Are you looking for something exciting to do in Muskoka this August? If so, then look no further! August is the perfect time to explore all that Muskoka has to offer – from outdoor activities and live music to historical sites and culinary delights. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide of events happening throughout the month so you can make the most out of your time in Muskoka. So let us be your guide as we show you some of the hottest spots in town during this beautiful season!
August Long Weekend
Midnight Madness Bracebridge– Don’t miss this night full of fun and excitement and bargains galore! Live music, great shopping and family fun at Memorial Park Kids Play Zone 6 pm – 10 pm. There will be loads of Musical entertainment by local artists, and fun for the whole family. So be sure to head to downtown Bracebridge this August Long Weekend!
August 4th, 2023
Muskoka Chautauqua Arts & Culture Festival- Muskoka Chautauqua is pleased to be again hosting their annual festival celebrating curiosity and creativity in historic Windermere Village. This year’s festival will take place in intimate venues throughout this walkable village, with most events hosted in our open-air, Theatre in the Woods overlooking Lake Rosseau, just as they were 100 years ago. The 10-day program kicks off with a Festival Welcome and Opening event on Friday, August 4th. This is a great opportunity for new and seasoned festival goers alike to get an overview of the entire festival from each of the festival programmers!
August 4th-13th, 2023
Civic Holiday Fireworks- The Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst is the backdrop of this family favourite! Come by car, bike, boat, or on foot and see the show! Fireworks display begin place at dusk and continues into the evening.
August 5th, 2023
Music on the Barge Shows– This August Long weekend Music on The Barge is putting on two back to back live shows! On Saturday catch Grant Tingey & Hired Gun, for some inspired country music. Then, for any Fleetwood Mac fans, Sunday night Fleetwood Mac Mania will be putting on a stunning visual and musical tribute to Fleetwood Mac!
August 5th & 6th, 2023
Bala Palooza Summer Cottage Party- Reunite with friends, mix in some drinks and get ready to send it while we kick off Summer 2023 with a bang! Live DJ performances and TEAMLTD giveaways all night. Head to the Kee to Bala Sunday of the long weekend for an unforgettable night of fun!
August 6th, 2023
August Music & Theatre Events
Peter’s Players Music Cruises- If you’re looking for a music experience like no other try a Peter’s Players Music Cruise this August! Hosted aboard the historic inspired steamship the Wenonah II. Enjoy incredible live shows while sailing across Lake Muskoka on a stunning sunset cruise. Peter’s Cruise’s has a wide array of artists, genres and tribute shows sure to entertain guests of every taste! The August music line-up is packed with exciting shows that you won’t want to miss:
- August 1st, 2023- Adele, Shania, Lady Gaga, Blondie, Ann Wilson, Madonna and Cher Tributes
- August 3rd, 2023– Country Superstars Tribute Show
- August 8th, 2023- Lynyrd Skynyrd & Allman Bros Tribute and Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado
- August 15th, 2023- Guns & Roses and AC/DC Tributes
- August 22nd, 2023- David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Freddie Mercury Tributes
One Man Star Wars Trilogy- Join Charles Ross at the Algonquin Theatre for an energetic and extremely entertaining performance of One-Man Star Wars Trilogy™. One-Man Star Wars Trilogy™ has been performed for over a million Star Wars fans from London’s West End, Off-Broadway, Dubai and the Sydney Opera House! Ross single-handedly plays all the characters with spot-on voice impressions, sings the music, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots of the three films into one hilarious production. Suitable for Star Wars fans from ages 6 to Yoda!
August 1st, 2023
Jim Cuddy Band – Jim Cuddy returns to the festival stage with a treasure trove of songs that have become indelible in the soundtrack of our Canadian lives. His extraordinary catalogue of songs continues to find new ways to balance personal reflection and plainspoken storytelling, remaining both intimate and accessible. Join him at the Algonquin Theatre for an unforgettable evening of Canadian music!
August 9th, 2023
A Drag Performance By Lemon– Born and raised in Toronto, Lemon is a true queen of the North. Spending her youth inside of the world of conservatory and competitive dance with Vlad’s Dance Company in Richmond Hill, she built a foundation and a passion for dance performance. Lemon went on to compete in the World Pride edition of Lady Liberty at the Playboy Club, gaining the attention of Brita Filter and Alyssa Edwards, and snatching the crown for first place. Like a vision in the night, the official announcement for Canada’s Drag Race was released and Lemon was never more confident in anything, that being on that show’s first season was a stroke of destiny. Calling both Toronto and NYC home, Lemon’s journey has just begun and she has big plans to take the world by storm because when life gives you Lemon, Lemon gives you life. Join Lemon at the Algonquin Theatre for what is sure to be a slay of a performance!
August 11th, 2023
James Barker Band- James Barker Band have fueled an incredible story over the last six years, largely on their own, from playing opening spots in small Ontario bars to charting multiple No. 1 singles, garnering hundreds of millions of global streams, and headlining some of Canada’s largest country music festivals. Now, with new music on the way, the four-piece is continuing their meteoric ascent in Nashville. Made up of James Barker, Taylor Abram, Connor Stephen, and Bobby Martin, the members of James Barker Band grew up within an hour of each other in rural towns surrounding Toronto. In 2017, they sent their single “Chills” straight to the top of Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100 chart. The upbeat anthem also achieved Platinum status, alongside other songs from their introductory LP Game On, earning them numerous national awards. Now, as the rising stars reposition themselves in Nashville, many miles from their hometowns, the opportunities are limitless – but the band remains grounded in their small-town roots, returning again to The Kee To Bala.
