The 2026 Collingwood Music Festival takes place from July 6 to 18, featuring more than 220 musicians for the seventh two-week event. On offer are large-scale choral works, intimate chamber music concerts, music from around the globe, and Indigenous performances all in a scenic outdoor setting.
“Each summer, Collingwood transforms through music, and this year, that energy is unmistakable,” says Collingwood Music Festival’s Artistic Director Daniel Vnukowski in a statement.
“From the raw power of the famous work Carmina Burana on our opening night to extraordinary voices from Canada and abroad, this season brings a scale and intensity we have not presented before. At the same time, our commitment to young artists and to this community remains central. This is a festival that continues to grow in ambition, in impact, and in what it offers to audiences across Southern Georgian Bay.”
Pre-Festival Fun
The annual Festival fundraiser takes place at the Osler Bluff Ski Club on May 30. It features the music of Toronto’s genre-bending TCO6, made up of members of the Toronto Concert Orchestra who blend classical brilliance with cinematic flair in a glamorous James Bond theme for the evening.
About a month before the Festival kicks off, you can take in A Masterful Return to Meaford Hall on June 7 featuring Daniel Vnukowski (piano) and Michael Schulte (violin).
Highlights of the 2026 Festival
This year’s festival features an eclectic mix of music, including:
- Carmina Burana with the Elmer Iseler Singers;
- The gospel festival finale with Toronto Mass Choir;
- Schmaltz & Pepper’s innovative klezmer;
- The highly acclaimed Dagilėlis Boys’ Choir from Lithuania;
- A new work by JUNO award-winner Andy Milne;
- Genre-bending violinist Mark Fewer and friends;
- Alternative early music ensemble Ménestrel;
- Groundbreaking Montreal-based vocal ensemble Les Rugissants;
- A tribute to Bernstein and Rodgers with Canada’s first lady of musical theatre Louise Pitre.
Free Outdoor Community Concerts
The festival’s outreach and free outdoor concerts are back, including the uber-popular Symphony Under the Stars at Creemore Village Green.
CMF’s 2026 Youth Academy
Collingwood Music Festival’s Masterclass 2026 will host 30 promising young musicians, along with seven world class teachers. The public is invited welcome to sit in with every class during the five-day intensive for free. The masterclass culminates with the CMF Youth Academy Grand Finale concert.
Festival Details
Youth Under 16 enjoy FREE entry to any summer concert when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket.
- Find details and tickets for the May 30 James Bond themed fundraiser [HERE].
- Find details and tickets for A Masterful Return to Meaford Hall” with Daniel Vnukowski (piano), and Michael Schulte (violin) on June 7 [HERE].
- During the month of July, you can take in the Collingwood Music Festival; A Retrospective Photo Exhibition at the Pressroom Gallery (65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood ON L9Y 1H7); info [HERE].
- Find details on the Festival’s free events [HERE].
- Find details and tickets, including Festival passes, for the 2026 Collingwood Music Festival [HERE].
- Find a full listing of events [HERE].
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