.

“It was such an excellent show,” said Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Raff Melito. “The park was filled with Matthew Good fans and everyone was standing up, everyone was singing along.”

Saturday night brought a completely different sound to Del Crary Park as My Son the Hurricane took the stage.

The 12-member ensemble brought a high-energy performance featuring horns, movement and plenty of reasons for the crowd to get up and dance.

“It’s not just that they’re playing instruments, they are performing on stage,” said Melito. “They have these synchronized dance numbers that they work on.”

The performance also helped introduce many new fans to the band, with Melito saying many people who arrived unfamiliar with My Son the Hurricane left impressed.

With last week’s crowds setting the stage, Musicfest continues this week with two more nights of live music.

Making their sixth appearance at Musicfest, Dwayne Gretzky takes over the main stage Wednesday night, bringing what the band describes as Canada’s Greatest Party Band to Del Crary Park.

The large ensemble, which often features between 12 and 14 musicians, performs a wide range of cover songs spanning multiple decades, with a setlist featuring familiar favourites from artists including Fleetwood Mac and other major hits.

“They’re all definitely big hits and you’re going to know every song that they perform,” said Melito.

The evening will begin with JJ Thompson on the Future Sound Series side stage at 6:30 p.m. Thompson, the front person for JJ and the Pillars, will open the night before Dwayne Gretzky takes the stage.

Saturday’s show will bring a country music celebration to the park, featuring tribute performances honouring Shania Twain and Garth Brooks.

The evening will feature two separate performances, with the Shania Twain tribute opening the night before the Garth Brooks tribute closes out the show.

“It’s going to be such a fun night at the park,” said Melito. “They will have the crowd up and singing along for sure.”

Georgia Rose will kick off the evening on the Future Sound Series side stage at 6:30 p.m.

Beyond the music, Saturday’s show will also introduce a new program designed to help put instruments into the hands of young musicians.

Peterborough Musicfest’s new First Note program will offer free music instruction for children and youth, with instruments provided through a partnership with Long & McQuade.

The program will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. near the Future Sound Series side stage, with music instructors available to help participants learn the basics of different instruments.

“We’re really not necessarily looking for the next arena rider, but kind of looking for the next arena rider,” said Melito. “We’re just trying to find a way to put instruments into kids’ hands and give them that introduction to something that could become a lifelong passion.”

The program will run for four nights this summer, beginning August 1st and continuing for the following three concerts.

Musicfest attendees are also reminded to check their 50-50 tickets, as three winning tickets from this summer remain unclaimed.

One of those tickets is from the July 22nd Matthew Good show, with a jackpot of $5,050 still waiting to be claimed. Winning numbers can be checked online at MusicFest5050.ca.

With free concerts, food vendors, merchandise, the Future Sound Series side stage and new activities happening throughout the summer, Musicfest continues to offer a full night of entertainment at Del Crary Park.

Want to enjoy one of this week's concerts from some of the best seats in the park? We're giving away a pair of VIP tickets. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for contest details and your chance to win.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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City of Peterborough's Canada Day Fireworks Rescheduled For Aug. 1

The fireworks show initially scheduled for Canada Day has been rescheduled to Aug. 1 for approximately 9:30 p.m. at Del Crary Park, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

The fireworks start following the Peterborough Musicfest concert.  

Temporary road closures will be in effect for the fireworks.

The following streets will be closed from noon to 10:30 p.m.:

• Perry Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street  

• Lake Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street  

• Crescent Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Perry Street  

• Lock Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Crescent Street  

Local traffic will still be permitted to access the areas within the road closures. 

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Peterborough Musicfest Looks Ahead to Another Big Week After Weather Throws Canada Day Curveball

By Scott Arnold

Sass Jordan returns Wednesday while Lighthouse headlines Saturday, with Lotsy opening the midweek show on the Cogeco Future Sound Series stage and Carling Stephen kicking off the weekend show.

peterborough musician carling stephen will kickoff SAturday’s musicfest at 6:30pm from the side stage before lighthouse hits the main stage at 8pm (photo by Scott arnold)

Peterborough Musicfest is turning its attention to another exciting week of concerts after Mother Nature forced an unexpected change to the schedule on Canada Day.

