From the colourful costumes of Carnival North to living history at our local museums and celebrattions of our black history, BruceGreySimcoe is home to some amazing cultural experiences and attractions. Take a food tour in Collingwood, explore the lighthouses of Bruce County and visit the historic Moreston Village at Grey Roots. We’ve pulled together a handy list of ideas for adding some culture to your summer vacation in BruceGreySimcoe.
Cultural Events & Experiences
Celebrate the 162nd Emancipation Festival in Owen Sound
Commemorate Emancipation Day and celebrate the 162nd Owen Sound Emancipation Festival in Owen Sound from August 2 to 4. Festivities include a Speaker’s Corner (at Grey Roots Museum & Archives on August 2), Picnic and Festival (at Harrison Park on August 3) and a Gospel Sunday (at Moreston Village, Grey Roots Museum & Archives on August 4). This festival helps strengthen family and community connections, so come out and enjoy a stellar line-up of speakers and performers and other activities being planned for this signature event this summer. Enjoy performances from the M`Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre Drummers, the Blackburn Brothers, Kaiya Cade Smith Blackburn, Joel Morelli, Liberty Silver, David Sereda, remarks and so much more!
Carnival North's celebration of everything Caribbean
Step into a slice of Caribbean paradise at The Collingwood Brewery for the lively, pulse-pounding
Carnival North Lime on August 17. Immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms of soca music and revel in a celebration that brings the vibrant essence of the Caribbean to Collingwood. Gather your loved ones for an unforgettable day brimming with rhythmic dancing, melodious beats, delectable cuisine, and the most joyous vibes around. Let their exclusive DJs and an array of talented performers and beautiful costumes captivate you as they create a night filled with euphoria. Join the euphoric Jump Up and let your spirit soar!
Footsteps to Freedom Black History Bus Tour
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This impactful bus tour, hosted by Making Change, features 3 key stops in the learning journey of our local Black history in and around Simcoe County. It begins in Barrie at 9:30 a.m. and travels to the Oro African Church, a restored historical site. A local family descendant will provide an engaging history of the Black settlers who made a home in the surrounding area, but the church brought the community together. The bus tour continues to the outskirts of Collingwood to the Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum, where you will meet another family descendant and tour the many small buildings containing artifacts, memorabilia and recreations of the Black settler's early days in the area. A culturally inspired lunch will be served, and a chance to wander the grounds at your own pace. The tour returns to Barrie after a short stop at the Bethel Union Cemetery, the first multi-cultural cemetery in Simcoe County. Here lies a beautiful monument to the many Black settlers and slaves who lived and worked in the area. The tour returns to Barrie at approximately 4 p.m. Book your ticket here.
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From about 1830 until the end of the American Civil War, escaped slaves traveled to Canada through the Underground Railroad, a secret network leading to freedom. Many of them settled in the Village of Sydenham (now Owen Sound), the last "terminal" on this route, where they found work and raised families.
Early settlers like Richard Ringo and John "Daddy" Hall, the city's first town crier, worked hard to create a place where Black people could live in freedom and peace.
In honor of these settlers, a commemorative cairn in Harrison Park was unveiled on July 31, 2004, during the annual Emancipation Festival and picnic. This picnic has been held every year since 1862 on the first weekend in August, marking the anniversary of the British Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834. It is believed to be the longest-running Emancipation event in North America.
Owen Sound's Historic Walking Tour includes several stops that highlight the city's Black history, such as the Kennedy Foundry site, Molock House, the British Methodist Episcopal Church, Pettigrow/Urquhart House, the Farmer's Market building, Tone Yoga Studio (formerly a Congregational Church), and Harrison Park.
Southampton’s Marine Heritage Festival
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There’s something for everyone during this three-day fun, free, family festival from July 26th to the 28th in Southampton. There’s a vendor market, a youth bike festival, a ghost walk, and a children’s Gold Hunt. Participate in or watch the Cardboard Boat Races on Saturday afternoon at the waterfront near the mouth of the Saugeen River by Pioneer Park. There’s lots of local musical entertainment throughout the weekend along with a corn roast, BBQ, Fireman’s Fish Fry and a beer tent. For more details visit the website.
Food tours and experiences
Take a South Georgian Bay Food Tour
Owen Heidi Ferguson says “Food has always been a way I have enjoyed new locations as well as good times with friends and family. South Georgian Bay Food Tours is a way to bring a similar experience to the area and create a fun way for local food lovers and visitors to enjoy the tastes and spirit of the area. With an incredible selection of great restaurants in Collingwood, Midland, and Creemore each town has a lively social scene and an area that sees new visitors year-round, we hope everyone enjoys the tours as much as we do.” Book a food tour in Collingwood Creemore, Midland and Thornbury this summer at
https://www.collingwoodfoodtours.com/
Experience a hands-on baking workshop with Red Hen Artisanale
Red Hen Artisanale offers hands-on baking workshops focused on sourdough, wholegrains, creativity, and getting to connect with other like minded folks. The workshops take place in the Red Hen Artisanale studio in the heart of Grey County, right along the Saugeen River. All workshops are curated and taught by Lauren Hambleton, a passionate Pastry Chef and Baker with over 15 years of experience. Come experience a workshop for yourself and learn something new! Workshops range in topics from Sourdough, to Pies, to Pizza, and Whole Grain Pasta.
Visit our Heritage Sites
Experience Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons After Dark
Visit Sainte-Marie among the Hurons after dark with the Shadows & Stone Evening Experience. Happening Thursday nights from June 27 to August 29, grab a lantern and discover the shadows of the past as you explore the darkened 17th century historic mission. Watch the sparks fly in the blacksmith shop. Roast bannock on a stick. Hear the creatures of the Wye River stir to life. Sip tea by the crackling fire in the longhouse, listen to Indigenous stories, and imagine what Wendake would have been like in the 1600s at night. This is a small-group experience. Advanced tickets are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Get details and secure your
spot here.
