SUMMERSIDE, PE - The City of Summerside is proud to announce that it will be the presenting sponsor for the 2026 Music PEI Week Awards Gala. The event marks a return to where it all began—the Awards Gala was first held in Summerside in 2001—and will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Music PEI Awards, honouring a quarter century of excellence in Prince Edward Island’s vibrant music scene.
Music PEI Week 2026 will run from February 28th to March 7th, featuring concerts and special events across the province, with two major events taking place in Summerside:
- An All-Ages Show at Generation XX Youth Club on Sunday, March 1st
- Music PEI Week Awards Gala at Harbourfront Theatre on Saturday, March 7th
This will be the first time since 2005 that the Gala has been hosted in Summerside, making the city once again the center of celebration for Island musicians, creators, and industry professionals.
“We’re honoured to welcome Music PEI back to Summerside for this landmark celebration,” said Mayor Dan Kutcher. “Music and culture are the heartbeat of our community, and hosting the 25th Anniversary Awards Gala shines a spotlight on our city’s ongoing commitment to supporting Island artists. This partnership will bring energy, visitors, and pride to Summerside—showcasing the best of what our community and our province have to offer.
Since Music PEI’s formal launch in 2008, the Island’s music industry has experienced remarkable growth, with a 500% increase in internationally touring artists, millions in GDP contributions, and the creation of more than 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Last year alone, Music PEI distributed over $25,000 in artist fees, $17,000 to venues and live production professionals, $8,000 to visual artists and designers, and $14,000 in local marketing, ensuring that Prince Edward Island’s creative economy continues to thrive.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Awards Gala back to Summerside for our 25th anniversary,” said Rob Oakie, Executive Director of Music PEI. “This is where the Music PEI Awards first began, and there’s no better place to celebrate the incredible growth and success of our music industry over the past two decades. From our internationally touring artists to the local musicians who make our Island’s culture so rich, this milestone year will be a true homecoming.”
The City of Summerside’s partnership includes a range of benefits, such as presenting sponsorship of the Gala and the Music PEI Lifetime Achievement Award, logo placement across marketing materials, and on-site brand activation opportunities.
Hosting Music PEI Week events in Summerside will not only provide a unique cultural experience for residents but will also attract visitors, stimulate local business, and reinforce the city’s reputation as a leader in arts and culture. The Harbourfront Theatre offers an intimate setting to honour PEI’s music community, while additional efforts are underway to organize an After Party and accommodations in Summerside for artists, staff, and attendees.
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City of Summerside
The City of Summerside is located in Prince County, Prince Edward Island, Canada with the mindset of promoting and advancing its small city with big opportunities. Summerside offers a diverse market and skilled workforce and is a leader in sectors such as green energy, sport tourism and rapid economic growth. To learn more, please visit Summerside.ca or connect through Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Music PEI
Music PEI is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the careers of Prince Edward Island’s music creators and industry professionals. Through programs, showcases, and events like Music PEI Week, the organization celebrates artistic excellence and strengthens the Island’s cultural and economic landscape.
For more information or media inquires:
Tanner Doiron
Acting Director of Communications
City of Summerside
[email protected]