08 Jul Show Your #LocalLove at Simcoe Muskoka Festivals this Summer

Summer is in full swing in Simcoe Muskoka and there’s no shortage of things for you to do while the weather is nice. We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, so it would be a shame for you to miss out on all the fun before the leaves change colour.

One of the ways that you can have a great time and spread some local love is by checking out the many festivals that take place in our communities. No matter where you are, there’s bound to be a festival near you this summer.

Here are six festivals to check out across Simcoe Muskoka.

Midnight Madness and Street Dance in Huntsville

Friday July 19, 2019

6:00PM – 11:45PM

Now in it’s 42^nd year, prepare for a Friday night of fun, food and local shop specials. One of Huntsville’s most popular festivals, Midnight Madness fills the streets with activities and vendors for the whole family.

This year there will be a beer garden for adults and a street dance party for everyone, so bring your dancing shoes!

The event is free to attend.

Click here for more information about Midnight Madness.

Collingwood Elvis Festival

Friday July 26 – Sunday July 28, 2019

With over 18,000 people attending the Collingwood Elvis Festival each year, this weekend will undoubtedly be another fun-filled event. Enjoy all the shops that Collingwood has to offer while taking in everything Elvis.

The festival includes an outdoor street party, live music and—of course—and Elvis competition.

Tickets are required for many parts of the festival.

Click here for more information about the Collingwood Elvis Festival.

Kempenfest in Barrie

Friday August 2 – Monday August 5, 2019

Live music, art, food, antiques and family activities are just a few of the things you can do over the August long weekend at Kempenfest. Take in Barrie’s waterfront and the beautiful weather at a festival that draws in more than 350 exhibitors and more than 250,000 visitors.

The event is so big that they now have an app to help navigate the space. No matter what your interests, taste or musical preference, there’s bound to be something for you at Kempenfest.

The event is free to attend.

Click here for more information about Kempenfest.

Waterfront Festival in Orillia

Friday August 8 – Sunday August 11, 2019

Experience the Port of Orillia and the city’s waterfront at the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Waterfront Festival. More than 100 vendors will be at the festival with food, fashion, art and summer fun.

Highlights of the Waterfront Festival include the Dock Dogs Diving Contest and the Cardboard Boat Race, in addition to an amazing boat show.

The event is free to attend.

Click here for more information about the Waterfront Festival.

Carrot Fest in Bradford

Photo Credit: BruceGreySimcoe.com

Friday August 16 – Saturday August 17, 2019

Carrot Fest has been voted as one of the Top 100 events in Ontario for the last nine years by Festival & Events Ontario. What started as a celebration of the town’s agricultural past, Carrot Fest brings the community together to have a great summer weekend together.

The festival includes live music, hundreds of vendors and live shows ranging from BMX stunts to professional wrestling and more in a dedicated busker area.

The event is free to attend.

Click here for more information about Carrot Fest.

Tugfest Georgian Bay in Midland

Saturday August 17 – Sunday August 18, 2019

Tugboats played a critical role in the history of Simcoe Muskoka. Learn about this history and enjoy a beautiful weekend on Georgian Bay with 20 historic tugboats. The festival offers a mix of marine and family entertainment on the town dock, which also has entertainers, craft vendors, children’s activities, BBQing and more.

Be sure to take in the parade of lights, tug races and tour the boats before the participate in the famous Tug Push.

The event is free to attend.

Click here for more information about Tugfest.

What festivals are you going to attend this summer? Be sure to snap a picture while you’re having fun and tag it with #LocalLove so we can see all the great things happening in our communities.

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