Summer is in full swing and that means hot events across South Eastern Ontario. This month is full to the brim with brilliant activities. Whether it’s live music, haunted tours, fantastic food, sunflowers, friendship days or even night markets, August promises events to remember. Make the most out of the remaining days of summer in South Eastern Ontario!

Bay of Quinte

  1. Belleville Caribbean Festival A Caribbean adventure in the heart of Downtown Belleville! Set for Aug. 19 from noon to 11 p.m. the festival will see pulsating rhythms of reggae, soca, calypso, and more with live music, exceptional Caribbean cuisine and a lively street parade with hundreds of dancers.
  2. Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow: Tsitewatsiró:ten: Rekindling Our Fire The 36th annual Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow takes place Aug. 12 to 13 in Tsi Tkerhetoton Park. Enjoy traditional dancing, beautiful regalia of participants and learn more about various Indigenous cultures – and of course indulge in wonderful food! Also look for more than 70 Indigenous craft vendors selling handmade art and jewellery.
  3. Concerts in the Park Bring a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy outdoor live music during the Quinte West Summer Concert Series! This series takes place in Frankford Tourist Park every Wednesday, and in Fraser Park each Friday and Sunday until September. Various dates throughout August.
  4. Festival of Lights Kick Off  Christmas is just five months away – but it’s going to feel a lot closer on Saturday, August 5 in Belleville Market Square! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in town for their summer holiday during a special Festival of Lights fundraising event. Join them from 10 a.m. to noon for face painting, live music, holiday activities, selfie station and more.

 

Prince Edward County

  1. Dragonette at The Hayloft Dancehall  Get ready to live. Juno-winning artist and sought-after songwriter, Dragonette, is performing at The Hayloft Dancehall on Friday, Aug. 11, bringing her special brand of electro-pop to Prince Edward County after scoring numerous global hits.
  2. Base 31 Live Music The Drill Hall at Base 31 in Prince Edward County sets the scene for live music this August – on a big stage in a remarkable, historic setting! Iconic Canadian band, 54•40, is performing at The Drill Hall at Base 31 in Prince Edward County on Saturday, Aug. 5. For over 40 years, 54•40 has carved out a legacy of gold and platinum albums and awesome live performances. Next up at The Drill Hall is rising Nashville star Josh Ross performing on Aug. 12. Debuting as a chart-topping artist, Ross has quickly made a name for himself and garnered loyal fans along the way. Check out many more shows also happening in August at The Drill Hall!
  3. Graveyard & Gallows Walking Tour A tour of mystery and intrigue! The Graveyard & Gallows Tour takes place every Friday night in August, allowing visitors to explore the grounds of Macaulay Heritage Park with an experienced guide. Stroll through the neighbouring graveyard at Reverend William Macaulay’s former church and spot a famous tombstone before discovering the local courthouse, jail cells, and even the gallows.
  4. Dusk, Dance & Drones Experience it to believe it! Prepare for a fun night out making memories with family or friends. Set for the evenings of Friday, August 4 and 18, as well as Sept. 1, in partnership with Illumin and Base 31, the night sky will be lit up by a fleet of drones, dancing and weaving to create a stunning display of light and colour to fill all ages with wonder. Unique and impressive!
  5. PEC Yoga Fest Sand & Pearl’s Full Moon Yoga Fest is back for a sixth year from Aug. 11 to 13, bringing together five yoga communities from across Ontario. Classes, musicians, food, lots of love and a family friendly atmosphere make this a favourite event.
  6. Art of Charcuterie and Wine Workshop Explore the art of charcuterie design, as well as wine and cheese pairing! Hosted by Broken Stone Winery, Bark Woodshop & Studio and Farm Board Canada on Aug. 13, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn – and then savour your design.
  7. PEC Jazz Festival Much anticipated and always elevated! The PEC Jazz Festival is back for its 23rd year from Aug. 15 to 20 and showcases another award-winning line-up including JUNO-award-winning headliners, Caity Gyorgy, Hilario Duran (with Adis Rodriquez), and Marc Jordan; JUNO nominee, Alison Young; the uber energetic and crowd-pleasing Big Smoke Brass; inventive clarinetists Virginia MacDonald and Todd Marcus, and more!
  8.  The Grange of Prince Edward – Visa Infinite Dining Series event Picture this: a delicious evening of the freshest and most seasonal local flavours paired with spectacular wines, among the vines at a long-table winery dinner in Prince Edward County. Join in to witness star chefs sparkle at The Grange of Prince Edward – Visa Infinite Dining Series Event on Aug. 12. Prepare for a remarkable evening.
  9. Craft Chocolate Tasting Workshop Sign us up! The third part of a Craft Chocolate Tasting Workshop series takes place on Aug. 13 at Base 31, hosted by Certified Chocolate Taster and Educator, Christy Conte, focuses on the intricacies of dark chocolate.
  10. Yiddish Soul: Socalled & Venuti String Quartet Josh “Socalled” Dolgin is known for his genre-bending collaborations and passion for Yiddish music. This highlight concert of the Big Lake Festival is taking place on Aug. 22 at the Regent Theatre in Picton. It features a ground-breaking and heartbreaking programme of Yiddish art songs, lullabies, theatre music and folk songs newly arranged for string quartet.  Look for the whole schedule of world-class musicians at Big Lake Festival from Aug. 18 to 26 at various venues in the region and enjoy a celebration of all things grounding, nourishing and holding steady to who we are.

