75+ road trips to take from Ottawa in August 2022

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Since shortly after I started this website in 2014, I’ve been writing a weekly “road trip roundup” post, packed with ideas for things to see and do in and around Ottawa over the subsequent seven days. However, as time has gone on, I’ve seen some of the drawbacks of that approach.

First, I seem to be rushing every week to find photos and finish the post, meaning that I have much less time than I would like to write other types of posts, such as suggested trip itineraries, hotel reviews, profiles of various towns and regions, and so on.

Second, readers have told me that they’d love to know about things a little further in advance, so they can make plans.

Sooooo (drum roll, please): This post is the first in what I hope will be a new format going forward. Instead of a new post every week, I’ll do a BIG post every month. And I’ll add to it as the month goes on, because I know I’ll stumble across information as the month goes on that I’ll want to include. (That’s the beauty of blogging: unlike a print piece, it’s never over until it’s over.)

I’ve divided this post into week-by-week sections, and the table of contents below will help you navigate from section to section.

Please let me know what you think of the new format! Is there anything you’d like me to change or add? Would you like me to subdivide the week-by-week sections in some way—perhaps by grouping events by region? Email me your feedback.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Week of August 1 to 7
• Week of August 8 to 14
• Week of August 15 to 21
• Week of August 22 to 28

WEEK OF AUGUST 1 TO 7, 2022

In the first week of August 2022, your possible road trips include an archaeological dig at Leamy Lake Park in Gatineau, a family-friendly festival in Winchester, four plays, a ribfest in Kingston, Ottawa Greek Fest and the Navan Fair.

Thrill to fireworks in Gatineau

A bit confusingly, the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light fireworks event (August 3 to 20) doesn’t happen at the casino at all. Instead, spectators gather on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History (100 Laurier, Gatineau) to watch the pyrotechnics explode over the Ottawa River and the Ottawa skyline. This year, each evening will have a different theme—from musicals to something called “big-hair ’80s,” and most will be presented by a single country. All of them will synchronize fireworks to musical scores. After the grand opening (August 3), there will be shows created by France (August 6), Canada (August 10), Mexico (August 13) and the United States (August 17). The grand finale is on Saturday, August 20. Tickets start at $6 per person for individual shows and $27 per person for a passport for all six shows.

Get outdoors in Pembroke, Petawawa and Eganville

Attention, outdoorsy types: The Water and Dirt Festival (August 4 to 14) offers activities for just about every sports lover, including a triathlon, a fundraising “doggy paddle,” kayak fly fishing, 10K and 25K trail runs, mountain biking, and a whole lot more. Events take place across a wide swath of Renfrew County, including spots in and around Pembroke, Petawawa and Eganville. Check the website for registration details and fees, which vary from event to event.

Go to the dogs (and sheep) in Kingston

I’ve always thought it cool that dogs can be trained to herd sheep. If you have, too, why not check out the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival (August 5 to 7)? As well as bringing your own dog to enjoy the canine lure course, you can also see spinning and weaving demos, shop for crafts and pet supplies, and—of course—see sheep dogs at work. And this year, admission is free. The action takes place mainly between 9am and 5pm daily at Grass Creek Park, about 20 minutes east of downtown Kingston (2991 Highway 2, Kingston). For a first-person account of the 2018 event, check out this fun post by Sherri Telenko at dogtrotting.net.

Dig up something old at Lac Leamy

Did you know that August is Archaeology Month? To mark the occasion, the National Capital Commission is inviting everyone to take part in free, public archaeological digs at Leamy Lake Park (80, boulevard Fournier, Gatineau). It’s a great chance to learn about the history of our region before the arrival of European colonizers. NCC archaeolgist Ian Badgley will lead the digs in partnership with the Anishinabe Odjibikan Andwanikesiwag, the archaeological field school of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

Most activities on the digs are aimed at people aged 10 and up, there will also be a simulated dig for younger children. The park is home to the largest pre-contact archaeological site complex in the Outaouais, containing artifacts dating back to the period between 1,000 and 2,000 years ago when Anishinabe Algonquin people used and lived on this particular site.

The public digs will run from 8am to 4pm on the following days:

• Monday, August 1 to Wednesday, August 3
• Saturday, August 6 to Tuesday, August 9
• Saturday, August 13 to Monday, August 15
• Saturday, August 27 to Tuesday, August 30 

See antique boats in Clayton, New York

The 58th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction motors into the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York, from August 5 to 7. (Note that the video above is from last year, so ignore the dates in the video.) The Manotick Classic Boat Club is this year’s official guest chapter, and the weekend will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chris Craft, the famous boat manufacturer. Painting classes, boat rides, historical talks and the chance to see (and even step aboard) vintage boats are among the weekend’s highlights. Times of events vary, but the bulk of the public events take place between 9am and 5pm daily. You’ll find the museum at 750 Mary Street in Clayton, which is about two hours southwest of Ottawa, roughly opposite Gananoque on the St. Lawrence River.

Drop into a festival in Winchester

Winchester Dairyfest (August 6 and 7) features two packed days of family-friendly fun in a community about 45 minutes southeast of downtown Ottawa. Saturday’s attractions downtown will include a pancake breakfast, live music, Zumba, a beer garden and an inflatable obstacle course; I suspect you should visit those last two in the reverse order. On Sunday, the action moves to 100 Club Park and the Winchester Arena and includes a petting zoo, a tractor parade, more music and the intriguing-sounding Longest Moo Contest.

Enjoy theatre in Ottawa, Morrisburg, Prescott, Gananoque or Kingston

The Classic Theatre Festival, formerly of Perth, has just moved a bit east along Highway 7 to Ottawa. It will be presenting The Fourposter, a classic Broadway comedy about 35 years in the life of one married couple, at the Arts Court Theatre (2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa) from August 5 to 28. There are matinées at 1:30pm from Wednesday through Sunday, and evening shows at 7:30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets are $36 for adults, with a 30% discount for youth under 30 (which brings the ticket price to $25.20). Taxes and fees are extra.

Running throughout most of August at the Upper Canada Playhouse (12320 County Road 2, Morrisburg), Wally’s Café is a comedy about 30 years in the life of a husband and wife who buy a run-down desert restaurant, and the wannabe Hollywood actress whose life intersects with theirs. Shows run six days a week (not Mondays), with shows at 2pm, 8pm or both, depending on the day. Regular tickets are $25 for students and $36 for adults.

