experience simcoe county

EVENTS GUIDE 2018e x p e r i e n c e . s i m c o e . c a

EXPERIENCESimcoe County

tsc_events_guide_cover_2018.indd 1 11/8/2017 8:52:03 AM

Welcome to Simcoe County! We are your historic, cultural and outdoor recreation destination!Come celebrate with us at one of the many exciting festivals and special events found in every corner of the county. From music festivals, art exhibits, food fairs, and much, much more! You are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.Make sure to visit our website for the most up-to-date listing of festivals and events www.experience.simcoe.ca and follow Tourism Simcoe County on Facebook and Twitter. Have a fantastic stay!

Another Reason to Visit Simcoe County

“Nothing ever becomes real until it is experienced.” – John Keats

EXPERIENCE.SIMCOE.CA

WinterfestFebruary 3-4

Barrie

Tap Into Maple

March 1-May 31Ontario’s

Lake Country

March Break at the Simcoe

County MuseumMarch 10-18

Minesing

Winterama Carnival

February 16-19Penetanguishene

Snowman Mania

February 16-19Wasaga Beach

Family Day - Simcoe County

MuseumFebruary 19

Minesing

Collingwood Family JamFebruary 19Collingwood

Family Day - Wye MarshFebruary 19

Tay

Calendar of EventsCalendar of EventsFEBRUARY

MARCH


Spring Tonic Maple Syrup

FestivalApril 7-8Utopia

Elmvale Maple Syrup

FestivalApril 28Elmvale

Barrie Spring Art Tour

April 28-29Barrie

Orillia Perch FestivalApril 21-May 12

Orillia

APRIL

Easter Eggstravaganza

March 31Wasaga Beach

Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

Drysdale’s Easter Egg Hunt

March 30-April 1Egbert

Sweetwater Harvest

March 17 &18Tay

EXPERIENCE.SIMCOE.CA EXPERIENCE.SIMCOE.CA

PortaramaMay 19-20

Tay

Collingwood Live & Original Music Festival

May 3-5Collingwood

Collingwood Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday May 19-October 6

Collingwood

Beeton Honey & Garden

Festival May 26Beeton

Creemore Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday May 19-October 6

Creemore

Barrie Waterfront

FestivalMay 25-27

Barrie

Bayside Market

June-SeptemberPenetanguishene

Wing DingJune 2

Cookstown

New Lowell Farmers’ MarketEvery Wednesday June 6-August 29

New Lowell

MAY

JUNE

Innisfil Farmers’ Market

June-DecemberInnisfil


Tottenham Bluegrass Festival

June 15-17Tottenham

Waterfront Fest

June 16-17Wasaga Beach

Innisfil Ribfest

June 15-17Innisfil


Spring Boat, Cottage &

Outdoor ShowJune 8-10

Orillia

Ontario’s Best Butter Tart

FestivalJune 9Midland

Party on the Dock

June 16Midland

Burl’s Creek Automotive Flea Market

June 7-10Oro-Medonte

Wheels & Tracks at the

Simcoe County Museum June 9-10Minesing

Stayner Music, Market

& Park It!Every Thursday

June 7-August 30Stayner


National Indigenous

Peoples DayJune 21

Tay

Main Street MarketJune 29 -

September 2Wasaga Beach

Local Live Lunch

June 27-August 29Collingwood

Canada Day at Wasaga Beach

July 1Wasaga Beach

Christmas In JuneJune 23Orillia

Collingwood Festival

for CanadaJune 30-July 1Collingwood

Promenade DaysJune 30-July 2

Barrie

Canada Day Celebrations

July 1Adjala-Tosorontio

Barrie Boat ShowJune 16-17

Barrie

Coldwater Studio Tour

June 23-24Coldwater

Midland Rib FestJune 29-July 1

Midland

JULY

Summer Sundays at the

Simcoe County Museum

July 1-August 26Minesing



Ghost Tours at Discovery

HarbourJuly 4-August 29

(Evenings)Penetangushiene

Mariposa Folk

FestivalJuly 6-8Orillia

Orillia Scottish Festival July 20-22

Orillia

Jazz in the Park

July 3-August 28Wasaga Beach

Downtown Barrie’s

Craft Beer & BBQ Festival

July 6-8Barrie

Feast Fest

July 20-22Midland

Museum After Hours

(Tuesday Evenings)

