The largest three-day family fun summer festival along this stretch of the Lake Huron coast. Admission is free, with free parking, shuttle bus service, and bike valet. The only costs are for food, refreshments, and souvenirs.

Latitude: 44.49621731835806

Longitude: -81.37249262631204

Once here, all Festival venues are within a few square kilometres.

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Friday - Full Event Details

ARTISANS & TASTES MARKET

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Homegrown & Handcrafted Goods

Shop among 50+ talented artists, growers, cooks, and crafters at this lively outdoor market, and check out the vibrant High Street shops stretching down toward the water.

o   Location: At the Boathouse, 26 Albert Street, South corner of Albert and High Street, just behind the Southampton Townhall and Offshore Bakery.

o   Partner:  Marine Heritage Society

o   Cost/Details: Free festival admission. Free, supervised on-site bike valet and free car parking in surrounding area. For more info, see this market page.  

KIDS’ BIKE RALLY

Friday July 25
Registration Begins at 4:30 pm
Races 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Lap Fairy Lake!

Race by age group – from tots to tweens. Winners earn prizes from Captain Wayne Sparrow himself! Take a ride to remember, then pedal next door to the Museum for more free events.

o   Location: Fairy Lake entrance at the corner of High Street and Victoria Street North 

o   Sponsor:  Martin’s Bicycle Shop

o   Cost/Details: Free admission. Free parking in the surrounding area. Helmets required by Ontario law.

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FREE ADMISSION TO THE BRUCE COUNTY MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTRE

Friday, July 25
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Three Floors of Family-Friendly Exhibits

Visit the Anishnaabwe Endaat Gallery, showcasing Anishnaabwe culture. Tour the nautical displays including a near life-size replica of an 1812 warship scuttled in Southampton. Stroll through a turn-of-the-century General Store, follow the model railway through a century of Bruce County heritage, and discover much more.

o   Location: 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton

o   Partner:  Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

o   Cost/Details:  Free festival admission commencing at 5:00 pm. Free car parking in the surrounding area and a self-lock bike station near the front entrance. Combine your visit with the Corn Roast BBQ (below) and other activities for a full evening of food and fun. For more information about the Museum, click here.

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FAMILY FUN MUSIC & SING-ALONG

Friday, July 25
5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

Richard Knechtel Entertains

Start your Friday eve with Richard! Full of charm, creativity, and just the right amount of silliness - he’ll have your family clapping, toe tapping and singing along. With his guitar and harmonica in hand, Richard mixes pop, swing, country, and original tunes for a fun, family-friendly performance to start your weekend with a smile!

Seating is limited! Pre-registration will be encouraged. Watch here for future registration link.

o   Location:  Bruce Power Theatre at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton
o   Sponsor: TBD
o   Cost/Details: Free festival admission. Free car parking in the surrounding area and a self-lock bike station near the front entrance. Combine this event with the Corn Roast and free Museum exhibits for a total evening of food and fun.

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CAPTAIN SPARROW’S CORN ROAST BBQ

Friday, July 25
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Hot Food, New Friends, Cool Music!

Savor a delicious BBQ dinner on the licensed terrace, hosted by the Saugeen Shores Rotary Club. This summer social also includes Festival Opening Remarks at 6:30 pm with dignitaries, followed by the melodic strings and soothing voice of John Stewart into the evening.

o   Location:  33 Victoria Street North, Southampton

o   Partner:  Saugeen Shores Rotary Club 

o   Cost/Details: Free festival admission. The BBQ will feature corn on the cob, hamburgers, sausages, and more, available for purchase by cash, debit, or credit, with proceeds supporting Rotary community projects. A bar with drinks for purchase will also be available. Free car parking in the surrounding area and a self-lock bike station onsite. Enter through the Museum front entrance. Combine your visit with the free exhibits (above) and other activities for a full evening of food and fun.

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LOCAL LIGHTHOUSE LEGENDS: A CHANTRY TIME-TREK ADVENTURE

Friday, July 25
Registration Starting at 5:00 pm
History Walks from 7:30 to 8:45 pm

Meet Mariners & ‘Characters’ Of Southampton Past

This passport to history invites you on a stroll around Fairy Lake, where you'll encounter intriguing figures from this oldest port on the Bruce coast.

