Mark Your Calendar: The Best Ontario-Based Events

Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS Cabinet of Curiosities

Experience an over-the-top magical performance under the iconic Big Top at Ontario Place. With Cirque du Soleil’s signature style of acrobatics and refined artistry, you’re sure to feel transported into a different universe. 

Puppy Picasso Paint Night

Calling all dog lovers — take part in the city’s first-ever dog-friendly painting party. Bring your furry friends, sip some wine and paint a portrait you’ll have forever. You’ll be led by a professional artist, instructing you on how to bring your painting to life. 

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

Every year, Scotiabank hosts the largest photography event in the world, with over 200 exhibitions for attendees to view. Throughout the festival, locals can submit their own photos, which will be projected onto various outdoor locations across the downtown core.

Tiny Tales: The Enchanted Rose

See the stories you loved as a child re-imagined in a new and magical way. Witness a live retelling of your favourite fables through the eyes of enchanting princesses. Glass Slipper Company presents an interactive story-time session that your little ones are sure to enjoy. 

Virtual Art Classes

With most of us spending so much of our time at home, it can be difficult to continue to find new and exciting activities to do. If your little ones love to draw or craft, local Brantford creative, Palak Dhorajiya, will be hosting virtual art classes every Saturday.

Live at the Grand: Got Land?

Sometimes all you need is a good laugh, especially considering the past few years we’ve all had. Kick back with a few friends at the Grand to witness an all-Indigenous comedy act, Got Land?

Dunnville Farmers Market

Take your pick of this season’s local produce at the Dunnville Farmers Market. Fill your basket up with the freshest fruits and vegetables and explore all of the handmade vendors to find some hidden gems. 

Haldimand/Norfolk Pride

Haldimand County is celebrating Pride Day this year in an extravagant family-friendly event, filled with music, activities, food and local vendors. Bring everyone together for a fun-filled afternoon to experience all the Pride festivities.

Dunnville Mudcat Festival

Celebrate the Dunnville mascot, the mudcat, in the 46th annual festival filled with family-friendly events for locals to enjoy. You can see everything from a car show, parade, street dancing and so much more. 

Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show

Gather your favorite drinking buddies and foodies to explore all of the artisanal beer and rib options at this summer festival. Get a taste of the local breweries, as well as a few picks you might not have heard about from across the province. 

Grand River Film Festival

Discover budding local talent at the Grand River Film Festival, an annual week-long event dedicated to bringing bold and inspiring films to the Kitchener-Waterloo Region. Explore Canadian and international films, along with panels hosted by notable guest speakers. 

UpTown Waterloo Jazz Fest

Taking place in the heart of Waterloo, the UpTown Waterloo Jazz Fest hosts a unique lineup of the best jazz acts around, from globally-known acts to up-and-coming artists. If you get hungry, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food vendors at the festival.

National Indigenous Month Celebration

Ring in National Indigenous Month at Queenston Heights Park by taking part in an opening ceremony to commemorate and recognize the historic contributions Indigenous Peoples have made to Canada. 

Niagara Parks Annual Summer Show

Enjoy a space filled with thousands of fragrant blooming flowers on display in this annual exhibition. Summer’s favourite flower won’t be here forever, so be sure to get your tickets while you still can.