2026 SUMMER MUSIC GUIDE

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Celebrating its 38th year, the Beaches International Jazz Festival is a month-long music festival held each year in the lakeside Beaches community of Toronto in July. It's now one of Canada's largest free jazz festivals with nearly 1,000,000 attendees throughout its month-long span.

The Festival takes place across several venues; stage concerts are held in several different parks within the area, and also along a two-kilometre stretch of the Beach Main Street during StreetFest - Queen Street East.

Every year, the Festival brings in internationally acclaimed jazz performers while also showcasing local talent, including "new generation" jazz musicians. The Festival now hires around 1000 artists per annum, including 50 bands for its "StreetFest" event along Queen Street East.

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Brookside Music’s 2026 ‘Festival of the Bay‘ in Midland.

• July 11th - Sharon Riley Faith Chorale, 4pm at Midland Alliance Church.
• July 17th - Les Rugissants, the Ukrainian Presence, 7pm at St Paul’s United Church
• July 31st - Festival Strings, Cameron Crozman, cello, 7pm at Midland Alliance Church.
• August 6th - Eternal Romantics, Christopher Gaze actor, Amanda Chan piano, Adrian Fung cello, James Campbell clarinet, 7pm at Midland Alliance Church.
• August 9th – Kevin Chen , Hao Zhou, violin, Victor Fournelle-Blain, viola and Cameron Crozman, cello, 2pm at Midland Cultural Centre.

Join us for FREE Saturday Concerts in the park. Listing online.

Flex Pass available at the door. Buy 4, get one free! Reg. $35 hst/sc each- Students attend for free! Visit our website and join us for the sweet sounds of summer!

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On the cusp of its 40th season, Canada’s largest and Ontario’s only orchestral summer festival brings world-class orchestral and opera performances to Hamilton and Burlington each season. Featuring the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and BrottOpera, Brott showcases Canada’s top emerging professional musicians alongside distinguished guest artists. The 2026 season blends classical masterworks, fully staged opera, cinematic film scores, candlelight concerts, and immersive experiences that place audiences at the heart of the music. Venues vary from concert halls, historic churches, to community venues, free outdoor events that connect music with the City. With bold programming and an emphasis on accessibility, the Brott Music Festival continues its 39th season as a Canadian performing arts powerhouse.

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Since 2010, the CCCTIMF has established a solid name as one of the most reputable and high-profile music festivals in Canada. The festival is held in recognition of the artistic achievements of young musicians, providing them with the opportunity to learn, grow, and showcase their potential in performance. It also provides performance opportunities for young musicians to help bring the scope of their talents to new heights. The annual festival is conducted at the 626-seat, state-of-the-art P.C. Ho concert hall in Toronto. Trophies, medals, and scholarships are awarded to the winners based on the class criteria. Selected winners will receive the opportunity to perform in the Gala Concert and the "Rising Star" concert series. For more information, please visit our website.

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In partnership with the Town of Newmarket, Céleste Music presents its inaugural Early Keyboard Festival at the Serpa Galleries in Old Town Hall. This immersive event transforms the gallery into a living exhibition of sound, brought to life through concerts, lectures, and student performances.

At its core are five exceptional public concerts showcasing Céleste Music’s extraordinary collection of historical keyboards, performed by a roster of world-renowned performers and experts in historical performance.

We are especially thrilled to debut several newly acquired historical keyboards — presented for the very first time in North America. Guests are invited to explore the instruments up close, connect with the artists, and experience a vibrant celebration of music, art, and discovery.

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The CMF’s Summer Series and Youth Academy 2026 runs from July 6 to 18, launching into two dynamic weeks of concerts, masterclasses, and outreach. Highlights include the Youth Masterclass at Osler Bluff led by Daniel Vnukowski, Andrea Ludwig, Sharon Lee, Gino Quilico and Gryphon Trio; outdoor world and Indigenous music events at the Collingwood Amphitheatre and at Creemore Village Green; and a rich mainstage series at First Presbyterian Church featuring a choral extravaganza with ensembles such as Dagilėlis Lithuanian Boys Choir, Elmer Iseler Singers, Toronto Mass Choir and Les Rugissants. Signature programs include Carmina Burana, Women of the Earth, a Rogers & Bernstein tribute, Phantom of the Opera, gospel and choral showcases, chamber music, and a commissioned premiere by Juno-award-winning composer Andy Milne.

