It’s a great week for a road trip, because you’re spoiled for choice! Music festivals in Perth, Kemptville, Vankleek Hill and Shawville. Artists in a forest and Fortissimo on Parliament Hill. Dragon boats in Arnprior, edgy theatre in Kingston, running events in the Laurentians and the Adirondacks, and classic cars in Syracuse. And, to cool off, an ice cream festival at the Central Experimental Farm! Happy travels.
Get active in Ontario parks
Friday, July 19, is Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, and parks across Ontario are offering special activities to encourage people to get some fresh air and exercise. Both Bonnechere and Bon Echo parks have arranged yoga on the beach, while Charleston Lake is holding the Charleston Lake Challenge, which encourages visitors to follow clues and complete activities as they explore the park. That’s just a taste of what’s available in a wide range of parks; check the full events calendar for details. And did I mention that admission to all Ontario provincial parks is free that day? (You’ll still need to pay if you want to stay overnight.)
Be festive in Perth
This weekend marks the 28th anniversary of Perth’s popular Stewart Park Festival (July 19 to 21). As usual, the free music festival is presenting a huge range of artists—including Connie Kaldor, the Small Glories, Shakura S’Aida, Suzie Vinnick and Terry Tufts—in multiple venues. Between shows, you can browse in artisan and food markets, or enjoy workshops or family activities. Throughout the weekend, shuttle buses will be circling the town to ferry visitors from parking lots to the festival site. While the festival is free, you can donate at the gate if you like.
Hunt for fossils in Eganville
The Bonnechere Museum and Bonnechere Caves are running a fossil hunt on Saturday, July 20, beginning at 10am. The two-hour tour starts from the museum in downtown Eganville, and no reservations are necessary.
Cheer for dragon boat racers in Arnprior
Want to cheer on dragon boat racers in a national qualifier race? Head to Robert Simpson Park in Arnprior on Saturday, July 20, for the Arnprior Dragon Boat Festival.
Ride your motorcycle to Winchester
Bikers, start your engines: Thursday, July 18, is Winchester Bike Night. Nosh on wings, burgers, pizza, poutine, fries and ice cream from seven local vendors, and enjoy beers from Rurban Brewing (not too many—you’re driving!), while listening to live music by Marleen Fawcett. Admission is free. Note that the outdoor event will be cancelled if it rains.
Live on the cutting edge in Kingston
This Thursday, the fifth annual Kick and Push Festival opens in Kingston (July 18 to August 11). It will bring another season of innovative, interactive shows to theatres and more unusual venues across the Limestone City (past performances have taken place everywhere from a fire escape to a graveyard). Productions this year include a show about Indigenous icon Pauline Johnson, a play featuring 1930s tunes and a musical comedy about dyslexia. Under the festival’s umbrella, you’ll also find the Storefront Fringe Festival (July 19 to 27), which is presenting 18 shows in three empty storefronts. Like any good fringe festival, this one boasts an eclectic lineup of productions, including a puppet/magic show based on Faust.
Hear free music in Vankleek Hill
So, I hear you wondering: What’s a porchfest? It’s an event where local musicians perform on residential porches, for free. The first one took place in Ithaca, New York, in 2007, and the concept has since spread across North America. The Vankleek Hill Porchfest on Saturday, July 20 (noon to 5pm), will feature 41 acts on 31 porches, in a town full of gingerbread-trimmed Victorian houses. There are a few new twists this year: musicians will also be playing at the local farmers’ market, a seniors’ home and the Windsor Tavern, and vendors at the farmers’ market have been encouraged to bring picnic-friendly items—so you can chow down before doing the festival circuit!
Walk, pedal or paddle in Sydenham
The Sydenham Lakes and Trails Festival on Saturday, July 20, gives walkers, cyclists and paddlers the chance to explore scenic routes in and around the small community of Sydenham, north of Kingston. You can also enjoy live music, children’s activities and a barbecue lunch—and it’s all free (but donations are welcome).
Enjoy dinner on Main Street in Hallville
North Dundas is once again hosting a series of community dinners this summer, and the third Meet Me on Main Street event is happening this Wednesday, July 17, in Hallville. Local vendors and food producers will be on hand, including the Snack Shack, Loughlin’s Country store, two breweries, Smokie Ridge Vineyard and King’s Lock Distillery. There will be a busker, a bouncy castle and live music by Branded, too. Hallville is about a 15-minute drive east of Kemptville.
See art in the woods near Perth Road Village
Fantasy in the Forest (July 20 and 21) is a summer art show with a difference—it’s in the woods! Dozens of artists will be showcasing their latest works, many of which have a fantastical or natural theme. Some of the artists will even be in costume, and food vendors and musicians will also be on hand. It all takes place from 10am to 5pm, rain or shine, at 1860 Draper Lake Road near Perth Road Village.
