Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto Labour Day Weekend 2014

What summer? Where did it go? Frankly right now, many parents may not be bothered as kids look to go back in school and a regular routine is in sight. With that in mind, we can help plan a fun 'last hurrah' weekend for families looking for day trip activities and getaways to Cottage Country. Embrace summer one last time!

Looking for Labour Day Family Getaways? Click here.

Fall Fairs begin to dot the weekend landscape. One of the most classic and fun fall traditions are midways, carnivals and fall fairs. Harvest bounties, farm animals, midway rides and games - all the sights, sounds and smells create great memories that will last a lifetime.

We also have a long inspiring list of attraction and activity suggestions that are not part of our event blog. You can find our complete Labour Day Activities & Events page on our website.

Whether you're staying at a nearby resort or cottage, live in the next town over or are looking to get out of the hot city, we recommend heading to cottage country for these featured events.

BARRIE

Run or Dye
Hardwood Ski and Bike
Run or Dye, the world's most colourful 5K, is headed to Hardwood Ski and Bike on August 30! Bring all your friends and run a colour-blasted 5K, where you get showered in safe, eco-friendly, plant-based cornstarch dye every kilometer. Then enjoy our world-famous Dye Festival afterward, where you can Tie-Dye the Sky (not to mention all your friends!) in this ultimate celebration of life, friendship, fitness, and fun.

Learn to Cyclo-Cross Clinic
Hardwood Ski and Bike
Join former provincial champion Andrew Watson for an all day cross clinic where you will learn to corner better, mount and dismount, shoulder your bike, ride up and down hills better, ride in sand and mud, bike set-up and maintenance, clothing and equipment, race tactics, better starts and improve your all round bike skills. Sunday August 31.

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

Summer Sundown
Bid the season farewell as the hottest summer entertainment returns for encore performances and tons of live music, FIREWORKS, street performers, beach volleyball, hiking, biking and scenic gondola rides.

GRAVENHURST

Live Music at Taboo Resort
Scott Whittington Live at Taboo Muskoka Lobby Lounge.

HALIBURTON

Sir Sam's Ski and Bike
Have you heard about the Sunday Special ... for only $25.00 you can Discover Mountain Biking. Available from 1:00 - 3:00 . Must be booked in advance - call 705-754-2298 ... includes bike rental, lift pass & lesson! What a deal!

Experience Haliburton

Find out what's happening in #MyHaliburtonHighlands. Lots to do and see in one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Ontario! Events this weekend include farmers markets, heritage happenings at the museum and a ghost walk in Minden.


MIDLAND & AREA

Twist & Shout the British Invasion

King's Wharf Theatre
Experience the phenomenon again, as this imaginative, infectious, and immensely irresistible piece of 60s nostalgia will have you bopping in the aisles and singing your way out of the theatre.

Singer / Songwriter Workfest & Open Mic
Midland Cultural Centre
Open Mic at the MCC's Cafe Roxy. Saturdays from 1pm - 4pm. Free Admission.

Music in the Park

Little Lake Park

Sunday evening music at the park bandstand. Music starts at 6:30pm.

MINETT (Muskoka)

Live Music at Clevelands House Resort
One of the best things about Clevelands House Resort is the amount of things to do! We're happy to announce that this summer we will have live music starting at 9:30pm at c.j. minett's kitchen and tavern. There will also be additional live music on Friday and Saturday evenings at Duke's Refresher.

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY
Family Fun in Orillia area and Springwater
Just visiting or staying; OLC is your one stop destination for information on festivals, events, activities, shopping, and accommodations. Ontario’s Lake Country is one of Ontario’s most picturesque regions with radiant lakes and rivers and an array of activities for all to enjoy year round, located just one hour north of Toronto, on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.

TWEED

Family Fun Events in Tweed and area!
The Municipality of Tweed is located half-way between Toronto and Ottawa.  Known for being the gateway to both the Bay of Quinte and Land O’ Lakes Tourist region;  we have an abundance of outdoor experience right here in Our Backyard.  We invite you to come visit our area and experience world-class musky/black crappie fishing, events, culture and heritage, hiking, atving, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and so much more.