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Now in its 47th season, the Elora Festival has established a reputation as Canada’s international choral festival, presenting world-class choirs and vocal ensembles over three weeks in July in the artists village of Elora, “Ontario’s most beautiful village”.

The Festival's ensemble-in-residence is The Elora Singers, one of Canada's finest professional chamber choirs.

The choir performs throughout the three weeks of the festival, both with solo concerts and in collaboration with guest artists and ensembles. The Elora Festival and The Elora Singers are both led by Artistic Director Mark Vuorinen.

Highlights for this year’s Festival include VOCES8, Laila Biali, Natalie MacMaster, Constantinople, Gabriel Kahane, Pro Coro Canada, Charles Richard-Hamelin, Payadora, and so much more.

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Founded in 1979, the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound, Ontario, is one of Canada’s leading summer classical music festivals. Under the artistic direction of clarinetist James Campbell since 1985, it presents world-class performances at the 475-seat Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts on the shores of Georgian Bay. The 2026 season (July 22–August 8) features a vibrant mix of chamber music, jazz, candlelight concerts, and signature musical cruises. The Festival also offers masterclasses, artist talks, and accessible community programming, alongside collaborations with both emerging and internationally acclaimed artists. A cultural destination drawing audiences from across Ontario and beyond, it remains a highlight of Canada’s summer arts calendar.

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It’s Guelph Musicfest’s 20th Anniversary! Guelph’s only chamber music festival takes place annually in the perfect acoustics of the Guelph Youth Music Centre's 160-seat Recital Hall. In celebration, this season features a dynamite lineup of great composers and superlative musicians, all designed to lift your spirits in these difficult times—Schmaltz & Pepper, Festival Trio, Stewart Goodyear, Gryphon Trio, and Penderecki Quartet. And when the Spring series is over, Guelph Musicfest returns with a pair of encore concerts in the fall, this year with the Zemlinsky Quartet (from Prague) and violinist Sadie Fields (from Edinburgh, Scotland). Guelph Musicfest is still a truly crowd-sourced festival, with no government funding and supported by the people who come to the concerts.

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Batuki Music Society is proud to present the Habari Africa Festival at Harbourfront Centre from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025. Habari Africa is a multi-disciplinary music and arts festival that displays the rich and diverse cultures of Africa. Join us for a weekend of exploration and engagement with the art, sounds and tastes of the continent. The festival will offer an authentic experience through presentations that celebrate the uniqueness, wealth and diversity of African music, dance, film and arts. The annual Habari Africa Festival is a focal point of Torontoʼs cultural calendar, bringing together musicians and performing artists from all over the world. The festival is an all-ages family event presented free to the public. Batuki Music is a non-profit African arts organization based in Toronto.

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The 49th edition of the Markham Village Music Festival will be held on Main Street Markham (Markham Road north of Hwy 7) on Friday, June 19, from 6pm to 11pm and Saturday, June 20, from 11am to 10pm. Five stages of entertainment with music and dance, plus more than 100 food and craft booths. Headliner for 2026 is The Crash Test Dummies on Saturday evening. Celebrating Indigenous Month, there will be Indigenous performances and vendors. Extra activations include a Street Dance Party and Classic Car Show on Friday evening, and on Saturday, there will be a Kidz Zone and Bike Zone. Something for the whole family! Check out the website for more details.

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In 1998, Atis Bankas arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a vision to establish both a music school and a summer festival in one of Canada’s most picturesque communities. What began as a modest initiative quickly gained momentum, growing into a beloved cultural fixture.

Music Niagara is dedicated to presenting world-class performances across a range of genres in intimate settings, inspiring and engaging audiences throughout the Niagara Region.

The 2026 summer season features 19 concerts, from June 14 to August 14, at venues across Niagara-on-the-Lake, including the debut of a women-led Summer Jazz Series, the popular Pops Series, and the return of standout performers such as Toronto All-Star Big Band, The Undercovers, Quartetto Gelato, and Canadian Duelling Pianos.

