July in South Eastern Ontario: 67 Ways to Celebrate Summer
Summer is heating up in South Eastern Ontario! It’s such a sweet and sizzling time in the region - and events are ramping up. Discover what makes the region shine in July! Look at these 67 chances to explore everything from lavender to the night sky. Make a splash in SEO this month!
1. Throughout July: Grease at the Thousand Islands Playhouse
Grease is the word! It’s shaping up to be one of the hottest shows of the summer so grab your friends and hand-jive back to the 1950s for a summer night at the Playhouse! Running various dates throughout July and August.
2. Saturdays in July and August: Outerbridge Magic Mysteries of the Keyhole House at the Pews in Merrickville
This isn’t just a magic show. Step inside an immersive journey into the unexplained, where every illusion deepens the mystery. With cutting edge theatrical illusion, a compelling narrative, world class dance and high-energy magical adventure, Ted and Marion Outerbridge deliver a performance that has it all. It will leave the whole family spellbound!
3. July 1: Canada Day in L&A
Don your maple leaves, as well as red and white, and cruise around L&A County this Canada Day! Look for activities in six communities across the region.
4. July 1: Canada Day in Kingston
O Canada! Come on down to Confederation Park and Springer Market Square from 12 pm to 10 pm to celebrate Canada Day on July 1! Enjoy live music, arts and cultural programming, food trucks, a fun filled kids’ zone and of course a fireworks finale.
5. July 1: Canada Day in Gananoque
Celebrate Canada Day with a full day of arts, entertainment, and family-friendly activities at Town Hall Park! The town is hosting FIFA FUn Fest from 10 am to 12 pm in Town Park - test your skills, trivia, music and games. Enjoy markets, art displays and live art demos alongside local crafters. The event features an exciting lineup including a drum circle show, bird of prey show, line dancing, Qui Pong, balloon art, a boomerang demonstration, and a magic show. Then be sure to stay for stunning fireworks!
6. July 1: Fireworks across 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterways
Looking to celebrate Canada Day with a bang? Fireworks are set in lots of communities across the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterways. Cow Island near Portland hosts fireworks on Big Rideau Lake; Hardy Park and Blockhouse Island set the scene in Brockville; the Legion Park in Cardinal has a show, while Riverside Park in Kemptville also dons the red and white! Prescott along the river knows how to celebrate the day, while the Seeley's Bay fireworks in Centennial Park are known for a great small town show. Finally, Newboro and Westport have a whole day of activities planned, with fireworks celebrating Canada at dusk in Westport.
For more Canada Day events, check our destination partner websites.
7. July 2 to 3: Rock the Acres at Happy Green Acres in Brockville
Tribute bands from some of your favourite Rock ‘n Roll bands! Rock the Acres features the AC/DC Show - Canada, Heartbroken, Sister Luck (Black Crowes Tribute), the Johnny Canuck Show, and so many more. Rock on this summer!
8. July 2 to 26: The Beaver Club at Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg
Buckle up and get ready to laugh! Join four hilarious ladies as they pile into an old car and head out on a riotous cross-country road trip from Toronto to Dildo, Newfoundland in this new hit comedy that’s taking theatres by storm.
9. Starting July 2: County Stage 2026 Season
For more than 17 years, County Stage Company has been bringing the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages of The County to life with theatre, music, art and food! This summer is no exception - starting July 2 with Monks at The Red Barn at The Eddie; First Date starting July 11 at The Regent Theatre; Mouthpiece starting July 17 at Mount Tabor Playhouse, and Pinocchio starting July 25 at The Eddie Outdoor Pavillion.
10. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Vintage Picnic at the Rose House Museum in Waupoos
Special picnic alert! This is the real deal - on Fridays throughout the summer, enjoy a 90-minute picnic experience including a private tour of the historic 1800s farmhouse, a demo of traditional weaving with Viktoria Brave and a picnic basket goodies stocked with local fare. Delightful!
11. July 3-5: EH! Game Expo at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston
Join in to compete, spectate, play casually, cosplay, shop or satisfy your curiosity, Eh! Game Expo is a weekend for people who love gaming. Expect a full weekend of gaming and esports with tournaments, Indie games, vendors and live events.
12. July 3: 200 Years, One Big Celebration at Macpherson House
This landmark is celebrating its 200th birthday with a free afternoon packed with music, games, and activities! From traditional Indigenous drumming and storytelling, to high-energy roaming performers, creative stations and lawn games, the house and grounds will come alive!
