Events

An ambitious series of paintings Allan Beckley began in 1999. Based on personal photographs of his travels across Canada and the United States, Allan has produced a painstakingly crafted series of high realist acrylic paintings depicting historical neon signage. Sometimes whimsical, sometimes derelict, sometimes even tragic, Allan’s selection of imagery gives us a rare and comprehensive view of the so-called vernacular design of North American, post-war culture as he documents its momentum toward extinction. Allan’s clarity of detail pays homage to neon signage as an unmistakable and lasting influence on contemporary lifestyle, architecture and design. “I hope the viewers will begin to appreciate the tube benders artistry in the paintings,” states Allan. “I expect most attendees will be fascinated by the impact that neon has played such an important role in shaping design trends, social mores and cultural movements for a hundred years. I’m recording a brief glimpse of our own history.”

A public reception for No Vacancy will be held on Saturday, November 23 from 1pm to 3pm at the Chapel Gallery. The exhibition continues at the Chapel Gallery until December 13.

For more information, visit their website

Introducing new artist Terry Ananny and new works by  John Kinsella, Kathy Haycock, Elizabeth Johnson and Chris Keene.

Introducing Terry Ananny. Terry’s bright and colourful acrylic paintings of hockey, children at play and seasonal village scenes cheerfully capture the spirit of Canadian life.

Winter scenes by Dorset artist Elizabeth Johnson and Chris Keene. Elizabeth depicts Dorset and surroundings in her oil paintings sometimes using a palette knife.

Chris Keene has a realistic style of painting. He starts off with a composition done on his computer ( He is a retired Walt Disney artist!), he then uses this composition to paint his acrylic paintings on canvas

Toronto artist John Kinsella, is one of our artists who displays his work throughout the year. His interpretations of Algonquin Park and surroundings are created in oils.

Kathy Haycock. Kathy resides most of the year in Eganville. She lives and breathes Algonquin Park, often painting en Plein air. Kathy’s work is greatly influenced by her dad, painter Maurice Haycock who was A.Y. Jackson’s painting partner for over 30 years.

For more information, visit their website

The Muskoka Men of Song’s Annual Christmas Concert – “Deck the Hall with Sounds of Joy” – will feature the Monck Public School “Choir on Fire” – Choir, FOGG, Muskoka’s MenFolk and two bursary winning students. Always a fun-filled evening, with snacks and fellowship to follow.

Show: December 7th @ 7pm and December 8th @ 2pm

Tickets are $25, $12 for children, available through the website or Facebook page

For more information, visit their website

If you’re looking for a great night out this holiday party season, don’t miss Dwayne Gretzky, a live music collective celebrating the greatest songs of all time. Transcending both era and genre, this prodigiously talented group of Toronto musicians captivates audiences with a masterfully curated tour of artists from both the classic and modern pop canon – from Bowie to Beyoncé, Springsteen to Spears, The Supremes to The Strokes. We bet you’ll be on the dance floor from the first song!

For more information, visit their website

A pre-Christmas must for all families.

Small group guided tours between 6pm and 8:30pm, starting from the Bala Community Centre. Doors open at 5:30pm. It’s an outside walk, so dress for the weather. Refreshments following the walk.

Where else will you meet Roman soldiers, shepherds, traveling Wise Men, lepers and a cranky Roman tax collector in less than half and hour?

Free! Bala’s Christmas gift to you. Donations are accepted.

Santa is always busy during the holiday season, but every year he takes a break before the big night to visit with everyone at his summer home in Bracebridge. Twinkling lights, cracking fires, and sweet smell of gingerbread aroma is a sure sign that Christmas is right around the corner!

Join us this December for our SantaFest weekends and enjoy a day filled with festive family fun!
-Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus in his cottage
-Decorate Gingerbread cookies
-Christmas Crafts
-Horse Drawn Wagon Rides through Whispering Pines Campground
-Meet & Greets with Snowbo
-Face painting
-Fireside Hot Chocolate & Cider
-Marshmallow Roasting
-VR Dog Sledding experience and meet & greets with the Dogs from North Ridge Ranch!

When: December 7/8, 14/15 and 21/22

Hours: 11am to 5pm

Admission: $14.95 (3 years and older)

• Admission includes a gingerbread cookie to decorate, marshmallow roasting and a Christmas craft for all children.
• Last Chance to visit with Santa before Christmas!

For more information, visit their website

Every year the Farmers’ Market holds a Christmas Show comprised of  regular market vendors. The show offers patrons the opportunity to restock their supply of market products for the winter as well as to purchase gifts for the festive season.

Location: Gravenhurst Legion from 10:00am – 3:00pm

For more information, visit their website

Xmus Holiday Gifting Market is happening from 12pm-6pm and will feature unique gifting vendors as well as food and beverage vendors.  This portion of the event is open to the public, all ages and has complementary entry until 6pm.  Our vendors include Canada’s Best Caesar Mix, Copperhead Distillery, Whimsical Bakery, You-nique Boutique and much more.  The Ugly Sweater Party and Live Dance Band portion of the event takes place from 7pm-11pm and will feature a live band in addition to our vendors.  This is a 19+ event with a $15 entry fee.  More information about the event and to purchase their evening ticket can be found on our website:

For more information, visit their website

The only parade that goes around twice. Starting at 1pm.

Jim Wouters, a retired police officer, is a member of the Canadian Police Insignia Collectors Association.

