Live music, tourism brings $30M economic boost to P.E.I. in 2025: entertainment company

(Source: Cavendish Beach Music Festival)

Music festivals brought significant economic success to P.E.I. in 2025 according to the island’s largest entertainment company.

Whitecap Entertainment, who’s responsible for organizing the Cavendish Beach Music Festival and the Sommo Festival, says the two festivals helped generate over $30 million and brought over 80,000 visitors to the island in 2025.

“Our festivals are built with Prince Edward Island Tourism in mind,” said Ben Murphy, CEO of Whitecap Entertainment in the announcement Wednesday.

Whitecap says a lot of the money generated came from out-of-province visitors.

“When people travel here for CBMF and Sommo, they’re supporting far more than the festivals themselves; they’re supporting local businesses, tourism operators and communities across the Island. Seeing that impact continue to grow year after year, especially in the shoulder season, is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Murphy.

The Cavendish Beach Music Festival generated $19.6 million in economic impact for the island which is an increase of $1.9 million over last year, according to a news release from the entertainment company.

Whitecap Entertainment says much of the growth for that festival was driven by a rise in off-island visitors as well as an increase in average daily spending per person.

In September, the Sommo Festival celebrated its third year and generated $11.2 million for the island, with more than $9.1 million of that coming from out of province visitors.

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