July 3-August 28Minesing

Candlelight Tours at

Sainte-MarieJuly 5-August 30

(Evenings)Tay

Festival Du LoupJuly 12-15Lafontaine


Collingwood Elvis Festival

July 27-29 Collingwood

Children’s FestivalAugust 4Creemore

Boots & Hearts Music

FestivalAugust 9-12Oro-Medonte

MidwayJuly 27-August 5Wasaga Beach

Keys to Collingwood Street Piano

Festival August 4-

early SeptemberCollingwood

Gathering of the

Classics August 11Edenvale

All Things Canadian FestivalJuly 27-28

Penetangushiene

Pirates of the Bay

August 4Penetanguishene

KempenfestAugust 3-6

Barrie

Wasaga Beach Motorcycle

RallyJuly 20-22

Wasaga Beach

AUGUST

Coldwater Steampunk

Festival August 11Coldwater

Alliston Potato

FestivalAugust 10-12

Alliston



Sidelaunch Days -

Collingwood Harbour Festival

August 11-12Collingwood

Wasaga Under Siege

August TBAWasaga Beach

Barrie Dragon Boat

FestivalAugust 25

Barrie

Orillia Waterfront

FestivalAugust 10-12

Orillia

Inflate-A-FestAugust 31 -

September 2Wasaga Beach

Tugboat Festival

August 17-18Midland

Cookstown Fair

August TBAEssa

Carrot Fest

August 17-1 8Bradford

West Gwillimbury

Barrie Fair

August 23-27Essa

Copper Kettle Festival August 25Creemore


SEPTEMBER

Bradford West Gwillimbury

Studio TourSeptember 15-16

Bradford West Gwillimbury

Georgian Bay Native

Friendship Centre

POW WOWSeptember 8-9

Tay

Memories of Summer

Fireworks September 2

Wasaga Beach

Great Northern Exhibition

September 21-23Clearview

Oro World’s

FairSeptember 14-15

Oro-Medonte

Orillia Fair

September 7-9Orillia

Essa Salmon Derby September 15-16

Angus

Beeton Fair

September TBDBeeton

Simcoe County Quilt, Rug &

Craft FairSeptember 14-16

Minesing

Barrie Automotive Flea Market September 6-9Oro-Medonte

Coldwater Fair

September 28-30Coldwater

Small Halls Festival

September 27-30Clearview


Calendar of EventsCalendar of EventsOCTOBER

The Festival at Fort Willow

September 29Springwater

The Bay Studio Tour

September 29-30Penetanguishene

and Tiny

Images Studio TourOctober 5-8

Ontario’s Lake Country

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Sainte Marie

among the Hurons October 6-7

Tay

Elmvale Fall Fair

October 4-6Elmvale

Drysdale’s Halloween Family Fun Festivities October 6-28

Egbert

Black Harvest

October 27Collingwood

PumpkinfernoOctober 4-30 (Evenings)

Tay

Last Blast

October 13Minesing


DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

Frozen in Time Ice Festival

December 27-30Collingwood

An Evening of Halloween

October TBAMinesing

Collingwood Santa Claus

ParadeNovember 17Collingwood

First Light November 22- December 8 (Evenings)

Tay

Tree LightingCelebration & Santa Claus

ParadeNovember 17

Barrie

Santa Claus Parade &

Tree LightingNovember 24

Wasaga Beach

FunderlandNovember 25

Wasaga Beach

Christmas Past and PresentDecember TBA

Minesing

Innisfil Studio TourNovember 3-4

Innisfil

Drysdale’s Christmas

Holiday VillageNovember 17-23

Egbert

Midhurst Arts and Crafts

Home TourNovember 24-25

Midhurst

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Clearview Township is a rural community located nearby the neighbouring towns of Wasaga Beach and Collingwood. Spectacular views from the heights of the Niagara Escarpment to the vast Minesing Wetland, our rolling landscape is a four-season paradise for hikers, cyclists, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.Clearview Township hosts a number of amazing festivals, including the Small Halls Festival in October. The Festival celebrates its nine Community Halls with arts, cultural, live concerts, dance, comedy, culinary delights and Agricultural events. Take a stroll down the main street, through Stayner’s historic commercial district, where you can enjoy a hot coffee, a fresh cinnamon bun, and the friendly atmosphere. Stayner is known for its many parks and waterways, and its well-preserved Edwardian architecture.A charming “off the beaten path” experience, Creemore offers early Ontario charm, a shopping district full of unique treasures and of course, its famous brewery. Visit our Saturday morning farmers’ market or stop for a bite at one of the restaurants and cafés along Mill Street, and don’t miss the many festivals and events that mark Creemore’s calendar.

clearview.ca


Welcome to South Georgian Bay, encompassing Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Meaford, Clearview and Wasaga Beach. Explore caves and caverns along the Niagara Escarpment, relax on the longest freshwater beach in the world, discover unending hiking trails, or revel in stellar music, art, theatre and dining experiences. It’s no secret. South Georgian Bay has some fabulous outdoor places to visit. The blue waters of Georgian Bay, the dozens of rivers and creeks that feed through the region, the vistas from The Blue Mountains and the Niagara Escarpment, the Scenic Caves; the possibilities of enjoying the great outdoors here are endless. Explore the stunning shores of South Georgian Bay on foot, or cycle the 650km of mapped routes along the trails. Visit a vineyard or tour one of many local breweries. Taste the local bounty. Visit historic downtown Collingwood and the picturesque villages of Meaford, Creemore, Stayner and Thornbury. For every season, here is where you come and escape the ordinary for the extraordinary.

