Music Festival Provider

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The City of Burlington would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers for their dedication and contributions to our community over the past 40 years. Their efforts have helped shape a beloved tradition that has brought joy to residents and visitors alike.  

The City has now issued a call for applications for event organizers interested in hosting a community-focused music festival at Spencer Smith Park beginning in 2026—one that reflects the evolving needs and values of Burlington residents. 

To help guide this transition, an online survey was also launched to gather input on what matters most to the community. Residents will be asked to share their thoughts on key elements such as the importance of free versus paid events, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and the inclusion of Canadian and local talent. 

This feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of music programming in Burlington and ensuring it continues to celebrate community, creativity, and connection. 

The City of Burlington would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers for their dedication and contributions to our community over the past 40 years. Their efforts have helped shape a beloved tradition that has brought joy to residents and visitors alike.  

The City has now issued a call for applications for event organizers interested in hosting a community-focused music festival at Spencer Smith Park beginning in 2026—one that reflects the evolving needs and values of Burlington residents. 

To help guide this transition, an online survey was also launched to gather input on what matters most to the community. Residents will be asked to share their thoughts on key elements such as the importance of free versus paid events, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and the inclusion of Canadian and local talent. 

This feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of music programming in Burlington and ensuring it continues to celebrate community, creativity, and connection. 

Do you have any questions related to the Call for Applications?

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  • Share Hello! Where can we find the updated survey results? Thanks! on Facebook Share Hello! Where can we find the updated survey results? Thanks! on Twitter Share Hello! Where can we find the updated survey results? Thanks! on Linkedin Email Hello! Where can we find the updated survey results? Thanks! link

    Hello! Where can we find the updated survey results? Thanks!

    SR asked 29 days ago

    Staff are still reviewing the results. The survey results will be shared in an upcoming Council report. Once that report is ready, it will be published here as well.

  • Share Hello! Understanding the City's potential contribution to the event is only granted to Not-For-Profit corporations, we are writing to enquire about the submission of an event plan that is a partnership between an existing / established NFP and a for-profit, corporate entity producer. Is this something the City would be open to considering and / or reccomend? on Facebook Share Hello! Understanding the City's potential contribution to the event is only granted to Not-For-Profit corporations, we are writing to enquire about the submission of an event plan that is a partnership between an existing / established NFP and a for-profit, corporate entity producer. Is this something the City would be open to considering and / or reccomend? on Twitter Share Hello! Understanding the City's potential contribution to the event is only granted to Not-For-Profit corporations, we are writing to enquire about the submission of an event plan that is a partnership between an existing / established NFP and a for-profit, corporate entity producer. Is this something the City would be open to considering and / or reccomend? on Linkedin Email Hello! Understanding the City's potential contribution to the event is only granted to Not-For-Profit corporations, we are writing to enquire about the submission of an event plan that is a partnership between an existing / established NFP and a for-profit, corporate entity producer. Is this something the City would be open to considering and / or reccomend? link

    Hello! Understanding the City's potential contribution to the event is only granted to Not-For-Profit corporations, we are writing to enquire about the submission of an event plan that is a partnership between an existing / established NFP and a for-profit, corporate entity producer. Is this something the City would be open to considering and / or reccomend?

    Jodie Becker asked about 1 month ago

    The City’s grant funding can only be provided to a not-for-profit organization that is the lead applicant and legal entity responsible for entering into any agreements with the City.

    Partnerships between a not-for-profit and a for-profit entity may be considered provided that:

    • The not-for-profit remains the lead applicant and holds full legal, contractual, financial and operational responsibility and accountability for the event.
    • The City’s contribution is directed solely toward non-commercial, community benefit components of the festival such as providing free admission, artist fees, community engagement activities, accessibility measures, volunteer programs, or other elements that ensure broad community participation and public value. Grant funds shall not be directed in any way to the for-profit entity or otherwise used for the for-profit entity’s commercial purposes or its direct or indirect financial benefit including but not limited to the subsidization of its business operations, the generation of profit and revenue or to off-set its business costs or overhead.
    • The partnership arrangement is fully disclosed within the application, including the roles, responsibilities, and financial relationship between both parties, along with a detailed budget plan showing how the grant funds will be used toward eligible, non-commercial uses. The City shall have the right at any time to require any supporting documentation with respect to the use of grant funds and the partnership arrangement and impose any further conditions with respect to the use of grant funds and the partnership arrangement as deemed necessary by the City.

     

    In short, while the City’s funding cannot subsidize a for-profit organization, collaborations with private partners may be acceptable if they help deliver broader community benefit under the leadership of a not-for-profit.

  • Share Is there any flexibility on the festival launch date or must the festival take place June 19 - 21st? on Facebook Share Is there any flexibility on the festival launch date or must the festival take place June 19 - 21st? on Twitter Share Is there any flexibility on the festival launch date or must the festival take place June 19 - 21st? on Linkedin Email Is there any flexibility on the festival launch date or must the festival take place June 19 - 21st? link

    Is there any flexibility on the festival launch date or must the festival take place June 19 - 21st?

    Nico asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your question. At this time, Burlington City Council’s expectation is that the event will be held on the scheduled weekend. However, if an applicant wishes to propose alternate dates and provide supporting rationale, the review team will take this into consideration should the applicant be the successful candidate and will include this information in the final report to Council.

  • Share Why are we not doing everything we can to have the Sound of Music as a premier event. What a shame to let this marvellous event that drew such crowds to our downtown be shoved aside. on Facebook Share Why are we not doing everything we can to have the Sound of Music as a premier event. What a shame to let this marvellous event that drew such crowds to our downtown be shoved aside. on Twitter Share Why are we not doing everything we can to have the Sound of Music as a premier event. What a shame to let this marvellous event that drew such crowds to our downtown be shoved aside. on Linkedin Email Why are we not doing everything we can to have the Sound of Music as a premier event. What a shame to let this marvellous event that drew such crowds to our downtown be shoved aside. link

    Why are we not doing everything we can to have the Sound of Music as a premier event. What a shame to let this marvellous event that drew such crowds to our downtown be shoved aside.

    Janices asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. This page is intended for questions from potential applicants to the City’s Call for Applications for a music festival in Burlington. If you’d like to share feedback about the recent Council decision regarding the Sound of Music Festival, we encourage you to do so through our public survey linked on this page. Your input is important and will help shape the future of festivals and events in our community.

Page last updated: 09 Dec 2025, 03:58 PM