All he had to start out with was some names on the back of a photograph — one of the last ones taken of the Gravenhurst police department. When he was given the photograph at a meeting, he decided to investigate who the officers in the image were and what stories they had. Now, he has a 117-page book published about the force.

For more information, visit their website

The Slocan Ramblers (2019 Juno Award Nominees) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.

For more information, visit their website

Huntsville Festival of the Arts Presents

Join us for this hilarious family friendly production of the holiday classic presented by Dufflebag Theatre. Penny-pinching miser Ebenezer Scrooge is well-known across Victorian London for being far more interested in making money than friends. Above all else, he hates Christmas time and its spirit of giving. But on one particular Christmas Eve, several spirits give Ebenezer the surprise of his life, as they whisk him off on a magical journey through past, present and future, to show him the true meaning of the season. From Fezziwig to Tiny Tim, all the favorites are included in DuffleBag Theatre’s exuberant version of the Charles Dickens Yuletide classic!

For more information, visit their website

Lake of Bays Brewery Presents a New Season of Saturday Sessions – inside the Lake of Bays Brewery, Baysville.

Petra – Baysville’s own father daughter duo, Peter and Laura Harbocian, host 11 sessions this winter.

With acoustic music with guitars, djembe, washboard and just the right harmonies, Petra perform acoustic music from every decade of the last half century and play at every session.

Pertra will also present three new acoustic acts at every session.

Please contact Peter Harbocian at 705 331 6897 for further information.

For more information, visit their website

Mike Rita is exactly what you think a comic should be… funny, smart & relate-able.  He was the winner of the Second City’s ‘Cream of Comedy’ and the runner up for Now Magazine’s 2014 & 2015 ‘Best Male Stand-up’.

Laurie Elliott is a stand-up comic, actor and television writer.  She is a winner of the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award and is a four-time winner of Best Female Stand Up at The Canadian Comedy Awards.

MC Ted Morris always looks like he’s having the most fun in the room when he’s on stage. His intelligent, off-beat humour and wickedly charming smile lets us all know that our slightly warped thoughts are just fine.

For more information, visit their website

The Muskoka Concert Association is pleased to present Kyung-A Lee for our Christmas Concert.  This incredible local pianist has a burning passion for music which has taken her around the world, playing for international audiences.  This young artist is extremely in demand and we are extremely happy to welcome her to Gravenhurst.

For more information, visit their website

Shop from a curated group of talented artists and makers at the very first Noël North holiday show at Annex – a creative arts space in downtown Bracebridge.

With the discerning shopper in mind, the organizers have gathered together some of their favourite creators from Muskoka and beyond. Featuring beautiful fine art, pottery, jewellery, home goods, artisan foods and clothing for both adults and kids, there will be something for everyone at Noël North.

Show Hours:
Saturday Dec 14th — 10-6 and Sunday Dec 15th — 10-4

A Portage Flyer Christmas – Evening Train Ride to Santa December 21, 2019
Muskoka Heritage Place, Train Station

100 Forbes Hill Drive Huntsville (beside the Active Living Centre)

5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (last train leaves at 7:30 pm)

$5.00 per person (child or adult) tax included

Parking at the Huntsville High School, Canada Summit Centre, Active Living Centre or directly across the street from the event.

No advance ticket sales or reserve seating. Arrive and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last) and purchase your tickets enroute to boarding.

For more information, visit their website

An annual family-friendly favorite, the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade can be viewed from the Chalet or the base of the Flying Dutchman. Watch our Snow School instructors and Ski Patrolers descend the Flying Dutchman carrying brightly lit torches in a beautiful procession of lights. Santa even joins in the Parade (you didn’t know he could ski, did you?).

Join us for hot chocolate and cookies in the Chalet from 5:00-6:00pm. The Parade begins at 6:00 pm sharp.

No Night Operations on Christmas Eve.

For more information, visit their website

Exploring material from Rumours to Stevie’s solo work to Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks hits as well– this show exudes the mystique and charm of both famous artists in a stunning recreation of some of the worlds most popular music. Fleetwood Nicks portrays Fleetwood Mac with incredible authenticity. Backed by seasoned professionals, it is definitely a show you will not want to miss.

Every performance of Practically Petty is true to the spirit and essence of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. They have the Tom Petty look and sound. The group prides itself on using the same equipment as the Heartbreakers so that they don’t leave any stone unturned. Their extensive song catalog includes all of Petty’s hits with the Heartbreakers as well as his solo work and other side projects like The Traveling Wilburys. If you love Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Practically Petty is the show for you!

Two exciting acts – one incredible evening! (Plus a set of covers by the Stones, Beatles, Blondie, Pretenders, etc)

Party favours and late-night munchies provided

For more information or to book, visit their website

Join us for family-friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks. Enjoy live music from 5:00-8:00 pm with fireworks at 6:00 pm. Free cookies and hot chocolate starting at 5:00. Bar closes at 8:00 pm.

For more information, visit their website

Zoo to You will be on site at the Muskoka Discovery Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day with 20 of their exotic animals that will be displayed in a very fascinating and very safe and clean exhibit. Two experienced and knowledgeable handlers for the animal display show will be present to allow for more interaction to ensure everyone gets a chance to meet and interact with the animals.

The experienced handlers will bring our animals out of their secure temporary enclosures on a rotation to allow time for you to interact and be educated at the same time about these amazing creatures. Zoo To You’s animals are very well-socialized and acclimated to the noise and commotion during these types of events. Regular Admission to MDC applies or if you are a Kidzone Pass Holder admission is included in your pass

For more information, visit their website