Top 5 Fun and Family-Friendly Events in Orillia this Summer
The start to summer is almost upon us, and it’s never been a better time to start planning out your calendar with some of the amazing, fun and family friendly events taking place right here in Orillia.
Locals know how much there is to do here in the summer, but for those who aren’t from the area or are new it can be difficult to know what’s going on and where to start.
But your friends at Orillia’s best retirement home are here to help! Here are our top Orillia summer event picks to put on the top of your list.
Mariposa Folk Festival - July 5-7
The biggest musical event in the summer season is the Mariposa Folk Festival. This is a long-standing festival that started way back in 1961 and has brought a range of musicians to Orillia for three magical days of music. And it’s not just for folk lovers, as you’ll discover many different bands playing different musical genres, along with a range of activities held in Tudhope Park including an artisan’s village, food vendors and more. It’s a must-see! Find out more about the Mariposa Folk Festival.
Orillia Waterfront Festival - August 9-11
Head to the waterfront for one of Orillia’s biggest summer festivals. The Waterfront Festival celebrates all things nautical, and includes a boat show, vendors and art exhibits, a dock dogs diving contest and more. The Orillia Waterfront Festival brings thousands of people to the waterfront each year, and is truly a family friendly event, complete with water ski competitions and a cardboard boat race. Learn about the Orillia Waterfront Festival.
Downtown Orillia Classic Car Show - August 17
If you love classic cars or just enjoy a colourful street festival, don’t miss the Downtown Orillia Classic Car show. This annual festival features more than 400 classic cars lining block after block of beautiful downtown Orillia. It’s about more than just motoring, however, with live music and entertainment complementing downtown Orillia’s fun restaurants and colourful retail stores. Don’t miss out and find out more about the Downtown Orillia Classic Car Show.
Orillia Rib & Craft Beer Fest - August 23-25
Bring an empty stomach if you’re going to the Orillia Rib & Craft Beer Festival! This annual tradition features a smorgasbord of perfectly BBQ’d ribs, chicken, pulled pork and all your favourite finger-licking foods at Tudhope Park. There is more than just food and drink, with a live music stage, child-friendly game zone, bubble soccer, facepainting and even cooking lessons to bring out the BBQ chef in everyone. Read more about the Orillia Rib & Craft Beer Fest.
Orillia Fall Fair - September 6-8
A late-summer feature in Orillia for an amazing 168 years, the Orillia Fall Fair celebrates the culture of the region’s farming community. The Fall Fair welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year to Odas Park in Severn for three days of great events, including magic acts, a tractor pull, a wildlife show, Scottish dancing, live bands and more. And of course there is lots of great food from local farms and vendors. There’s no better way to wind down the summer. Discover more about the Orillia Fall Fair.
The team here at Sundial Lakeview Retirement Residence enjoys all the fun activities that Orillia offers, it’s truly one of Ontario’s gems! We are also lucky to be able to use our love of our community to enhance the experience of living at Sundial Lakeview Retirement Residence, as we keep the connection alive with a busy calendar of fun day trips and more. To discover what life at Sundial Lakeview Retirement Residence is like, book a free tour of our retirement community today. Our staff will be happy to answer any question you have about making the move, and will give you information and guidance that you need to know.
Photo: Flickr/Ron Bulovs