Orillia and Lake Country is definitely the place to come if you are looking for big events for you and your family and friends to enjoy, all year round! With popular sold out music events like the Mariposa Folk Festival (July 7-9) and Boots & Hearts (August 10-13), now is the time to start planning your festival getaway to get that early-bird itinerary built!
Each April, enjoy live music at St. Paul’s Centre and throughout downtown Orillia, with Roots North Music Festival (April 20-23). Mainstage performers are always a thrill, Friday and Saturday night at the beautifully renovated St. Paul’s Great Hall. A cash bar adds to the fun, and a vendor’s market showcases a variety of wonderful local artwork for you to purchase.
During the festival, partake in performances throughout the weekend at various downtown locations, free with the purchase of your festival pass. Enjoy variety and quality in Orillia’s quaint main street, with live music as the added bonus. Check it all out at www.rootsnorthmusic.ca.
Continuing with the live music theme, Orillia and Lake Country is home to two huge summer music festivals: Mariposa Folk Festival, and Boots and Hearts.
Mariposa, held in early July, is known as the grande dame of folk festivals, with an over 60-year history. Held in Orillia’s beautiful Tudhope Park, on the shores of Lake Couchiching, it has an atmosphere like no other, with incredible music, picturesque views, many stages, a great Pub tent, delicious food, fantastic workshops, unique artisans, camping, and fun activities for kids in the designed Folk Play area.
Mariposa really is magical, for all ages. With good prices for weekend passes, better snap yours up today at www.mariposafolk.com.
Boots and Hearts is the biggest country music festival around, and makes its home at Burl’s Creek Event Park, in beautiful Oro-Medonte. Held in early August, visitors get to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather and big sky of Oro-Medonte, camp under the stars, and listen to the big stars in country music.
Boots also has great food vendors, drinks, and merch, and is a wonderful opportunity to have fun with friends and experience the magic of live music and a three-day camping experience like no other. Grab your tickets now at www.bootsandhearts.com.
Heading east and north out of Orillia, enjoy the Rama First Nation Powwow, held each August at the John Snake Memorial Community Multi-Purpose Grounds in Rama First Nation. This is the biggest and best powwow in Ontario, two days worth of incredible First Nation dancing, drumming, food, and culture. Follow the powwow on Facebook to find out more https://www.facebook.com/RamaPowWow.
Township of Ramara’s big event is the Ramara Classic Car Show, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in July 2022. Over 200 classic cars are showcased at this event each year, which draws thousands of admirers to Lagoon City in Brechin. This is a great opportunity for car fans to admire, chat, and learn with other enthusiasts. Check the Ramara Chamber of Commerce website for this super special event, https://ramarachamber.com/.
The Port of Orillia also hosts many great events each summer, including the Spring Boat Show (June 9 – 11) and The Waterfront Festival (August 11-13) with vendors, music and food, Christmas in June (June 24), Mardi Gras (July 29), and the much-beloved Pirate Party every Labour Day weekend (Sept. 1-3).
Couchiching Beach Park is another waterfront Orillia destination that comes alive in the summer time during the historic annual Scottish Festival (July 14-16). Shop the eclectic vendors, grab a delicious bite to eat, and celebrate Scottish culture during traditional dance, marching, and music celebrations.
Of course, there are lots of great places to stay in Orillia Lake Country while you are enjoying these events. You can find out more about accommodation here https://www.orillialakecountry.ca/stay/.
For up-to-date event listings, check https://www.orillialakecountry.ca/events/. Enjoy all the great events Orillia and Lake Country has to offer!
Mariposa Folk Festival banner image and first gallery image provided by Kerry Jarvis.
Roots North Music Festival images provided by Knight Vision Media.
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