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Travel Muskoka Events Guide: Your Insider Look at Upcoming Attractions!
Annual events and festivals in Muskoka
Muskoka, Ontario, offers a year-round calendar of vibrant events that celebrate its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re enjoying live music at the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival, exploring the creativity at the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show, or savoring local delights at the Bala Cranberry Festival, there’s something for everyone. Beyond the festivities, Muskoka’s lakes, trails, and charming towns provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway. Make your experience even better by booking a cozy lakeside vacation rental through Lake.com, and enjoy easy access to all the fun and relaxation Muskoka has to offer. Don’t miss the chance to create lifelong memories in this picturesque destination!
Arts and Craft Shows
Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show
July 18-20, 2025
Annie Williams Memorial Park, Bracebridge, ON
Attendance: Over 10,000 visitors
Why Attend: This beloved arts and crafts show, running for over 60 years, is a gathering point for creative minds. With more than 200 artists and artisans showcasing their work, you can explore handcrafted pieces, fine art, pottery, jewelry, and more. Nestled in a beautiful park setting by the river, it’s an inspiring and family-friendly way to spend a summer weekend.
Who Should Go: Art enthusiasts, families, and those seeking unique handcrafted items.
Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show
July 18-20, 2025
Annie Williams Memorial Park, Bracebridge, ON
Attendance: Over 10,000 visitors
Why Attend: This beloved arts and crafts show, running for over 60 years, is a gathering point for creative minds. With more than 200 artists and artisans showcasing their work, you can explore handcrafted pieces, fine art, pottery, jewelry, and more. Nestled in a beautiful park setting by the river, it’s an inspiring and family-friendly way to spend a summer weekend.
Who Should Go: Art enthusiasts, families, and those seeking unique handcrafted items.
Food and beverage festivals
Muskoka Brewery Beer Festival
August 22-24, 2025
Bracebridge, ON
Attendance: Thousands of craft beer enthusiasts
Why Attend: Set amidst the beautiful Muskoka landscape, this festival showcases local breweries with a wide variety of craft beer, cider, and spirits. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and beer tastings while taking in the natural beauty of the area. It’s the perfect weekend for craft beer lovers looking to relax and explore new brews.
Who Should Go: Beer aficionados, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys live music and local culture.
Bala Cranberry Festival
October 17-19, 2025
Over 20,000 visitors
Attendance: Over 20,000 visitors
Why Attend: One of Muskoka’s most iconic events, the Bala Cranberry Festival celebrates the region’s cranberry harvest with delicious food, crafts, live music, and outdoor activities. Visitors can tour cranberry marshes, sample cranberry-infused treats, and shop for local goods. It’s a fun-filled weekend that embraces the beauty of fall in Muskoka.
Who Should Go: Families, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys fall festivals and agricultural events .
Arts and music festivals
Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival
June 27-28, 2025
Gull Lake Rotary Park, Gravenhurst, ON
Attendance: Around 5,000 visitors
Why Attend: This two-day outdoor festival features 15 bands, live art installations, and a variety of food trucks, all set against the stunning backdrop of Gull Lake. With performances from top Canadian bands like City and Colour and July Talk, it’s the perfect mix of music, nature, and community spirit.
Who Should Go: Music lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun summer weekend.
Huntsville Festival of the Arts
July 1 – August 5, 2025
Various venues across Huntsville, ON
Attendance: Thousands of visitors from the region
Why Attend: This highly respected festival, now in its 33rd season, offers a rich variety of performances, from classical and contemporary music to theater, dance, and visual arts. Highlights include outdoor concerts, visual arts exhibits, and theatrical performances in beautiful lakeside settings.
Who Should Go: Art lovers, music enthusiasts, and those looking for a cultural summer experience.
Races and competitions
Port Carling Winterfest
January 25-27, 2025
Port Carling, ON
Attendance: Thousands of attendees
Why Attend: This community-driven winter festival offers a range of activities for all ages, from snowshoe races and dog sledding to ice carving and a chili cook-off. With cozy bonfires and fireworks lighting up the night sky, it’s a quintessential Muskoka winter celebration.