L&A County

  1. Napanee Fair The Napanee Fair is back for its 190-year milestone! This year’s fair features a midway, live music, agricultural exhibits, tractor and horse pulls, a petting zoo, demolition derby and more. Set for Aug. 4 to 7, 2023 Napanee is ready to roll out a good old country welcome for visitors and locals alike. There’s nothing like a summer fair!
  2. Livestock Craft and Music Festival Bring the family to meet the animals at this all-day fundraiser for Second Chance Ranch! The Livestock Craft & Music Festival takes place on Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music, pigs, goats, chickens, ponies, alpacas and donkeys on site and raises money to help rehabilitate, rehome or provide a forever home for horses in need.
  3. Discover L&A County MEGA Geocaching Did you know that Canada’s largest annual geocaching event is held in Napanee? That’s right! More than 1,000 visitors from across North America, Europe and beyond come to Napanee on Aug. 19 to take part! With a water cache canoe and kayak cruise, night sky stargazer tour, kick off events and more than 1,500 geocaches in L&A County it’s a fun-filled weekend!
  4. Back to the Farm The ultimate beer and music festival! Back to the Farm at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company in Bath has grown to welcome thousands of people to revel in awesome live music and enjoy quality craft beer brewed on site. Party down home style on Sunday Aug. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to close and hear The Blue Stones, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Paul Langlois Band, Boston Levi and many more!
  5. Breakfast on the Farm Come hungry! Our mouths are watering even thinking about this all-Ontario breakfast. What’s more, there will be interactive educational displays, farmer a meet and greets, tours of a working farm and even family photo ops. Set for Aug. 26 at Ripplebrook Farm, Napanee which is home to 280 animals and a lot of heart.

Frontenac County

  1. Wolfe Island Lobsterfest Celebrate tasty crustaceans at Hotel Wolfe Island’s Patio Lobsterfest on Saturday, Aug. 12. Chef Andrew Dillon is preparing a feast with fresh, delicious lobster sourced sustainably. Think cocktails, live music, lobster and good times! Three seatings; reservations strongly encouraged.
  2. Art in the Sawmill   Add some art to your summer and your home on Aug 5 & 6. This juried show features a collection of over 25 local artists & artisans for a two day show & sale in Verona in the historic Sawmill. – celebrating its 10th year anniversary!
  3. Music in the Park  Each month Music in the Park is at one of the beautiful beaches in South Frontenac. This August enjoy live local music at the beautiful Point Park in Sydenham on Saturday August 19th, from 1pm – 3pm. Bring a picnic and lawn chair, and enjoy toe-tapping music on the shores of Sydenham Lake.
  4. Haymakers Coffee Co. Roasting Tour  Treat yourself to a trip Wolfe Island side to explore the coffee roasting process along with the breathtaking landscape and water views that kick off the 1000 Islands. Each roasting session is limited to 8 coffee-loving humans in order for you to truly dig in to learn where coffee is grown, sourced and roasted. Various dates in August.
  5. Maple Ridge Farms – Mindfulness Journey & Bloom Bar  On August 18th experience a 90-minute immersive mindfulness journey to awaken your senses, nourish your soul, and deepen your connection with the world around you. Once you are all relaxed and feeling Zen, take some time on the farm to handpick a vibrant selection of blooms and create a stunning hand-tied bouquet that will serve as a beautiful reminder of your transformative experience.