The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Prescott is presenting a non-Bard play, the mystery/comedy The 39 Steps, in its pretty outdoor amphitheatre on the St. Lawrence shore (206 King Street West, Prescott) from July 30 until August 13. The show runs six nights a week (not Sundays) at 7pm, and it goes on rain or shine unless the weather is dangerous. Tickets are $23 for students and $33 for adults, plus HST; save $5 a ticket on Mondays. Children 14 and under are admitted free.

In Gananoque, Every Brilliant Thing is billed as a moving, interactive solo play. As a mother fights against depression, her son starts a list of all the small joys that make life worth living, from ice cream to the smell of old books. As the boy grows up, the list grows longer. The show on at the Firehall Theatre (185 South Street, Gananoque) of the Thousand Islands Playhouse from August 4 to 21. Evening shows start at 7:30pm and afternoon matinées at 2pm. Ticket prices start at $19 for youth and $27 for adults.

Finally, the Kingston Storefront Fringe Festival is presenting 11 cutting-edge theatre productions at the Grand Theatre (218 Princess Street) from August 4 to 14. The festival’s tagline is “Uncurated, Uncensored, Unboring,” so prepare to be surprised! Tickets are $15 for one show, $48 for four shows and $132 for the whole festival. The festival website has a detailed schedule of performances.

Get your country fix in Gatineau

The Festival Country Gatineau swings onto the grounds of the Robert Guertin Arena (125, rue du Carillon, Gatineau) for four days of boot-stomping music with Québécois flair (August 4 to 7). Performers include Irvin Blais and Matt Lang, and concert times and ticket prices vary.

Shop for garlic goodies in Carp

At the Carp Farmers’ Market, the Garlic Festival runs every Saturday in August from 8am to 1pm at the Carp Fairgrounds (3790 Carp Road). All kinds of garlic products will be on sale, including bulbs, spreads, dressings and more. And once you’ve exhausted all the garlic options, you can check out the rest of the farmers’ market. Free admission.

Watch a boating poker run in Kingston

The 1000 Islands Poker Run (August 5 to 7) will see more than 80 power boats set off from Kingston to collect the best poker hand as they travel a route through the 1000 Islands. Back on shore at Kingston’s Confederation Park, there will be live entertainment in the evenings. The video above, from the 2019 event, gives you an idea of what it’s all about.

Discover artists in Dunvegan and in the Laurentians

The Glengarry Artists’ Collective Art Show is a show by local artists at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum (1645 County Road 30, Dunvegan), about an hour southeast of Ottawa, from August 6 to 21. You can meet some of the artists during the vernissage on Saturday, August 6, from 11am to 1pm. The show is open daily during the museum’s opening hours until August 21 and is included with the price of admission.

La Route des Arts (August 6 to 14) is a self-driving tour of more than a dozen artists’ studios in the southwestern Laurentians area of Quebec. It covers a pretty big swath of territory, extending all the way to Argenteuil, a bit east of Montebello. And its a great way to discover some new-to-you artists!

Enjoy music on an island near Kingston

The Emerald Music Festival (August 5  to 7) entices music lovers to hop the ferry to Amherst Island, between Kingston and Napanee. This family- and pet-friendly event features concerts in a wide range of genres, including country, ’50s rock ‘n’ roll, Celtic and bluegrass. Tickets at the gate are $20 per day or $60 for the whole weekend (the latter includes rough camping); cash or cheque only. Food vendors on site will be taking cash only. Ferry prices vary by type of vehicle (cars are $10).

Revel in ribs in Brockville

In Brockville, you can check out live music, an arm-wrestling competition, a fishing derby, a volleyball tournament, a beer tent and, of course, lots of tasty ribs at the Brockville Ribfest (August 4 to 7). It’s happening in Hardy Park, across from 80 Water Street West in downtown Brockville. Hours are 11am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, 9am to 11pm on Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sunday. Free admission.

Head to the fair in Navan, Merrickville or Williamstown

There will be lots to see and do on Ottawa’s southeastern edge at the Navan Fair (August 4 to 7), including a midway, a softball tournament, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, a baby show, a parade, a petting zoo, and lots of live music (including shows by Jade Eagleson, Tyler Joe Miller and Wayne Rostad). The video above gives you a taste of the event, which happens at the Navan Fairgrounds (1279 Colonial Road, Navan). Daily admission is $10 for seniors, $12 for other adults, and $3 for children aged 4 to 12. Children under 4 are admitted free. Weekend passes are also available until August 5. The fair runs from 4pm to midnight on Thursday, 8am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 8am to 5pm on Sunday. OC Transpo is providing free shuttles from the Place d’Orleans, Trim and Millennium stations.

The Merrickville Fair (August 5 to 7) offers sheep shearing demonstrations, escape rooms, line dancing, a kids’ zone, a beer tent, live music and more. Admission is $10 on Friday and Sunday, and $15 on Saturday; a weekend pass is $25. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Hours of activities vary. The fairgrounds are at 446 Main Street West in Merrickville.

The Williamstown Fair (August 5 to 7) has staked a claim as Canada’s oldest fair; it started in 1812. This year, the fun includes a talent show, a midway, live music, a tug-of-war competition, a free corn roast and a kids’ tractor pull, among other attractions. Gates open at 7am daily; closing times vary. Tickets are $25 per day or $50 for a weekend pass for all ages EXCEPT children under 36 inches tall, who are admitted free. The fairgrounds are just north of the village on SDG County Road 19.

See cool cars in Gatineau or Round Lake Centre

The AutoShow Gatineau revs up in Parc des Cèdres (15, rue Raoul-Roy, Aylmer) on Sunday, August 7, from 10am to 4pm. Owners of classic cars will be competing for prizes, but even non-gearheads are welcome to come and admire the vintage wheels. Food vendors will be on site to keep you fuelled up, too. Free admission for the general public.

Also on Sunday, August 7, the Round Lake Recreation Park (545 Albert Street in Round Lake Centre, north of Killaloe and Barry’s Bay) is hosting the KHR Car Show from 10am to 3pm. Again, lots of vintage vehicles will be on show. The event is organized by Wheels of the Valley.

Be Greek for a day in Ottawa

Watch Greek dancers and enjoy live Greek music. Nibble on souvlaki, moussaka and more. Family-friendly Ottawa Greek Fest (August 5 to 7, and August 12 to 14) is about as close as you can get to the Parthenon or Santorini without jumping on a plane! It takes place at the Hellenic Event Centre at 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, between Baseline Road and Meadowlands Drive; check the website for details on shuttles and offsite parking. Open from 4:30pm to 10pm daily. Free admission.

