It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to gather in person, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. If you have been missing gathering with friends and family to watch a live performance, dance under the stars, watch a play, try a new watersport, or just hang out together, the time is now.

Celebrate the summer in person at one of these fun events in Ontario’s Highlands.

Buskerfest - Stirling

When: Aug. 20-21, 2022
Where: Kings Mill Cider, 596 Kings Mill Rd., Stirling

Remember when festivals and events featured buskers strutting their stuff on streets and sidewalks? This summer, you can see all the best of busker-action at the Kings Mill Cider Buskerfest. A partnership between Kings Mill Cider and The Stirling Festival Theatre, this event is located on 37-acre area and features music, comedy, juggling, magic, and more.

Tickets: Tickets are available in advance from the Stirling Festival Theatre website, and are approximately $25 each.

Spirit of the Drum Powwow – Smiths Falls

When: June 11-12, 2022
Where: Duck and Turtle Islands, Smiths Falls

Celebrate Indigenous culture at a fun and educational two-day powwow on Duck Island and Turtle Island. This free, family-friendly event features Indigenous music, dancing, vendors, and more. Take part in the dancing, learn more about Indigenous culture and celebrate the arrival of summer in Smiths Falls.

Music at the Gardens - Haliburton

When: Aug. 12-14, 2022
Where: Abbey Gardens, Haliburton

Choose the day you’d like to visit or visit them all! This event is an outdoor musical experience under a marquee tent at Abbey Gardens.  Some performances include a seated dinner outdoors.

Tickets: Range in price, depending on the performers, and are available from the website. Book a weekend pass for $300.

Water and Dirt Festival - Renfrew County

When: August 4-14, 2022
Where: Various locations throughout Renfrew County

If you love cycling, running, paddling, and swimming, this event really does have it all. Back again in 2022, 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.

Waterfront Live! – Pembroke 

When: June 17 to Aug. 29, 2022
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. Wednesday to Monday nights.

Tickets: These performances are FREE!

Tweed & Company Theatre - Tweed and Bancroft

When: July 27-31, 2022 (Ride the Cyclone), Aug. 17-28, 2022 (Mamma Mia!)
Where: Tweed and Bancroft

This summer you can see live music and theatre in two separate locations - at the Marble Arts Centre in  Tweed and the Village Playhouse in Bancroft. Purchase tickets to watch Ride the Cyclone, a Canadian off-Broadway cult musical, or the favourite musical of all time - Mamma Mia!

Tickets: Find tickets for performances in Tweed here and for performances in Bancroft here.

Tweed Stampede - Tweed

When: Sept. 2-5, 2022
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. 18 and Aug. 25, 2022
Where: Bonnechere Caves, Eganville

The Bonnechere Caves are once again hosting their popular live music series featuring Rock and Roll Singalong Picnic on Aug. 18 and Local Ladies Who Rock on the Rock on Aug. 25. Both shows start at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: Are $10 and available at the door.