Kingston

  1. Sunset ceremony at Fort Henry  A sunset event you won’t soon forget! Fort Henry’s Sunset Ceremony combines the talented Fort Henry Guard’s impressive marching manoeuvers, drills, music and cannons with a stunning fireworks finale. Held once a week throughout August – tickets required
  2. Sun Harvest Flower Fields The Flower Fields at Sun Harvest are open and blooming. Wander through the cutting garden and enjoy the beauty of more than 8,000 flowers. Get your cutters and fill a jug with your favourite blooms to bring home a slice of summer! A fantastic activity for friends, co-workers, families, or even just solo for some meaningful me-time. 
  3. Katarokwi Indigenous Art and Food Market Sundays in August and Sept. 24, find local Indigenous artists, artisans and musicians selling handcrafted jewelry, art, clothing and enjoy fresh food and live demonstrations showcasing different artists! Located in Springer Market Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  4. Kick and Push Festival Rave reviews for this innovative performance festival keep the crowds coming back year after year. The Kick and Push Festival in Kingston is a professional, three-week festival featuring award-winning Canadian performers and award-winning work in venues all over the city. Taking place until Aug. 18, the Kick and Push Festival pushed the boundaries of what traditional theatre can be!
  5. Princess Street Promenade Take a stroll down Princess Street and revel in this popular festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  on Saturday, Aug. 5. The promenade closes Princess Street to vehicles from Barrie Street to Ontario Street making for the perfect opportunity to enjoy Downtown Kingston. Walk about and visit local shops, grab a bite to eat at downtown restaurants, and spend the day downtown!
  6. Women’s Art Festival Did you know that Kingston is home to the longest running Women’s Art Festival in Canada? The event celebrates women’s creativity in the arts with free community programming, live music, local eats, art installations, children’s tent and an enthralling marketplace. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Art Festival so mark your calendar for Aug. 12 and 13 at City Park.
  7. Greek Festival Presented by the Kingston Greek Community, the Greek Festival kicks off Saturday, Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Join in the fun at the Greek Banquet Hall on Johnson Street, with Greek dancing, food, and drinks – as well as a live Greek band. Admission is a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the Partners in Mission Food Bank!
  8. Limestone City Blues Festival  An event like no other! The Limestone City Blues Festival is a go for Aug. 24 to 27 this year, showcasing four days of “raw, gritty and unrestrained live performances” in venues across Downtown Kingston and two main stages in Springer Market Square and Confederation Park.  New this year, look for food and artisan vendors, as well as a licensed area!
  9. Doors Open Kingston & Area   Ever wonder what was behind those doors? Then Doors Open is for you! This intriguing free event is running over three dates this year and allows access to dozens of spaces, places and stories that shape the communities of Kingston and surrounding area. Discover the participating sites and explore at your own pace. Upcoming date of August 26 sees places like the PumpHouse, Murney Tower National Historic Site, HMCS Cataraqui, Agnes Etherington Art Centre and more open for learning from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See you there!

