The collective sigh of relief heard from music lovers across Grey, Bruce, and Simcoe has been profound. After a long five-year hiatus, the locally-loved Peak to Shore Music Festival is back, baby! From July 3rd to 6th, the sweet sounds of live, local, and 100% Canadian talent will once again spill out of venues stretching from the picturesque Blue Mountain Village to Thornbury and Clarksburg in the heart of South Georgian Bay.
P2S isn’t just another festival; it’s a homecoming, of sorts. It was always about more than just the lineup; it’s a fest that’s embraced how to weave music into the very fabric of our home on the escarpment. Imagine catching a soulful set while the evening sun illuminates the mountain peaks, or tapping your toes on a patio to a lively tune with the scent of fresh-pressed cider in the air. That’s the kind of magic Peak to Shore delivers, and after half a decade, we’re all ready to bask in its glory again.
We’re starting small and we hope it’ll grow in years to come. P2S expanding outward from the Village is an effort to collaborate with the surrounding villages and towns. The Village has always been so music-centric, but we wanted to share the love and bring people to the region”
With the seasoned events vets at the Blue Mountain Village Association behind the operation, they’ve curated a diverse roster of all-Canuck artists for the Village stage that promises something for every ear. Meanwhile, the rest of the performances have been selected and vetted by the venues themselves. While the full schedule needs to be fully explored, early whispers and official announcements have already set the stage for some serious sonic esteem. The line-up boasts alternative, roots, rocks, funk, jazz, and Americana – a huge variety of music for the audiophile that lives deep within you.
“To be honest, we had Peak to Shore planned just before COVID hit,” says P2S event coordinator, Sydney Davidian. “It was a big music fest that locals loved and musicians would travel to attend. To shut it down was devastating. When we came out of COVID, everything was different and re-introducing events was a slow process because of so many limitations. P2S just got lost in the mix and this is the first year we were able to bring it back and intertwine the Village with Thornbury and Clarksburg. We’re so excited to have it back.”
For those looking to kick off the festivities with a jolt of raw energy, Lazarettes are set to ignite Grey & Gold Cider in Clarksburg on Thursday at 6 p.m. If their reputation for high-octane performances holds true, expect a foot-stomping, head-nodding good time in the orchard. It has all the ingredients for the perfect way to shed the work week and dive headfirst into the weekend.
Friday night beckons the blues and roots aficionados to The Corner Café & Grill in Thornbury, where E.T. Rhino, with special guest Adam Webster, will be serving up a potent blend of gritty melodies and heartfelt lyrics at 8 p.m. The Corner is the kind of intimate setting where music really resonates, so grab a pint, order something tasty, and let the good vibes wash over you.
Saturday belongs to our boy Conor Gains, taking centre stage at Blue Mountain Village at 8 p.m. Gains has been making serious waves with his unique brand of rock ‘n’ roll infused roots and soul, and his performance is sure to be a highlight. A Rrampt favourite, expect a vibrant atmosphere when Gains hits the stage, maybe a little dancing, and a slew of good energy under the mountain sky. The good folks at Cass Audio always make sure the sound is top notch at the The Village.
And to round out a weekend that promises to be nothing short of epic, Lulu’s Band will bring their captivating sound to Spy Cider House & Distillery in Clarksburg on Sunday at 6 p.m. Picture this: a laid-back Sunday evening, sipping on a crisp cider, and soaking in the final musical moments of a festival reborn. It has the kind of chill closure that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for 2026.
Beyond the headliners, the festival will be spread across six unique venues, including Thornbury Craft Co. and The Alphorn Restaurant, promising a truly immersive regional experience. From cozy patios to the open-air grandeur of the iconic Blue Mountain Village square, each location offers a distinct flavour.
“We’re starting small and we hope it’ll grow in years to come,” says Davidian. “P2S expanding outward from the Village is an effort to collaborate with the surrounding villages and towns. The Village has always been so music-centric, but we wanted to share the love and bring people to the region… Down the road, we’d love to work with Collingwood and get into the amphitheatre.”
So mark your calendars, rally the crew, and get ready to rediscover the joy of live music when Peak to Shore blasts back onto the scene. It’s been too long, and we’re ready to make up for lost time.
For more info, visit: www.peaktoshore.ca
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Words by Nelson Phillips
Photos provided by BMVA.