WOODVIEW

Viamede Labour Day Regatta
The last long weekend of summer should end with a splash. At Viamede Resort, we're doing just that this Labour Day weekend. Join us for our first annual Viamede Regatta on Saturday, August 30! Canoe and swimming races, cardboard boat building contests, a fundraiser BBQ and lots more! Even if you don't want to race, come and cheer on the teams and enjoy the atmosphere!

Find other events in Tweed and Ontario's Highlands Tourism Destination

Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto August 22 - 24

Hold on to your hats! Summer is back and there's so, so, SO many great events happening in resort destination areas of Ontario, you're going to want accommodations. Kids of any age, adults alike - there's an event for everyone in cottage country's small cities and towns.

Fall Fairs begin to dot the weekend landscape. One of the most classic and fun fall traditions are midways, carnivals and fall fairs. Harvest bounties, farm animals, midway rides and games - all the sights, sounds and smells create great memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you're staying at a nearby resort or cottage, live in the next town over or are looking to get out of the hot city, we recommend heading to cottage country for these featured events.

BARRIE

Savour Simcoe
Simcoe County Farm Fresh
@ Simcoe County Museum
Now in its 7th year, the event pairs local farmers and chefs who come up with unique taste offerings showcasing the quality food grown and produced in our region.  It's an event where guests have an opportunity to talk face-to-face with those who grow and prepare our food, who are eager to share their knowledge and talents.


Epic 8 Hour
Hardwood Ski and Bike
Saturday August 23 - Epic 8 Hour Mountain Bike Relay! It's all about the camaraderie, sportsmanship and the gritty, hard-core enjoyment of riding with friends. The event is a personal and team challenge to complete as many laps as possible. This event is for adult participants. Supporters and cheerleaders welcome!

TUF Rack O-Cup Race
Horseshoe Resort
Check out the third stop of the Ontario Cup Downhill Mountain Bike series at Horseshoe Resort  August 23-24.  Some of Canada's best mountain biker racers will be competing for valuable points toward the season Championship. Also check out the Horseshoe Resort Adventure Park!

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

Funkengruven
Get ready for some FUNK with Bambalamb & friends as they shake up the Village during this high energy, musical weekend! Featuring soulful guitarist Cécile Doo-Kingué and other top Canadian talent often featured on CBC Radio 2.

HALIBURTON

Sir Sam's Ski and Bike
Have you heard about the Sunday Special ... for only $25.00 you can Discover Mountain Biking. Available from 1:00 - 3:00 . Must be booked in advance - call 705-754-2298 ... includes bike rental, lift pass & lesson! What a deal!

Experience Haliburton

Find out what's happening in #MyHaliburtonHighlands. Lots to do and see in one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Ontario! Events this weekend include Garlicfest, SUP au natural, beekeeping workshop, Ontario Kayak Fishing Series and more. 

MIDLAND & AREA

Tugfest, Artwalk & Harbour Market
Bring the whole family and enjoy an amazing 2 days of unique and entertaining marine activities. A harbour filled with tugboats to check out, watch the tugboat parade, stroll the waterside vendors market and check out the festival of the arts on King Street. Link to: Midland Tourism

Twist & Shout the British Invasion

King's Wharf Theatre
Experience the phenomenon again, as this imaginative, infectious, and immensely irresistible piece of 60s nostalgia will have you bopping in the aisles and singing your way out of the theatre.

Singer / Songwriter Workfest & Open Mic
Midland Cultural Centre
Open Mic at the MCC's Cafe Roxy. Saturdays from 1pm - 4pm.FREE ADMISSION 

Music in the Park

Little Lake Park

Sunday music at the park bandstand.