1000 Islands Gananoque

  1. 1000 Islands Gananoque Poker Run & Shootout Weekend Feel the need for speed – marvel at the power on water as performance boating returns to the 1000 Islands region! Poker Runs America and Power Boating Canada are bringing the excitement to the St. Lawrence River on Aug. 26 and 27 in Gananoque to thrill spectators and poker runners.
  2. Summer in the Islands Free Waterfront Concerts  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and prepare to be entertained with free summer concerts at Joel Stone Heritage Park in Gananoque each Friday and Saturday evening until Sept. 9. Artists like Abbey Stewart Band, Trevor Walsh Band, Healey & Orr and more will be performing starting at 7:30 p.m. against the stunning backdrop of the St. Lawrence River.

Rideau Canal and 1000 Islands Waterways

  1. Lombardy Fair You can’t beat a country fair! The atmosphere, the sights and sounds. The Lombardy Agricultural Society is celebrating 157 years of country hospitality with something for everyone from Friday, Aug. 4 to Sunday, Aug. 6. Look for a demolition derby, exhibits in the barn, monster truck show, the midway and ever-popular annual 4-H Club Dairy Achievement Day.
  2. South Grenville Bluegrass Festival Get ready for picking and grinning! The South Grenville Bluegrass Festival is ready to heat up the Spencerville Fairgrounds from Aug. 10 to 13 with lots of remarkable bluegrass talent from as far afield as Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. With workshops, open mics, band scramble, a choir, music all afternoon and evening and even a mouth-watering chicken barbecue, this is one event not to be missed!
  3. St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival Shakespeare against the beautiful backdrop of the St. Lawrence in Prescott! The only professional outdoor theatre in the St. Lawrence Seaway area is current on stage with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Importance of Being Ernest until Aug. 5 after which the gorgeous venue on Prescott’s waterfront is home to special performances by the Guild Festival Theatre with Alice in Wonderland, and a Company of Fools performing Hamlet.
  4. Live music in Rideau Lakes It’s summer and that means Rideau Lakes is all about the music. Make a weekend of it at the end of August! The Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall will be rocking on August 26 with its next installment of the annual summer concert series, welcoming Red Fox, an Indie-folk band with acoustic roots and electric sound. Also that weekend, the popular Bach on the Beverley returns, a fun and informal free event, with donations accepted for local organizations. The event on Aug. 26 is at Kendrick’s Park near Lyndhurst and the event on Aug. 27 is at the Red Brick School in Elgin. Bach on the Beverley invites participants to experience active listening to the chamber music of Johann Sebastian Bach, with a brief explanation of each selection and listening suggestions for musical ideas, with background.

Brockville

  1. Music on the Veranda at Fulford House Get swept away by summertime on the grand veranda at Fulford Place in Brockville. Weekly music every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Look for Pat Johnson on Aug. 9 and 30, as well as Issabel on Aug. 16 and Jennie Marshall on Aug. 23. Free to attend, but donations to Fulford Place are welcome.
  2. 1000 Islands Kingston Poker Run stop in Brockville See the boats up close! The 1000 Islands Kingston Poker Run is stopping for lunch in Brockville from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. One of the largest waterfront festivals in Canada, this run has more than 40,000 spectators lining the shores of the St. Lawrence along the route to catch a glimpse of the most powerful boats around – and it’s stopping in Brockville! It’s a great opportunity to see the boats along Blockhouse Island.
  3. Brockville Ribfest A real taste of summer! This three-day festival from Aug. 10 to 13 is in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Leeds Grenville and has mouth-watering ribs, chicken and more. It wouldn’t be Ribfest without fun for the whole family, so check out the kids zone, live entertainment, Cops and Kids fishing derby, rib eating contest, beach volleyball, vendor village and even a beer tent for the adults!
  4. Poutine Feast Brockville A travelling poutine festival?! Sign us up! Poutine Feast showcases the best poutine vendors from across Ontario. Set to roll into Brockville at Centennial Park from Aug. 17 to 20, and then the North Grenville Municipal Centre Aug. 24 to 27, visit Canada’s largest touring poutine fest and find your favourite! Vegan and gluten free options available.

