By Natalie Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Summer is right around the corner, which means festivals are going to be here before we know it. It’s been a couple of years since our beloved festivals have been able to fully happen, so take advantage of them all this year. We are so excited to get back outside enjoying live music, fun and entertainment. There are festivals all over Ontario all Summer long you won’t want to miss out on. Not sure which ones you want to attend or even what’s happening? We’ve put together a list of some great festivals for you to read up on right here.  Plus we’re always updating our event calendar on our website with all the best events and festivals around the Province so you can start planning ahead. Check out festivals near you or search for festivals in other regions and plan a weekend getaway around them!

June Festivals

Kick off Summer at The Wasaga Water Front Festival in Wasaga Beach to take part in the wacky boat regatta, sand castle building, ploverpalooza, kite fest, exhibits, live bands and lots of beach time at one of the largest beaches. Check out their website for even more happening all summer long. June is Pride Month in Toronto, and Pride Toronto has events happening all month long. Rock out to 10 open-air stages to rock, pop, dance, hip hop, R&B, country, traditional, folk, retro and disco music. Learn about activism, education & the history & culture of global LGBTQ communities through family fun, parades and cultural events! In Hamilton enjoy a cultural event, FrancoFest on from the 17-18th.  As one of the largest Francophone festivals in Ontario, learn about the history and culture, while you enjoy concerts, circus shows, family activities and artistic workshops! In Ganonoque don’t miss out on the 1000 Islands Family Ribfest and Music Festival from June 30 to July 3. Enjoy live music, events, shopping, and incredible food!

July Festivals

In Red Lake, the Norseman Floatplane and Music Festival is on from the 15th-17th where you get to experience static aircraft displays, water bombing and MNR forest fire fighting displays, a street festival, beer gardens, music, street performers, mining displays, and more. In Niagara, head to the TD Niagara Jazz Festival to get a front row seat to jazz music performed by the finest Canadian & internationally acclaimed jazz musicians while you enjoy wine, ciders and culinary delights in wine country. The Mount Forest Fireworks Festival is taking place this year from the 15th – 19th with one of the most impressive fireworks shows! Have fun during the day at the Midway, KidZone, street vendors, live shows by entertainers, delicious food and 500+ cars on main street. In Scottish tradition, the annual Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville is one of the largest in the world! Experience highland dancing, heavyweights, fiddling, Celtic bands & North America’s largest massed pipe bands. Buy Scottish treats, goodies and more!

August Festivals

In Timmins, take part in the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival from the 23-25 for epic kayak races for all ages, activities for kids, a fishing pavilion, a classic car show, sunset yoga, a strong man competition, The Rock Harley Davidson exhibit, and two nights of free concerts. Visit Russell, Ontario near Ottawa, for the Russell Fair from the 11-14 for a midway, truck and tractor pulls, a demolition derby, live entertainment, Craft Beer Festival, Special Needs Day and Horse Show. In Toronto, the annual Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is back as one of the largest fairs in North America on from the 19 until September 5. Get tickets to experience entertainment, concerts, celebrity chef demonstrations, midway rides, games, a working farm, animals, parades, international food, shopping, Kids’ World, and a 3-day Air Show. The Kitchener Blues Festival is on from the 4th -7th and is one of the largest Blues festivals in Canada with top flight international, national & local blues & roots artists performing for all to enjoy! In Oro-Medonte from the 4th-7th grab tickets for one of the largest outdoor festivals and concerts of the summer, Boots and Hearts Music Festival. It’s Canada’s largest country music festival with performances by Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia line and Shania Twain and more! In Woodbine this summer, dress up and grab tickets for The Queen’s Plate, taking place on the 21st.  This prestigious sporting event is known for its’ fashion, food, and live racing excitement.

September & October Festivals

In September, take in excellent Jazz music at the The World of Jazz Festival in Brampton. This free event will feature 18 ensembles performing jazz, blues, funk, bebop, swing, Latin jazz & more on multiple outdoor stages. Grab food from different restaurants, food vendors, and kids will have fun in the kids zone! Also in Sept. from the 9-18th is the Western Fair in London.  Enjoy midway rides, music, animals, agriculture, entertainment for the whole the family and much more! As Fall sets in, head to Norwood for the Norwood Fall Fair on from Oct. 8-10th filled with cattle & horse shows, midway rides, kids’ games, baby animals, crafts & baked goods, live entertainment, tractor pulls, lawn tractor racing, and an antique car show. The Norfolk County Fair is one of the top Festivals in Ontario with the largest outdoor horse show in Canada.  Taking place this year from Oct. 4th-10th, enjoy competitions, art, fun food, indoor local market, celebrity chefs, entertainment and motor sports. Fall in Ontario has tons of festivals and fairs taking place. Ontario Fairs is the provincial association representing over 200 Agricultural Societies around the province. Experience so many different agriculture events in September and October filled with learning and excitement. Visit their website for a full list of events, fairs and festivals taking place all over!

Dust off those festivals boots and enjoy!

Natalie & Phil