Rockin' Patios for Live Music

Live music and patios go together like yin and yang, salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, or….well, you get the picture. When you’re dining on a patio with a band playing beside you, your food tastes better, the night stars are brighter, and the laugher of friends and family is even more precious.

If you’ve been missing watching local bands sing in the great outdoors, we have good news: your wait is over. This summer, say no to virtual and watch a live performance, in person.

Haliburton Highlands Brewery - Haliburton

Music pairs perfectly with a cold brew and a patio under the stars, and at Haliburton Highlands Brewing Co. you can enjoy both at the same time. While you’re at the brewery, browse the Ukuleles for sale because oddly enough they also happen to be the premier Canadian location for several renowned Ukulele brands. Just in case you feel a song coming on.

 Who’s Playing: Choose from performances from Dizzy & Fay, Susan Aglukark, John McDermott or Nick and Benton.
Important Dates: Live performances are hosted in partnership with Abbey Gardens and take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in August (evening and matinee shows). Get a weekend pass or get your tickets by the performance. 

Boshkung Social - Minden

If you’re at loose ends on a Wednesday evening, Boshkung Social is there for you. A satellite location of Boshkung Brewing Co., Boshkung Social is located in the heart of Minden and has a large patio, just perfect for hosting live bands.  Food served at the Social is made by the popular Rhubarb Restaurant, with a unique, Boshkung Brewing twist.

Who’s Playing: Past performances have been from the brother and sister duo, Kim Galloway, and Nick and Benton.
Important Dates: Check with Boshkung Social for details, but know they host live music every Thursday all summer.

Neat Coffee Shop - Burnstown

Not quite a patio, but Neat Coffee Shop's “shed sessions” are a unique response to COVID, and so far the reviews have been outstanding! If you can’t make one of these performances (or they are sold out) we still recommend a swing past Burnstown for a Neat meal.

Who’s Playing: These folks have hosted so many musicians! Upcoming shows are from Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club, and Said the Whale.
Important Dates: At the moment tickets are still available for performances Aug. 5, 12, 14, 19 and 28.

Dominion Hotel - Minden

Known for their live musical events, the Dominion Hotel is the place to be for dinner and a show. Their new Boathouse is the perfect venue for live music. Book a table for six and then plan to have dinner at the same time.

What's Playing: Upcoming performances will be from The Salt Cellars and Ian Tamblyn.
Important Dates: Check their website for full details and to purchase tickets, but a few up upcoming dates are Aug. 5, 7, 19, and 28, plus more dates into September.

Waterfront Gastropub - Carleton Place

This spot has a stellar view of the mighty Mississippi River as it flows through Carleton Place. Worth the drive, here you can enjoy a live performance and great food after getting in some shopping in downtown Carleton Place.

Who’s Playing: Upcoming performances are from the Mojo Bros., Jimmy Cochrane, Brock Zeman, Al Tambay and Spencer Scharf.
Important Dates: Patio performances are on Saturdays and Sundays between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. There is also live music inside almost every day of the week!

Bonnie View Inn - Haliburton

Wednesday nights are live music nights on Bonnie View Inn's brand new patio! Enjoy dinner only feet from beautiful Kashagawigamog Lake in Haliburton Highlands. 

Who's Playing: Upcomiing performances include Emily Burgess with Nick Russell, Shawn Steinhart, Jeff Moulton with Dan O'Neil and Gary & The Rough Ideas (and more!).
Important Dates: Performances are on Wednesday evenings between 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. all summer long. See the full line-up here. 

7/62 Craft Brewery - Madoc

You can expect a great show on 7/62 Brewery's patio in summer on select dates. Located in the heart of Madoc, 7/62 Craft Brewery sits at the crossroads of Highway 7 and Highway 62 and opened in 2019 (brand new!). 

Who's Playing: Madoc's own Ben Thompson hits the stage at 7/62. 
Important Dates: Next performance for Ben Thompson is on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is a $10 cover charge. 

BONUS: Music at Home

These aren't quite patios, but they're close! Here are two options where the patios and music come to your backyard or dock.

• Nick and Benton Forest Concert: Get your tickets for Nick & Benton's Forest Concert at the Old Logging Museum in the Haliburton Forest. This is not quite a patio, but there will be food provided by Truss Foodworks. Invite your friends or family for an outdoor performance beneath the stars. You can also book a bonfire session on your own lawn, dock, or patio at home!
• Munch Music: Book a Munch and Music session through Yours Outdoors for a private performance at your home or cottage. They'll bring the food and the musicians and take care of all the details for you!

*featured photo credit to Brad Brown