The festival's daytime Canada Day programming went ahead as planned, but severe weather rolled into Del Crary Park just before the evening concert, forcing organizers to cancel Neon Nostalgic's performance for the safety of concertgoers, staff and performers.

"It was more eventful than we expected it to be," said Peterborough Musicfest Marketing and Communications Manager Raff Melito.

Although Musicfest typically operates rain or shine, organizers made the rare decision to cancel before the festival's usual 7:55 pm weather deadline after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued and powerful winds swept through the park.

"Tents were flying, the chairs were spun around. It was a really strong, intense wind," Melito said.

With the stage and equipment left soaked by the storm and more severe weather possible later in the evening, organizers determined it wasn't safe to continue.

While the cancellation disappointed both fans and the band, Musicfest bounced back just a few days later.

The Good Lovelies returned to Del Crary Park on Saturday for their first festival appearance since 2014, performing to another strong crowd on what turned into a beautiful summer evening.

"I think everyone who attended was really into listening to them perform because they were captivated," said Melito.

Now, attention shifts to another pair of concerts this week.

sass jordan will be performing for the third time at peterborough musicfest on Wedneday, July 8th, at 8pm at Del Crary Park (photo courtesy of PEterborough musicfest)

Rock fans will welcome Sass Jordan back to Peterborough on Wednesday night, July 8th, for her third Musicfest appearance. Known for her powerhouse vocals and guitar-driven sound, Melito expects another memorable night at the park.

“Her voice is loud and strong and it’s going to be a really great night” says Melito.

Peterborough artist lotsy will perform at 6:30pm on wednesday, july 8th, ahead of headliner sass jordan as part of peterborough musicfest at del crary park (photo via facebook @lotsyland)

Wednesday’s show will begin with Peterborough native Lotsy, who many may know as Sarah Jayne Riley, performing at 6:30pm on the side stage.

Musicfest describes Lotsy’s sound as blending sharp-edged alt-pop, post-punk energy, new wave textures, and giant singalong hooks, describing her songs as being made for late-night drives, festival crowds and moments of personal reckoning.

lighthouse is set to perform at peterborough musicfest at del crary park on saturday july 11th (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Saturday's concert, on July 11th, will feature Canadian music legends Lighthouse, whose catalogue includes classics such as One Fine Morning and Sunny Days.

"If you don't know the band by name, you will absolutely know their songs," Melito said.

Before Lighthouse takes the main stage at 8 pm, Peterborough native Carling Stephen will open the evening on the Cogeco Future Sound Series stage beginning at 6:30 pm.

peterborough native carling stephen will kick things off on SAturday, july 11th, at 6:30pm before lighthouse hits the main stage at 8pm (photo by Scott arnold)

For Stephen, performing at Musicfest is another special chapter in a lifelong connection with the festival.

"Musicfest has been a part of my life," she said. "It's been inspiring and a great place to come and meet people."

She also appeared on the Musicfest stage last summer alongside Beau Dixon, but this year's performance gives her the opportunity to take centre stage herself.

"I'm really looking forward to getting some really good songs played and connecting with the audience," she said.

Concertgoers can expect a mix of blues, jazz, rock, R&B and classic favourites, all delivered with Stephen's own style.

"I add a little jazz to everything I do," she said.

She hopes plenty of family, friends and local music fans will arrive early to catch her set before Lighthouse takes over for the evening.

Along with another week of free music, visitors can also check out Peterborough Musicfest's official merchandise, enjoy the food vendors and take part in the festival's interactive gamification experience. By scanning QR codes throughout the park, visitors can play games, answer trivia and win prizes donated by Musicfest sponsors while waiting for the main stage performances.

Following this week's concerts, Peterborough Musicfest will continue every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer at Del Crary Park.

Want to enjoy one of this week's concerts from some of the best seats in the park? We're giving away a pair of VIP tickets. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for contest details and your chance to win.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Musicfest Launches Its 2026 Lineup For Its 39th Season

With the 39th season underway this summer, Peterborough Musicfest has released its 2026 lineup, announced at the Quaker Foods City Square on Wednesday morning.

