Ontario’s Sound of Music Festival Is on the Verge of Shutting Down Without 'Urgent Financial Support'

One of the country’s biggest free annual music festivals may be coming to a close.

Organizers of The Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, Ontario, said they will be forced to end the event unless financial support is secured.

In a website message, festival organizers shared that they can’t continue under the current financial pressures, where the cost of operating the massive event has outweighed the revenue generated.

“With sharp declines in public arts funding and sponsorship, our future is now uncertain,” they shared online. “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!”

Festival directors cited the sharp decline in public arts funding and the lack of a large corporate sponsor as the reason behind the event’s financial shortfall.

“We’ve done everything possible to run lean without sacrificing safety or the quality of the experience,” said the chair of the festival's board of directors, 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.”

Previously, The Sound of Music was boosted by the federal Heritage Fund, which provided $200,000 in support — now, it’s $50,000. Additionally, the Ontario government and other agencies have reduced funding. Each year, the City of Burlington provides a $150,000 grant.

The Southern Ontario festival is considered one of Canada's largest free concert events, attracting 400,000 each June to Burlington’s lakefront at Spencer Smith Park. Organizers estimate that the festival has contributed $25 million in economic impact to Burlington and the surrounding area.

“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 read. “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.”

Operating for 45 years, The Sound of Music has brought emerging and established artists with a strong Canadian reach to the stage. This year, more than 50 artists took the stage.

Previous performers have included Marianas Trench, Gord Downie, Tom Cochrane, Carly Rae Jepsen, Blue Rodeo, Kim Mitchell, The Arkells, Collective Soul and Cowboy Junkies.

This isn't the first time the festival has publicly asked for support. In 2023, the non-profit festival sought out $200,000 in “interim financial support” from the Burlington city council. They cited lost sponsorship revenues amid lingering struggles caused by the COVID pandemic.

“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,” they said. “This is more than a funding shortfall — it’s a community crossroads. Without immediate support, we risk losing a 45-year tradition that unites thousands in celebration every summer.”

In recent years, many Canadian music festivals have scaled back or shut down after facing tough post-lockdown circumstances, including rising production costs, fewer corporate sponsorships and hesitant audiences. "The cost of goods and services and labour and talent is extremely high — and it continues to go up." Erin Benjamin, President & CEO of CLMA, told Billboard Canada earlier this year.

The City of Burlington said it will work with The Sound of Music festival organizers to keep the event active.