13. July 4: Oeno Gallery’s 2026 Sculpture Garden Celebration in PEC
This free, family-friendly event transforms one of the largest outdoors sculpture gardens in Canada into an afternoon of art, music, food and community! From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 enjoy live music, local food and drink and pop-up art experiences throughout the garden with almost 200 contemporary outdoors sculptures including 50 new installations this season!
14. July 4-5 & 11-12: PEC Lavender Festival
Where do live bands, buskers, wagon rides, children’s activities, and a petting zoo collide with distillery demos and pick your own lavender bouquets? At the Prince Edward County Lavender Festival, of course! Add local food trucks to that, alongside lavender baked goodies and loads of photo opps among the purple blooms and you’ve got yourself a core memory kinda day.
15. July 4, 11, 18 and 25: Wine & Cheese Pairing & Discover Tour at Broken Stone Winery
A little vineyard adventure! Join proprietors Tim or Micheline on a guided tour of the vineyards, including engaging stories, interpretation at different stages, and three wine tastings along the way.
16. July 4 to 5 & 11 to 12: Lavender Bloomfest at Lavender Queen
Lavender Queen Lavender Farm is awash in purple at this time of year - witness it in person! Each visitor to the fields also received a fresh cut English lavender bundle and ice cream!
17. July 4 and 5: Williamstown Rodeo
Experience the adrenaline of the toughest sport on dirt with thrilling rodeo events! This action-packed weekend sees the Williamstown Rodeo ride into Williamstown Fairgrounds, in collaboration with Black Creek Rodeo Co. Be there!
18. July 5, 12, 19 and 26: Summer Sundays at Bishops House of Glengarry
Join in every Sunday in July from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for live outdoor concerts featuring beloved local talent, from traditional Glengarry fiddling to Celtic ensembles! Bring your lawn chairs, soak in the sounds, and enjoy the relaxed summer atmosphere. Located across from St. Raphael’s Ruins National Historic Site, visitors are also invited to tour the historic home and learn about the significance of one of Glengarry’s most treasured heritage settings.
19. July 5, 12, 19, 26: Trunk Shows at the Mustang Drive In PEC
It’s flea market vibes with unique local makers! Sundays throughout the summer, stroll the show to discover art, crafts, makers and collectibles from noon to 5 p.m. Find a treasure!
Daily hands‑on fun at Upper Canada Village’s Family Activity Centre, open throughout the main season. Designed especially for families, this lively space invites kids to step into the 19th century through dress‑up, classic games, and playful learning. Next, indulge in the timeless Victorian tradition of afternoon tea at historic Willard’s Hotel, one of Upper Canada Village’s oldest and most charming buildings. Served by costumed staff! Did you know there are ASD–Sensory Friendly Sunday Mornings at Upper Canada Village? That’s right, every Sunday morning offers a quieter, more comfortable way to explore 1860s village life. Designed for guests on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing differences, these mornings feature reduced crowds and gentle interactions with trained staff. See what else is planned at the Village this summer!
21. Saturdays throughout July: Kemptville Street Piano
Enjoy free musical adventures every Saturday at the North Grenville Public Library Terrace at 1 Water St. including blue grass, folk , pre-war jazz, blues and both local and out-of-town singers.
22. July 5 to 31: Life on the Island exhibition at Wolfe Island Gallery
Award-winning painter, sculptor and teacher, Nancy Steele, is showing an exhibition of her recent work at the Wolfe Island Gallery during July. Nancy is also hosting a Plein Air Oil Paint Workshops July 9 to 11, where guests can learn the joys of plein air painting. All levels welcome!
23. July 5: East Coast Summer Picnic featuring chef Jamie Kennedy at Maison Maitland
An exceptional summer evening along the St. Lawrence River, celebrating food, place and purpose. Hosted by Maison Maitland, the event is welcoming celebrated Canadian chef, Jamie Kennedy for a thoughtfully curated East Coast inspired menu. What’s more, proceeds support the launch of a free Work Hard, Eat Well summer camp in 2027— where youth learn to prepare and enjoy healthy meals, build confidence, and stay active.
24. July 7 and 23: Sunset Supper Series at Waupoos Island Camp
Outdoor dinner party? Yes, please! The Sunset Supper Series brings together the best of local food, wine and island charm. Look for a different local chef each supper sesh, curating a seasonal menu inspired by local flavours. Of course, no PEC dinner is complete with a local wine pairing - set off by live entertainment. Sounds like a perfect evening.
