Fun in the sun: 48 August events in SEO

This is it, folks! We’re at peak summer now - this is what we’re longing for in the depths of winter. Savour summer with these 48 memorable events in South Eastern Ontario!

1. Aug. 1 to 3: Moto Craft Festival

Two-wheeled fun! The ultimate motorcycle gathering at Base31 in Prince Edward County, celebrating bikes, speed, music and art.

2. Aug. 1 to 3: Le FestivILES 2025, Gananoque
Be sure to check out this bilingual festival featuring both French and English music in Joel Stone Park, alongside a craft market. Le FestivILES is back for its 4th season with a fantastic lineup of free events, including live music, live theatre, artisan markets, and much more!

3. August 1 to 2: Glengarry Highland Games
Music, dance, sports, fiddling, pageantry and tradition in Maxville! The Glengarry Highland Games is a huge crowd pleaser from August 1 to 2, 2025 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!

4. Until Aug. 16: St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Prescott
Picture Shakespeare against the beautiful backdrop of the St. Lawrence - it’s a summertime tradition in Prescott! The only professional outdoor theatre in the St. Lawrence Seaway area is on stage at the outdoor amphitheatre on Prescott’s waterfront. Witness Much Ado About Nothing running to Aug. 9; Sherlock Holmes and the Vanishing Hours until Aug. 9, as well as Play On! A Shakespeare Inspired Mix Tape, August 12 to 16, 2025.

5. Until Aug. 16: Mary Poppins at Thousand Islands Playhouse
Chim-chimney! The beloved story that captured hearts across the world is on stage in Gananoque for the summer as a practically perfect musical - don’t miss it at this beautiful riverside setting.

6. Until Aug. 16: Kick & Push Festival
With innovative performances that push the boundaries of theatre, expect the unexpected at The Kick & Push Festival! This annual festival in Kingston is a professionally run month-long summer festival featuring award-winning Canadian performers and original, internationally award-winning work across alternative and traditional venues in Kingston.

7. Fridays in August: Sunset Ceremonies at Fort Henry
Military precision, stirring music, thunderous artillery - get ready for the Fort Henry Guard at its finest! This awe-inspiring evening is a summer tradition in Kingston with disciplined marching and rifle drills to live drumming and an epic fireworks finale!

8. Saturdays in August: Outerbridge Magic - Mysteries of the Keyhole House in Merrickville
Hollywood headliners and social media sensations, Ted and Marion Outerbridge, are bringing their internationally acclaimed and family-friendly show to The Pews in Merrickville! Find out what happens when two of Canada’s master illusionists move into a century-old house that’s rumoured to be haunted!

9. Aug. 2: Princess Street Promenade Kingston
Take a stroll down Princess Street and revel in this popular festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 2! 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!

10. Aug. 2: Rock the Pavilion in L&A County
Get ready for a night of live music, local flavour, and community spirit at Rock the Pavilion! Hosted by the Amherst Island Agricultural Society, it’s set against the scenic backdrop of the fairgrounds’ new pavilion, Rock the Pavilion will bring together Loyalist communities, and showcase incredible local talent with The Islanders, Whiskey Smoke, Jeff Code and the Silver Wings, and Rev It Up performing!

11. Throughout August: Workshops at White Barn Blooms, Vankleek Hill

Let your floral creativity shine with workshops with White Barn Blooms in August! Yoga and Blooms with Emily Vanderbeek is set for Aug. 2, while on Aug. 6 and 27 find Wine and Design at Vankleek Hill Vineyard. Edible Blooms and Bouquets with Flora Kitchenette is on the calendar for Aug. 9, with Wine and Design on Aug. 13 and 16 at Storehouse Vineyard!

12. Starting Aug. 5: Arts in the Park, Cornwall
Arts in the Park is back for its 40th season! The annual concert series returns with a lineup of free concerts - with 8 shows in August and a free family outdoor movie. All shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Lions Club Bandshell located at the East end of Lamoureux next to the Civic Complex. Look for the full August line up, bring a chair or a blanket and plan to attend!

13. Aug. 7 to 10: South Grenville Bluegrass Festival
Celebrating the 10th anniversary! Get ready for picking and grinning as the South Grenville Bluegrass Festival is ready to heat up the Spencerville Fairgrounds from August 7 to 10, 2025 with remarkable bluegrass talent from as far afield as Missouri and Nashville. This is one event not to be missed!

14. Aug. 8 and 9: Winchester Dairy Fest
An “udderly” fantastic family event in Winchester! Get ready 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 mooooove and grooooove at the dairy dance!

15. Aug. 8 to 10: Kingston Sheep Dog Trials
Watch brilliant dogs at work and play! The 2025 Kingston Sheep Dog Trials and Canadian Border Collie Association National Championships return to Grass Creek Park for another weekend of fun. The festival brings back the competitive sport of trialing, as well as tons of family and pet-friendly activities.

16. Aug. 8 to 10: Brockville Ribfest
A real taste of summer with a fun and festive atmosphere! This three-day festival from August 8 to 10, 2025 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, rib eating contest, beach volleyball, vendor village and more!

