July and August are full of organized events of every type including festivals, art gallery tours, competitive sports, live theatre, community fairs, wildlife education... and the list goes on. Find something that tickles your fancy and come on out for a great getaway.
This list is some of the highlights around Huntsville, north Muskoka, Algonquin Park and the south end of the Almaguin Highlands. Check back often as we'll add events as we hear about them. Got an event going on? Let us know so we can add it, too.
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Canada Day Celebrations
Huntsville
Join the party in River Mill Park and celebrate Canada.
July 1
Muskoka Heritage Place Strawberry Social
Huntsville
Canada Day festivities include free admission to the Muskoka Museum and regular Pioneer Village and Train admission. Includes strawberry scones, Canada flags and stickers, while supplies last. Costumed narrators, historical demonstrations, strolling minstrels and the Portage Flyer steam train chugs down the track. Visit
Muskoka Heritage Place for details.
July 1, 10am - 4pm
Reel Paddling Film Festival
Huntsville
Algonquin Outfitters brings this annual event to the Algonquin Theatre, showcasing the world's best paddling films. Be inspired by scenes and stories of rivers, lakes, oceans, and extreme adventure in wild places. Tickets $16. Visit the
Algonquin Theatre for details.
July 4, 7pm
Photography Workshop: Flora & Wildflowers
Algonquin Park
Learn about the beautiful wildflowers that carpet Algonquin’s hardwood slopes and how best to capture them in photos. Photographer/teacher Debbie Bradley will demystify camera settings and techniques and a Park naturalist will accompany the group for plant identification and to explain the natural history of the plant species we find along the trail. Enjoy a day of photography capturing the natural beauty of Algonquin Park, including an indoor instructional session and review, and hands-on experiential field excursion for practice. Group size is limited to 15 participants. For pricing and information, see the
Friends of Algonquin Park.
July 7, 9am - 3:30pm
Look, See, Paint Workshop - Adults
Algonquin Park
Experience artist Jeff Miller's unique style of instruction and participate in watercolour painting to view Algonquin's spectacular surroundings in a whole new light. During this half-day painting excursion, participants will learn the Look, See, Paint concept while appreciating the natural environment of Algonquin Park. Workshop includes all necessary paint, paper and brushes; instruction from Jeff Miller; valid Park permit for the day of the workshop. Maximum 15 participants, aged 16 years or older. See the
Friends of Algonquin Park for pricing and registration.
July 8, 1:30 - 4:30pm
Creative Changes Art Show & Sale
Kearney
Annual event showcasing local artists and artisans. Featuring paintings, pottery, woodcarving, jewelry and more. Wine and cheese reception Friday evening for $5. Free admission all day Saturday and Sunday. At the Kearney Community Centre. See the
Town of Kearney for details.
July 7, reception begins at 7pm
July 8 & 9, beginning 10am
Nuit Blanche North
Huntsville
Take a walk on the wild side with a night of free interactive art and performances in downtown Huntsville. For one night, artists fill the streets and public spaces of downtown Huntsville with street theatre, music, sculpture, film, and fun exhibits. Come explore, discover, debate, create and participate in this magical event. See
Nuit Blanch North for details.
July 14, beginning 8pm
The Limberlost Challenge
Limberlost Reserver, east of Huntsville
This endurance event is a trail runners dream with challenging terrain alongside lakes, through wetland, up and over steep inclines, and through the occasional creek or mud hole. Includes a well marked course, post-race meal, chip timing and points-qualifying distances. Four race distances to choose from: 14k, 28k, 42k, and 56k. Wow, that's an endurance race! See
The Limberlost Challenge for details.
July 14th, first race starts at 8am
Cooking with Jeff
Huntsville
Great food plus informative and memorable entertaining and dining ideas are on the menu as celebrity chef Jeff Suddaby of 3 Guys and a Stove grills, tosses and sears up four delicious foods in the al fresco kitchen at Sandhill Nursery. Come out to Sandhill Nursery, west of Huntsville, and watch, learn, enjoy the food and sip a little wine. Tickets are $40. For menu and details, visit
Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
July 15, 12 noon - 4pm
Firefly Festival
Huntsville
Main Street in Downtown Huntsville will be closed to traffic and shops will move their merchandice out to the streets to show-off their wares and sales. There'll be live entertainment, food and fun until midnight! For more information visit
Downtown Huntsville Adventures BIA.
July 20, beginning at 5pm
Jian Ghomeshi
Huntsville
Award-winning broadcaster, writer, musician, producer host and co-creator of the national daily talk program,“Q,” Jian will share some moments from his show and thoughts on current events and pop culture. Q&A to follow. At Huntsville's Algonquin Theatre. Tickets $33. See
Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 21, 8pm
Muskoka 5150 Triathlon
Huntsville
This competitive sporting event features eight races, including an international distance triathlon. Races begin at the Summit Centre in Huntsville. See
Trisport Canada for registration and details.
July 22
Jazz in the Garden
Huntsville
Smooth jazz fills the air, bring your lawn chair and sit amongst the beautiful gardens at Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant. Tempt your tastebuds with light snacks and refreshing drinks. Tickets $20. See
Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 22, 1pm - 3pm
en Plein Air
Huntsville
Cheer on renowned local artists and area dignitaries as they create masterpieces on the streets of downtown over the space of four short hours. After watching your favourite work of art being created, you'll have the chance to take it home with you at the live auction at 3pm on the Town Hall steps. Pop in to
the Shutterbug Gallery or visit the
Huntsville Festival of the Arts for details.
July 26