Hunt for ghosts in L’Orignal
L’Orignal Old Jail, east of Ottawa, is hosting Revenant: A Paranormal Evening on Saturday, July 20. The jail dates back to 1825, so it likely has a few scary stories for ghost hunters to uncover. If you miss this event but you’re still interested in checking out the things that go bump in the night, the jail is hosting another Revenant evening on August 17.
Enjoy a free military spectacle on Parliament Hill
Fortissimo returns to Parliament Hill for three nights (July 18 to 20, 7pm each evening, plus a full dress rehearsal on July 17). Bands, pipe and drum corps, guest artists and Ceremonial Guard soldiers will present music and routines that combine elements of Beating the Retreat (traditionally performed at a fort at sunset) and Tattoo (music once played later in the evening as the last watch was set). Arrive early, as the free show typically draws a big crowd.
Get a little bit country in the Outaouais
Country tunes are the star attraction at the Shawville Lions Country Jamboree (July 18 to 21) in West Quebec’s Pontiac region. Performers will include Lauren Hall, Kiley Joe Masson, the Douglas Connection and the house band, Unwound.
See Pygmalion in Perth
For the next few weeks, you can catch a production of George Bernard Shaw’s popular comedy Pygmalion at the Classic Theatre Festival in Perth (July 19 to August 11). If you’ve seen and loved My Fair Lady, you’ll recognize and appreciate the play that gave us Eliza Doolittle and her spirited battles with Henry Higgins, as he attempts to make her speak like a “lady.”
Get musical at Tremblant
Les Rythmes Tremblant (July 19 to 28) is a free slate of musical performances at Mont Tremblant, many of them family oriented. Artists from across Canada will be performing everything from country to Cuban music. There’s even some magic, acrobatics and insect science in the mix.
Celebrate Ukrainian, Lebanese and Japanese cultures in Ottawa
Nosh on perogies and garlic sausage. Shop for traditional crafts. Tap your toes to music and dancers, bring the kids to a petting zoo, or take a workshop focusing on skills such as glass painting and egg painting. All this and more is on the schedule at the Capital Ukrainian Festival (July 19 to 21), taking place on the grounds of the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine on Green Valley Crescent (near Baseline and Prince of Wales). It features some 200 performers on three stages, and there will be a big zabava (Ukrainian dance party) on Saturday night. Admission and parking are both free.
A stone’s throw from the Ukrainian festivities, Ottawa’s Lebanese community is celebrating its heritage during the Ottawa Lebanese Festival (July 17 to 21) at the St. Elias Cathedral near Mooney’s Bay. Visitors can enjoy a midway, eat falafel and shawarma, and see dancers, musicians, cultural displays and more. There’s a free shuttle service from the Canada Post headquarters parking lot. Admission is free if you arrive before 5pm; otherwise, it ranges from $2 to $5 per person.
Downtown, Natsu Matsuri is a free, one-day festival of Japanese culture taking place at Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall on Sunday, July 21, from 11am to 4pm. Visitors can watch martial arts or ikebana demonstrations, and enjoy Japanese music, dance and food.
Attend a classical music gala in Luskville
On Saturday, July 20, Venturing Hills equestrian centre in Luskville will be hosting a gala evening in its Pontiac Enchanté music series. The evening will feature violinist Maïthéna Girault, guitarist Thierry Bégin-Lamontagne, clarinetist Eric Abramovitz and pianist Carson Becke. Shep’s Catering will be serving a buffet dinner.
Cheer for sporty dogs in Maxville
Attention, dog lovers: You can watch some seriously talented canines in action at the K9 Sport Fest in Maxville on July 20 and 21. As well as cheering on your favourite hounds as they catch flying discs (AKA Frisbees), leap over obstacles or demonstrate their herding skills, you can also nibble on food truck goodies, shop for pet-related items and more. Bring your kids! Bring your dog!
Take a studio tour in the Madawaska Valley or the Eastern Townships
A studio tour is a wonderful excuse for a country drive. This week, the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour (July 19 to 21) takes you to 20 studios scattered across a wide swath of Eastern Ontario, from Barry’s Bay to Quadeville, and from Purdy to Eganville. It’s also the opening weekend of the Festival des Arts Georgeville-Fitch Bay in the Eastern Townships (July 20 to 28).
Slake your thirst in the Byward Market
If you’re feeling thirsty this weekend, you don’t have to go far to try a selection of local craft beers. The first annual Byward Beer Market is coming to the parking lot behind Lowertown Brewery from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, July 20. As well as beers, you can enjoy ciders, spirits and food.
See a re-enacted Seven Years War battle at Fort Ticonderoga
The year before his fateful (and fatal) battle on the Plains of Abraham, the Marquis de Montcalm led his forces to victory against a much larger British contingent at Fort Ticonderoga in what is now New York state. You can see a re-enactment of the 1758 Battle of Carillon on July 20 and 21 at the fort.