• Step back to the 1840s and meet John Brown, the determined stone mason who braved the elements to engineer and build lighthouses that guided mariners to safety. Find out why the tower’s design matters.

• Encounter 1860s lamp keepers Duncan McGregor Lambert and Louisa Emily Jowett, a resilient island couple. How did they keep the lamp burning bright and raise eleven children?!

• Time travel to the storm-lashed night of October 7, 1907, where you’ll meet Captain Frank Granville of the sail ship Ontario, who ran aground after the schooner Erie Stewart struck a dock and went under. What will Frank say about the twin disasters and why?

Meet these and other captivating characters from the past, and each compelling story will earn you a stamp in your passport for a chance to win a modern-day trek to historic Chantry Island.

o  Location:  33 Victoria Street North, Southampton

o  Sponsor: Hi-Berry Farm

o  Host: Marine Heritage Society

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Registration opens at 5:00 pm (and is expected to fill quickly) at the 'Passport Office,' located at the Corn Roast near the schoolhouse at the back of the Museum. The history walks begin at 7:30 pm. Free parking is available in the surrounding area, and a self-lock bike station is conveniently located near the front entrance. 

Limited availability. Register early. History awaits!

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Saturday - Full Event Details

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

8:00 am – 11:00 am

Your Hot Morning Meal At The Harbour

The griddle will be sizzling, the coffee brewing, sausages cooking, and pancakes flipping to golden perfection. Join the friendly chefs of the Southampton Rotary Club and enjoy seated dining under the big top tent as the nearby beach and park events begin to heat up.

o   Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o   Partner: Southampton Rotary Club  

o   Cost/Details: Free festival admission. Cash breakfast with proceeds benefiting Rotary community projects. Free and supervised onsite bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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CC ALL DAY EATS - SAT

Saturday, July 26
9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Summer Comfort Foods!

Beyond the pancake breakfast (above), treat yourself anytime to hot dogs, chili dogs, pulled pork, chicken poutine, hot fries, big pretzels, ice cream, and more! Every bite is a little festival for your taste buds. Enjoy with a brew and live music (below).

o  Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Host: CC Concessions 

o   Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Cash, debit & credit for CC Concessions food.   Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter.  Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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CHILDREN’S GOLD HUNT FOR AGES 10 AND UNDER

Saturday, July 26
Registration Starting at 9:00 am
Treasure Hunting from 10:00 to Noon   

Fun & Fortune on the Beach

Ahoy, parents of young pirates! Sign them up to age-related crews, sifting the sand for glittering nuggets, and claiming prizes from the mighty treasure chests!  

o  Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Sponsor: Bruce Telecom

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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FUN IN THE PARK

Saturday, July 26
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Games, Displays, Activities

Enjoy hours of hands-on fun with art, crafts, souvenir-making, floating toy boats, and much more! With over a dozen stations to explore, there's fun and creativity for every child!

o  Location: Pioneer Park beside the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Sponsor: Ontario Power Generation

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free popcorn. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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ENTERTAINER DAVID ARCHIBALD

Saturday, July 26
10:00 am – 12:00 Noon

Morning Music In The Park

Tap your feet, clap your hands, and hum along to musical stories, including David’s original songs about the beauty and history of the Great Lakes. Located at the Pioneer Park Stage, in the heart of the morning events.

o  Location: Pioneer Park beside the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Sponsor: TBD

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free popcorn. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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BERNIE’S BOAT  

Saturday, July 26
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Dragon Boat Paddling With A Purpose

Meet and watch the ‘Bernie’s Boat’ team – a group of breast cancer survivors who paddle for the strength, connection and fun. Through teamwork and determination, they celebrate life, support each other, and embrace the healing power of the water.

• 10:00 am - 12:00 noon: See the dragon boat up close and meet team members alongside Fun in the Park activities.

• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Watch for the team’s paddle-by, just ahead of the Cardboard Boat Races.

o   Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o   Website: www.berniesboat.ca

o   Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free popcorn. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.  

Chat with and learn about this team of breast cancer survivors. Donations to this not-for-profit club will be gratefully accepted!