Nosh on poutine in Cornwall

At Cornwall Poutine Feast (August 4 to 7), you can chow down on everyone’s favourite curds-and-fries treat (including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free variations), and enjoy music and other entertainment. It’s on at Lamoureux Park (100 Water Street East) from 11am to 9pm Thursday though Saturday, and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

Browse for antiques in Odessa

Billing itself as Eastern Ontario’s largest such event held outdoors, the Odessa Antique Show is happening on August 6 and 7 at Odessa Fairgrounds, just west of Kingston (see map here). It runs from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and 8am to 4pm on Sunday. More than 100 dealers, some from as far away as the Maritimes, try to tempt browsers with vintage housewares, textiles, china, glass and other goodies. The show will go on rain or shine. Admission is $15 for Saturday (includes re-entry on Sunday), or $5 for Sunday only. Children under 15 are admitted free.

WEEK OF AUGUST 8 TO 14, 2022

In the second week of August 2022, road trips you could take include Trainfest in Smiths Falls, Indigenous festivals in Ottawa and Montreal, a celebration of all things piratical in Alexandria Bay, and a fibre and needlecraft festival in the Outaouais.

Learn about honey in Dunvegan

The Glengarry Honey Fair (Saturday, August 13, from 10am to 4pm) is a brand-new event at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum (1645 County Road 30, Dunvegan). You can learn how to attract bees to your garden, build a bee house, taste and buy local honey products, and enter a raffle for a “bee-utiful” quilt. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family.

See puppets of all sorts in Almonte

PuppetsUp is back! The well-loved festival of puppetry in all its permutations is returning to Almonte from August 12 to 14. Shows will be taking place in five theatres scattered across the small community just west of Ottawa. There will be street performers, too. as well as a puppet parade through downtown at 1:45pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The family-friendly festival runs from 1pm to 6pm on Friday, and from 9am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. You can buy day passes in advance for Friday ($15 for children aged 4 to 17, $21 for adults), or Saturday or Sunday (per day, $23 for children, $35 for adults). Admission to the two adults-only evening shows at the Old Town Hall are not included in the day passes; tickets for those shows are sold separately.

Browse for crafts and antiques in Clayton, New York

The Thousand Islands Art & Craft & Antique Festival (August 13 and 14) brings two formerly separate events—a craft fair and an antiques show—under one roof at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena (615 East Line Road, Clayton, New York). You can browse for pottery, jewellery, paintings, glass pieces, furniture and more. On Saturday, there will also be spinning and weaving demonstrations. The show runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

Bring the kids to Trainfest in Smiths Falls

All aboard! The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls is hosting Trainfest on August 13 and 14, with the chance to learn all about vintage trains! There will be rides on old-timey trains, model train exhibitors, food and craft vendors, children’s activities, and lots of other fun. It runs from 10am to 4pm both days. The museum is at 90 William Street West in Smiths Falls. Tickets are $8 for seniors, $10 for other adults and $5 for children aged 5 to 12. Tickets for train rides will be sold separately; check with the museum for details.

Celebrate flowers at the inaugural Ottawa Garden Festival

This event is so new that I forgot about it until the last minute! That being said, the Ottawa Garden Festival (August 12 to 21) is packed with floral fun of all sorts. You can take a self-guided garden tour by bike or bus (ongoing), shop for garden art in a show and sale at the Canadensis Garden at the Central Experimental Farm (Saturday, August 13, 10am to 2pm), do yoga in the sunken garden at the National Gallery of Canada (August 13 and 20; pre-registration required), take a free guided nature walk at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, also at the Central Experimental Farm (August 14, 17 and 21; pre-registration required). If you love gardening, you might also want to check out my big guide to gardens, nurseries and horticultural events.

Watch dragon boat racers in Cornwall

The Cornwall Waterfest (Saturday, August 13) is centred on Lock 19 of the historic Old Cornwall Canal, at the corner of Power Dam Drive and Second Street West. Dragon boat races are the highlight, but you can also enjoy an artisans’ market, food and live music. The event raises money for the Cornwall Hospice.

Immerse yourself in art in Ottawa or Montreal

Immersive art shows—where you walk through huge projections of works by a particular artist, often with music and other multimedia effects—are all the rage these days. This summer, you can choose from at least two in Ottawa and one in Montreal. Imagine Monet at the EY Centre (4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa) has just been extended until September 4 (it’s also running in Quebec City until September 5); Bansky 360^o at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park (1015 Bank Street, Ottawa) runs until October 7; and Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon is installed at Arsenal Contemporary Art (2020 William Street, Montreal) until September 5. For all three, you need to buy a timed ticket, and advance purchase is strongly recommended.

Learn about South Asian culture in Ottawa

At the Great India Festival (Maha Bharatotsav) on Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West), you can enjoy Indian music, dance and food, take a yoga or meditation workshop, see a cooking demonstration, get a henna tattoo…the list goes on and on. The festival runs from August 11 to 14, and tickets are $6 per day or $15 for the whole weekend. The gates open at 5:30pm on Thursday and Friday, and at 10:30am on Saturday and Sunday, and the programming runs until 10:30pm nightly.

Enjoy cocktails, art and fashion in Perth

A Midsummer Night in Perth will blend art, fashion, food and drink on Saturday, August 13. The doors open at 4pm for cocktails, with hors d’oeuvres and canapés served at 5pm, as guests admire art by Katherine Muir Miller and hats by Queen Bee Millinery. Tickets are $25 per person and the event is happening at the Katherine Muir Miller Gallery at 22 Gore Street East.

Learn to make kimchi in Rideau Lakes

No. 9 Gardens (1516 Summers Road, Rideau Lakes) is hosting a two-hour workshop on food fermentation and preservation with Bellen Tong of Kingston’s Miss Bao Restaurant on Sunday, August 14. You’ll learn how to make vegan kimchi and Szechuan pickled vegetables. It starts at 11am and the fee is $35 per person. While you’re there, you can also see eight recently installed pieces by Canadian artists reflecting on environmental themes. The gardens are about an hour and 40 minutes southwest of Ottawa and about 40 minutes northeast of Kingston.

Celebrate Holi and yoga in Montreal

Holi is a Hindu festival of colours that has spread around the world with the South Asian diaspora. Everyone is welcome to join in the Holi Montreal celebration in the Old Port of Montreal on Saturday, August 13, from noon to 11pm. What can you expect? You’ll receive one free bag of coloured powder when you arrive, and you can buy more onsite for $3.50 to $4 a bag. Then you’ll toss the powder at friends and strangers alike, as you listen to lots of live music (everything from bhangra to reggaeton) and nosh on vegetarian treats. Don’t worry—the colour isn’t permanent, although I wouldn’t wear your best clothes, if I were you. Tickets are $25.50 per person, and children under 12 are admitted free.