25. July 8 and 22: Night Tours of the Historic SDG Jail
Built in 1833, the Historic SDG Jail served as a maximum- and minimum-security jail until it closed in 2002. Realize a new level of spookiness and spine tingling appreciation for the jail with new guided night tours!
26. July 9 to 11: Eastern Yachting Circuit Regatta
The Bay of Quinte Yacht Club is hosting these special historic races this summer! See almost 70 yachts with more than 200 competing sailors at the Eastern Yachting Circuit Regatta, best viewed by spectators around Meyers Pier in Belleville. To cap it off, The Bay of Quinte Yacht Club is hosting the event as part of the club’s 150 Jubilee Celebrations!
27. July 9 to 12: Kingston Buskers Rendezvous
Over 35 years of entertainment in Downtown Kingston! The Kingston Busker Rendezvous is back with a weekend filled with incredible performances from International, award-winning buskers. See circle street shows, a kids zone, Busker play, the grand finale and more - with free admission!
Elgin Days is a multi-day village wide summer celebration with live music, vendors, and community spirit! The streets are lined with yard sales, a delicious chicken barbecue is cooking, free children’s events are all over town and there is something for everyone!
29. July 10-11: Laser Guided Stargazing Tour at L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area
Get an informative laser-guided tour of the night sky and maybe peek through a telescope! These popular tours take place near a new moon, weather permitting. This is a fantastic way for novice stargazers to get to know the night sky. See it as it was meant to be seen!
30. July 10, 18: Waterside Summer Series on Amherst Island
Don’t miss this series, presenting excellent musical entertainment in the intimate setting of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church on Amherst Island! On July 10, hear Cheng 2 Duo, one of the finest cello/piano duos touring today featuring Bryan Cheng, cello, and Silvie Cheng, piano. Next up on July 18, hear Arsentiy Kharitonov performing on piano, who Fanfare Magazine touted as in the top ranks of keyboard players today.
31. July 10: Waupoos Islands Women’s Retreat
The perfect chance to gather with friends and connect in PEC! It’s the second annual women’s retreat at Waupoos Island Camp - designed by women, for women. It’s all about nourishing body and soul, gentle movement, relaxation and meaningful growth.
32. Wednesdays throughout July: Concerts at The Grotto in Alexandria
Summer just got a whole lot more pleasing to the ears! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy concerts at the Grotto every Wednesday evening in July and August. The Grotto is located at 92 Centre Street, Alexandria. It's free to attend! The concerts run from 7 to 8 p.m. but The Quigley Highlanders Pipes and Drums kick things off at 6:30 p.m.!
33. Select days in July: Meet me on Main Street in SDG Counties
It’s all about community at three events hosted in different places by friendly faces! Look for live music, food and family activities at all stops. Check out the plans in North Glengarry with the communities of Dunvegan, Alexandria and Maxville hosting. Communities in North Dundas are also hosting! Find Meet me on Main Street events in July in Morewood, Marionville, Chesterville and South Mountain!
34. July 11: Vinter’s Dinner at Karlos Estates
Indulge in an inspiring evening of culinary artistry at Karlos Estates! Experience an incredible five-course, plant based feast curated by visionary chef, Chris Byrne. This signature farm-to-table dining experience pulls together award-winning wines, local fare and memory-making evening in PEC’s wine country. Vinter’s Dinner events quickly sell out so secure tickets soon!
35. July 11: It’s All About the River in Morrisburg
Stroll down to Morrisburg’s Waterfront Park on July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a celebration of the St. Lawrence River! Free for the whole family, the event will see river related booths, demos, crafts, kids activities and food. Look for free rock climbing wall, free popcorn, free games and lots of interactive info from river organizations! River lovers, unite!
36. July 11 and 12: Battle of Crysler’s Farm War of 1812 Re-Enactment Weekend, Upper Canada Village
Experience one of the most pivotal moments in Canadian history during the Battle of Crysler’s Farm War of 1812 Re‑Enactment Weekend. Step into authentically recreated British and American military camps and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of early‑19th‑century life.
37. July 15: Open Trails at Wintergreen Studios
This self-guided opportunity invites the public to come explore the trails at Wintergreen at your own pace! While no staff are on site, as this is an independent activity, printed trail maps and hiking poles are available on the Lodge porch. Enjoy the land!