17. Aug. 9: Full Moon Kayak near Lyndhurst
An evening under the stars and full moon! This special kayak includes a campfire, desserts and herbal tea, glow sticks, two hours of kayaking, a guide, a full moon celebration and more. Pre-registration required.

18. Aug. 9: Livestock Music and Craft Festival at Second Chance Ranch in L&A County
Live music, handmade crafts and farm animals! Sounds like a banner day. The Livestock Music and Craft Festival is held at Second Chance Ranch where visitors can find everything from jams to artisan jewellery. Top off the day by getting up close to the farm animals that call Second Chance Home!

19. Aug. 9: Murney Fest in Kingston
Join in the fun to celebrate 100 years of the Murney Tower Museum with history, food, live entertainment, crafts – fun for the whole family! Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the park outside of Murney Tower.

20. Aug. 9: Women’s Art Festival, Kingston
Did you know that Kingston is home to the longest running Women’s Art Festival in Canada? This year marks the 42nd year of the Women’ Art Festival so be a part of it in City Park and find more than 150 of the best Kingston-area artists in an enthralling marketplace, with music, kids activities, local eats, vibrant art installations and more. Celebrate women’s creativity in the arts!

21. Aug. 9: Soul Float by The Love Loft in Bloomfield
This immersive experience marries intentional sound and the sensation of weightless floating. This two-hour soul-nourishing open float at a historic Bloomfield century home is a serene take on the traditional sound bath.

22. Aug. 9 to 10, and 16 and 17 - Wynn Farms Sunflower Festival
The forecast for August is sunny! Bask in the beauty of the fields at Wynn Farms Sunflower Festival carrying over for two weekends in August. This family-friendly event includes a bouncy castle, sand pit, face painting, ice cream, pick-you-own sunflower, wandering in the sunflower fields, a colouring context and much more. Make this month mellow yellow!

23. Aug. 9: Chefs Michael Acero and Zach Littlejohn Redefine Seasonal Dining
Exceptional dinner highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients harvested from the farm, complementing refined Japanese techniques! Guests to this event at Littlejohn Farm will be welcomed with a garden cocktail, a guided tour of the property, live DJ music and a curated menu crafted by chefs Zach Littelejohn and Michael Acero.

24.Aug. 9: Cornwall Waterfest Dragon Boat Races
Celebrating all things on the water! Cornwall Waterfest is making a splash with family fun, dragon boat races, a vendor market and live entertainment. This annual event is celebrating its 13th year - food and drink are available on site.

25. Aug. 10: Immersive Forest Bathing in Frontenac Park
Experience the magic of a guided forest bathing walk! Reconnect with nature, slow down and allow the forest to soothe your mind as Certified Nature Therapy and Trainer, Claire Beach, guides the group on a three-hour walk that finishes with a light snack and tea.

26. Aug. 10: Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Days, Gananoque

Officers from the Gananoque Police Service and other law enforcement agencies will help kids cast a line at Joel Stone Park! Look for boats from RCMP, OPP, Coast Guard, Ministry of Natural Resource, Brockville Police, Canada Border Services, Oceans and Fisheries, Parks Canada and the Learn to Fish program. Get ready for a memorable intro to fishing!

27. August 12 to 24 – Summer Workshops at Stone Manor Studios
Explore the timeless charm of Stone Manor Studios, nestled in the heart of the Rideau Lakes area, and let your creativity bloom. This historic 1860s stone estate, located in the historic village of Newboro, is alive with vibrant art workshops throughout August including art journaling, wildflower weaving, floral fibre painting and more!

28. Aug. 12 to 17: Discover L&A County Block Party 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 are coming to Napanee on Aug. 12 to 17 to take part in an elevated Block Party Geocaching Event! With a water cache canoe cruise, a night sky stargazing tour, live music, guest speakers, scavenger hunt and so much more it’s going to be a blast!

29. Aug. 12 to 17: PEC Jazz Fest

The Prince Edward County Jazz Festival is bringing together top jazz talent, from local heroes to international stars in our beautiful wine-country setting. Now in its 24th season, the PEC Jazz Festival has gained a reputation as the true jazz-lover's festival, with something for every jazz fan! Get your tickets soon - some performances are already sold out!

30. Aug. 14 to 17: Poutine Feast Brockville
A travelling poutine festival, you say?! Sign us up! Poutine Feast showcases the best poutine vendors from across Ontario. Set to roll into Brockville at Centennial Park from Aug. 14 to 17 - visit Canada’s largest touring poutine fest and find your favourite! Vegan and gluten free options available.

31. Starting Aug. 14: Homage Exhibition at Cline House Gallery
Fred McSherry’s new exhibition, Homage, runs from Aug. 14 to September, with an opening reception Saturday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. Other Gallery events include Art on Screen on Aug. 22 featuring a short film on Quilting, Connection and Community; as well as the Art and Language Lab on Aug. 27. Experiment and explore your creative side at Cline House Gallery in August!

32. Aug. 15 to 17: Belleville Caribbean Festival
Embark on a Caribbean adventure in the heart of Downtown Belleville! Feel the rhythms of reggae, soca, calypso, and other genres as talented musicians take the stage; enjoy the flavours of Caribbean cuisine. Get your groove on and join the lively street parade and more!