The Holi festival is also promoting a free yoga festival the next day, from noon to 7pm.

Both events take place at Quai de l’Horlage in the Old Port. You’ll find the entrance to the quay on the St. Lawrence waterfront, near the intersection of rue Bonsecours and rue de la Commune est. Just look for the tall white clocktower.

Get artsy in Gatineau or the Haliburton Highlands

Art lovers: Le Marché Forain du Vieux-Hull is a one-day art fair in the downtown Hull sector of Gatineau featuring all forms of art, from crafts to writing, as well as food vendors and other fun. It’s happening in Parc Fontaine (120, rue Charlevoix) from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 13.

If you’re looking for a weekend-long road trip, check out the Highlands East Art Tour, a studio tour that from August 13 to 14, and August 20 to 21, in the Haliburton Highlands, between Bancroft and Haliburton. The self-driving tour runs from 10am to 5pm on all days.

See the world in Sherbrooke

The Festival des Traditions du Monde de Sherbrooke (August 10 to 14) celebrates the cultures of the world with more than 100 shows, workshops and demonstrations on nine stages—everything from West African percussion and Latin jazz to Bollywood, hip-hop and Irish dancing. And there’s food, too! It all unrolls in Quintal Park (1671, chemin Duplessis, Sherbrooke) from 4pm to midnight on Wednesday, noon to midnight on the next three days, and noon to 8pm on Sunday. Admission is $8 per day or $20 for a weekend pass; children 14 and under are admitted free. Sherbrooke is a little under four hours’ drive east of Ottawa, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

Enjoy a pop-up market in Osgoode

On Sunday, August 14, the Osgoode Township Museum (7814 Lawrence Street, Vernon) is hosting the last of its three summer pop-up markets from 10am to 2pm. As well as picking up items from local artisans, you can shop for fresh produce. (P.S.: If you like farmers’ markets, don’t miss my big list of farmers’ markets throughout our region.)

Explore Indigenous culture in Ottawa and Montreal

The 11th annual Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival, which showcases Indigenous arts from Turtle Island and beyond in Algonquin territory, is taking place in three downtown Ottawa venues—the Ottawa Art Gallery, Club Saw and Gallery 101—from August 10 to 14. Highlights include an outdoor film screening, a festival-curated art exhibition, screenings of over 50 Indigenous films, a music showcase and the 2-Spirit Ball. The opening night and the art show are free; tickets for the other events start at $5. See the festival’s website for the complete schedule.

Meanwhile, the Montreal First Peoples’ Festival (August 9 to 18) features a big slate of performances and presentations by Indigenous filmmakers, musicians, visual artists and many others. The main location is the Quartier des Festivals, a large chunk of downtown Montreal bounded by Saint-Hubert, City Councillors and Sherbrooke streets, and René-Lévesque Boulevard.

Chow down on ribs in suburban Montreal

The Montreal Ribfest (August 12 to 14) is a three-day street festival hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island. Attractions include meat grilled up by four ribbers, a kids’ play zone, live music and more. It’s all happening at xx (13665 boulevard de Pierrefonds, Pierrefonds). It runs daily from 11am to 9pm, and admission is free.

Enjoy dance outdoors in Prince Edward County

Flight (August 9 to 14) is an outdoor festival of contemporary dance at the Eddie Hotel and Farm in Prince Edward County (15786 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield). Times and ticket prices vary, and you can order a pre-show picnic with some performances.

Learn about pioneer life in Petawawa or Morrisburg

With lots of demonstrations and costumed re-enactors, the world of 19th-century Ontario will come to life this weekend at the Petawawa Heritage Village during the Settler’s Festival and Artisans’ Market (Saturday, August 13, 10am to 4pm). Admission is by donation. You’ll find the village at 176 Civic Centre Road in Petawawa.

Ever wondered what kind of music Canadian pioneers enjoyed? Wonder no longer: Upper Canada Village (13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg) is hosting a Celebration of Canadian Music on Saturday, August 13, from 9:30am to 5pm. As well as hearing live performances of 19th-century music that was popular in Upper Canada, you can learn some Victorian dance steps. Admission is $24 for adults, $18 for students aged 13 to 18, $15 for students aged 5 to 12, and free for kids 4 and under. Prices do not include HST.

Talk like a pirate in Alexandria Bay

Arrgh, mateys! It’s time once again for Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days in Alexandria Bay, New York (August 12 to 14). Bill Johnston was a St. Lawrence River pirate in the 1830s, and the festivities in Alexandria Bay include a scavenger hunt, a parade, sword fights and a block dance.

Enjoy a music festival in Spencerville or Picton

The South Grenville Bluegrass Festival brings bluegrass bands galore—including acts from Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as Canada—to the Spencerville Fairgrounds (22 Ryan Street, Spencerville) from August 11 to 14. As well as shows throughout the day and evening, you can enjoy a euchre tournament, a scavenger hunt and visits to a local winery (there’s a shuttle for that one). Day passes are $10 on Thursday and $25 on the other three days; the all-festival pass ($80) includes rough camping. Children under 16 are admitted free with an adult.

Meanwhile, the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival (August 16 to 21) is taking place in venues across Prince Edward County, including churches, wineries, pubs and theatres. More than two dozen acts will be playing all sorts of styles of jazz. Ticket prices and concert times vary.

Discover fabulous fibres in Saint-André-Avellin

Knitters and other crafters, take note: the huge Twist Fibre Festival (August 11 to 14) is coming to Saint-André-Avellin, Quebec. With more than 130 vendors, a food fair, and activities focusing on felting, weaving, knitting and more, this is like Disneyland for textile fans. Note that August 11 is devoted to workshops that require pre-registration and extra fees. Admission during the general festival is $15 on Friday and Sunday, and $20 on Saturday. Hours are 11am to 6pm on Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Head to the Capital Fair in Ottawa or the Russell Fair

The Capital Fair (August 12 to 21) at the Rideau-Carleton Raceway (4837 Albion Road, Ottawa) boasts a big midway, stunt dogs, highland games, birds of prey, chainsaw wood carvers, live music and all sorts of other amusements. Admission is $10 for those 13 and over, $5 for those aged 5 to 12, and free for those under 5. Note that those prices do not include the midway; prices to get on the rides start at $15 for 10 tickets (which will get you on two to three rides). Insider tip: If you love the midway, buy an unlimited rides bracelet in advance online or at local Quickie stores for $35 by August 11; the same bracelet will cost $10 more onsite at the fair. The gates open at 11am on weekends and 1pm on weekdays; the fair is open nightly until 11pm except for the last night, August 21, when it closes at 8pm.

