Seasonal Blockbuster Events in South Eastern Ontario

Rosanne Lake

Save the date! See how each region shines in South Eastern Ontario this summer by taking part in these can’t-miss events. Plan your summer bucket list around these gems and fill your calendar with unique experiences across the region! Read on for the inside scoop on seasonal blockbuster events in South Eastern Ontario.

We’re over the moon about SEO events in June 2025

Tall Ships Festival, Brockville - June 20 to 22, 2025
Don't miss this popular waterfront festival! Brockville is a Canadian port of call on the 2025 Tall Ships route, and will host the prestigious tour of majestic vessels for the first time in three years. The city is one of only three Canadian ports to host the festival this summer! From hands-on exhibits to immersive ship tours, sail-out experiences and exploring maritime life, visitors will have the opportunity to engage in pirate-themed games, treasure hunts; learn maritime crafts and skills like knot-tying; watch traditional shipbuilding and rigging techniques and enjoy live entertainment.

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1000 Islands Regatta, Brockville - June 27 to 29, 2025
The 16th annual Brockville Hydroplane Festival is right around the corner and it’s set to be a splash of fun! Great fun for all ages witnessing Hydroplane Racing, live music and kid zones with vendors. See Canadian icons perform such as Honeymoon Suite, Road Apples, Shania Twin tribute and more!

Summer is starting to fly with South Eastern Ontario events in July 2025

Buskerfest in Downtown Belleville - July 5, 2025
This one’s a crowd pleaser and draws lots of folks from near and far! This extraordinary event on July 5 promises a dazzling array of performances by world-class entertainers, alongside many local talents. Be captivated with the unique artistry of busking while enjoying an electric atmosphere that celebrates creativity, skill, and community. 

PEC Lavender Festival - July 5 and 6 / July 13 and 14, 2025
Visit the beautiful farm at Prince Edward County Lavender! During this event, look for fab smelling plants, wonderful photos, children’s activities, live entertainment and even food! Discover all things lavender and feel the calm.

Kingston Busker Rendezvous - July 10 to 13, 2025
Celebrate the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous’ 35th edition! Known as the one of the top buskers festivals in Canada, Kingston audiences will witness a marvellous roster of global talents all over the downtown. With daytime performances in the streets and unbelievable circle shows to Buskers After Dark offering an immersive journey into the beating heart of urban creativity, the Kingston Busker Rendezvous is a jaw-dropping celebration of limitless talent in the streets of Downtown Kingston. Plan to be there!

Wendover Western Festival, Prescott-Russell - July 9 to 13, 2025
Giddy up to this festival July 9 to 13, celebrating all things country! Now in its 39th year, the Wendover Western Festival has been enjoyed for generations. Always a great program of music and children’s activities!

Lansdowne Fair - July 17 to 20, 2025
The fair that is going 161 years strong! The Lansdowne Agricultural Society presents this deep-rooted community fair with a midway, agricultural exhibits, amazing food, jam-packed main-stage schedule, and lots of nighttime entertainment. Experience a true country fair that is the highlight of the summer.

Downtown Trenton Festival on the Bay- July 17 to 19, 2025 
Join in the waterfront fun from July 17 to 19, 2025 and expect centre stage performances, sidewalk sales, a pancake breakfast, fireworks, Art in the Park and water fun!

St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Prescott - July 19 to Aug. 16, 2025  
Shakespeare against the beautiful backdrop of the St. Lawrence in Prescott – yes please! The only professional outdoor theatre in the St. Lawrence Seaway area is on stage at the gorgeous venue on Prescott’s waterfront. Witness Much Ado About Nothing opening on July 19 and running to Aug. 9; Sherlock Holmes and the Vanishing Hours from July 23 to Aug. 9,  as well as Play On! A Shakespeare Inspired Mix Tape, August 12 to 16, 2025.

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Delta Fair - July 24 to 27, 2025
Family fun since 1830! One of the summer’s hottest tickets in town. It’s ready to bring those summer nostalgia memories this July with entertainment, a midway, shows for the kids, tractor pull, horse pull, old fashioned homecraft contests, lots of mainstage entertainment, games and the tastiest fair food!

Empire Rockfest, Belleville - July 25 and 26, 2025 
Rock your socks off in Downtown Belleville at Empire Rockfest on July 25 and 26, 2025! Make it a summer to remember seeing David Wilcox, Trooper and Luscious on July 25, as well as The Arkells, Lights, and Jake Clemmons Band on July 26 at this outdoor festival.

FestivISLES 2025, Gananoque
Be sure to check out this bilingual festival featuring both French and English music in Joel Stone Park, alongside a craft market.

Don’t make your summer a bust - SEO events are hot in August 2025

Glengarry Highland Games - August 1 to 2, 2025
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!

South Grenville Bluegrass Festival - August 7 to 10, 2025
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!

Wolfe Island Music Festival - August 8 and 9, 2025
Indie bands and music lovers unite! The festival is set to make summer island memories, presenting Holy F*ck, Born Ruffians, Land of Talk, Chloe Doucet and more at St. Margaret’s Hall!

1000 Islands Gananoque Poker Run - August 8 to 10, 2025
For almost four decades, communities in the 1000 Islands have felt the need for speed – marvelling at the power on water as performance boats cruise local waters! A Poker Run is a game of chance and only the boat with the best poker hand wins. It’s all in the cards. Poker Runs America and Power Boating Canada are bringing the excitement to the St. Lawrence River on August 8 to 10, 2025 to thrill spectators and poker runners.

Kingston Sheep Dog Trials - August 8 to 10, 2025
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.

Brockville Ribfest - August 8 to 10, 2025
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!

