Summer Live Music Festival at NAC 2026

TORONTO, ON — On July 19, North York families will not have to travel downtown to enjoy a major free live music experience. After seven years of presenting Summer Live Music Festival at Ontario Place as part of SummerSeries in Trillium Park, Emerging Artists Association (EAA) is bringing SLMF to North York for the first time on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the North American Centre courtyard, located at 5650 Yonge Street.

Presented by Emerging Artists Association in partnership with Europro and Willowdale Arts Collective, this free public event will transform the North American Centre courtyard into an outdoor summer music gathering in the heart of Willowdale. Located steps from Finch Station, the festival offers an easy, accessible way for families, residents, workers, students, and music lovers to enjoy high-quality live performances without leaving the neighbourhood.

The 2026 NAC edition of Summer Live Music Festival features a diverse and welcoming program of jazz, neo-soul, folk, and contemporary crossover music, headlined by JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Barbra Lica. Curated from late afternoon into sunset, the evening brings together award-winning and emerging Canadian artists in a relaxed courtyard setting designed for community connection, discovery, and summer enjoyment.