What do steel drums, yoga, dogs, art, beer and macaroni have in common? They’re all the focus of festivals happening around Muskoka this summer!There’s a festival every weekend. Some of the more unique offerings are the bathtub races at Rotary Dockfest in Huntsville, the yoga festival and forest run at Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, an on-the-water stand-up-comedy show, and a festival celebrating love in Dorset. Everyone’s favourite Nuit Blanche North street festival, the arts and crafts shows, and classic boat shows are back for another season. And some, like the Butter Tart Festival, Muskoka Ribfest, Muskoka Veg Fest, and the Macaroni Festival, have food at their heart. Many of the events are free or have a nominal cost. Mark your calendars with the dates below, and enjoy summer in style. 

Every Wednesday in July and August, 7-8pm
Concerts on the Dock series (including perennial favourites, the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra)
Town Dock, HuntsvilleAdmission: suggested donation of a toonie (goes directly to the performer) 

July 12-14
Huntsville Ribfest
River Mill Park, Huntsville
Admission: $3 (10 and under free)

July 12-14
35th annual Muskoka Pioneer Power Show
J.D. Lang Activity Park (Fairgrounds), Bracebridge
Admission: $5 (Kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult)

July 13, 10am-12pm
Butter Tart Festival
Muskoka Lakes Museum, Port Carling
Admisson: $2

July 19, 6pm-midnight
Midnight Madness and Street Dance (there’s a beer garden, too)
Downtown Huntsville
Admission: free

July 19-21
Muskoka Yoga Festival and 10k Forest Run
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, Huntsville
Admission: see the website for pricing 

July 19-21
Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show
Annie Williams Memorial Park, Bracebridge
Admission: by donation 

July 19-28
Muskoka Pride Festival
Various activities across Muskoka – see website for details
Admission: free

July 20-Aug 11
The Artful Garden (fans will be sad to learn that this is The Artful Garden’s final year)
1016 Partridge Lane,Bracebridge
Admission: by donation

July 20-21
Dog Fest Muskoka
Bracebridge Fairgrounds
Admission: $5 (under 13 free)  

July 20, 3pm
Algonquin Outfitters Paddle On Comedy Festival
Town Dock/Muskoka River, Huntsville
Tickets: suggested donation $15 (cash only)
Canoe rentals available at Algonquin Outfitters

July 24
Everything Anne of Green Gables Day
Bala’s Museum, Bala
Admission: $5.99/person or $19.99/family of fourbalasmuseum.com 

July 26-28
Muskoka Ribfest and the Muskoka In-Water Boat and Cottage Show
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Admission: free 

July 27
Baysville Walkabout Festival 
Baysville
Admission: by donation 

July 27
Nuit Blanche North
Downtown Huntsville 
Admission: free 

August 3
Midnight Madness
Downtown Bracebridge
Admission: free 

Aug 2-4
Sawdust City Music Festival 
Gravenhurst
Admission: Ticket prices available on the website; some shows are free

August 3
Session Muskoka Craft Beer Festival 
Annie Williams Park,  Bracebridge
Admission: $30 in advance or $40 at the gate; must be legal drinking age 

August 3, 9pm
Civic Holiday fireworks
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Admission: free 

August 10
Muskoka Veg Fest
River Mill Park, Huntsville 
Admission: free 

August 10
Love Fest Street Festival
Dorset
Admission: by donation 

August 10-11
Baysville Arts and Craft Festival 
Baysville
Admission: by donation 

August 16-18
Dockside Festival of the Arts
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst 
Admission: by donation 

August 17-18
Artists of Limberlost Open Studio Weekend
Limberlost Road, Huntsville
Admission: free 

August 24
Muskoka Craft Beerfest
Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst
Admission: Ticket prices available on the website, must be legal drinking age 

August 24
Inaugural Muskoka Jazz Festival
James Bartleman Island, Port Carling
Admission: Ticket prices available on the website 

September 14
Macaroni Festival and Busker Fest
Downtown Huntsville
Admission: free