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The Niagara Jazz Festival is a dynamic celebration of music, culture, and community set against the stunning backdrop of Ontario’s Niagara region. Showcasing world-class jazz alongside global, soul, and contemporary artists, the festival presents performances in unique venues ranging from vineyards and parks to historic sites and waterfront stages. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming, it highlights both internationally acclaimed performers and outstanding Canadian talent. Beyond the music, the festival offers culinary experiences, community events, and intimate concerts that create meaningful connections between artists and audiences. With a strong commitment to accessibility, education, and cultural exchange, the Niagara Jazz Festival continues to grow as one of Canada’s most distinctive and engaging festivals.

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90 of Canada's finest young orchestral musicians take the stage this July in six cities across Ontario and Québec: Toronto, Stratford, Parry Sound, Kingston, Ottawa, and Saint-Irénée. 

Featuring the inaugural season of Music Director Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, works by Prokofiev, Elgar, William Grant Still, and the world premiere of Pulse by Toronto composer Liam Ritz. 

Tour Dates: July 18–31, 2026

• Koerner Hall · Stratford Summer Music · Festival of the Sound · Isabel Bader Centre · Ottawa Chamberfest · Domaine Forget

Tickets and full schedule at: www.nyoc.org/concerts/canadiana-tour

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Celebrate Canada Day with the whole family at the Aga Khan Museum. Experience Canada’s rich cultural tapestry with world-class performances, hands-on activities for all ages, and delicious food. Watch the entire site — from the Aga Khan Museum to the Aga Khan Park — come alive with music, art, and vibrant celebration.

Enjoy free admission to the Museum Collections Gallery throughout the entire festival. Bring your creativity to life with our hands-on workshops. Take part in fun arts and crafts activities with the whole family, including special activations from community partners. Sample some of Toronto's favourite food trucks and prepare to dance and sing to the sounds and rhythms of the city.

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The power of the human voice takes centre stage at SING! Now in its 15th year, the festival features more than 25 events, including concerts, industry workshops, sing-alongs with Pitch Perfect Music Director Deke Sharon, Great North Battle Beatbox Competitions, and the SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships. Canada’s premier a cappella festival features an array of musical styles — from pop to jazz, world to contemporary a cappella, barbershop to live looping, and a special SING! With Pride concert with Singing Out Choir and Swedish superstars The Real Group. Venues include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Rec Room, Koerner Hall in the Telus Centre for Performance & Learning, Paradise Theatre, Nathan Phillips Square, the Opera House, and more Free Virtual Music Business Summit for musicians at all levels, hosted by industry experts.

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Music for Everyone at Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival. The Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival is returning for its 14th year on September 18, 19 and 20.

Rooted in the traditions of the blues, the festival has grown into a celebration of music for everyone, showcasing a diverse mix of musical genres and styles, making it a must for anyone who loves great live entertainment.

What makes the festival so unique is continuous music on its side-by-side stages and welcoming atmosphere, a place where music brings people together, gathering to experience the excitement of live performances in the most loved beach community.

Get ready to enjoy the sound, spirit, and soul of the Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival, where musical variety meets community celebration. For more information, visit our website.

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Stratford Summer Music is an annual, multi-week festival featuring over 100 artists in a variety of concerts and events, held across indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown Stratford, Ontario.

Our artistic vision is to present a diverse and exciting program of musical performances to the highest standards, featuring local, provincial, national, and international artists. By offering a wide range of musical genres, Stratford Summer Music provides audiences with a level of musical excellence rarely found outside of large urban centres.

Our festival encourages audiences to deepen their connection to music across diverse genres and foster a lifelong appreciation of the art form. The 2026 lineup includes performances from the likes of Holly Cole, Laila Biali, Ensemble Obiora, Hilario Durán Trio, and more.

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Summer Music in the Garden celebrates its 25th season! Featuring 20 free performances by Canadian musicians and celebrated local artists, this year’s highlights include the classical storytelling of Juno nominee Julie Lumsden, the Afrocentric choral music of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, the electric Cuban rhythms of Montano Cubano and the Western, Classical, Persian fusion of Ladom Ensemble. The Toronto Music Garden can be a place of joyful discovery or a reminder of a home far away. Join us most Thursdays at 7pm and Sundays at 4pm for live music by the water.