Tracey Randall, Peterborough Musicfest executive director; Sue Passmore of Good Lovelies and Vince Bierworth, Musicfest emcee, launch this year's lineup of 2026. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Musicfest concerts run every Wednesday and Saturday with free admission from June 27 to Aug. 19.

The following is this year’s lineup:

• June 27: Gowan

• July 1: Neon Nostalgic

• July 4: Good Lovelies

• July 8: Sass Jordan

• July 11: Lighthouse

• July 15: Tyler Joe Miller

• July 18: Julian Taylor

• July 22: TBA

• July 25: TBA

• July 29: Dwyane Gretzky

• Aug. 1: Garth Brooks & Shania Twain Tribute

• Aug. 5: Crash Test Dummies

• Aug. 8: TBA

• Aug. 12 Trans-Canada Highwaymen

• Aug. 15: Crystal Faith

• Aug. 19: The Dreamboats

“We're happy to just let everybody know who's playing,” said Tracey Randall, Peterborough Musicfest executive director. “People love to plan their vacations around us and they schedule it based on who's coming so we're just pumped to get the lineup out.”

@ptbo_canada @Peterborough Musicfest 🇨🇦🎤 has released its 2026 lineup for their 39th season! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #peterboroughmusicfest ♬ indie rock (60) - DJ BAI

Despite three acts to be announced, Randall says two have already been solidified but cannot be mentioned yet. This allows for-profit venues that have booked the same artists to generate ticket sales before making the free concert with Musicfest public.

Returning this season is the 50/50 Raffle Draw, which gave away over $33,000 last year. Musicfest brought back the ‘Future Sound Series,’ for a second-straight year. The second stage showcases emerging local artists, running from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on select nights. Last season was the series’s inaugural year, with nine artists but 2026 expanded to 15 acts.

“Where is our next Serena Ryder? We want somebody on our stage from Peterborough and the region so we're trying to bring in our locals,” explained Randall. “With a lot of our venues closing and a lot of festivals that have stopped, we need somewhere for these locals to play.”

With rising costs, this year is no exception for the 39th season of the non-profit organization. Randall says that despite these challenges, her crew and her prior relationships with acts have helped keep their free concert series going.

“Insurance has doubled, our production went up by 38 per cent and then of course, artists' fees have doubled,” she explained. “Because of our connection with a lot of the artists — they love Peterborough, they love what we do — we have a reputation. We're so lucky.”

Randall also credited the community and its local funds for helping keep the Peterborough tradition alive for nearly four decades.

“We're very proud with Peterborough and how far we've come with this festival,” she said. “There are so many people involved with Peterborough Musicfest for another forty years so cheers to that.”

Musicfest has a fundraising 2026 Diners’ Book which launched in late November. The $30 book features 85 dining offers deals from restaurants, cafés, pubs and other food establishments across Peterborough, the Kawarthas and the surrounding region.

The 2026 Diner’s Book is be available for purchase at:

• Lansdowne Place (Customer Service Desk)

• Cogeco Customer Centre -1111 Goodfellow Rd.

• Online

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Canadian Country Artist Tyler Joe Miller to Make Peterborough Musicfest Debut On July 15

Rising Canadian country artist Tyler Joe Miller is making his Peterborough Musicfest debut on the Fred Anderson Stage on July 15 at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Since breaking through with his Gold-certified, #1 debut single ‘Pillow Talkin’,’ Miller became the first independent Canadian country artist to land back-to-back number one hits with ‘I Would Be Over Me Too,’ and has since earned nine Top 10 singles, a 2021 SiriusXM Top of the Country win and multiple JUNO and CCMA nominations. His latest EP, ‘Going Home’ has been nominated for 2025 CCMA Album of the Year.

Miller will make an appearance at the CCMA Awards this September, nominated for Male Artist of the Year and Fans’ Choice.

He joins the Musicfest schedule with Gowan who plays on opening night on June 27 and Dwayne Gretzky on July 29.

Returning this season are the on-site food vendors, the 50/50 draw and the Future Sound Series. Musicfest concerts are run every Wednesday and Saturday from June 27 to Aug. 19.

