With the August long weekend around the corner, you might be stressing over how to make the most of your free time with some long weekend activities. Well, stress no more: not only are there lots of cottage country celebrations to attend from August 1–3, but they all bring unique flavours of entertainment to the table, from live world music and local cultural celebrations to horse racing and bagpipe competitions!
August 1–2
Maxville, Ont.
Are you a fan of bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, or Scottish fiddling? If so, the Glengarry Highland Games are for you! This is one of the biggest Highland Games in the world, featuring more than 60 competing bagpipe groups and around 200 dancers. It’s drawn close to a million visitors since its inception in 1948. There are plenty of music workshops, sports competitions, and entertaining activities planned at this $30 per day Scottish festival. No pets; only service animals are allowed.
August 1–3
Lombardy, Ont.
Visit Lombardy Fair for $10 per day to watch the hay bale toss contest and the tractor racing, or enjoy the fair’s live entertainment. Don’t miss Lombardy’s annual Achievement Day competition, where local youth members of the agricultural society enter their cows for a chance to win.
August 1–3
Gage Park, 1000 Main Street East, Hamilton, Ont.
This free concert series is held across three venues: the Main Stage, the Bandshell Stage, and the Children’s Stage. This year, it features performances by Sister Sledge, The Sugar Hill Gang, The Trews, Dan Mangan, and Brett Kissel. Check the programming on their website to find out the showtimes.
August 1–4
Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie, Ont.
This annual event isn’t slowing down after 53 years: there are more than 350 unique arts and crafts exhibitions, more than 40 hours of live music, and a massive antiques show on the docket for this year’s Kempenfest. You can enjoy artisan jams and chocolates on the bay shore while watching performances by Shawn Desman and The Washboard Union. The event has some free shows but requires paid tickets for others, so make sure to check the website’s admissions page for more information.
August 1–4
Port Colborne, Ont.
There’s never a dull moment at Port Colborne’s long weekend festival. Swing by to catch the province’s largest outdoor classic car show, carnival games and midway rides, and a lively fireworks show. The event’s concert series includes Sloan, Finger Eleven, and Big Sugar. Only service dogs are allowed at this free festival, so please leave your furry friends at home.
August 1–3
Meaford, Ont.
With more than 40 vendors attending this year, Meaford’s annual celebration is growing! This free event features a poutine-making competition, a movie under the stars, and live music.
August 2
Kenora Harbourfront, Kenora, Ont.
On the evening of August 2, tune into Kenora’s Shake the Lake music festival to hear the likes of Shawn Desman, Fefe Dobson, and Tim & The Glory Boys. The festival will also be holding a beer garden all weekend, plus a wooden boat parade, harbour market, and the Kenora car show. The main event on Saturday requires paid tickets, but all other daytime activities are free.
August 2–3
Essa Agriplex, Thornton, Ont.
This two-day display of horse riding talent is for all you horse enthusiasts. Not only will you get to see the magnificent horses up close, you’ll also get to watch them showcase their strength and agility as they and their riders compete in the Equine Mounted Games. Be sure to also check out the show’s vendors and exhibitors while you’re there. Admission is $10 per day.
August 2–3
Firemen’s Park, 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls
Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza is a Filipino-centric event all about connecting people and celebrating each other’s heritage. Filipino music, food, and performances expand your cultural horizons and keep you entertained throughout the weekend.
July 31–August 3
Bancroft, Ont.
Canada’s largest gem and mineral show is back for its 60th year. The annual Rockhound Gemboree takes place in the mineral capital of Canada, Bancroft, Ont. See exhibits of minerals, crystals, gems, and fossils, or shop for one-of-a-kind jewellery and art. Day passes are available starting at $10 per person.
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