Peterborough Folk Festival
Free music festival along the Otonabee River. Your dreamiest August weekend awaits.
That summer festival feeling is waiting for you.
Looking for a picture perfect summer music weekend? You've come to the right place. From family friendly daytime fun to golden notes as music drifts through the trees at golden hour to later in the evening shenanigans, Peterborough Folk Fest delivers. Here you can gather with your friends in Nicholls Oval Park along the Otonabee River (derives its name from the Nishnaabemowin word Odenabe or "the river that beats like a drum"), so nature sets the pace for the experience.
Why you'll love it here
This event captures a part of Peterborough's rhythm and community vibe.
- Live music events - August 13 - 16, 2026
- Beautiful riverside park setting at Nicholls Oval Park
- Local food vendors and craft beverage beer garden
- Artisan market with local makers
- Welcoming family atmosphere (including a kids parade), children's performances, crafts and more
2026 Lineup and Festival Highlights
From well-loved headliners (like this year's closing act Bahamas) to emerging artists you'll discover for the first time, the Peterborough Folk Festival delivers a line-up that has kept music lovers coming back for almost 40 years. Keep up-to-date with artist announcements, activities, and other festival fun by following Peterborough Folk Festival on Instagram.
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Getting here
Just 90 minutes from Toronto, it is an easy drive to escape to this fun festival.
Where to stay
Turn your festival into a full weekend experience by checking in at one of our local accommodations, including comfortable branded hotels and in-town camping at Beavermead Park.
Parking
Parking on-site at the festival is limited, with some overflow parking available at the Peterborough Rugby Club and on neighbouring side streets (please observe the parking rules and be nice the festival's neighbours). Fantastic alternate options also exist including
- Valet Parking Services (for your bike!) Bring your bike and you can park it for free courtesy of B!KE Community Bike Shop. Friendly volunteers will park your bike and give you a ticket to pick it up later
- Enjoy a short, yet scenic walk: Head north along the Rotary Greenway Trail from Hunter Street (or south if you're heading in from Lakefield or anywhere north of Parkhill Road)
- Take a Y Drive! Peterborough Folk Festival partners with Y Drive to give festival goers $3 off any Y drive rides to official festival locations throughout the weekend
- Accessible parking for people with mobility considerations is available on-site
Make a Weekend of It
There's plenty to do beyond the Folk Festival here in Peterborough. Here's some items that make delightful pairings.
- Wander downtown to explore great local shops, patios, and other late night live music
- Spend some time on the water - paddling, relaxing or just taking in the view
- Stop in at The Canadian Canoe Museum - a must-visit local attraction
- Discover the community, experiences and public art that make Peterborough unique
Festival Food and Drink
Just steps from three stages of curated live music, the Food Village brings together diverse food vendors, serving up everything from churros to South Indian curries to rolled ice cream. These aren’t just meals; they’re memories in the making, crafted by beloved local chefs and food artisans.
Plus, as part of the festival's commitment to sustainability, all of your festival fare will be served up on reusable dishes which you return to the dishwashing station to be washed and reused. Some food for thought on how we can honour the land that we gather on.
Fun For The Whole Family
Should Peterborough Folk Festival be your kid's first festival? We think so. There are lots of easy-going and relaxed spaces for all ages to enjoy.
Some highlights that your kids will love include:
- Children's parade and main stage kid's performance on the Sunday
- Activities including crafts, bubbles, and other fun
- Splashpad and playground on site
- Face painting
- Accessible washroom spaces with change tables
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival really free?
Yes. Weekend events are free to attend. Donations are strongly encouraged in order to keep the festival thriving, with a suggested donation of $25.
Is it family-friendly?
Very much so. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space for all ages.
What should I bring?
A blanket or lawn chair, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and whatever helps you settle in and stay awhile.
Can I bring my dog/are pets allowed?
Well-behaved dogs on leash are allowed at Nicholls Oval Park. Please be respectful of people who may not be as comfortable around dogs.
Is the festival accessible?
Ensuring a festival experience that welcomes people of different abilities is part of the design of the festival. This includes accessible parking and accessible festival viewing areas, accessible washrooms. There are some bumps along the way due to the natural landscape, so navigate with caution. The main hillside is not accessible due to slop.
What happens if it rains?
Peterborough Folk Festival is a rain or shine event! If there is light rain, the festival would continue as planned with minor adjustments. Heavy rain or severe weather may result in adjustments to the schedule.
Can I camp at the festival?
Camping is not available in Nicholls Oval Park. Camping is available down the road at Beavermead Park and Campground (7 minutes by car; 10 minutes by bike, 35 minutes on foot).