Just southeast of Ottawa, the Russell Fair (1076 Concession Street, Russell) runs from August 11 to 14. The fun includes a demolition derby, a talent show, a petting zoo, concerts by Bob Seger and ABBA tribute bands, a midway, truck and tractor pulls, pony rides, circus shows, and magic performances. The hours and ticket prices are a bit complicated; it’s probably easiest just to point you to the fair’s info page. Tickets to the concert by country star Dean Brody on Friday night are $60 and are not included with fair admission.

Get your garlic fix in Perth

The Perth Lions Garlic Festival (August 13 and 14) will offer cooking demonstrations, beer tastings, a birds of prey show, live music and more. You can even sample some garlic ice cream…if you dare. Admission is $5 per person (children under 12 are admitted free), and the event is happening at the Perth Fairgrounds (50 Arthur Street) from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday. No pets allowed.

Hum along to Neil Diamond tunes in Kingston

Zac Coombs brings his tribute show The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond to the Kingston Grand Theatre (218 Princess Street, Kingston) on Thursday, August 11. Hum along to all your favourite ’70s soft-rock hits, including (of course) Sweet Caroline. (OK, everyone, sing along with me: “Oh oh oh!” I know you want to.) The show starts at 8pm and tickets are $64.

Continuing during the week of August 7 to 14, 2022

• Garlic Festival (Saturday. August 13), Carp Farmers’ Market (3790 Carp Road, Carp)
• Ottawa Greek Fest (August 12 to 14), Hellenic Event Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa
• Kingston Storefront Fringe Festival (August 4 to 14), Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston
• Water and Dirt Festival (August 4 to 14), Pembroke, Petawawa and Eganville
• Free, public archaeological digs at Leamy Lake Park (various dates until August 30)

WEEK OF AUGUST 15 TO 21, 2022

In the third week of August 2022, you could enjoy a corn festival in Athens, a yoga celebration in Ladysmith, classical music under the stars in Dunvegan or a dog-jumping championship on the Brockville waterfront.

Laugh at standup comedy in Orleans

Looking to get your week off to a fun start? Scottish comic Gary Meikle brings his new show, Surreal, to the Shenkman Arts Centre (245 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans) on Monday, August 15. Despite the cuteness of the video above, when he makes cupcakes with his adorable granddaughter Gracie, his show is for audiences 16 and up—the language and topics aren’t always for kids! Tickets are $40.50 plus taxes and the show starts at 7:30pm.

Learn about fossils in Eganville

The co-owner of the Bonnechere Caves and his young assistant Lucas will be leading fossil-hunting tours, starting from the Bonnechere Museum (85 Bonnechere Street, Eganville), on August 20 and 21. Each two-hour tour starts at 10am, and the fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 4 to 11; children 3 and under can come along for free.

If you’re looking for more things to see and do while you’re in Eganville, check out my big guide to Eganville and Calabogie.

Join the Irish in Killaloe

The village of Killaloe (named for a community in Ireland) is hosting three days of Celtic fun from August 18 to 20. Killaloe: An Irish Gathering features concerts, a parade, a graveyard tour (OK, bet you didn’t see that coming), an Irish tea, a carnival and much more. Hours and venues vary, but much of the action is Station Park on Queen Street in Killaloe. (Trust me, Killaloe is small, so you can’t miss it.)

Cheer on lumberjacks (and lumberjills) in upstate New York

Are you a lumberjack? Are you okay? (And are you old enough to get my ancient Monty Python references?) Then you might get a kick out of the New York State Woodsmen’s Field Days from August 19 to 21 (8181 New York Route 294, Boonville, New York). As well as seeing people demonstrating carving, sawing and other woodsy skills of all descriptions, you can check out a wine tasting and other events. Day tickets range from US$9 to US$13 in advance to US$13 to $15 at the gate; weekend passes are also available. Children under 5 attend for free. Boonville is about three hours south of Ottawa. Timber!

Enjoy classical music under the stars in Dunvegan

The Glengarry Pioneer Museum (1645 County Road 30, Dunvegan) is presenting another concert under the stars by classical pianist Nicholas Deek. (His performance there in 2021 was a big hit.) This year’s program will feature works by Schubert, Chopin, Bach and Mozart. The concert is on Thursday, August 18, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 (with a $5 discount for museum members).

Shop for local foods in Barry’s Bay

Love local food? Then check out Taste of the Valley at the Royal Canadian Legion at 250 John Street in Barry’s Bay on Friday, August 19. From 10am to 5pm, you can shop for farm products and packaged foods from the Ottawa Valley. It’s the first of half a dozen Taste of the Valley events happening across Renfrew County from August to October.

Check out a corn festival in Athens

Main Street in the small town of Athens will be hopping from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, August 20, during Athens Cornfest. There will be live music, kids’ activities (including a children’s parade), food vendors, and, of course, lots of fresh buttered corn. Free admission.

Take in a play in Ottawa or Prescott

This week, a comedy about modern love opens at the Ottawa Little Theatre (400 King Edward Avenue). The Siegel tells the tale of one Ethan Siegel, who has finally resolved to propose to the love of his life—even though she’s dating someone else. It runs from August 17 to September 3, with evening shows from Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday matinées at 2:30pm. Tickets are $14 for students, $26 for seniors and $30 for other adults.

The Guild Festival Theatre bring its production of The Red Priest (Eight Ways to Say Goodbye) to the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival’s riverfront amphitheatre (206 King Street West, Prescott) from August 17 to 20. The play by Mieko Ouchi is a bittersweet romance featuring a countess, composer Antonio Vivaldi and beautiful music. The show runs all four nights at 7pm, as well as on Saturday at 1pm, and it goes on rain or shine unless the weather is dangerous. Tickets are $23 for students and $33 for adults, plus HST. Children 14 and under are admitted free.

See quilts and sip tea in Kemptville

The Home on the Farm Quilt Show (August 19 and 20) is a lovely opportunity to see 170 quilts entered in a competition and to relax in a British-style tea room. Browse vendors’ tables for fabric and more, attend a demonstration, and enter the quilt raffle, then nosh on treats like cucumber sandwiches, scones and lemon squares. Admission to the show is $10, and prices for the tea goodies vary (the full-scale high tea is $20 per person, but you can get individual goodies for less). It’s all taking place at the W.B. George Centre (48 George Street, Kemptville), from 10am to 7pm on Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

Thrill to the Fort Henry Tattoo in Kingston

In Kingston, the Fort Henry Tattoo (Saturday, August 20) usually attracts a large and enthusiastic audience. It features massed military bands and Highland dancers, and adds a fireworks show to the mix. The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band, the Windsor Regiment Band, and the Rob Roy Pipe Band and Highland Dancers will be among those joining the Fort Henry Guard. Tickets start at $14 for military members, $17 for youth aged 5 to 18, and $27 for adults, plus taxes. Children 4 and under are admitted free. The performance starts at 7:30pm.

