By admin Friday, May 16, 2014

I’ve got my summer calendar out and am trying to figure out how I can make it to all of the fantastic Ontario festivals that are on throughout the summer.  From food, wine & beer, to art & music & more, there are so many festivals to enjoy, I don’t know how we are going to choose! Here are some ideas:

Ribfests:

For all of the carnivores out there, there’s nothing quite like visiting a Ribfest during the summer months.  In addition to the delectable BBQ Ribs, there is always entertainment, vendors, activties and loads of fun for the whole family. Three delicious suggestions are: Toronto Ribfest presented by Rotary Etobicoke – Canada Day Weekend, June 27 – July 1. Pickering Rotary Ribfest – May 30-June 1, 2014, Stouffville Country Ribfest (GTA) Aug 8-10, 2014 & Lindsay Ribfest (Eastern Ont.) Aug 14-17, 2014. There are lots more on the Summer Fun Event calendar too!

Music Festivals:

Now that we can finally get outdoors, summer nights can be filled with the sounds of music!  Three festivals celebrating great music are:  RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest July 3-13 2014, (Ottawa) the Porquis Blues Festival (Northern Ont.) July 18-20, 2014 & the Sound of Music Festival – Canada’s largest free music festival (GTA) June 7, 12-15, 2014.  Other festivals range from Jazz to Classical to Rock to Indie and World to Country.

Wine & Beer Festivals:

One thing I always look forward to when the warmer weather comes is relaxing on the patio with a glass of wine or a cold beer.  These next festivals are a great way to discover some new summer tastes.  Niagara Wine Festival (Niagara)  June 14-22, 2014, Toronto’s Festival of Beer (GTA) July 25-27, 2014 Eastern Ontario Festival of Beers (Eastern Ont.) May 31st, 2014 & the London Beer & BBQ Festival (Southwestern Ont.) June 20-22, 2014. There are also a bunch of great foodie festivals too!

Sandcastle Festivals:

What better way to enjoy the summer than in a sandbox? These festivals showcase incredible creations all made out of sand!  Master sand sculptors and amateurs alike come out to compete at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival (Central Ont.) Aug 2, 2014 & the Sauble Beach Sandfest (Southwestern Ont.) Aug 8-10, 2014.

Kids’ Festivals:

It’s always easier to drag kids out to an event that’s geared especially to them. This summer there’s the 1000 Islands Pirate Festival  (Eastern Ont.) Aug 2-4, 2014, Puppets Up – International Puppet Festival (Eastern Ont.) Aug 8-10, 2014 & the Burlington Children’s Festival – full of superhero fun. (GTA) Aug 16-17, 2014.

Arts & Crafts Festivals:

The best Ontario artisans are on full display at these incredible summer arts & crafts festivals. Here are just 3 of the many art events happening this summer:  Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is the largest juried outdoor art exhibition in Canada (July 4-6, GTA),  the 31st Annual Picton Art & Craft Sale features over 200 vendors (Picton, July 31) and  Kempenfest features a huge Arts & Crafts Show, Antique Show, Music & Midway (Aug 1-4, Barrie)

There are truly so many incredible festivals and events on this summer – I’m just sorry that I couldn’t include them all here.  The remaining challenge for me is how to fit as many as possible into my summer plans – hmm….

MIchelle Brandes
Summer Fun Guide Newsletter Editor