Summertime in downtown Orillia means streets are bustling with live entertainment, cultural experiences, and a variety of fun festivals and events. This season presents a hefty lineup of theme-days and activities for you to enjoy, check out what’s coming up!
Summer Saturday Nights
June 9 to August 31
Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
It’s not summertime in downtown Orillia without the feeling of leisurely taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the downtown from a street-side patio. Enjoy the fresh, lake country air while you dine at some of the Sunshine City’s most wanted culinary hotspots. This popular, weekly event sees select downtown Orillia streets closed for extended patios for an alfresco, European-style dining experience.
Downtown Festivals & Markets
Mariposa Folk Festival Downtown Stage
Friday, July 5, 11:30am – 5pm
Orillia’s largest music festival is once again featuring Mariposa Folk Festival’s showcase winners on the FREE Downtown Stage! Come check out the Showcase Winning Acts, bring the kids, and enjoy the live music and activities to get into the Mariposa Folk spirit in Downtown Orillia. For more information, visit Mariposa Folk Festival.
Downtown Vintage Market
Friday, July 5, 10am-6pm
This event will be filled with interactive demos, handmade goods, unique products, live music, street animation, and interactive activities for the entire family, courtesy of our featured vendors and downtown Orillia businesses!
Orillia Scottish Festival
July 19-21, Parade July 20
Get your kilts and bagpipes ready! The Orillia Scottish Festival is one of Orillia’s longest running festivals, featuring three days of Scottish pride and culture! The big parade comes through Downtown Orillia on Saturday, July 20th when the streets will be filled with music and drums.
24th Annual Classic Car Show
Saturday, August 24
A jaw-dropping collection of over 300 classic cars line the Downtown streets! Enjoy live entertainment, great dining, shopping, and the largest car show in the region!
Starry Night Studio & Gallery Tour
Saturday, August 24
Walk the downtown streets under the stars for an evening of music, art, and culture! Orillia’s art community welcome visitors to see their studios and galleries, along with pop-up exhibits and vendors for one night only. Music and entertainment line the streets and restaurants feature artists and musicians.
Steps from the Port of Orillia
Orillia’s downtown connects seamlessly with the Port of Orillia and Couchiching Beach Park. Shop and dine downtown and take part in all the fun events happening at the Port of Orillia this summer.
Mardi Gras
Saturday, July 27
The Port of Orillia transforms into a vibrant and colourful Mardi Gras extravaganza! Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, where the spirit of New Orleans comes alive on the shores of Lake Couchiching. This event features fun, shenanigans and celebration.
Waterfront Festival
August 9-11
The Orillia Waterfront Festival Features entertainment, food, a vendor market, new and used boat sales, a Cardboard Boat Race, and a dog diving dog contest! The festival will feature a vendor market with a wide range of unique vendors showcasing everything from hot tubs to one-of-a kind clothing and decor items.
Pirate Party
August 31 – September 1
On Labour Day Weekend, the Pirates of Lake Couchiching storm the Port of Orillia. This amazing family fun-filled weekend features in- water Pirate displays, a Pirate Village with live re-enactors and demonstrations and a “plank walk” where the pirates send local politicians and business leaders into the water.
Music in the Park
Sunday evenings throughout the summer, 6:30pm-8:30pm
For nearly half a century, Orillian’s have gathered at the Rotary Aqua Theatre on warm summer evenings to enjoy the sounds of local big bands. Free to the public, this beloved tradition has become a musical feast for the community fostering a sense of unity and connection amongst attendees. As the sun sets over the historic venue next to Lake Couchiching, the melodies of the big bands resonate, creating a timeless and harmonious backdrop for friends and families to come together. This iconic gathering continues to weave the threads of nostalgia, community, and musical appreciation, marking the Rotary Aqua Theatre as a symbol of unity and enjoyment for generations past and those yet to come.
Downtown Orillia is busy year-round! Keep up to date with upcoming events and activities in and around Orillia!
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