See artists at work outdoors in the Adirondacks

“Plein air art” is the practice of creating art outdoors. The Adirondack Plein Air Festival (August 15 to 20) invites 40 artists from across the U.S. to ply their talents in scenic locations in and around Saranac Lake, New York. Spectators are welcome to watch the creators in action. There’s also a preview party of the artworks on Friday night, and a show and sale on Saturday afternoon.

Enjoy comedy and music in Pembroke

It’s a busy weekend at the Festival Hall Centre for the Performing Arts (401 Isabella Street, Pembroke). First up is an evening featuring both standup comedy by Rick Wharton and Tony Daniels, followed by the Bon Jovi tribute show Keep the Faith, on Friday, August 19. Tickets to all that are $30 plus taxes and fees, and the show starts at 7pm.

On Saturday, August 20, the same venue hosts an All-Star Tribute to Triumph. It features a power lineup of musicians who have played with everyone from Sass Jordan and Honeymoon Suite to, of course, Triumph. Tickets are $40.50 plus taxes and fees, and the show starts at 7:30pm.

Cultivate inner peace in Ladysmith

Bhakti in the Woods (August 19 to 21) will draw seekers of all sorts to Ladysmith, Quebec, with yoga and meditation workshops, devotional chanting, world music, craft vendors and more. Tickets start at $25 for youth and $45 for adults (plus HST) and are available only online. Camping is included. Attendance will be capped at 300 people. Note that there may not be food and beverage vendors on site this year, so bring your own.

Browse for art in Cornwall or Kingston

On Friday, August 19, select downtown streets in Cornwall will be closed to cars but open to pedestrians for this month’s Cornwall Art Walk (4pm to 8pm). Buskers, live music, artists’ stalls and a family fun zone are among the event’s attractions. Free admission.

On Sunday, August 21, the Kingston Women’s Art Festival rolls into City Park (44 West Street, Kingston) with more than 200 visual artists, performances by female musicians and more. Free admission.

See heritage buildings in Cornwall and in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry

The popular Doors Open event comes to Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry on August 20 and 21. Ten historically interesting buildings across the region—including sites in Cornwall, Alexandria and Long Sault—will be welcoming visitors and hosting special activities. Free.

Enjoy a summer festival in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes or Aylmer

In the western Outaouais, you can check out Islandfest at 64 chemin de Pembroke in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes on August 19 and 20. There’s a concert by Adam’s Buoys on Friday night, but the main action is on Saturday from 10am onward, with a classic car show, a softball tournament, a community dinner and more.

Closer to Ottawa, the Festival du Vieux-Aylmer (August 20 and 21) is a free, family-friendly event on rue Principale in downtown Aylmer that features vendors’ stalls, food tastings, a freestyle motocross show, kids’ activities, jugglers, live music and more.

Learn about Indigenous medicine in Rideau Lakes

Candace Lloyd OCT, a Métis Traditional Knowledge Holder and Medicine Holder, is offering a two-hour workshop on medicine making at No. 9 Gardens (1516 Summers Road, Rideau Lakes) on Sunday, August 21. You’ll learn how to make a tea, salt or sugar scrub, along with an infused oil, using ingredients from the land. The workshop starts at 10am and the fee is $40 per person.

Get a taste of Manotick

The shops and restaurants of Manotick will be offering samples, demonstrations, tastings and other enticements to visitors along Manotick Main Street during A Taste of Manotick on Saturday, August 20. Live music is also on the menu during this four-hour street celebration (4pm to 8pm). Free admission.

Have fun at a fair in South Mountain or Vankleek Hill

The South Mountain Fair (August 18 to 21) offers a truck pull, live music, a midway, a classic car show, livestock competitions and an opportunity on Thursday (11am to 2pm) for visitors with special needs to visit the fair before the gates open to the general public. Gates open to the public at 3:30pm on Thursday and Friday, and 8am on Saturday and Sunday. Pre-sale day tickets range from $17.50 to $27.50, and pre-sale all-fair passes are $72.50; those go up to $20 to $30 for day passes and $80 for all-fair passes at the gate. It all takes place at the fairgrounds at 2967 Lough Road in South Mountain.

The Vankleek Hill Fair (August 18 to 21) has livestock competitions, a demolition derby, an antique tractor pull, concerts and a midway, among other fun. Day tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate; weekend passes are $55 in advance or $65 at the gate. Not big on rides? Seniors can get in for $10 and kids 36 inches and under can get in for free, as long as they don’t plan to hit the midway. You’ll find the fairgrounds at 92 Main Street West in Vankleek Hill. Hours of activities vary; the midway is open from 11am to 11pm daily.

Check out 613Flea at Lansdowne Park

If you haven’t dropped into the huge 613Flea market at Lansdowne Park (1015 Bank Street, Ottawa) yet this summer, don’t wait! Time is running out. The second-to-last market is happening on Saturday, August 20, from 10am to 4pm. Some 130 vendors will be gathering under tents beside the Aberdeen Pavilion (AKA the Cattle Castle) and admission is free.

Cheer for jumping dogs in Brockville

The concept behind dog dock jumping is pretty simple: Dog stands at shore end of dock. Handler stands at water end, dangling toy. Dog, predictably, bolts down dock—just as handler tosses toy over water. Dog leaps into air in hot pursuit, soaring over water. Splashdown. Cheering. Repeat with next dog. The Canine Watersports Canada Championships looks like a total hoot. Just check out the video! (It’s from 2019, so ignore the dates in the video.) This year’s competition is happening in Hardy Park (80 Water Street West, Brockville) from August 19 to 21. It runs from 10am to 5pm on Friday, 9am to 6:30pm on Saturday, and 9am to 3pm on Sunday.

Catch a free music festival in Westport

Music Westport is an open-air festival in the Rideau Lakes village on Saturday, August 20. Featuring folk, soul, country, Dixieland and bluegrass music, the festival also features an art and crafts market, food vendors, and a kids’ zone. Acts include Miss Emily and The Brothers Plaid. It’s happening in Lockwood Park (on George Street, just south of Spring Street) from noon to 6pm. Free admission.