Habitat Gardening Workshop
Wye Marsh
(for adults and older teens)
Learn how to make your yard more inviting to wildlife from native plant gardener and wildlife enthusiast, Laura Thomas from Hidden Habitat.  The workshop will highlight the needs of wildlife, from birds to bees and show you how you can include them in your garden. Learn basic garden design techniques and appropriate plant selection based on your garden.  The workshop will also include a tour of the Wye Marsh wildflower gardens.  Feel free to bring photos of your garden to share. Workshop fee includes admission to Wye Marsh as well as a complimentary pass to come back.    Registration is required.

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Rama First Nation Annual Pow Wow
Everyone welcome, experience traditional dancing, food and craft vendors. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.  No pets allowed.  Located in the Senior's Gazebo area (Across from Casino Rama).
Also in OLC this weekend: OPP Museum Show & Shine, Movies in the Park - Wreck it Ralph - click here for more events in OLC.


TIMMINS

Great Canadian Kayak Challenge
From paddling events, kayak sprint events to Arts & Culture Routes Vendors, kayak celebration is in the air and you cannot miss it in Timmins, Ontario. And even if you are not into kayaking competition, there is still something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights you can expect from one of the best and popular kayak competitions in Canada and Ontario in particular.

Cruising the Mighty Mattagami Pontoon Ride.
Family Leisure Paddle & Shore Lunch.
Stand-up Paddle Board Demonstration and Fun Challenge.
Duck Race
Culinary Vendors

and lots more!


TWEED

Tweed Elvis Festival
Elvis is in the building! There are plenty of sideburns, curvy lips and bedazzled jumpsuits to be had at this annual event that sees top Elvis tribute artists compete for a chance to attend the Ultimate Elvis Competition in Memphis.

Find other events in Tweed and Ontario's Highlands Tourism Destination

Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto August 15-17

It's abit of a quiet weekend when it comes to big events in Cottage Country north of Toronto this weekend. We all need breaks I guess! We suggest taking in an event or visiting a favorite attraction or just doing an activity. Grab or rent some bikes and hit a trail, find a beach and swim or go see a play!

Whether you're staying at a nearby resort or cottage, live in the next town over or are looking to get out of the hot city, we recommend heading to cottage country for these featured events.

BARRIE

Summer Shredders
Hardwood Ski and Bike
The NEW 4-Week Summer Shredders Starts Saturday July 26. Every Saturday for 4 Weeks (July 26, Aug 2, Aug 9, Aug 16) from 10am - 11:30am. The program is for children 6-11 years old and will be focused on trail riding with some games and skill building included. Only $89 (trail pass included)!

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

Roots, A Celebration of Canadian Music

Blue Mountain Village
Let’s celebrate Canadian music with Canadian icon Bruce Cockburn headlining Saturday night. Opening act is Bruce’s fiddle player, Jenny Scheinman.

HALIBURTON

Mountain Bike Sunday Morning Race Series
Sir Sam's Ski and Bike
5km & 10km cross country race. Prizes for different age categories. $10.00 entry fee per race. Sponsored by Algonquin Outfitters. 705-754-2298.

Haliburton Forest Festival
The Forest Festival takes place each August in Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve. The Reserve's 80,000 acres are home to many activities, from the world's longest forest Canopy Walk to Canada's only freshwater tour submarine and renowned Wolf Centre. Canada's first FSC certified forest, Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve is committed to sustainable and integrated resource management.

Experience Haliburton

Find out what's happening in #MyHaliburtonHighlands. Lots to do and see in one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Ontario! 

MIDLAND & AREA

Twist & Shout the British Invasion

King's Wharf Theatre
Experience the phenomenon again, as this imaginative, infectious, and immensely irresistible piece of 60s nostalgia will have you bopping in the aisles and singing your way out of the theatre.

Music in the Park

Little Lake Park

Sunday music at the park bandstand.

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Annual Classic Car Show
A dazzling display of over 400 classic cars line Orillia's downtown streets! Harley Davidson motorcycle exhibit, live 50's/60's bands all day, evening concert, great dining & shopping!

