A New Summer Festival is Replacing Sound of Music Next Year

The following is from a newsletter released by the City of 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.