Saturday, May 23, 2026
The Historic Market Hall
Hosted by Dawson McManus and Pet Rock Radio Katie, the 2026 New Music Awards will bring Peterborough’s independent music scene into the spotlight Saturday, May 23 at the Historic Market Hall. Presented by Sparq and produced by Brent Rombough and Pet Rock Radio, the evening will hand out awards in 17 categories, with live performances, local personalities, and a nominee list that already includes Sarah-Jayne Riley for Pop Song of the Year and kurdyskidd for Breakout Artist.
It’s the kind of night local music scenes need once in a while — not another open mic in the corner, not another algorithmic shrug from the internet, but an actual stage, actual lights, and actual names being called out loud. The 2026 NMAs are less about pretending Peterborough is suddenly Nashville North and more about admitting what has always been true: there is serious talent here, and most of it has been doing the work without much ceremony. On May 23, it gets the ceremony.
Click here for more info on nominees and such.
Ticket Price: $19.00 / $29.00