Women’s Art Festival, Kingston - August 9, 2025
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!

Cornwall Waterfest Dragon Boat Races - August 9, 2025
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 celerating its 13th year - food and drink are available on site.

Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow - August 9 and 10, 2025
The Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow returns to Tsi Tkerhetoton Park on August 9 and 10! It sees First Nation communities come together to socialize, dance, sing, and honour the ceremonies of Ancestors. Visitors of all ages can spend the day immersed in traditional food, arts and culture – be sure to stop by more than 90 Indigenous vendor booths, too!

PEC JAZZ Fest - August 12 to 17, 2025
With almost three decades of jazz performance and music education under its belt, PEC Jazz Fest is the premier music festival of the summer in The County. From classic to cutting-edge modern and everything in between, it brings together top jazz talent, from local heroes to international stars. A true jazz lover's festival!

Discover L&A County Block Party and MEGA Geocaching - August 13 to 17, 2025
Did you know that Canada’s largest annual geocaching event is held in Napanee? That’s right! This year, L&A County is continuing with its MEGA traditions, but adding more amazing activities for a Block Party celebration! Earn a ton of geocaching items and find a variety of geocaches, like traditional, multi, mystery, letterbox hybrids, virtuals and much more. Meet up with old geocaching friends and make new ones in L&A County!

Belleville Caribbean Festival - August 15 to 17, 2025
This festival is a vibrant, annual celebration bringing the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean islands to the heart of Belleville! More details will be released in the coming weeks.

Doors Open Rideau Lakes - August 16 and 17, 2025
Rideau Lakes celebrates its heritage with Doors Open Ontario, back for the first time in eight years! Enthusiasts are invited to visit unseen historical places and discover timeless architectural, cultural and natural heritage experiences within the township - for free! Plan to attend.

Back to the Farm - August 17, 2025
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. 

Doors Open Cornwall - August 16 to 17, 2025
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.

Red Hot & Blue Rockabilly Weekend, Brockville - August 28 to 31, 2025
Four days of non-stop music in Brockville! This event on Aug. 28 to 31, 2025 has a rock n’ roll flair and is set with multiple artists performing throughout the city, as well as a vintage market, beach party, jive lessons and much more. Spice up your summer!

Murney Tower Centennial, Kingston - Throughout Summer 2025
Murney Tower is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! To mark the occasion watch for activities and workshops that the public can participate in such as free illustration classes for kids, storytelling workshops and a special centennial exhibit, Echoes of Time.

Winchester Dairy Fest - August 2025
An “udderly” fantastic family event in Winchester! Typically held the second weekend of August, 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!

Kick & Push Festival - July 25 to August 16, 2025
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.


Fall for events in September in South Eastern Ontario
 

Open Farm Days - September 5 to 7, 2025
Celebrate farming and food in Frontenac and Kingston! Learn about farms first hand by touring local farms with the farmers themselves! Walk to rows of veggies and flowers during harvest or enjoy a delicious culinary experience. Get a deeper understanding of where food comes from and appreciate the connection to the land.

Discover L&A Ride - September 6, 2025
Looking ahead to September 6, 2025 this annual road cycling event draws about 500 cyclists and starts and finishes up at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company! It’s 56 km and regarded as one of the best fun rides in the region! Grab some friends and explore L&A County on two wheels.

Akwesasne International Pow-Wow - September 6 and 7, 2025
Witness the best Native dancers, drummers and artisans from the region during this vibrant cultural experience! Taking place September 6 to 7, 2025 at Lamoureux Park, Tsikaná:taien/Cornwall, the Akwesasne Pow-Wow is the place to enjoy a one-of-a-kind music and dancing, to shop the beautiful creations of talented First Nations artisans and enjoy great food and great company.

Black Creek Pro Rodeo and After Party at Lombardy - September 19 and 20, 2025
Giddy up to the third annual Black Creek Pro Rodeo and After Party in the Barn at the Lombardy Agricultural Hall presented with Lombardy Agricultural Society! Experience the thrill of the rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing and more. Cap the night off live music by Highway Sunrise and The Derringers.

Ontario Culture Days, Gananoque - September 19 to 21, 2025
A weekend of free and inclusive events for all with music, storytelling and a parade! This special event features internationally acclaimed musician, David Maracle and Toronto artists and large-scale puppet makers, Catherine Moeller.

Lyndhurst Turkey Fair - September 20, 2025
The Lyndhurst Turkey Fair struts into town on Saturday, September 20, 2025 and is set to be a gobbling good time! This free day of family fun sees thousands of people come to Lyndhurst to experience antique cars, prize draws, silent auction, petting zoo, sidewalk sales, crafts, meet a mermaid, music and so much more!

Iroquois Apple Fest - September 20, 2025
The Iroquois Apple Fest is bushels of fun for the whole family! With a night parade, “cutest apple dumpling” baby contest, live music, baking contests, chicken dinner, live music, car show and much more, it’s bound to be a good time. How do you like them apples?!

Apples & Art Tour, SDG Counties - September 27 and 28, 2025
Celebrating 34 years of the Apples & Art Tour! Enjoy art in the spaces where it is created. Meet the artists, chat and see their work in a natural setting. The tour features a variety of artists who work with paint, ink, clay, fine stones, wood and glass to create original pieces of art.

Country fairs are a rite of summer in South Eastern Ontario! 

Plan the quintessential summer outing to the fair - just don’t forget the cotton candy.

Summer series in South Eastern Ontario 

A fun way to set the calendar for weekly or monthly events featuring live music, shopping, art and community gatherings. Look here for some great ideas:

What are your favourite ways to celebrate summer every year? Mark your calendar and plan your trip to South Eastern Ontario!