WASAGA BEACH

Wasaga Under Siege
Wasaga under Siege “A War of 1812 Experience” is an annual living history festival commemorating a War of 1812 battle between Americans, British and First Nations which resulted in an American victory with the sinking of the British schooner Nancy. This historic event eventually led to the modern day creation of Nancy Island Historic Site located in present day Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Weekend Family Events in Cottage Country North of Toronto August 8-10

It is no exaggeration when we say there are a ton of great events this weekend - August 9-10. The only problem is that the long weekend was last weekend and this one will definitely involve some tough choices when you're planning your family outings.

Larger festivals and special events are always a good bet when planning a family day trip or weekend getaway. Areas north of Toronto are rockin' summer right now with some really fun events for kids that adults not only can handle but will find themselves having fun at too.

Whether you're staying at a nearby resort or cottage, live in the next town over or are looking to get out of the hot city, we recommend heading to cottage country for these featured events.

BARRIE

Summer Shredders
Hardwood Ski and Bike
The NEW 4-Week Summer Shredders Starts Saturday July 26. Every Saturday for 4 Weeks (July 26, Aug 2, Aug 9, Aug 16) from 10am - 11:30am. The program is for children 6-11 years old and will be focused on trail riding with some games and skill building included. Only $89 (trail pass included)!

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD

Wild Wonders Weekend

Blue Mountain Village

The summer’s hottest alVisit Ontario’s favorite pedestrian Village to watch Free-Flying Birds of Prey and see and learn about reptiles from near & far.  ”Edutainment” for the whole family!

HALIBURTON

Mountain Bike Sunday Morning Race Series
Sir Sam's Ski and Bike
5km & 10km cross country race. Prizes for different age categories. $10.00 entry fee per race. Sponsored by Algonquin Outfitters. 705-754-2298.

Experience Haliburton

Find out what's happening in #MyHaliburtonHighlands. Lots to do and see in one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Ontario! 

MIDLAND & AREA

Get Outdoors Festival
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Experience hummingbird banding and monarch tagging demonstrations, or take part in an interactive workshop on birding or backcountry camping. See birds of prey soar and learn how to identify native Ontario turtles and snakes in a live animal show. Experience the best of the outdoors at the Get Outdoors Festival. 

Festival of Peace
Discovery Harbour
​Celebration of 200 years; live music, activities, board historic vessels. Canadian “Masters of the Fiddle” Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will perform an outdoor evening concert at Discovery Harbour on Saturday August 9, as part of the site’s “Festival of Peace” Event and 200th Year Celebrations.

Ontario Heritage Trust Provincial Plaque Unveiling 
Discovery Harbour

Ontario Heritage Trust Provincial Plaque Unveiling commemorating the Penetanguishene Establishment and the War of 1812, plus a Peace Garden dedication. 

Twist & Shout the British Invasion

King's Wharf Theatre
Experience the phenomenon again, as this imaginative, infectious, and immensely irresistible piece of 60s nostalgia will have you bopping in the aisles and singing your way out of the theatre.

Love you Forever and More Munsch
Midland Cultural Centre
In this fast paced comedy a brother and a sister dodge the terrors of dragons, babies, wheel chairs as well as the temptations of mischief all while trying not to get caught by their mother! This show is perfect for families & children of all ages- come enjoy these childhood favourites as they take you on an imaginative adventure! 

The Days of Tin Pan Alley With Robert Milne

Midland Cultural Centre
Revisit times gone by with "The Days of Tin Pan Alley" with Robert Milne. Milne will perform music by those publishers and songwriters who dominated popular music during the 19th and early 20th century; Irving Berlin, Gershwin, Henry Warren and more.      

Music in the Park

Little Lake Park

Sunday music at the park bandstand.

ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Orillia Waterfront Festival
A weekend of fun activities and entertainment at the beautiful Port of Orillia and waterfront parks, Lake Couchiching, Orillia, Ontario, Canada!