🎼 Collingwood Music Festival Celebrates 7th Annual Event with 13 Days of World-Class Performances, July 6–18

COLLINGWOOD, ON: From July 6th to 18th, the Collingwood Music Festival (CMF) proudly returns for its seventh year, bringing top-tier performances, both indoor and outdoor, and community celebration to South Georgian Bay music-lovers. 

CMF Signature Series’ Premium Lineup

Tickets are selling quickly for the summer festival’s highly-anticipated annual Signature Series concerts, presented daily from July 11th to 18th in the fine acoustics of First Presbyterian Church. The series showcases world-class artists performing the classical, choral, and instrumental music which has defined the festival since its beginnings: 

https://collingwoodfestival.com/events/category/signature-series/

Headlining the series are a number of beloved Collingwood audience favourites: Opening night features the Elmer Iseler Singers with the world premiere of the festival’s newly commissioned work by two-time Juno Award winner Andy Milne. Violinist Drew Jurecka, fresh off his recent Grammy Award win, appears with the lively “Schmaltz & Pepper” band. CMF’s own artistic director and popular New Classical FM host Daniel Vnukowski will deliver a stirring solo piano recital. Violinist Mark Fewer leads a brilliant string octet which bridges the gap between classical mastery and modern energy. The Toronto Mass Choir once again closes the festival with their signature high-energy fusion of contemporary gospel and jazz.

As well, in this series, the festival is thrilled to welcome exciting new additions, sure to delight: In “Encore!”, Canadian Broadway legend Louise Pitre, sings selections from Mamma Mia, Les Misérables, Gypsy, Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel. A cappella vocal group “Les Rugissants” present a powerful tribute to Ukraine. Montreal ensemble Ménestrel will bring  “Songs of the Mayflower”, blending ancient repertoire with Canadian folk traditions through luminous vocals and instrumental artistry. In addition, CMF’s Rising Star series showcases the award-winning Dagilėlis Lithuanian Boys Choir, one of Europe’s leading youth choirs.

Free Public Events For The Community

This year’s festival offers an expanded series of free public events, designed to make music accessible to all, and for the whole family! “The Global Celebration” at Collingwood Amphitheatre (July 7, 8 and 9 at 7 PM): A high-energy World Music Series of rhythm, dance, and global storytelling bring the vibrant sounds of the globe to the waterfront in a joyous celebration of community featuring: Nhapitapi (from Zimbabwe), Flamenco & Balkan with Tamar Ilana & Ventanas, and The Akwesasne Women Singers (Indigenous).   Free parking available at the Birch Street Boat Launch lot, with additional municipal parking nearby. Wheelchair accessible via paved pathways, with accessible viewing areas available.
“Symphony Under The Stars” (July 12 at 8pm, Creemore): A full symphony orchestra, Kindred Spirits Orchestra returns to the Village Green for their very popular concert under the night sky.  Food trucks will be on-site prior to the performance. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own picnic blankets.

More about these events at https://collingwoodfestival.com/events/category/free

To ensure that everyone may take part, the above concerts are offered as Free Admission, or Pay-What-You-Can.

Toronto Mass Choir Workshop (July 18 at 5pm) : Discover the key elements of authentic gospel music practice from the Artistic Director of Juno award-winning Toronto Mass Choir, Participants of the workshop join the choir for one of the songs during their evening concert. Free event but Space is limited! Pre-registration is required to secure your spot at: http://www.collingwoodfestival.com/event/enjoying-the-journey

Youth Engagement Blossoms

Youth involvement continues to burgeon at CMF. Thirty selected students will be participate in the five days of masterclasses, rehearsals, and collaborative performances mentored by world-class classical musicians. Seven of the students are  local to Simcoe region, including three talented young singers from Collingwood! The week culminates with the students’ Friday evening July 10 “Grande Finale – Youth Masterclass Concert”.  This uplifting showcase of outstanding young performers highlights the future of classical music.

To further support this next generation, the festival has provided 10 bursaries so that all talented youth are able to participate in the above masterclass, reaching toward their potential. As well, CMF continues to offer Free Youth Tickets for those under age 16 to any ticketed concerts, when accompanied by a paying adult. 

Community Updates:

On Friday afternoon, local dignitaries gathered at the Collingwood Public Library for the official flag-raising ceremony, marking the beginning of the festival’s 2026 edition. Attending were Mayor Yvonne Hamlin (Town of Collingwood), Mayor Doug Measures (Clearview Township), Steve Cassar (on behalf of MPP Brian Saunderson), and MP Terry Dowdall, each extending enthusiastic words of congratulations to the festival for its vital contribution to the growth of culture in the region. They were joined by the festival’s Artistic Director Daniel Vnukowski, who welcomed audiences to this year’s extraordinary program. He shared:“Every summer, I look forward to that moment when the Festival comes alive and our community fills with music. For thirteen days, audiences will share experiences that simply can’t be replicated at home: the thrill of a live performance, the energy of hundreds of voices singing together, the intimacy of chamber music, and the excitement of discovering a new artist. This year, more than 240 musicians will join us from across Canada and around the world, creating a season filled with unforgettable moments. Equally important is the next generation. Through our Youth Academy, talented young musicians will spend a week learning from some of Canada’s finest artists, developing their skills, building confidence, and discovering what is possible through music. My hope is that everyone who attends, whether in the audience or onstage, leaves with a memory they’ll carry long after July is over.”

Immediately after the flag-raising, all headed across the street to attend a reception opening Collingwood Music Festival’s Retrospective Photo Exhibition, a free event currently featured throughout the month of July in the Press Room Gallery of the Simcoe Theatre. This remarkable collection of photos by local award-winning photographer Tjalling Halbertsma chronicles the development of the festival over the years, capturing the magic of many stellar performances along with meaningful moments of community.

Festival Details

Artist Biographies, Complete Schedule, and Ticket Information are available at: www.collingwoodfestival.com/festival-events

Box Office: (705) 416-1317

More News

CMF is honoured to be part of the 2026 Ontario’s Choice Awards! Please take a moment to cast your vote in the “Top Performing Arts Attraction” section at: https://attractionsontario.ca/poll/top-performing-arts-attraction/

Photo Credit: Tjalling Halbertsma

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