Kick back with beers and tunes in Bath, Quebec City or Rochester

Just west of Kingston, the Beer & Music Festival at the Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Company (1915 County Road 22, Bath) will welcome music fans, foodies and families on Sunday, August 21. Food trucks, breweries and wineries will be serving up treats, and kids (and grown-ups) can enjoy all sorts of games. Live music includes The Strumbellas, Born Ruffians, Miss Emily and Rocket Surgery. The festival runs from 10:30am to 10:30pm, and shuttles from Kingston and Napanee are included in the price. Tickets are $45 (kids under 12 attend free).

In Quebec City, the Festibière de Québec (August 18 to 21) at the Quai de l’Espace 400e (100 Quai Saint-André) is slated to host some 100 beverage makers and food vendors, along with beer tastings and workshops, games (giant Jenga, anyone?), karaoke, comedy and lots of concerts. The gates open daily at 11am and close at 11pm except on Sunday, when they close at 7pm. Tickets, which include a glass and 20 samples, are $24.99 in advance and $34.79 at the door, plus fees and taxes.

You can sample wine, beer, spirits and cider from more than 80 companies—while noshing on food truck grub and listening to live music—at the Flour City Brewers Fest in Rochester, New York (Friday, August 19). General admission tickets (6pm to 9pm) are US$45; you can buy a VIP ticket and get in an hour earlier for US$75. Designated driver tickets are US$10. It’s happening at the Rochester Public Market at 280 Union Street North.

Hit a sports festival in Montreal

If skateboarding, bouldering, BMX, base jumping and a few sports I’ll confess I’ve never heard of are your game, then the Jackalope Festival in Montreal will be your jam from August 19 to 21. Cheer on some 500 competitors from 20 countries testing their mettle in all sorts of adrenaline-pumping deeds. It’s happening at Olympic Park (4545 av. Pierre-de-Coubertin, Montreal) and weekend passes start at $77.

Catch a concert at the Spencerville Mill

Bruce Enloe and the Burning Sensations bring their blend of blues, funk, Motown, R&B and classic rock to the Spencerville Mill (11 Water Street, Spencerville) on Thursday, August 18. The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets are $16.93.

Yell for wrestlers in Kingston

ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE? OK, that’s all I’ve got when talking about WWE wrestling; I’m the last thing from an expert. But you know more about celeb wrestling than I do, you’ll probably want to check out the website for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, which is coming to the Leon’s Centre (1 Tragically Hip Way, Kingston) on Saturday, August 20. Doors open at 6pm and matches start at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $20 and go way up from there.

Continuing during the week of August 15 to 21, 2022

• Highlands East Art Tour (August 20 to 21), between Bancroft and Haliburton
• Capital Pride celebration in Ottawa (this isn’t so much a “continuing” as a “starting,” as the week gets off to an early start with a few events on August 21 and continues until August 28; see the next week’s section for full details)
• Free, public archaeological digs at Leamy Lake Park (various dates until August 30)

WEEK OF AUGUST 22 TO 28, 2022

As August 2022 draws to a close, you could introduce your kids to the wonders of nature in Pakenham, hit a blues festival in Kingston, cheer for Elvis tribute artists in Tweed, cycle scenic routes near Eganville, sip wine in the Outaouais or eat deep-fried Oreos in Syracuse.

Kick back with the blues in Kingston

Three days of outdoor blues concerts for just $20 sounds like a pretty good deal to me. That’s the admission fee for the Limestone City Blues Festival in Kingston (August 25 to 28), which also includes blues in local restaurants and bars for four days. Hear tunes by Diane Taylor, JW-Jones and Crystal Shawanda, among others, on outdoor stages downtown.

Celebrate Capital Pride in Ottawa

This year’s Capital Pride celebration in Ottawa (August 21 to 28) is packed with a huge range of activities for members and allies of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including a family picnic, a pageant, concerts, a parade, a spoken word poetry event, a weekend street festival on Bank Street, Pride Night at the Ottawa Titans ballpark, roller disco, a Shabbat service, a square dance, a clothing swap….really, the diversity is endless!

Go retro in Alexandria Bay

Rockin’ the Bay (August 25 to 28) is a festival of all things classic—well, classic music and classic cars, at least—in Alexandria Bay, New York, about two hours southwest of Ottawa. Groove to the tunes that ruled the era of eight-track tapes, with concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and live music in lots of local bars. On Sunday, there will be a classic car rally and show.

See sunflowers near Ashton

Sultan Farm Sanctuary near Ashton is inviting flower-lovers to come see its fields of sunflowers this fall. There are no set hours, and the owners of the sanctuary would greatly appreciate donations to help them support the sanctuary’s rescue animals. The blooms are expected to last from mid-August to early September. The farm is at 8520 Flewellyn Road, Ashton.

Raise a glass in L’Ange-Gardien

The inaugural Festival des Vins & Spiriteux en Outaouais is happening at Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien (1521 309 Rte, L’Ange-Gardien, Quebec) from August 26 to 28. Visitors can sample some 200 products—including wine, spirits and food—under a marquee on the rural site, and there will be talks by wine experts and live music, too. Day passes are $18 and all-weekend passes are $45. Prices do not include taxes or the coupons needed for tastings.

See The Princess Bride outdoors in Ottawa

Have you ever wanted to see the classic 1987 fantasy movie The Princess Bride outdoors? As you wish. On Friday, August 26, Capital Pop-Up Cinema is screening the flick at, of all places, Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa). The movie starts at 7pm.

Catch a concert near Shawville

Traditional Fare is a three-man group of Ottawa Valley musicians who blend Canadian, Irish and Scottish influences, and who play everything from the bodhran to the button accordion. They’ll be on stage together at the Little Red Wagon Winery, in the Pontiac region of the Outaouais (C-165 Calumet Road, West Clarendon), on Saturday, August 27. The concert starts at 7:30pm and show-only tickets are $15; you can also purchase a dinner-show package.

Enjoy a scenic bike ride in the Ottawa Valley or the Kawartha Lakes

The Tour de Bonnechere (Sunday, August 28) isn’t a bike race. Rather, it’s a set of five bike routes—ranging from 20km to 100km—in the Ottawa Valley west of Ottawa. Everyone rides at their own pace and is rewarded with a BBQ lunch at the end. Note that this is a self-supported tour, meaning that you should bring all the food, water and repair gear (and know-how) you think you’ll need along the way. All rides start and end at Legion Field Park (8A Foran Street, Eganville). The longer the ride, the earlier you’ll start; the 100km folks will set out at 7am. Registration for the family (20km) ride is $25 per rider; children 12 and under ride for free. Registration for all the other routes is $60 per rider. Funds raised go towards mental health services in Renfrew County.