VisitSouthGeorgianBay.ca

EXPERIENCE.SIMCOE.CAEXPERIENCE.SIMCOE.CA

World famous for its clear water, rich forests, and abundant snowfall, the Georgian Bay area is a four-seasons playground offering swimming and skiing, fishing and hunting, boating and snowmobiling.Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, a peninsula creates a unique coastline of sandy beaches and protected bays where societies have thrived for centuries. We call it the Heart of Georgian Bay.Here you’ll find historical attractions, like Titanic’s older sister, 1000-year old artifacts, a re-creation of the first European settlement in Ontario, and a British Naval & Military Base from the war of 1812.There’s remarkable architecture in a shrine to martyred Jesuit priests, demonstrations of the rich and varied local ecosystem, live music and theater, and boat tours of beautiful Severn Sound.Plus, extensive walking & cycling trails, spectacular golf courses, first-class marinas, stylish boutiques, local artisans, farmers’ markets, a range of dining experiences, and accommodation for every budget.

gbay.ca


Located along the western shore of Lake Simcoe, Innisfil is an all-season destination offering year-round entertainment and activities for the whole family. Innisfil has kilometres of shoreline and outdoor activity areas where you can relax and enjoy fun in the sun at one of our many area beaches, marinas or parks. Or why not tee off on one of our many golf courses set in natural beauty with lake views and rolling hills? You can freefall more than 12,000 feet from an airplane, scuba dive in Lake Simcoe, view wheel-to-wheel stock car racing, experience the thrill of harness racing, or try your luck at the OLG Slots.Whether you are looking for an adrenaline pumping adventure, a relaxing getaway or something in between, Innisfil is the perfect destination. Home to numerous marinas, golf courses, beaches, parks, shopping venues and eateries, Innisfil has something for everyone.

innisfil.ca


Ontario’s Lake Country (OLC), Orillia and area’s four-season playground, is located just one hour north of the GTA. We boast a variety of activities to satisfy your vacation needs and we are conveniently located to maximize your vacation time. Surrounded by fresh water lakes connecting with the Trent Severn Waterway allowing easy access to water activities. Challenge yourself at our golf courses, rejuvenate at our luxurious resorts, spend a day exploring the local cycling or walking trails, or simply enjoy our quaint shops and delectable restaurants. Make sure to include a visit to Casino Rama for big time excitement, creating the perfect entertainment experience. OLC offers live theatre, world renowned local artisans and diverse cultural experiences packaged with award winning accommodations. Regardless of what your interests are you can enjoy incredible stay and play packages and escape from it all.Visit our website for a full list of festivals, events and packages. Come for the excitement and leave with the memories!

OntariosLakeCountry.com


Don’t just drive through.... STOP in Springwater!How often do you drive past zebras? STOP at the Elmvale Jungle Zoo to admire the beauty of over 300 rare and exotic birds and wildlife from around the world.Are you hungry for fresh local produce? STOP at the Springwater-Elmvale Farmers’ Market – held every Friday morning in Elmvale. You have to ‘make it, bake it or grow it’ to be part of the Market. Year round, you can STOP at Nicholyn Farms-your choice for locally produced, organic and traditionally raised foods.Do you need some excitement? STOP at the Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival or Fall Fair to enjoy community fireworks displays, and experience the War of 1812 re-enactments! We’ve got it going on in Springwater Township!

