From concerts to musicals, wildlife paintings to larger-than-life sculptures, drama and dance, come and experience what Orillia & Lake Country has to offer.
Our region offers rich talent of arts communities and creative events unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Orillia has hailed nationally acclaimed artists like Franklin Carmichael of the Group of Seven, Emmanuel Hahn and Elizabeth Wyn Wood, to name a few. Take in an exhibition at a local art gallery or browse through an artist’s studio during a seasonal Studio Tour. Be prepared to discover budding new artists and the veterans.
Public Art & Galleries
Public art can be found around every corner when traversing through Orillia & Lake Country. Keep an eye out on your travels for a wide array of artistic talents!
Travel through Oro-Medonte to find the Art Trees of Oro-Medonte. A series of sculptured trees painted by local artists highlighting the natural landscapes of Oro-Medonte.
Orillia packs a robust public art scene which populates the City’s winding waterfront trails, major points of interest, and heritage sites. If you’re looking to take a self-guided tour, follow the City’s Public Art Map, which pinpoints 18 original artworks leading up to 2022. These installations are featured both outdoors and within public art spaces such as the Orillia Recreation Centre and City Hall.
The newest addition to Orillia’s public art lineup, Crossroads, Connections, and Intersections is a series of 9 original art works installed at 7 sites in 2023. With the City’s strategic location along the shores of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, between Highways 11 and 12, the Trans-Canada Trail, and within the heart of the four neighbouring communities, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn, and Rama First Nation, this public art project acknowledges Orillia’s history as a gathering place for Indigenous peoples for more than 5000 years. These installations can be toured with the series’ own art map.
The Orillia Arts District is a hub of artistic creativity. Featuring galleries of local artists, studio spaces, and art shops, be inspired by the talent right here in Orillia & Lake Country.
Every summer, downtown Orillia is dazzled with Streets Alive sculptures, themed to inspire artists and line the streets of the historic downtown with colourful pieces. Brechin unveils colourful bicycles, and the Village of Coldwater becomes a mecca of Steampunk art.
Take a country drive to find Simcoe County Barn Quilts mounted impressively on barns and farmsteads throughout Oro-Medonte, Severn and Ramara.
Events & Tours
Throughout the year, don’t miss out on annual art events and studio tours. In early summer the Arts for Peace festival brings together artists of all ages on the grounds of the Stephen Leacock Museum in a family-friendly creative event. In late summer, when the nights are warm, downtown Orillia welcomes the Starry Night Studio Tour for a spectacle of night-time shopping, music, and art experiences!
With so many talented artists living in Orillia & Lake Country, many open up their homes as part of studio tours during the year. The Coldwater & Area Studio Tour in June celebrates Severn artists with locations close to the Village of Coldwater. In the fall, on the Thanksgiving Weekend, the Images Studio Tour features artists across the region opening their homes to visitors on the backdrop of beautiful autumn landscapes.
Theatre & Entertainment
Take in a theatre production that moves you to a standing ovation. The Orillia Opera House is Orillia’s premiere stage where audiences are entertained with awe-inspiring shows from The OOH! Professional Theatre Series, one of the fastest-growing summer theatre companies in the province, as well as community group Mariposa Arts Theatre, travelling productions and more. Enjoy a concert from some of the biggest names in entertainment at Casino Rama Resort’s Entertainment Centre.
Heritage & Museums
Be intrigued by museums that display signature collections and rare pieces. The Orillia Museum of Art & History showcases the stories of Orillia’s past while inspiring future generations. The Stephen Leacock Museum is a National Historic Site celebrating the life and work of Canadian humourist Stephen Leacock. Head over to the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum for a step back in time to rural farm life on beautiful immersive grounds. In the heart of the Village of Coldwater is the Coldwater Mill, a historic site right on the banks of the Coldwater River. There is so much heritage throughout the Orillia & Lake Country region from historic sites to self-guided tours. Expand your horizons!