33. Aug. 15 to 23: BIGLAKE Festival in PEC
BIGLAKE is celebrating its 5th season! “Hidden Gems” in Prince Edward County will feature 14 concerts by renowned musicians from Aug. 15 to 23. See exceptional artists from around the globe in befitting locations around the County. Explore the artists in this year’s festival and get your tickets early! BIGLAKE is sure to be an inspiring and moving festival.

34. Aug. 16 and 17: Doors Open Rideau Lakes
In coordination with the Ontario Heritage Trust, sites of historical, cultural and natural significance will be open with free admission throughout the township! Rideau Lakes is unlocking 19 sites for behind-the-scenes tours and activities! From a former jail to a stunning mansion, and from a working heritage mill to private tours of a national scientific resource, see more at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/rideaulakes.

35. Aug. 16: Art on the Farm at MacKinnon Brothers
Free admission on Saturday! A large-scale art installation woven into the fabric of MacKinnon Brothers Farm. Celebrate creativity rooted in nature, through this artistic experience curated by Birdgirl Arts and featuring live music by The Kildeers.

36. Aug. 16: ABBA Revisited at the Port Theatre
Back by popular demand, ABBA Revisited is live at The Port Theatre, August 16! Sing and dance to the hits you love by this tribute group that has a big fan base. Doors open at 7 p.m.

37. Aug. 16: Beats by the Beach Frontenac
Enjoy local, live music in a beautiful waterfront setting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Point Beach in Sydenham! Bring a chair or picnic blanket and get ready for toe tapping and finger snapping.

38. Aug. 16: Shop the Street Brockville
Step into a magical fairytale shopping experience as King Street transforms into a dreamy, shopping and entertainment haven! Look for local businesses and vendors streetside with booths, live music, free gifts, a best dressed contest, and more. A fairytale fantasy!

39. Aug. 16: Greek Fest in Kingston
Opa! This is where food, live music, dance and community unite! Taking place at the Greek Banquet Hall in Kingston, admission is a non-perishable food item of cash donation to the Partners in Mission Food Bank.

40. August 16 to 17: Doors Open Cornwall
Want personal access to unique buildings and places in Cornwall? Get a behind-the-scenes look during Doors Open August 16 to 17, 2025! From historical houses to modern marvels of construction, Doors Open has something for everyone.

41. Aug. 17: Back to the Farm at MacKinnon Brothers
The ultimate beer and music festival is celebrating 10 years! 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 August 17, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and see The Trews, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Terra Lightfoot, Miss Emily, The Rural Alberta Advantage and more.

42. Aug. 19: Twilight Tuesday Maker’s Market in Brockville
Explore a world of handmade treasures, unique items, savoury foods and much more from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tunnel Plaza.

43. Aug. 22 and 23: Lost and Sound Festival, Long Sault
The Lost Villages Brewery is hosting the Lost and Sound Festival just minutes away from the beautiful St. Lawrence River in the village of Long Sault. Join in the day of craft beer and local music!

44. Aug. 23: Comedy Country, A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy

Comedy Country returns in Prince Edward County with another full slate of hilarious shows, comedy workshops and big laughs! Step out of the house for an unforgettable evening with Carolyn Taylor (Baroness von Sketch Show) reuniting with Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly (CBC Radio’s This is That). These comedy powerhouses come together for the first time since their early days at The Second City! With 13 live shows from July to December, including a new monthly mid-week series, a world premiere production and all-local comedy bootcamp, Comedy Country is set to deliver big city laughs with small town charm.

45. Aug. 23: Night Sun at Leopard Frog Barn near Battersea

For the first time in 25 years, folk band Night Sun will return to performing at Leopard Frog Barn in Battersea. Showcasing award-winning songwriting and musicality, this band will hit the stage from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with their love of traditional music.

46. August 23 and 24 - Cornwall Triathlon
Did you know the Cornwall Triathlon has raised more than $300,000 for local charities in the past? Youth Day is Saturday, Aug. 23 where young champions are offered an initiation into the sport in a fun, non-timed environment. Then on Sunday, Aug. 24 the adult events take place, including Olympic triathlon, sprint duathlon, spirit triathlon, try a tri and more events. The Cornwall events are unique in that they offer traffic-free courses in the city’s core on both days. Everyone is welcome, whether athletes, volunteers or spectators!

47. August 24: Savour the Field - Brunch at Springfield Farms

Escape the city and immerse yourself in a truly special rural experience with Savour the Field, an Indigenous farm-to-table culinary journey at Springfield Farm Organics in Apple Hill. This outdoor experience features a soul-nourishing meal centered around moose and cornbread, accompanied by traditional Indigenous refreshments, and crafted with fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby producers.

48. Aug. 30 to Sept. 1: Launch into Labour Day in Cardinal
Canine Watersports Canada is ready to bark up the right tree in Cardinal as dog jumping is returning! Watch pups soar through the air and get hooked on this addictive sport. Come see the action and tail wags.

No matter where you are this August in South Eastern Ontario it’s sure to be full of good times and summer fun!