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BEER GARDEN

Saturday, July 26
12:00 Noon – 11:00 pm

Frosty & Refreshing   

Take a break from the fun in the sun to relax with a cool one! Featuring a variety of brands, including from Three Sheets Brewery, a local and growing name in craft brews. Sip, savor, or pair with a meal and the music in the licensed beach areas.    

o  Location: The Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Sponsor:  Three Sheets and Southampton Firefighters Association

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Cash bar. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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AFTERNOON MUSIC IN THE PARK

Saturday, July 26
12:00 noon – 5:00 pm

Live Bands

Enjoy entertainment on the Pioneer Park Stage with picnic table seating all around, featuring local talent:

• 12:oo noon – Mike McDonald & Shakey D Blues, Southampton’s favorite rhythm & blues duo, bringing soulful tunes to the beach. Presented by: TBD.

• 1:00 pm – Moon Dance, Owen Sound’s talented duo playing smooth classic rock vibes for a laid-back afternoon. Presented by: TBD.

• 2:30 pm – The Sapsuckers, a Bruce County favorite, this rock & blues band will raise the energy! Presented by: Saugeen Team@Century21 In-Studio Realty, c/o Scott Saunders   

o   Location: Pioneer Park, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o   Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Cash food and bar. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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CARDBOARD BOAT RACES

Saturday, July 26
Races from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Boat Registration is 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Creative, Unpredictable, Hilariously Fun!

Cheer on brave souls of all ages as they race their homebuilt cardboard boats to victory… or a watery demise!

• 1:00 pm: Races by age and family groups

• 2:15 pm: Corporate Challenge: please note a $100 entry fee for this race only, with all proceeds to the winner’s charity of choice.

• 2:30 pm: Lap for Loot: All surviving boats from past races paddle in this final frenzy for prizes and glory!

• 2:45 pm: Awards presentations

Check out the video top of page to sample the action.

o  Location: The Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Sponsor: Maples Dental Clinic   

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Consider bringing a folding chair to sit while enjoying the action.

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SAIL PAST

Saturday, July 26
Afternoon

A Sailboat Parade on Water

Wave back and forth with members of the Southampton Yacht Club as their graceful procession of vessels glides by. This colorful display of sails, nautical skill, and elegance will breeze past against the stunning backdrop of Southampton Harbour, the oldest port on the Bruce Coast.

o  Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Partner:  Southampton Yacht Club

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. 

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ROAD HOCKEY

Saturday, July 26
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Come And Go, Take Your Shot On Goal!

Join in the all-ages fun and relive your Stanley Cup dreams. No teams or times are required. Just pop into the game under supervision of talented players from the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks of the Ontario Elite Hockey League. Gentle play only.

o  Location: The Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Partner: Saugeen Shores Winterhawks

o  Cost/Details: Free festival admission. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Note that hockey fans may be watching from the Fish Fry sidelines…

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FISH FRY DINNER

Saturday, July 26
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Hook A Hearty Meal With All The Fixin's!

Enjoy a hot, fresh dinner prepared by Saugeen Shores' finest volunteer firefighters. Grab a cold beer or your favorite drink, all served up next to the hockey action (above), with family seating under the big top and the soothing music (below).  

o  Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Sponsor: Southampton Firefighters Association

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free and supervised on-site bike valet until 5:00 pm, with self-lock bike station thereafter. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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BEACHSIDE BALLADS

Saturday, July 26
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

 Live Music Under the Tent

Savor dinner and drinks as you’re serenaded by the soothing strings and warm voice of John Stewart. His classic, friendly repertoire will be pitch-perfect for these golden hours by the beach.

o   Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o   Entertainment Tent: Presented by Bruce Power.  Details

o   Details:  Free festival admission. Onsite self-lock bike station available. Limited street parking is available, but there is ample space for cars at the Chantry Seniors Centre, with free and frequent Shuttle Bus Service from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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SUNSET BEACH PARTY

Saturday, July 26
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Live Band & Dancing!

Take in the setting sun over Lake Huron, dance in the soft sand under the canopy, and mingle with new friends beneath the stars. From laid-back to lively, this beachside party hits all the right notes – including The Sofa Kings five-piece band playing your favourite dance hits from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. This is the summer beach party not to be missed.

o  Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Sponsor: Three Sheets Brewery,  Saugeen Shores Winterhawks  

o  Entertainment Tent: Presented by Bruce Power. Details

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Cash bar. Onsite self-lock bike station is available. The free Shuttle Bus Service ends at 8:00 pm.