Take the kids out for ice cream at the Central Experimental Farm
It’s just a hunch, but I think the Ice Cream Festival at the Central Experimental Farm (Sunday, July 21) will be a big hit with families. Kids can learn to make ice cream, try their hand at “milking” a wooden cow and—of course—eat lots of ice cream. Live music, a photo booth, a craft station and other activities are also on the menu.
Enjoy big band music and more in Trenton
Downtown Trenton’s Festival on the Bay (July 18 to 20) features a sidewalk sale, a dragon boat festival, kids’ activities, fireworks, live music and more. The eighth annual Trenton Big Band Festival also swings into the Bay of Quinte-area city this weekend (July 19 and 20). Performers include the Commodores Orchestra, the Toronto All-Stars Big Band and Martin Loomer’s Orange Devils.
Learn about traditional plants in Wakefield
Traditional healer Pauline Ratt will be giving two free guided forest walks on Sunday, July 21, starting from the Fairbairn House Heritage Centre in Wakefield. Guests will learn how to identify medicinal plants that have been used for centuries and how she makes her medicines. Each tour will be in English, followed by a bilingual Q&A. Tours start at 10am and 2pm.
See vintage cars in Ottawa or Syracuse
Billing itself as “the largest car show in the Northeast,” the Syracuse Nationals Car Show rolls into the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend (July 19 to 21). Thousands of cars made before 1985 will be on display.
Closer to home, the Ottawa All British Car Day is taking place at Britannia Park on Saturday, July 20. This year, the event will shine a special spotlight on the Mini marque, but I’ll bet you’ll see more than a few Rolls-Royces, Jags, Land Rovers and MGs there, too.
Take in a fair in Almonte, Avonmore or Lansdowne
Feel like a fair? The Almonte Fair (July 19 to 21) features pony rides, wrestling, a chili cookoff, a midway and more. The amusements at the Avonmore Fair (July 19 to 21) include a classic car show, livestock shows, a children’s talent show and bouncy castles. From July 18 to 21, the Lansdowne Fair (in the Eastern Ontario town, not the Ottawa park) will be offering a midway, a demolition derby and tractor pulls, along with activities as diverse as cow chip bingo, toilet bowl races and a rabbit hopping competition (not all at the same time).
Root for a rubber duck in Perth
Feeling lucky? Then buy a rubber duck, set it loose on the Tay River and you might just win $1,000 in the Tay River Duck Race—a fundraiser for the YAK Youth Centre—on Sunday, July 21.
Groove to the music in Kemptville
David Wilcox, Steve Earle and the Dukes, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, April Wine, Chilliwack and Kim Mitchell are among the big names at the Kemptville Live Music Festival (July 18 to 21). A shuttle service offered throughout the event will bring in festival fans from parking lots across North Grenville. Food vendors will be dishing up pizza, barbecue, burgers, Ecuadorian dishes, ice cream and other treats.
Go to a vernissage in Chelsea
La Fab Arts Centre in Chelsea is holding a vernissage on Thursday, July 18, for its latest exhibition, Afield. The solo show features prints of scenes from the Central Experimental Farm and Northern Ireland by Ottawa-based artist Deidre Hierlihy, and it runs until August 11.
Hear classic tunes in Brockville or Picton
If, like me, one of the first albums you ever bought was Breakfast in America, then you too are in the target market for Dreamer: The Supertramp Experience, a tribute show taking to the stage at the Brockville Arts Centre for two nights this week (July 17 and 18). There’s also a matinée on Thursday at 2pm.
I’ve also long been a fan of the mellow music of Carole King and James Taylor. If you are as well, then you could catch You’ve Got a Friend, a tribute show at the Regent Theatre in Picton on Friday, June 19.
Run to extremes in the Laurentians or the Adirondacks
OK, this makes me feel like even more of a couch potato than I actually am. The Pandora 24 is an Ultramarathon where participants run along a scenic outdoor course for 24 hours (yes, you read that right). You can run as an individual, a pair or a team of four. Honestly, I would have to run with a team of about 60 to make this feasible for me! But if you are in much better shape than I (it’s not hard), the action takes place along the Piedmont, Prévost and Saint-Hippolyte escarpments in the Laurentians on July 20 and 21.
Also for seasoned runners, the Wilmington Whiteface Sky Races, Vertical K on July 20 and 21 is an assortment of solo and team races for adults and kids, all of which seem to involve going uphill at an Adirondacks ski resort. The website uses a lot of phrases like “lung crushing alpine loop” and “best mountain runners in the world.” If that doesn’t terrify you, then go for it! I’ll be cheering from my couch.
See antique machines in Athens
The 40th annual Farmersville Exhibition in Athens (July 19 to 21) will have a wide range of vintage machinery, antique vehicles and steam-powered engines on display. You can also check out food vendors, live country music, a horse draw and a tractor pull, and camping is available.
And a final note…
Note that this year’s SandFest at Sandbanks Provincial Park, originally scheduled for Wednesday, has been cancelled due to a forecast of heavy rain that day in Prince Edward County.
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