Channel your inner pirate, develop your blacksmith skills or step into the shoes of a 19th-century British Soldier at Discovery Harbour
Discovery Harbour delivers an exciting lineup of cultural experiences this summer. From their Pirates of the Bay Festival to their historic blacksmith workshops and even a new overnight experience in Camp Britannia, there are plenty of reasons to visit this Penetanguishene site.
Pirates of the Bay
Set sail for Discovery Harbour on Saturday, August 3 when the historic site is transformed into a pirate's paradise for a day for Pirates of the Bay! The event will feature crafts, activities, pirate duels, pirate ship jumpy castles, temporary tattoos, and a visit to the Scallywag Tavern for family-friendly souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. All pirates aged 0-99 are welcome to partake in the excitement! Our staff will be dressed in their finest pirate attire, and visitors are encouraged to don their own pirate costumes for the occasion.
Ember and Anvil: Historic Blacksmith Workshop
Ember & Anvil: Historic Blacksmith Workshop offers a one-day experience delving into the traditional craft of blacksmithing. Attendees will discover the history of blacksmiths who once resided and worked at the naval and military site, explore the current blacksmith workshop, and engage in hands-on learning of this age-old craft. By the workshop's conclusion, participants will craft their own metal piece to proudly display at home. This unique experience is perfect for a non-traditional bachelor's party or girls' night out!
Camp Britannia: A Soldier’s Overnight Adventure
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This immersive experience allows participants to step into the shoes of a 19th-century British soldier. During the program, visitors will: Learn British military drill techniques, set up a soldier's canvas tent, engage in marching and weapons drills, witness a black powder musket firing demonstration, receive specialized tours of the original Officers’ Quarters and enjoy bannock and storytelling around an open fire. Participants will spend the night in canvas sleeping quarters and wake up to the sound of military trumpets and drums. This unique program is ideal for history enthusiasts and those seeking an unconventional outing. It is open to individuals aged 10 and above, with parental supervision required. Step into history on Friday evenings starting July 5th. Get all the info here.
Grey Roots Museum and Archives and Moreston Village
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Grey Roots Museum & Archives is a family friendly attraction just outside of Owen Sound. With a tourist information centre, a 10-acre heritage village to explore, engaging exhibits, and easy access to Inglis Falls and the Bruce Trail, Grey Roots is a great inclusion on any summer outing in Grey County.
Moreston Heritage Village, open July and August, allows visitors to quite literally step into Grey County’s past. Featuring genuine historic buildings, thousands of artefacts, and friendly costumed interpreters, history comes to life in Moreston.
Inside the Museum, visitors can enjoy world class exhibits, plan their trip and collect tourist information on local attractions, or research in the County’s largest archival holdings. Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno is this summer’s featured exhibit, offering visitors an interactive look at the natural inspiration behind many modern technologies.
During July and August, Grey Roots is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre
There’s a great lineup of family friendly exhibits at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in Southampton this summer. Check out the True or False: The Fun Science exhibit running until September 2, catch one of their Wonderful Wildlife Shows with hands-on reptiles and be sure to be educated and entertained by their Cultural Demonstrations including presentations by Chef Zach Keeshig, stories from elder Shirley John and local Indigenous author Dorothy Ladd.
Summer at the Simcoe County Museum
Whether you want to peruse Indigenous crafts or antique autos, enjoy hands-on activities or just explore on your own, there is a lot to see and do at the Simcoe County Museum this summer. The museum is proud to host a temporary exhibit called “Honouring what is made through zaagidwin”, guest curated by local Indigenous artist Hunter Corbiere. The exhibit features beautiful examples of quill, bead and leatherwork, basket-making and other traditional art pieces made with zaagidwin (love) by local Indigenous artists, both past and present.
Every Sunday afternoon in July and August, the museum will come to life with spontaneous, fun and engaging activities for a weekly series called Living in the Past. Each week will feature a unique variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations offered by museum staff, volunteers and partner groups throughout our galleries and grounds. Bring the whole family for an afternoon that will entertain as well as educate. Activities run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and are included in the price of general admission.
On August 24-25, Simcoe County Museum hosts the first-ever Canadian Festival of Old Cars, presented in partnership with the Horseless Carriage Club of Southern Ontario. Come to this two-day celebration of pre-1933 automobiles to admire lovingly restored vehicles from over 90 years ago as they motor around the museum grounds. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Event rates apply.
Can’t make the special events? Feel free just to visit and explore the galleries and grounds! The museum is home to five permanent galleries telling the story of the people of Simcoe County, our natural resources, and living and working here. Outside, take a stroll among their collection of heritage buildings from across the region and a wide array of historic construction equipment. You can also explore the Red Pine House, an interactive exhibit about the Simcoe County Forests, or take a hike on Warbler Way, a walking trail that winds throughout our 300+ acre forest tract. The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tour the Bruce County Lighthouses
With hundreds of kilometers of coastline and 14 lighthouses, an unforgettable experience awaits on the Bruce County Lighthouse tour. For centuries, lighthouses have stood as beacons in the night along our shorelines. Make it a treasure hunt to find “must-see” lighthouses, all of which make a breathtaking photo backdrop. Among Bruce County’s 14 lighthouses, some are open to the public while others can be observed by walking or cycling by. All are photo – and paint – worthy.
Enjoy lighthouse tours by car, motorcycle, or bike. No matter how, you’ll experience a brilliant example of the living legacy of Bruce County’s marine heritage. So where are the best lighthouses in Bruce County? That depends on where you are and who you ask. But here’s a list of lighthouses you must-see and must-experience.