About four hours southwest of Ottawa, the Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour on Saturday, August 27, features three trail routes ranging in length from 18km to 48km, and three road routes ranging from 50km to 160km. It’s a fundraiser for services for people experiencing homelessness. Individual registration fees start at $40 for youth and $80 for adults. All rides depart (at staggered times) from I.E. Weldon Secondary School (24 Weldon Road, Lindsay).

Cheer for the King(s) in Tweed

Are you lonesome tonight? Then grab your blue suede shoes and head to Tweed, north of Belleville, for the annual Tweed Elvis Festival (August 25 to 28). As well as a weekend full of competitions pitting Elvis tribute artists against each other (who will swivel their hips the best?), there will be pancake breakfasts, a classic car parade and more. If you can’t find a partner, grab a wooden chair!

Channel your inner Scot in Almonte

With pipe bands, athletes galore and lots of dancers, the North Lanark Highland Games (Saturday, August 27) will bring a little bit of Scotland to Almonte. In between competitions and entertainment, you can nosh on Scottish food, cool off at the beer garden, and shop for Celtic souvenirs, clothing and crafts. The event runs from 8am to 6pm at the North Lanark Agricultural Society property (195 Water Street, Almonte). Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the gate; children under 12 are admitted free. There’s free offsite parking, with a shuttle.

Channel the past at a music festival in Ottawa

The name of the Nostalgia Music Festival (August 24 to 28) couldn’t be more accurate: The five-day festival of tribute bands celebrates the music of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Acts will be recreating the music of everyone from the Beatles and Sade to Guns ‘n’ Roses and Metallica. And here’s a blast from my days as a Carleton student in the early 1980s: The Blushing Brides are still around, playing the hits of the Rolling Stones. Just check out their video above, which weirdly sounds like it’s being narrated by an extremely bored British news anchor. The festival’s happening at LeBreton Flats. Day passes range from $50 to $95, or you can get an all-festival pass for $120, plus tax. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free with a parent.

Check out fairs in Chesterville, Cobden, Riceville, Odessa and Syracuse

The amusements at the Chesterville Fair (August 26 to 28) include a baby show, live music, truck and tractor pulls, a midway, a demolition derby, and a petting zoo. Hours are 3pm to 9pm Friday, 8am to 9pm Saturday, and 8am to 3pm Sunday. Tickets are $15 for those aged six and up and include unlimited midway rides. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

Meanwhile, at the Cobden Fair (August 26 to 28), you can enjoy a demolition derby, a food fair and more (details are still being added to the website).

At the Riceville Fair (August 26 to 28), amusements include bingo, wagon rides, livestock competitions, an antique tractor pull and a horseshoe tournament. Tickets are $8 for seniors and $10 for all others 12 and older; children under 12 are admitted free.

The fun at the Odessa Fair (August 26 to 28) includes a midway, live music and a magic show.

Finally, Syracuse might seem to be a long way to drive for a fair, but don’t knock it until you’ve seen the New York State Fair (August 24 to September 5). This thing is massive. Check out the life-sized butter sculptures! Try your luck on a mechanical bull! Have chocolate-covered bacon for dinner and fried Oreos for dessert, all washed down with a wine slushie! I am not making any of this up! The fairgrounds are at 581 State Fair Boulevard, and admission is US$3 for those aged 13 to 64 (it’s free for everyone else). Parking will set you back an additional US$5.

Looking for more ideas? Check out my roundup of 20+ fabulous fairs.

Enjoy a play in Gananoque

When I first heard about the Thousand Islands Playhouse’s production of Kim’s Convenience, I thought the play was based on the popular CBC sitcom. But I had it backward: The play came first and inspired the intergenerational TV comedy about a Korean-Canadian couple who have run a shop for 30 years and the daughter who definitely doesn’t want to take it over. The play is on at the Springer Theatre (690 Charles Street, Gananoque) from August 26 to September 18. Evening shows start at 7:30pm and afternoon matinées at 2pm. Ticket prices start at $19 for youth and $27 for adults.

Shop for art in Westport

The Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association annual Paint the Summer art show and sale returns this year in a new location: the Westport Arena (37 Spring Street, Westport). As in past years, the show offers the chance to buy artworks by dozens of local creators. The show is happening on August 27 and 28, from 10am to 4pm both days, and parking and admission are free.

See the latest fashions in Montreal

Fashionistas, rejoice: The Festival Mode & Design Montréal is once again taking over the Quartier des spectacles for four days (August 25 to 28) of cool couture fun. Check out fashion shows of all sorts, talks featuring Canadian and international designers, and more.

Sample Palestinian culture in Ottawa

The Ottawa Palestinian Festival (August 26 to 28) will transform the grounds of Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West) into a Middle Eastern fair. Feast on hummus and falafel, shop for spices and jewellery, get a henna tattoo, and hear traditional and modern Palestinian music. Free admission.

Take your kids outdoors in Pakenham

Worried that your tots are spending too much time in front of a screen? The Festival of the Wild Child at High Lonesome Nature Reserve (867 Carbine Road, Pakenham) may be just the solution. At various points along the festival’s wooded trails and beside ponds, kids will have the chance to learn more about frogs, turtles, rocks and more. The festival is happening on Saturday, August 27, starting at 10am. Tickets are $10 for adults, and admission is free for children and teenagers under 18.

Celebrate butter tarts and more in Arnprior

Tarts and Arts in the Park is a brand-new festival coming to Robert Simpson Park (400 John Street North, Arnprior) on Saturday, August 27. A competition for best butter tart—and the crowning of a Queen (or King) of Tarts—provides the reason for the celebration, but there will be lots more to see and enjoy, including craft vendors’ stalls, a show by Little Ray’s Reptiles, dance and music performances. Organized by the Arnprior Rotary Club, it runs from 9:30am to 4pm, and admission is free.

If you’re looking for more things to see and do while you’re in the neighbourhood, check out my guide to Arnprior and area.

See award-winning photography in Montreal

Judges sifted through thousands of photos submitted by photographers around the world to select prize-winning images, which will be on display at the World Press Photo exhibition at Montreal’s Bonsecours Market (August 31 to October 2). The show will be open daily until 10pm and until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for everyone else, plus tax (children 12 and under are admitted free). Tickets are available at the door only, and only by credit or debit (no cash payments accepted).

Continuing between August 22 and the end of the month

• Free, public archaeological digs at Leamy Lake Park (various dates until August 30)

Looking for more tips on things to see and do in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, northern New York state and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide.

As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.

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