Check out these 10 Victoria Day weekend festivities across cottage country

It’s time to kick off the unofficial start of summer! There are tons of opportunities for fun happening all across cottage country this Victoria Day weekend—from festivals to fireworks, there is sure to be an event for your friends and family to enjoy. Get outside, and have some fun this May long weekend!

Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival, Huntsville, Ont.

The Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival is back on May 20 this year, at River Mill Park in from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Overlooking the beautiful Muskoka River, ticket holders will get the opportunity to try 16 craft brews beer vendors and have a taste from food stalls offering a range of tasty bites including oven-fired pizzas, mini donuts, and artisan jerky. Festival goers will have full bellies while enjoying live music throughout the afternoon. Don’t miss this delicious way to hop into the long weekend!

Spring into Summer Sidewalk Sale, Bracebridge, Ont.

Downtown Bracebridge’s annual Spring into Summer Sidewalk Sale will take place from May 18-20, starting at 10 a.m. each day. Participants can look forward to a plethora of shopping options and the sale’s first annual Spring Downtown Giveaway with over $500 worth of prizes and gift certificates. What better way to celebrate the weekend than by supporting the shops and services that bring Bracebridge to life?

TEAMLTD’s Sunday Funday, Bala, Ont.

The Kee to Bala is kicking off summer this May long weekend with its 8th annual May Two-Four Bash on Sunday. Nestled on the shores of Lake Muskoka, this Bala landmark is the perfect place to have some fun and drinks this long weekend. Running from 10 p.m.–2 a.m., the party will feature live DJ performances and TEAMLTD giveaways all night long.

Grand Opening of Hook, Line & Sinker, Haliburton, Ont.

Try something new this May Two-Four: Haliburton’s newest restaurant, Hook, Line & Sinker, is taking the long weekend to host its grand opening. All day Friday to Sunday, patrons can enjoy a host of entertainments at this relaxed pub and seafood establishment, including live music with dancing, a karaoke party, and a patio BBQ.

Looking for more of our favourite fish and chip stops? Check them out here.

May long weekend festivities at Blue Mountain, Collingwood, Ont.

If you’re looking for a weekend-long escape, Blue Mountain has tons to offer. With events running all day Saturday to Monday, there’s plenty of fun to be had. All three days feature live music with Saturday and Sunday offering activities and events, such as a hula hoop workshop, a drone show over the mountain, and fireworks over Mill Pond.

Hiawatha First Nation Traditional Powwow, Kawartha Lakes, Ont.

Engage with Indigenous culture and try something new this Victoria Day at the annual Hiawatha First Nation Traditional Powwow held at the Lakeview Ceremonial Grounds on May 20. From noon to 5 p.m., guests get to enjoy Indigenous cuisines and crafts while browsing the event’s many vendor stalls and appreciating the traditional dancing, singing, and drumming. You’re encouraged to join in on the intertribal dances.

Junk in the Trunk Flea Market, Sauble Beach, Ont.

This May long weekend marks the first Junk in the Trunk Flea Market at the Sauble Beach Community Centre parking lot on May 21. From 11 a.m.–3 p.m., shoppers will get to browse this unique mega-yard sale while enjoying some barbecue. Bring your friends and family along for thrifting fun and end the day at the beach.

Bayfield Lions Community Breakfast, Grand Bend, Ont.

If you’re looking for something low-key and family-friendly this May long weekend, head on over to the Bayfield Lions Community Breakfast on Sunday. Hosted at the Lions Club in Bayfield, just north of beautiful Grand Bend, this breakfast includes eggs, sausage, home fries, pancakes, and more, from 7:30–11:30 a.m.. You can indulge in this delicious spread while supporting local charities and organizations.

Summer Launch Event 2023, Wasaga Beach, Ont.

No one throws a party like Wasaga Beach. This year’s summer launch event is May 20, with all festivities happening in Beach Area 1 starting at 2 p.m. Participants of this all-day event can look forward to live music, performances from professional jugglers, stilt walkers, and hula hoopers, with a firework show to close out the night.

National Patriot’s Day Celebrations, Quebec City, Que.

In place of Victoria Day, the Quebecois enjoy National Patriot’s Day—a day to celebrate those who fought against British rule in the province. Head to the community square in the city’s centre, Place d’Youville, to watch a re-enactment of the rebellion performed by actors and dancers.