After a two-year hiatus for big, in-person events, we are so pumped to hear that many of our favourite festivals are finally happening again this year! These major community festivals and shows draw thousands of visitors and are looked forward to all year long as a chance to say hey to friends, meet new ones, and cut loose a little.

So whatever else you have planned for this summer, mark your calendars for at least one of these awesome Ontario’s Highlands events, because we’re back, baby!

*Feature image from Stewart Park Festival in Perth

Spirit of the Drum Powwow

When: Saturday, June 11-12, 2022, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Smiths Falls

Learn more about Indigenous culture and history in Smiths Falls this summer as the popular Spirit of the Drum Powwow is back again this year. Head to Duck and Turtle Islands to watch Indigenous dancers dance to the beat of a traditional drumming circle – you can even join in the dancing yourself and be part of the experience.

Renfrew Bluegrass Festival 

When: July 7-10, 2022
Where: Ma-Te-Way Park, Renfrew

If you love bluegrass music, this outdoor event in beautiful Ma-Te-Way Park in Renfrew needs to go on your bucket list. Performers include The Grascals, Nothin’ Fancy, and Woodsmoke, to name a few, and the show is going to be awesome. Get your tickets before they sell out, here.

Stewart Park Festival

When: July 15-17, 2022,
Where: Stewart Park, Perth

For 30 years the Stewart Park Festival has been the destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers to experience a smaller scale Woodstock-esque, free, musical outdoor event. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a cooler with a picnic lunch or snacks and park yourself in beautiful Stewart Park in downtown Perth for three days of music, dancing, and fun.

Haliburton Art & Craft Festival 

When: July 22-24, 2022
Where: Rail’s End Gallery, Haliburton

Browse the art of more than 100 artists in this juried show adjacent to beautiful Head Lake Park in the heart of Haliburton. More than simply an art show, you can expect to see buskers and watch art demos, sample craft beer, and more.

Puppets Up!

When: Aug. 12-14, 2022
Where: Downtown Almonte

After a six-year hiatus, Puppets Up! Is back and will be bigger and better than ever this year. Head to Almonte for a fun day filled with the amazing world of puppetry, set in one of the cutest small towns in Eastern Ontario. You won’t find an event quite like this anywhere else.

Tweed Elvis Festival

When: Aug. 25-28, 2022
Where: Tweed, Ontario

The story of how the small town of Tweed became renowned for its association with the King is one you’ll want to check out before heading to this sanctioned Elvis event. Get ready for a full weekend of everything Elvis, from the music to the clothes and more. Blue suede shoes are optional.

Bonus:

Wilberforce Fair 

When: Aug. 5-6, 2022
Where: Wilberforce, Ontario

This one is not quite a festival, but we couldn’t resist including the biggest little fair in our list. If you’re looking for a small town event that is overflowing with community spirit and that hometown feel, this fair is it. Get ready for children’s activities, the horse and pony pull and the nail driving competition, and a full day of old fashioned fun that will take you back to yesteryear.

Attractions