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Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky to Kick Off 39th Season of Peterborough Musicfest

To help kick off the 39th season of Peterborough Musicfest, Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky have been unveiled as the first two concerts, announced on Wednesday.

Gowan (pictured) was born in Glascow, Scotland but was raised in Scarborough. Peterborough Musicfest attracts more than 100,000 attendees to Del Crary Park each summer. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Gowan returns to the Fred Anderson Stage for his fourth appearance on Opening Night on June 27. Dwayne Gretzky makes their sixth appearance on July 29, both at 8 p.m. All shows take place at Del Crary Park and are free to attend.

Gowan is known for hits such as ‘A Criminal Mind,’ ‘Strange Animal’ and ‘Moonlight Desires.’

Dwayne Gretzky — known as Canada’s Greatest Party Band —brings a catalogue of more than 800 songs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Their shows are built for big crowds and even bigger sing-alongs.

@ptbo_canada Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky are the first two acts announce for the 39th season of @Peterborough Musicfest 🇨🇦🎤!!! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #peterboroughmusicfest ♬ 80's Hard Rock - Sandy Neo Classical

“This is just the starting point for what’s shaping up to be a strong 39th season,” says Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “We’re focused on building a full summer experience—great live music, a vibrant park atmosphere and reasons for people to come back week after week.”

Returning this season are the on-site food vendors, the 50/50 draw and the Future Sound Series. Musicfest concerts are run every Wednesday and Saturday from June 27 to Aug. 19.

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Peterborough Musicfest Named One of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events

Peterborough Musicfest has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO).

Peterborough Musicfest is Canada’s longest-running free outdoor concert series. Each summer at Del Crary Park, over 100,000 people gather along the waterfront to experience music performances in a barrier-free, family-friendly setting. Photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest.

For nearly four decades, Peterborough Musicfest has operated, bringing music to Downtown Peterborough during the summer. FEO’s recognition highlights the calibre of performances presented each season, as well as the collective effort of volunteers, sponsors, artists, donors and audiences who make the series possible.

The FEO Top 100 designation is awarded by an independent panel of judges and recognizes innovation, economic impact, community engagement and overall excellence.

“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, Peterborough Musicfest executive director. “Musicfest has always been about access, energy and community and this honour reflects the strength and spirit of our supporters.”

“Congratulations to Peterborough Musicfest on being named one of the Top 100 Festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario,” said City Councillors and Community Services Co-Chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “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.”

Concerts for this year’s festival start June 27 and continue through to Aug.19.

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Peterborough Musicfest Announces Concert Dates For Its 39th Season

Peterborough Musicfest has announced the dates for its 39th season as a summer of free live music returns to Del Crary Park from June 27 to Aug. 19.

file photo.

As Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival, Peterborough Musicfest has become a  summer tradition that welcomes audiences of all ages and showcases a mix of Canadian and international artists every Wednesday and Saturday nights.

“Musicfest has always been about bringing people together,” said Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest Tracey Randall. “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.”

Planning for the 2026 season is underway, with artist bookings, partnerships and community collaborations taking shape behind the scenes. Lineup announcements and season highlights are said to roll out in the months ahead.

Returning this season is the 50/50 Raffle Draw, Invest In Musicfest donation drive, food vending and pre-show activities. 

For updates and more information, visit the website.

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Peterborough Musicfest Launches 2026 Diner's Book to Be Available Friday

Peterborough Musicfest has released the 2026 version of their Diner’s Book, available on Friday, for food lovers to support free live music in the community.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The $30 book features 85 dining offers deals from restaurants, cafés, pubs and other food establishments across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and the surrounding region.

All proceeds support Peterborough Musicfest.

“This year’s Diner’s Book isn’t just a way to save on incredible dining experiences; it’s a way to give back and help keep free admission music alive for everyone to enjoy,” says Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “It’s also the perfect gift for the foodie in your life or that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. ”

The 2026 Diner’s Book will be available for purchase at:

• Lansdowne Place (Customer Service Desk)

• Cogeco Customer Centre- 1111 Goodfellow Rd.

• Online

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