SDG Counties

  1. Glengarry Highland Games Music, dance, sports, fiddling, pageantry and tradition in Maxville! The Glengarry Highland Games is a huge crowd pleaser from Aug. 4 to 5 with a long history dating back to 1948 as one of the largest games in the world. Witness massed bands and Highlands Fling, heavyweight competitions, whiskey tasting, clan parade, Wee Bairns activity area, Celtic entertainment, Highlanders’ tug-o-war and so much more. The Glengarry Highland Games draws thousands of people to experience this impressive event – come see why!
  2. Upper Canada Village: Canadian Music and Horse Lovers Authentic buildings, historic interpreters in period dress, heritage livestock at work, and activities throughout the site transport visitors back to the 1860s. But this living history museum doesn’t stop there! Upper Canada Village also hosts special events throughout the summer. Celebration of Canadian Music Event is on Aug. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and brings to life 18th century sing, dance and instrumental music. 
  3. Upper Canada Playhouse Summer season The summer season at the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg is in full swing and two plays are on the bill for August. Buying the Farm – a country comedy by Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks runs until Aug. 13 while Drinking Alone is a classic heart-warming comedy by Norm Foster and runs Aug. 17 until Sept. 3. The Upper Canada Playhouse is celebrating its 40th season this year as a delightfully charming historic building that has been transformed into a community center point for culture and the arts.
  4. Fields of Gold Sunflowers as far as the eye can see! Stroll through the stunning mellow yellows at Fields of Gold in August to capture the perfect summer photo. Book a sunshine walk, private photo pod or pick-your-own flowers to elevate your golden experience this sunflower season.
  5. Winchester Dairy Fest  Moooove on over to Dairy Fest in Winchester from Aug. 11 to 13 for music, dancing, classic car show, tractor parade, bouncy castles, firefighter games, hearty breakfast, roller skating, beer garden and vendor market – and don’t forget to get in the grooooove at the dairy dance!

Cornwall

  1. Akwesasne Friendship Day Join in Native North American Travelling College’s annual Friendship Day on Saturday Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Enjoy performances by Bear Fox, Crosswinds, DMiinus Savage, Mikayla Francis and MC Raienkonnis Edwards. Also look forward to art wars for children, teens and adults, pie bingo, lacrosse demo, canoe journeys, and much more!
  2. Pride Festival and Parade Be a part of an amazing community celebration! Diversity/Diversité Cornwall is set to host the 2023 Pride Festival and Parade on Saturday, Aug. 12, featuring a parade and day of fun activities in Lamoureux Park.
  3. Cornwall Chaos Fan of loud music? Take part in Cornwall Chaos on Aug. 19 – a full showcase of heavy metal artists from the Cornwall, Ottawa and Montreal areas. It’s free, it’s outdoor and it’s at the Cornwall Lions Club Bandshell in Lamoureux Park.
  4. Cornwall Night Market There’s something about a night market that just seems magical. Cornwall’s second such market can be found on Aug. 18 in Downtown Cornwall with dozens of vendors, offering everything from vintage to beauty products to plants to beadwork and intricate intrigues! To really make a splash, downtown businesses will also be open late and patios will be in full swing for dinner and drinks. Make a night of it!
  5. Cornwall Triathlon The Cornwall Triathlon is ready for Aug. 26 and 27 this year – but did you know it has raised more than $300,000 for local charities in the past? This year, the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall/SDG. Kids Day in Saturday, Aug. 26 where young champions are offered an initiation into the sport in a fun, non-timed environment. Then on Sunday, Aug. 27 the adult events take place, including a 5K run, duathlon and triathlon events. The Cornwall events are unique in that they offer traffic-free courses in the city’s core on both days. Everyone welcome: athletes, volunteers or spectating!
  6. Doors Open Cornwall & SDG Counties Free access to amazing historical and cultural sites in Cornwall and SDG Counties? Yes, please! Doors Open Cornwall & SDG Counties is a two-day event Aug. 19 to 20 where visitors enjoy admission to some of the most noteworthy buildings and places in the community. Have fun exploring and discovering local places and spaces!

With so many remarkable events happening across South Eastern Ontario in August, it’s easy to fill your calendar to enjoy summer to the max!