Summer Starts Here: What's On in Ontario's Highlands

Summer is back, and it’s bringing the vibes. Whether you're craving toe-tapping music under the stars, delicious bites from local food festivals, or quiet moments in a charming small town, Ontario’s Highlands is where your summer story begins. 

This region comes alive with events that celebrate the season — and the people and places that make it unforgettable. From bustling weekend markets to laid-back lakefront concerts, there’s something to fill every sunny day on the calendar.

Waterfront Live! – Pembroke

When: All summer in 2025
Where: Riverwalk Amphitheatre, Pembroke

Just like the name implies, this event is a chance to watch live music at the waterfront in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, in Pembroke. Nightly music beneath the stars on a warm summer night, what could beat that? Performances run between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Tickets: These performances are FREE!

Mineral Capital Concerts - Bancroft

When: Wednesdays July and August, 2025
Where: Millennium Park Bandshell

Enjoy free live music all summer long at Mineral Capital Concerts in Bancroft, Ontario! Held Wednesdayevenings in Millennium Park, this family-friendly concert series features talented performers, a beautiful riverside setting, and a welcoming small-town vibe. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy great music in the heart of Bancroft.

Ottawa River Paddle Fest - Foresters Falls

When: June 27 to 29, 2025
Where: OWL Rafting, Foresters Falls

Head to the ultimate in whitewater destinations, OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River to celebrate the river itself during this three-day event. Expect live music, vendor marketplace, access to the paddling film festival and a story panel with Ottawa River experts. Bring your tent and camp right at OWL resort and access their resort amenities. This one is fun for the whole family. 

Ottawa Valley PaddleFest - Arnprior

When: July 12, 2025
Where: McLean Avenue Beach, Arnprior

Water lovers, this one is for you! Get ready to splash and play in the Ottawa River at the second annual PaddleFest. Take part in a river paddle, challenge a friend in the water bike race, or stretch and unwind with beach yoga. This event is all about the water, and is accompanied by live music on the beach to keep you grooving. 

Stewart Park Festival - Perth

When: July 18 to 20, 2025
Where: Stewart Park, Perth

For more than 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  - Haliburton

When: July 25 to 27, 2025
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.

Haliburton Summer Festival  - Haliburton

When: July and August 2025
Where: Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion, Haliburton

 Running from July through August, this community theatre company offers live performances that will entertain and inspire. Get your tickets in advance for this fun community theatre programming!

Tour de Forest - Haliburton Highlands

When: Aug. 2 and 3, 2025
Where: Various artist locations in Haliburton Highlands

In August, take a scenic drive through the Highlands and visit local artist studios. It’s a summer tradition that’s part road trip, part cultural experience. 

Wilberforce Fair - Wilberforce

When: Aug. 8 to 9, 2025
Where: Wilberforce, Ontario

Called "the biggest little fair around," this event is not quite a festival, but we couldn’t resist including it 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.

Summerdaze Music Festival - Pembroke

When: Aug. 9 - 10, 2024
Where: Pembroke, Ontario

Be in Pembroke for the fifth annual Whitewater Rocks festival, with two days of music featuring 16 bands. Get a weekend pass or day pass and rock the day away in the whitewater region of the Ottawa Valley.

Water and Dirt Festival - Renfrew County

When: Aug. 8 to 17, 2025
Where: Various locations throughout Renfrew County

If you love cycling, running, paddling, and swimming, this event really does have it all. Back again in 2024, you can explore the Ottawa Valley’s roads, trails, and parks in the “Dirt” side of the event, and still be able to splash it out with the fishing and paddling portion in the “Water” side of the event.

Tweed Stampede - Tweed

When: Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2025
Where: Trudeau Park, Tweed

Did you know that there are stampedes in this part of Canada? The Tweed Stampede and Jamboree offers the chance to experience something brand new with those who matter most. Immerse yourselves in unforgettable events like bronco riding, and experience the thrill of trucks trying to pull heavy equipment.  This festival wouldn’t be complete without the rhythms of country music to complete the experience!

Tickets: Get a weekend pass or book a campsite here.

Cavestock Concert Series - Eganville

When: Aug. 21 and 28, 2025
Where: Bonnechere Caves, Eganville

The Bonnechere Caves are once again hosting their popular live music series featuring Classic Rock and Roll Singalong both Aug. 21 and Aug. 28, 2025. Shows begin at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets are $10 and available at the door.