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Sunday - Full Event Details

Non-Denominational Ecumenical Service

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Community Fellowship

Enjoy an engaging hour of reflection, music, gratitude and connection. Refresh your mind, body, and spirit in a warm coastal community where all are welcome. This Sunday morning gathering takes place under the canopy by the harbour.

o  Location: 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Hosts:  TBD

o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Onsite self-lock bike station is available.

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CHANTRY ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

Sunday, July 27
Mornings & Afternoons All Summer Long

See Link For The Complete Season Schedule, Fees, And To Book Early!

Boat back to 1859, an era of daring sailors, shipwrecks, and lighthouse keepers on the night watch. Your guided tour group will get to sail through ‘the gap’ and:

• Visit the Keeper’s Home, lovingly restored by the Marine Heritage Society, and filled with historical artifacts that capture the time and essence of life offshore.

• Climb 107 steps to admire the tower’s craftsmanship and take in breathtaking views from the top.

• See the island’s beautiful garden and bird sanctuary.

Since seating on the boat is limited, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, whether for the Festival period or for other guided tour dates in June, July, August, or September.

o  Location: Groups meet at the Southampton Harbour Tour Base,  at 80 Front Street

o  Partner:  Marine Heritage Society

o  Cost/Details:  These summer-long island tours have a fee of approximately $35 + HST per person to help cover boat, fuel, and island maintenance costs. For the season schedule, how to book, and more information, please visit the MHS Historic Boat Tour page.  

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CC ALL-DAY EATS - SUN

Sunday, July 27
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Summer Comfort Foods

Hot dogs, chili dogs, pulled pork, chicken poutine, hot fries, big pretzels, ice cream, and more!

o  Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o  Host: CC Concessions 

o   Cost/Details: Free festival admission. Cash, debit & credit for CC Concessions. Onsite self-lock bike station is available.

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LOOKUP THEATRE

Sunday, July 27
12:00 Noon – 1:00 pm

Come One, Come All!

Grab your popcorn and take your seats, for artistic dance and acrobatic feats!

Set sail for excitement with the Grey Bruce Youth Circus Troupe in this custom-made show for the Festival. Watch in awe as acrobats perform daring feats on aerial anchors, tumbling out of nets and soaring through the air. Feel the thrill as high-flying rope walkers cross the plank, hula hoop artists spin the wheel, and long-legged pirate stilt walkers tower over the crowd.

This dynamic troupe has wowed audiences at the Owen Sound Busker Festival, The Roxy Theatre, Summerfolk Festival, and more. Don’t miss your chance to experience their blend of skill, creativity, and high-flying fun!

o   Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton

o   Featuring: Lookup Theatre

o   Sponsor:  Outsourced Resources Canada

o   Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Free popcorn. Onsite self-lock bike station available.

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RANGE LIGHTS OPEN DOORS

Sunday, July 27
Noon – 4:00 PM

Climb Into History!

Check out the Saugeen River Range Lights – two iconic ‘pepper pot’ beacons built in 1903. See how the working navigational lights align, and the foghorn still sounds to help guide fishers and boaters into safe harbour, even in this age of GPS.

o   Location: Looking from the Harbour, the Range Lights are are across the the Saugeen River, just a short drive from town over the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan Bridge, which means “we are connected.” Begin at the front beacon on the lake, where South Rankin Street approaches Shore Road. Park by the Festival sign at the lookout over the harbour, then walk down the path and across the north pier where Festival volunteers will greet you.

o   Partner:  Marine Heritage Society

o   Cost/Details:  Free admission. Free street parking at both front and rear beacons. For more details, including the award-winning restoration by volunteers, see this MHS Range Light page.  

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AFTERNOON MUSIC & BEER GARDEN

Sunday, July 27
1:00 pm 4:00 pm

Johnny and the Apple Seeds

Casually authentic, spontaneously fun, this band bring down to earth vibes to your Sunday afternoon beer garden.

o  Location: At the Harbour, 80 Front Street, Southampton
o  Presenter: Southampton Yacht Club
o Entertainment Tent: Presented by Bruce Power.
o  Cost/Details:  Free festival admission. Cash bar. Onsite self-lock bike station available.

Donations at the gate appreciated for Southampton Yacht Club infrastructure projects.

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