August 25th & 26th, 2023
Festivals & More This August
SWS Ladies Night– Calling all Ladies! Our ever popular Ladies’ Nights are back this summer in Minett, on Lake Rosseau. Join us for a shopping extravaganza with 25+ vendors, a fashion show, live music, drinks and fun for all! Yoga, Music, Sip, Pop ups open late and other vendors too. The event takes place from 5pm to 9pm at 1112 Juddhaven Rd, Minett.
August 10th, 2023
Baysville Arts & Crafts Festival- The Baysville Riverfront Group will host the 35th Arts & Crafts Festival in Baysville. An outdoor event featuring unique and original artisans from all over Ontario in Robertson Parkett and Grist Mill Park. The event will run Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. This popular event brings out thousands each year and surely won’t disappoint this August!
August 12th- 13th, 2023
Mushroom Foraging Workshop- Immerse yourself in an extraordinary foraging workshop! Led by renowned outdoors educator and foraging expert, Stephan Lukacic, this workshop aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to safely find, identify, and sustainably harvest wild mushrooms. Hosted at the Farmer’s Daughter in Huntsville, this work shop will be an incredible learning opportunity for anyone who loves a good mushroom and the tickets also include lunch! The event takes place on a Sunday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Be sure to arrive early to peruse the incredibly fresh produce from The Farmer’s Daughter.
August 13th, 2023
Artists of The Limberlost Studio Tour- Come to the 16th Annual Artists of the Limberlost Studio Tour on August 18, 19 and 20 from 10 am to 5 pm. You will enter their studios and display areas to meet the artists and see our newest creations. This year the weekend is extended by a day and open from Friday to Sunday. We feature 22 diverse and talented artists in 8 art studios or historic lodge settings.Enjoy the drive through the beautiful, winding roads in the Limberlost area with the opportunity to enter studios alongside lakes, gardens and forests. The rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield has inspired artists for over a century and this is the place we call home. You are invited to discover for yourself how the creative tradition continues. Meet the makers and find driftwood, twig and stone sculpture, nature-inspired pottery, jewellery, fiber art, paintings, tile home goods, hand-turned burl bowls, and rustic and fine furniture.
August 18th-20th, 2023
Dockside Festival of the Arts- Since 1991, Dockside Festival of the Arts is a celebration of summer in Gravenhurst with artisans, gourmet food, music, family fun, and more. It takes place at Muskoka Wharf Special Event Park. Incredible artisans, live music from our sister festival, Muskoka Music Festival, great activities for families, tasty food, and drinks! All Daytime programming & Artisan Village is by Donation. They are a Not—For-Profit organization with a mandate to provide accessible excellent entertainment and wonderful artisans to celebrate the past and future of Gravenhurst. Dockside Festival of the Arts welcomes your support!
Muskoka Music Festival- Muskoka Music Festival and Dockside Festival of the Arts are excited to announce the full musical lineup for the 2023 edition! While guests are experiencing the amazing vendors & artisans at the Dockside Festival of the Arts down at the Muskoka Wharf Special Event Park, artists will hit the Dockside Stage with workshops and performances. Alongside headliner Loreena McKennitt, this exciting lineup includes Alex Pangman & The Sweet Hots, Alli Sunshine, Bet Smith, Briar Summers, Claire Davis, Clerel, Clever Hopes, Dayna Manning, Doghouse Orchestra, Eamon McGrath, Highway 11 Corridor Ukulele Players, Jade Hilton and many more incredible artists!
August 18th-20th, 2023
40th Annual Bracebridge Antique Show & Sale- The Bracebridge Antique Show and Sale will be held in the Agricultural Building at the JD Lang Activity Park, 331 Fraserburg Rd, Bracebridge. Antiques featured at the event will include Canadiana, furniture, tools, lamps, persian rugs, jewellery, vinyl records, coins,- silver, china, paper items and advertising, dolls, pressed glass, toys, quilts and linens. This show is perfect for antique lovers or anyone interested in Muskoka heritage! The event runs Friday from 4pm – 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4 PM.
August 25th-27th
Discovery The Night at The Muskoka Discovery Center- Discover the Night is an exciting after hour place to be at Muskoka Discovery Centre (MDC). Come for live music, food, and drink, designed for adults looking for a fun night out (This Event is 19+)! The Event takes place from 7:30pm- 11:00pm, with 10:30pm being the last permitted time for entry. Don’t miss out on this new and exciting Muskoka Event at the Discovery Center!
August 25th, 2023
August in Muskoka is an exciting time of endless possibilities and great events. From outdoor concerts, to art-making workshops, to one-of-a-kind theatrical performances, there’s something for everyone! It’s the season for adventure and discovery like no other. So take the plunge this August into all that Muskoka has to offer – explore these amazing events while surrounded by the beauty of Muskoka’s landscape. The days may be getting shorter but they sure don’t have to feel that way! So what’s it going to be? Which event will you be attending this August? It’s your turn now – choose your adventure wisely!