38. July 16 to 19: Lansdowne Fair
Four days packed with fun and entertainment for all ages! Look for a horse pull, mini horse show, tractor and truck pulls, midway, live music, delicious dinners, and loads of family and kids entertainment! Bring your chair and dancing boots!
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39. Select dates in July: Arts in the Park in Cornwall
Arts in the Park annual concert series returns with a lineup of dozens of free concerts and an outdoor movie on select nights in July and August. All shows begin at 7 p.m. at the Lions Club Bandshell located at the East end of Lamoureux next to the Civic Complex. Enjoy the music!
40. July 16 to 18: Downtown Trenton Festival on the Bay
Downtown Trenton is the place to be in mid-July for summer fun, food, and shopping! Enjoy a pancake breakfast each morning, a sidewalk sale and artisan vendors, live music and entertainment, dragon boat races on Saturday, as well as fireworks on Friday at dusk.
41. July 17 to August 8: St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Prescott
Professional theatre on the banks of the St. Lawrence! The only professional outdoor theatre in the St. Lawrence Seaway area is on stage at the gorgeous venue on Prescott’s waterfront. Witness the world premiere adaptation of Romeo and Juliet bringing Shakespeare’s words together with the timeless music of Canadian icon, Joni Mitchell! Get ready to see this fully-staged musical!
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42. July 18: Dark Sky Triple Feature
Plan to come to the L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area where visitors will receive a laser-guided stargazing tour, then be able to look through the 16″ Dobsonian Telescope and learn about seasonal constellations, Finally, guests will get an up-close view of the moon through the telescope.
43. July 18 to 19: Avonmore Fair
Experience the Avonmore Fair and all it has to offer, from live music to livestock shows, Saturday Night Line Dancing, to the inflatables and rock-climbing wall it’s a fun time you won't want to miss!
44. July 18: Lavender Festival at Lavande Braydale in Moose Creek
Experience the beauty of lavender in full bloom! It will be a magical day in the lavender fields filled with music, laughter, and activities for the whole family! Join the owners on a guided tour, hear live violin music in the fields, get your face painted, enjoy a special treat and stroll the fields.
45. July 18: Skýlla Festival on Wolfe Island
The island comes alive with artists, powerful music, immersive workshops, and a market filled with women and gender non-conforming creators. This powerful gathering is shaped by energy, creativity and strength that is present when women and gender diverse people come together. Don’t miss this unique unforgettable day!
46. July 18 and 19: A Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival
The waterfront village Portland is hosting a celebration of 200 years since construction began on the Rideau Canal! See antique boat displays on water and on land, boat building demonstrations, guided boat tours on Big Rideau Lake, an information showcase, plus interpretive talks by authors and storytellers.
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47. July 19: North Grenville Lavender Festival in Oxford Mills
Turn your weekend into a fragrant escape at Lavender Mills Farm! Get lost among the lavender in full bloom at this free event. Stroll rows of purple fields, pick your own fresh lavender to take home, browse goods, listen to live musicians and gently fuel your visit with a cup of coffee. This is for all the lavender lovers!
49. July 19: Flowering Wild in PEC
This immersive floral experience brings together a collective of local florists, growers and land-based creatives to transform a restored private heritage farm in PEC into a floral installation. The event is accented by interactive programming with family-friendly art activities as well as insight into Indigenous seed stewardship!
50. July 23: National Youth Orchestra of Canada at the Isabel in Kingston
Experience the next generation of Canadian musical talent with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, where young musicians from across the country come together at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts to perform world-class repertoire with passion and precision.
51. July 23 to 26: The Delta Fair
One of the longest running agricultural fairs in Ontario, The Delta Fair is a summertime highlight for the area for generations. The Delta Agricultural Society is celebrating 196 years of the fair in 2026! Enjoy fun for the whole family with children’s shows, a midway, games, truck pull, horse and animal shows, lawn mower races, live entertainment, homecraft exhibits, and much more.
52. July 23 to 26: Ribfest Cornwall
Cornwall’s biggest summer festival returns for four mouth‑watering days of food, music, and family fun along the St. Lawrence River! Taste award‑winning ribs from across North America, have a blast at the full midway, dance to live entertainment, and enjoy down home community activities! This is one of the region’s most anticipated annual events.
