MusicJun
Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival
Burlington's waterfront music festival gets a new name and a new operator after 45 years as Sound of Music.
When
2026: June 20–21, 2026
2025: June 12–15, 2025
Where
Spencer Smith Park
Area
Downtown Burlington
Cost
Free + Paid · TBD — first edition under new operator MRG Live
Format
outdoor
Running Since
2026 (0 years)
Family Friendly
Yes
VT Insider Tip
This is a brand-new operator's first edition at a legacy venue — expect the format to look different from the Sound of Music festivals of past years, and check official channels close to the date since details were still firming up going into 2026.
About
For 45 years, Spencer Smith Park hosted Sound of Music, a free multi-day waterfront music festival that grew into one of Burlington's signature summer events. After the festival's non-profit organizers lost their city funding request for 2026 amid financial trouble, the City of Burlington brought in concert promoter MRG Live to run a successor event at the same waterfront site under a new name and a shorter, two-day format. The lineup, ticketing structure and overall scale for its debut edition were still being finalized as of this writing.
What to Expect
Outdoor concerts at Spencer Smith Park on Burlington's waterfront, condensed into a two-day run rather than the four-day format the site is known for historically. Expect a lakeside setting with the Burlington Pier and Lake Ontario as a backdrop.
Pro Tips
Spencer Smith Park has limited nearby parking on festival days — Burlington GO Station is a short walk away and is the easier option for a day trip from Toronto.
Getting There
GO Transit Lakeshore West line direct to Burlington GO Station, about 45 minutes from Union Station, then a 10–15 minute walk to Spencer Smith Park. Driving via the QEW takes roughly 45 minutes.