Free Summer Music Tradition Continues with a New Waterfront Music Festival in Burlington

Burlington’s signature waterfront music tradition is set to continue in a new way next summer.  

Following extensive community engagement and a public call for applications, the City of Burlington has selected MRG Live Ltd. as the successful applicant to produce a new, free music festival at Spencer Smith Park in June 2026.   

Taking place Father’s Day weekend at Burlington’s waterfront, the festival will bring a new creative vision and lineup of live music and community experiences—produced, programmed, and operated independently by MRG Live Ltd.  

The process to determine the top applicant included a thorough review by the Festivals and Events Strategy Team, made up of City staff and external stakeholders, including the Burlington Performance Arts Centre, Halton Regional Police Service, Burlington Downtown Business Association and Burlington Economic Development & Tourism.  

The review team also ensured alignment between the applicant’s submission and the City’s Festivals and Events Policy. MRG Live Ltd. demonstrated the strongest alignment with Burlington’s priorities for a free, accessible, and community-focused event that celebrates Canadian talent and supports local businesses. 

Now that the selection process is complete, planning is underway, and more details, including the name of the festival, duration of the event, and all of the ways the community can get involved, including volunteer opportunities and more, will be shared in early 2026.   

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Quotes 

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward 

“Our longstanding tradition of summer music in the city will continue next year, with the free waterfront music festival in Spencer Smith Park Father's Day weekend. This is our unofficial kickoff to summer! Once again, we can expect outstanding Canadian and local talent, vendors and more. Watch for more details in the first quarter of 2026, and opportunities for local community involvement. This is one more opportunity for us to come together as a community!” 

Jacqueline Johnson, Commissioner, Community Services, City of Burlington 

“Staff have responded to our community’s appeal to maintain a vibrant, accessible waterfront music festival, selecting an applicant that’s committed to celebrating community connection, Canadian talent, and supporting our local economy. We look forward to collaborating with MRG Live Ltd. and to sharing more details about this exciting, reimagined festival in the new year.”  

Matthew Gibbons, MRG Live Ltd.  

“It is a privilege to partner with a community and Council that champion the arts as a way to bring people together in Spencer Smith Park. We are excited and ready to deliver a spectacular, free celebration in June that truly sets the tone for summer in Burlington.” 

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