Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival on verge of disappearing from Ontario town

Organizers say they will be forced to end one of the country’s largest music festivals unless financial backers step forward.

In a website message, directors of the Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, Ont., say they cannot continue under the current financial pressures, where the costs for operating the massive event far outweigh the revenue that is generated.

“We’ve done everything possible to run lean without sacrificing safety or the quality of the experience,” says the Festival’s Board of Directors Chair, Dave Shepherd. “We’ve trimmed costs – over $500k has been removed in the last two years, streamlined operations, and maximized efficiencies. But we are now at the edge — without new partners stepping in, we don’t know if we can keep going.”

Sound of Music (SOM) is considered Canada’s largest free concert event that attracts 400,000 each June to Burlington’s lakefront at Spencer Smith Park.

This year, more than 50 artists performed over several days to appreciative fans who didn’t have to pay to attend.

Festival organizers point to a sharp decline in public arts funding and the lack of a large corporate sponsor as the reason behind the financial shortfall.

They say the federal Heritage Fund used to provide $200,000 in support, but that has fallen to $50,000. The Ontario government and other agencies have also reduced funding. The City of Burlington provides a $150,000 grant.

“We’re calling on community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, and anyone who believes in the power of music and arts to help,” the website statement reads. “We urgently need a major sponsor or group of sponsors to join us in protecting this treasured event and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the joy, connection, and inclusivity that live music offers.”

SOM has operated for 45 years and has brought in major artists with a strong Canadian component.

Performers have included New York Dolls, Cowboy Junkies, Maestro Fresh-Wes, Gord Downie, Tom Cochrane, Carly Rae Jepson, Devo, Men Without Hats, Kim Mitchell, Jim Cuddy, Bush, The Offspring, Arkells and Collective Soul.

Shepherd said SOM is a boon to the community and has an economic impact of $25 million on Burlington and the surrounding area.

“This is more than a festival. It’s an economic and cultural anchor that helps define Burlington’s identity, attracts tourism, and promotes small business success across the city and region,” the statement continues. “Now, with sharp declines in public arts funding and sponsorship, our future is now uncertain. What was once a thriving example of free and accessible live music is now grappling with the hard truth: We can no longer sustain this festival without urgent financial support.”

The City of Burlington said it will work with festival organizers in an effort to keep it afloat.