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NST’s SummerStage 2026 runs July 11 to August 16, showcasing opera, global influences, and Canadian cabaret storytelling: 

• “Hands Together for Opera” (July 11) - featuring Greg Millar and Lisa Raposa Millar—opera favourites reimagined for one piano, four hands.
• “The Motherland and Its Diaspora: The Middle East” (July 18) - featuring Denise Williams with the Waleed Abdulhamid Quartet, plus new works by Toronto Iranian composer Babak Naseri.
• “Life is a (Canadian) Cabaret” (July 25) - featuring David Stone, Liam Eric Dawson, Denise Williams, and more.
• Raise a glass at our BrewHaHa opera pub (July 29) for a relaxed night of arias, music theatre, and contemporary songs.
Young Artist Intensive culminating productions featuring William Finn’s “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (August 6 to 8) and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi (August 14 to 16).

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Join us for an immersive weekend celebrating the boundless imagination of J.S. Bach from May 22–24, 2026. With four distinctive concerts across three beautiful Toronto venues - Eastminster United Church, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian - the festival offers a unique way to experience Bach’s extraordinary musical world.

The festival opens with a vibrant evening of double concertos, showcasing the thrilling interplay of paired soloists. Enjoy our ever-popular, noon-hour organ recital, a perennial audience favourite, and settle in for the beloved Kaffeehaus—always sold out and not to be missed—featuring R.H. Thomson, outstanding soloists, and the spirited secular cantata Hercules at the Crossroads. The weekend concludes with a rich Sunday afternoon of choral cantatas.

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The Toronto Jazz Festival celebrates 39 years of presenting the best in local, Canadian and international jazz and jazz-related music this June, with ten days of free and ticketed programming throughout Toronto.

Free admission programming - on-stage in Village of Yorkville Park, at street level throughout the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood and our official Late Night Jam at The Pilot - features at least seven performances daily, showcasing primarily local artists plus select touring artists.

Ticketed concerts feature some of the biggest names on the international music scene, including Cassandra Wilson, Hiromi, Ibrahim Maalouf, DOMi & JD Beck, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Kassa Overall and more, in venues ranging from the intimacy of The Rex and Jazz Bistro to Koerner Hall, Phoenix Concert Theatre and Danforth Music Hall.

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Toronto Summer Music returns for its 2026 Festival, under the fresh direction of Artistic Director William Fedkenheuer! The year will bring artists listening deeply, audiences leaning in, and a city gathering around something meaningful. This season brings together extraordinary voices, including Les Arts Florissants, Yura Lee, Inon Barnatan, Jon Kimura Parker, the Miró, Poiesis, and Balourdet Quartets, Élisabeth Pion in her Toronto debut, and Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee with their celebrated Golden Age program — one of the top 25 albums of 2025 by the New York Times. With 50+ events between July 9 and August 1, there is something for everyone!

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Waterside Summer Series on Amherst Island, our 31st season, again presents our well-loved five-concert series of world-class musicians in the intimate and friendly atmosphere of St Paul’s Church. Refreshments are served at intermission. June 27, 2026, brings The New Orford String Quartet, featuring Jonathan Crow; July 10, the virtuosi piano and cello of the Cheng2Duo; July 18 brings the dazzling Russian pianist Arsenitiy Kharitonov. 

On August 3, our exciting August line-up begins with the unique Quartetto Gelato: oboe, voice, English horn, clarinet and accordion, etc! On August 15, our season finale will present the Clarinet Trio of Eric Abramovitz, Luri Lee and Joonghun Cho.

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Westben is a year-round performing arts centre where music, nature, and community come together. Artists from across Canada and beyond share the stage with our neighbours from Alderville First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation—grounding the season in voices, stories, and cultures of what is now known as Trent Hills. Programming blends visiting talent and local collaborations, with artists like Jim Cuddy, Judy Collins, William Prince, Aysanabee, and the Canadian Chamber Orchestra. Westben is also a place to learn, where community choruses rehearse and perform in multiple productions throughout the year—don’t miss Shrek The Musical. Arrive early to walk the trails, explore native species gardens, and spend time on the land. Stay for yoga, shared meals, and performances that will stay with you long after the final note.