53. July 24 and 25: Two Nights in July at the Empire Theatre Belleville
Feel the beat! It’s a live music extravaganza as the Empire Theatre welcomes Finger Eleven, Ash Molloy and Station 301 on Friday, July 24 as well as Kim Mitchell, Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip and Luscious on Saturday, July 25! Be there.
54. July 24-25: Off Season Dance Festival at Hotel Wolfe Island
This two-day dance festival brings some of Canada’s most compelling artists to Wolfe Island! Featuring five diverse works spanning ballet, contemporary and Afro-fusion this is a rare opportunity to witness the full range of Canadian dance excellence in a rural setting! Perfect for lifelong dance lovers, dancers, or those experiencing live performance for the first time! All are welcome.
55. July 25: Andrew Collins at Leopard Frog Farm
These are some special times! Mandolin maestro, Andrew Collins, is bringing his trio’s signature newgrass and genre-blending style to this historic farm and 19th century barn overlooking Loughborough Lake. Settle in and be inspired - but don’t be surprised if you get up to dance!
56. July 25: Savour the Sips in Downtown Belleville
Sip, sip, hooray! Savour the Sips returns July 25 from noon to 3 p.m. as Downtown Belleville dives into a flavour experience. Be there to taste the results and vote as businesses compete at crafting the best hot or cold non-alcoholic beverage. You can help crown the People’s Choice! It’s a family friendly affair - so bring the whole gang.
57. July 25: Up Close with the Moon at L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area
Have you ever looked at the moon up close? Knowledgeable volunteers at the Dark Sky Viewing Area will teach visitors about the moon, and give an up close look at the surface by looking through the 16″ Dobsonian telescope.
58. July 25: Live from 22 at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing
Get ready for an unfiltered R&B throwback par-teh! We’re talking a night of 90s and early 2000s jams featuring Wing Night - Toronto’s premier Hip-Hop and R&B cover band. They are encouraging guests to dress the part: yep, that means baggy denim, hoops, bandanas, jerseys and tracksuits. You know it’s going to be a time.
59. July 25: Fort Henry Tattoo in Kingston
A vibrant celebration of tradition, talent, and military musical heritage. Experience one of Fort Henry’s signature summer events as award‑winning military and civilian bands bring the Parade Square to life with powerful musical and military excellency, culminating in a massed band grand finale and fireworks.
60. July 25: High Tide Lobster Supper at Closson Chase
Settle in for a truly special experience! This is an unforgettable East Coast lobster supper at Closson Chase Vineyard in PEC, set among the vines. Crack the code on Charlotte Langley’s coastal cuisine, paired with Closson wines, for a lively reception and an immersive - and very enjoyable - culinary event.
61. July 25: The Arrogant Worms at The Pews in Merrickville
The Arrogant Worms have spent over three decades making fun and music! See them deliver an evening of tuneful and silly escapism at The Pews!
62. July 26: First People's Pots in Deseronto
Journey into story, tradition and fire with First People's Pots, an intimate cultural experience hosted by Mohawk artist Marleen Murphy of Millside Ceramics in Deseronto. Set within her personal studio, this hands-on workshop invites guests to slow down, listen deeply and connect. The experience includes a shared traditional meal, offering space for conversation, reflection, and connection. Look here for upcoming workshop dates and details - including three in August, as well!
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63. July 30: Prince Edward County Art and Crafts Sale
Discover pottery, stained glass and clothes, meats, sauces and more during this one-day-only, don’t-miss-it event with juried artisans at the Picton Fairgrounds.
64. July 30 to August 2: Le FestivÎLES in Gananoque
Back for its 5th season! Le FestivÎLES has a fantastic lineup of FREE events, including live music, live theatre, artisan markets, and more! Performances by Sugar Crush, Kristine St-Pierre and the Juggling Chef!
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66. July 30 to Aug. 2: Poutinefeast in Cornwall
Cornwall Poutine Feast returns to Lamoureux Park with four days of gourmet poutines, live entertainment, and family‑friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy dozens of creative poutine varieties from award‑winning vendors along the waterfront.
67. July 31 to August 1: Glengarry Highland Games
A welcoming event where you’ll be amazed! Each year since 1948, thousands of visitors have congregated at the Glengarry Highland Games for an outstanding display of music, dance, sports, fiddling, pageantry, and tradition! Join in the revelry for the North American Pipe Band Championships, heavyweight events, highland dancing, fiddling, traditional Celtic entertainment, and more.
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South Eastern Ontario is the place to be this summer! Explore and connect with the land, food, yourself and community.
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