Gananoque’s Le FestivÎLES Charts a New Course for Summer Fun

Le FestivÎLES, a bilingual celebration of arts, culture and community, returns to Gananoque this summer with a lineup as inclusive as it is vibrant. What began in 2022 as a grassroots revival now stands tall on the calendar. It’s a long weekend where heritage and creativity meet on stage, in the park and along the waterfront.

Le FestivÎLES offers a fresh, fun approach with programming for kids, families, art lovers and tourists looking to discover something off the beaten path.

It’s also intentionally bilingual, making it one of the only festivals of its kind in the Thousand Islands region. The event reflects Canada’s official language policy and a growing recognition of the area’s French-Canadian roots, from Loyalist-era settlers to contemporary newcomers who continue to bring cultural richness to the community.

Now entering its fourth year, Le FestivÎLES 2025 runs from July 31 to Aug. 3, with a lineup that’s equal parts playful and purposeful.

What to Expect in 2025

Gananoque’s downtown and waterfront will once again come alive with sights and sounds that animate every corner of the community.

Thursday, July 31
 The festival kicks off in Town Park, where the Farmers’ Market will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy live music by The Good Fortune Duo from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by Bilingual Trivia with Cliff from 6 to 7 p.m. Cap the evening off with a bilingual movie screening at the marina from 9 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1
 Events will run throughout the day at the Gananoque Public Library, the 1000 Islands History Museum and the 1000 Islands Boat Museum. In the evening, head to Joel Stone Park Heritage Park and Splash Pad for live music from 7 to 9:45 p.m., featuring Erica Brighthill followed by Yvan Petit.

Saturday, Aug. 2
 This day is packed: an artisan market, street performers, Plein Air painting classes, and a caricature artist will animate the downtown. At 2 p.m., don’t miss a rockabilly band performance paired with a jive dancing demonstration. That evening, Joel Stone Park hosts the Chantal Hackett Band, followed by festival headliners Les Rats d’Swompe from 7 to 9:45 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3
 Family Fun Day kicks off at 10 a.m. in Town Park with games, activities, face painting and more. From 10 to 11 a.m., The Juggling Chef will cook up some fun. At 11:30 a.m., enjoy the interactive kids’ show Monkey Rock Music until 12:30 p.m. The festival wraps up with a live play performance of L'École des Femmes at 3 p.m., also in Town Park.

There’s even more to enjoy throughout the weekend thanks to generous sponsorships from the Province of Ontario, City Cruises, ACFOMI, Centre Culturel Frontenac, Valley Eats and the Town of Gananoque.

A Nod to the Past

For those who remember the Festival of the Islands, the echoes are unmistakable. Outdoor music, artisan vendors, community gathering spots, and the embrace of summer’s final hurrah enticed people from miles around. But Le FestivÎLES is no tribute act. It’s a festival with its own identity, guided by today’s values: inclusivity, accessibility, bilingualism and cultural diversity.

It’s leaner, more responsive, and driven by a mix of municipal support and grassroots volunteerism. It builds on familiar traditions but adds its unique spin.

The Town of Gananoque, alongside tourism partners like Travel 1000 Islands, has invested in making Le FestivÎLES a regional draw, one that complements the town’s already thriving summer scene, which includes boat tours, art galleries, theatre productions and lively downtown patios.

What stands out most about Le FestivÎLES is the sense of ownership. This is a festival that belongs to the community. Volunteers, musicians, artists and local business owners all play a role in shaping its success.

Festivals like this one provide a safe, welcoming space to gather, create and celebrate. They are moments of joy, and Gananoque knows how to throw a good party.

Whether you’re a returning fan of the Festival of the Islands or discovering Le FestivÎLES for the first time, 2025 is a great year to explore what Gananoque has to offer. Pair your visit with a Gananoque boat tour, a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, or a stay at one of the region’s scenic accommodations.

For the latest schedule, accessibility details and vendor or volunteer opportunities, visit gananoque.ca or travel1000islands.ca.