Who Should Go: Families, winter sports enthusiasts, and those looking for a festive winter getaway.
Boat shows
ACBS International Boat Show
September 19-21, 2025
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst, ON
Attendance: Thousands of international attendees
Why Attend: Hosted by the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS), this prestigious event draws wooden boat aficionados from across the globe to Muskoka. With its rich history of wooden boat craftsmanship, Muskoka is the perfect setting for this show. Attendees can admire some of the finest antique and classic wooden boats, enjoy boat rides, and participate in educational seminars about restoration and boat history. This event is ideal for classic boat collectors, restoration experts, and anyone with a passion for vintage boating
Toronto International Boat Show (Near Muskoka)
January 17-26, 2025
Enercare Centre, Toronto, ON
Attendance: Over 75,000 visitors
Why Attend: The Toronto International Boat Show is the largest indoor boat show in North America, held just a couple of hours from Muskoka. The event showcases the latest in boating technology, luxury yachts, and accessories, drawing exhibitors and visitors from around the world. Whether you’re in the market for a new boat, looking to upgrade your marine gear, or just dreaming of life on the water, this is the place to be. With interactive seminars and over 1,200 boats on display, it’s a boating extravaganza.
Lake of Bays Antique Boat Tour
August 3, 2025
Lake of Bays, Muskoka, ON
Attendance: Intimate, small group event
Why Attend: This tour offers a more relaxed, intimate experience for antique boat lovers. The Lake of Bays Antique Boat Tour is an exclusive event where attendees can admire some of Muskoka’s best-preserved wooden boats while cruising the pristine waters of Lake of Bays. This is an incredible way to explore Muskoka’s lake system, meet passionate boat owners, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
Who Should Go: Antique boat enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful day on the water
Frequently asked questions
Ready to dive into what Muskoka has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
Summer in Muskoka offers a variety of vibrant events that showcase the region’s culture and natural beauty. Notable events include the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show, which draws over 10,000 visitors to Bracebridge each July, and the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival in Gravenhurst, featuring bands like City and Colour and July Talk alongside live art and food trucks. These outdoor events are ideal for families, art lovers, and music fans alike.
Muskoka is known for its colorful fall festivals. The Bracebridge Fall Fair (September 15-17) and Huntsville Fall Fair (September 22-24) offer classic agricultural exhibits, rides, and family-friendly activities. Additionally, the Bala Cranberry Festival (October 13-15) is a must-visit for those interested in food, crafts, and all things cranberry, celebrating the region’s harvest.
Music enthusiasts will love Muskoka’s live music scene. Aside from the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival, you can enjoy smaller concerts at Peter’s Players or attend the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, which brings diverse performances in genres from folk to classical every summer. These events offer a perfect mix of outdoor entertainment and cozy indoor concert
Yes! Muskoka lights up with festive spirit throughout the holiday season. Canada Day (July 1) is celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, and family-friendly activities across Muskoka’s towns. In winter, New Year’s Eve celebrations include outdoor activities, live entertainment, and dazzling fireworks displays. Don’t miss the Port Carling Santa Claus Parade for a magical evening filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
In fall, visitors can enjoy Muskoka’s stunning autumn colors on its hiking trails. The Canoe Mural Contest in Huntsville also adds an artistic twist to outdoor adventure, as local artists paint canoes to be displayed around town. Winter brings snowshoe races, ice carving, and dog sledding at events like the Port Carling Winterfest (January 25-27), making Muskoka a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Muskoka’s Farmers Markets run from June to September, with local markets taking place every day of the week. You can find fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies at the Gravenhurst Community Market on Sundays or the Gravenhurst Farmers Market on Wednesdays. These markets offer a wonderful opportunity to support local farmers and artisans while exploring the region’s bounty.