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 Musical entertainment by local artists, and fun for the whole family. So be sure to head to downtown Bracebridge this August Long Weekend! Event Schedule August 2nd, 2024
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 2nd. 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 2nd-11th, 2024
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 2nd & 3rd, 2024
Sip, laugh, repeat! Yuk Yuk’s On Tour taps into comedy at Canvas Brewery, serving up Muskoka vibes, hoppy humor, and a frothy night of laughter in cottage country. A rotating roster of talented headliners and comedy festival favorites will craft punchlines with precision and brew up barrels of laughter. August 2nd, 2024
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! You can also enjoy a cruise aboard the Wenonah II and view the fireworks over the bay as you return to the dock. Fireworks display begin place at dusk and continues into the evening. August 3rd, 2024
Music on the Barge Shows–This August Long weekend Music on The Barge is proud to present the Tom Jones Show. If you are looking for an entertainer with massive charisma and an exquisite ability to replicate the Tom Jones experience for his audiences Dave is it!!! Genuine replication of Tom Jones voice, appearance, performance & stage characteristics in his mid-late 1970’s heyday. August 4th, 2024
Make a Splash-Come to Gull Lake Rotary Park for a fun-filled day of people-powered water sports and other great beach fun! 10 am – 3 pm. August 4th, 2024
Bala Palooza Summer Cottage Party– Reunite with friends, mix in some drinks Head to the Kee to Bala Sunday, August 4th of the long weekend for an unforgettable night of fun! August 4th, 2024
Turtle Day-The Muskoka Lakes Museum is welcoming Turtle Guardians from 1-3 pm on August 5th. Come and interact with their REAL turtles and learn more about these amazing creatures! Sponsored by Turtle Jacks, Port Carling – who will be visiting with coupons, treats, and a very special “turtle” guest – Turtle Jack! Turtle balloon animals and crafts will also be part of the fun! Included with admission. August 5th, 2024
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:
The Kee-A Summer Concert Tradition Since 1942. The Kee to Bala is one of the truly iconic concert venues, not only in Ontario, but the world. It’s rich history and heritage have made it a destination in Muskoka, and a tradition among locals and visitors for the last 82 years. August 8th: Moneen, The Flatliners, Chastity August 9th & 10th: David Wilcox August 11th: James Kennedy August 13th: Billy Idol August 15th-17th: The Glorious Sons August 22nd: Kim Mitchell August 23rd & 24th: Dallas Smith August 27th: Sean Paul August 31st & September 1st: Sam Roberts Band
Nashville Nights at The Speakeasy Muskoka Foundry-Embark on a unique musical journey at their seated “Bluebird Cafe” style event in Bracebridge, ON on August 20th, 2024 at 6:30pm, hosted by Chris, Ali, Scott and Backyard Music Co. Curated by billboard charting artist Scotty James, this intimate backyard concert unveils 2-3 accomplished songwriters in a Nashville-style writers’ round, offering acoustic renditions of their country, pop, and folk-infused originals. August 20, 2024
Acoustic Sunset Sessions at Deerhurst Resort-Join Deerhurst Resort for an unforgettable night of music under the stars at our Acoustic Sunset Sessions Outdoor Concert, featuring the acclaimed headliners Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk. August 24th, 2024
Muskoka Music Crawl Campfire Sessions-Imagine sitting by a roaring fire, feeling the soft sand or cool grass beneath your feet, and being serenaded by talented musicians. That’s exactly what you’ll enjoy during this summer long event, happening every Friday and Saturday night from the Canada Day long weekend through to Labour Day weekend. 2024 Schedule Aug 2: James Gray at Hutcheson Beach Aug 3: Leah Leslie at Hutcheson Beach Aug 9: Bluebird Days at Brunel Locks Aug 10: Gina Horswood at Brunel Locks Aug 16: Bluebird Days at Port Sydney Beach Aug 17: Leah Leslie at Port Sydney Beach Aug 23: James Gray at Avery Beach Aug 24: Bluebird Days at Avery Beach Aug 30: Jack Gaughan at Town Dock Park Aug 31: James Gray at Town Dock Park- 6-8pm special start time!
Music on the Barge-The Music on the Barge concert series is the largest outdoor concert series north of Toronto and draws thousands of seasonal and permanent residents to the shores of Gull Lake to enjoy a great evening of musical entertainment at this unique waterfront setting. Sunday nights 7:30 PM. August 11th: Joplin Meets Hendrix August 18th: Sound of Sting August 25th: Foreigner: Jukebox Heroes
Music at the Meadows is the annual outdoor music festival presented by Community Living South Muskoka. Headlining at this year’s festival is the legendary Grant Tingey and Hired Gun! The night’s line-up will feature the incredible local talent of Blue Moon, Cache Creek, Dunning Butchers + more! Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Beer Garden presented by Lake of Bays Brewing Co.
August 24th, 2024
Festivals & More This August
Summer Water Ski Show-Thrill to SWS Ski Shows every Tuesday Night at Windsor Park in Bala. The show starts at 7:30pm. Let go ski show – a Muskoka tradition since the early 1970s. While these shows are free, the athletes really appreciate your donations for the hard work they do to make sure your family has a great time every Tuesday through the summer rain or shine. August 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th, 2024
Pirate Cruise aboard the Wenonah II-Ahoy, maties! Sale on the high seas of Lake Muskoka for an interactive pirate adventure designed for youngsters and the young at heart. Costumes encouraged! AAAAAARRRRGH!!!! Pirates are back this summer to plunder the smooth waters of Lake Muskoka and reign terror on Sundays in July and August aboard the magnificent Wenonah II with infamously fearless Captain Corbin in lead! August 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th, 2024
Muskoka Lakes Association Antique Boat Show-The MLA Antique Boat Show began in 1971 and has been held bi-annually since, honouring boats that have been built in Muskoka or have spent most of their life in Muskoka waters. This show is a tribute to our Muskoka boat building heritage. August 10, 2024
The Northern Pass returns to Muskoka for its eighth incredible year! Get your crew together and join us for another full day adventure as we weave our way through one of Ontario’s most beautiful landscapes. August 10th, 2024
Baysville Arts & Crafts Festival – The Baysville Riverfront Group will host the 37th 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 10th- 11th, 2024
Artists of The Limberlost Studio Tour– Come to the 2024 Artists of the Limberlost Studio Tour on August 16, 17 and 18, from 10 am to 5 pm. You will enter our studios and display areas to meet the artists and see our newest creations. We feature 21 diverse and talented artists in 7 art studios or historic lodge settings. August 16th-17th, 2024
Muskoka Market: Huntsville Summer Edition-Come enjoy what beautiful Downtown Huntsville has to offer! The downtown shops will be bursting out onto the street and the kids will love the activities! August 17th, 2024
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 23rd-25th, 2024
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!
The Kee-A Summer Concert Tradition Since 1942. The Kee to Bala is one of the truly iconic concert venues, not only in Ontario, but the world. It’s rich history and heritage have made it a destination in Muskoka, and a tradition among locals and visitors for the last 82 years.