springwater.ca


Wasaga Beach has been long hailed as one of Ontario’s premier tourist destinations.For over a century tourists have travelled to the welcoming shores of Nottawasaga Bay, to stroll along 14 kilometres of white sand beach, swim in warm, clean waters and enjoy the panoramic mountain views across the Bay.The Town offers an excellent variety of accommodations and restaurant choices. Special events are planned almost every weekend and evening entertainment abounds. Perhaps the best kept secret in Wasaga Beach is the endless recreation trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.The trails have easy access routes to commercial centres, yet only a few feet away you are once again lost in the beauty of the sand dune system and abundantly forested landscape. Bring your camera and your sports gear. Our trail system is unforgettable.For those wanting a change from land-based activities, try casting your rod in the Nottawasaga River for some magnificent game fishing. There are also boat rentals available and great canoe routes to explore.We truly are a 4-season destination here in Wasaga Beach! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

wasagabeachtourism.com


The Town of New Tecumseth is a unique municipality comprised of the three vibrant centres of Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham.Balancing small town charm and a mix of urban and rural amenities, New Tecumseth is a desirable destination to explore one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, catch a show at The Gibson Centre for Community, Arts & Culture or, for those interested in history, the Museum on the Boyne is a great place to learn about the town’s rich past. You can also visit the Banting Homestead, birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.Climb aboard the South Simcoe Railway to enjoy the scenic views offered by the Beeton Creek Valley or plan to attend one of New Tecumseth’s many festivals including the Alliston Potato Festival, Beeton Honey and Garden Festival, and Tottenham Bluegrass Festival.Visit our website for a full list of businesses, festivals and events to plan your stay!

newtecumseth.ca


South Simcoe is located on the western shores of Lake Simcoe, less than one hour from the Greater Toronto Areas.This area is known for its rich fertile farm land, and unique attractions and award winning events. Take a walk or cycle through the beautiful County forest tracts and trails, or tee it up at one of the many scenic golf courses.Attractions include an historic steam train excursion, a working honey farm, museums, galleries, artisans, and historic main streets.Agricultural and music festivals are celebrated throughout the year. South Simcoe hosts two events of Ontario’s top 100 events as voted by Festival of Events Ontario (FEO), the Alliston Potato Festival and Carrot Fest in Bradford West Gwillimbury. Entertainment for all ages!Experience where town meets country. For more information go to experience.simcoe.ca

experience.simcoe.ca


What are you doing this weekend? Orillia hosts amazing festivals and events all year long! Perch Festival; Streets Alive!; Festival of Banners; Spring Boat, Cottage & Outdoor Show; Blues Festival; Canada Day Celebrations; Mariposa Folk Festival; Scottish Festival; Leacock Summer Festival; Waterfront Festival; Classic Car Show and more are waiting for you!Hilarious summer theatre at the Orillia Opera House, first class shows at Casino Rama and free summer band concerts at Couchiching Beach Park add to the excitement!Exceptional dining choices, trendy shops, museums, art galleries, colourful Farmers’ Market and our Island Princess Cruise Boat top our leisure list.Waterfront parks, beaches, boardwalk, great trails, golf, fishing, snowmobiling and more are bound to quench your thirst for the outdoors!Bordering Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching on the spectacular Trent-Severn Waterway, we welcome thousands of boaters each summer to the Port of Orillia, our 220 slip transient marina, steps from downtown!All this fun is less than a 90 minute drive North of Toronto! Call or check our website to see what you could be doing this weekend!

orillia.com


Escape the everyday and come to Barrie for a weekend getaway!Barrie is where your family memories and fun filled adventures start. Barrie lies on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe, just 40 minutes North of Toronto up highway 400.Barrie sets the stage for year around festivals, celebrations, concerts and events. Come spring, Barrie starts the warm weather with Spring Festivals, Art Tours and The Barrie Waterfront Festival. The summer months bring the Jazz and Blues Festival, Paddlefest, Kid Fishing Festival along with Downtown Barrie’s Promenade Days and Craft Beer & BBQ Festival. Come to one of the largest outdoor arts, crafts and music festivals in Ontario-Kempenfest on the August long weekend. Lawnchair Luminata is every Wednesday throughout the summer in Heritage Park, along with The Barrie Thunder Classics Car Show.With the cool breeze and changing of the leaves comes more family events in the pumpkin fields and farms located on the outskirts of Barrie. Spectacular festival and events continue through the winter months starting with Barrie’s New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown and Winterfest on the first weekend in February.Barrie’s live theatre scene is all abuzz with critically acclaimed seasonal productions, nightly performances and weekly debuts at several venues across the City year round. Come see a live performance by Talk is Free Theatre, Theatre By The Bay, or the Kempenfest Community Players. Many more cultural events take place in the Maclaren Art Centre as well.For more details on all the festival and events taking place in Barrie go to: tourismbarrie.com or see it for yourself on YouTube.com/VisitBarrie

www.tourismbarrie.com


Age Friendly Events in Simcoe County

The County of Simcoe endeavours to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities to ensure everyone can access events and attractions

Look for events in this guide marked with a green dot

TSC AF events 2017.indd 1 11/27/2017 10:11:15 AM


experience simcoe county

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