Festival Fever

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July 6th, 2022
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When traveling through Northern Ontario’s Superior Country some of the best experiences are seeing the sites and exploring the wilderness. However, what will really capture your heart are the long-standing festivals that celebrate the traditions and unique characteristics of each community! Whether that be ice climbing, fishing, or music, after you’ve read this article, we hope you have caught the “Festival Fever” and attend all that interest you! Here is your need-to-know on Northern Ontario Festivals…

 

Festival of India

When: July 16 

Where: Thunder Bay – Marina Park

Festival of India (organized by Vedic Cultural Centre) is an annual celebration of culture, arts, music and food. It is a way to gain an insight into the culture of India by showcasing “The Emerging Thunder Bay”

Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of India. Right in Thunder Bay!

See music, dance, and drama performances. Enjoy a free vegetarian feast and view many exciting exhibits and presentations, including the unique art and architecture, the science of reincarnation, the transcendental art exhibit, a spiritual fashion and gift shop, the children’s interactive activities area and much more!

Enjoy spectacular Chariot Parade, Music, east Indian Dance, drama henna Tattoo, exhibits, Yoga show and much more! Many new attractions have been added to the festival.

This event includes:

  • Yoga Show
  • Kirtan on the stage
  • Chariot parade
  • Bharat Natyam Dance
  • Oddisi Dance
  • Kathank dance
  • Bhakti Dance
  • Garaba Dance
  • Folk dance
  • Bhakti Dance
  • Instrumental performance of tabala & Sarod
  • FREE INDIAN FOOD for all!

Summerfest

When: July 14th – 17th 

Where: Longlac

Summerfest is the perfect weekend long festival full of food, fun, and activities to keep your summer spirit going. This festival takes place throughout Longlac a warm summer weekend where you can celebrate and enjoy this beautiful season.

This 4 day event includes:

  • Great food (famous for their beef on a bun)
  • Fish Fry
  • Live Music
  • Baseball Tournaments (Slo-pitch & Lob ball)
  • Parade
  • Activities for kids (obstacle courses, face painting etc.)

For more information please click here

 

Drag Fest

When: July 29th – 31st

Where: Terrace Bay

A highly anticipated festival is none other than the Terrace Bay’s DragFest. This is a festival that is put on by the Superior Classics Car Club. The Dragfest is located on the Terrace Bay Airport Grounds located on Highway 17.

This 3 day event includes:

  • Drag Races ( Quick 16 Class and Mid-West Wild Bunch)
  • Car Show
  • Food Vendors
  • Overnight Camping

When attending this event, camping is available on the grounds for details click here or other accommodations can be made close by in Terrace Bay and Schrieber. To view those options visit Terrace Bay and Schrieber’s official websites.

Live from the Rock Folk Festival (Folk Fest)

When: August 5th – 7th

Where: Red Rock

Live from the Rock Folk Festival is a music and arts festival that has been held annually since 2002, and is hosted by the Township of Red Rock and over 200 dedicated volunteers. This event takes place on the shore of Lake Superior in Red Rock, Ontario. Over the years it has pulled in over 2,000 music lovers who are passionate about the grassroots festival.

This 3 day event includes:

  • World class music
  • Daytime workshops
  • Food Trucks & booths
  • Vendors with unique products/art
  • Beer Gardens
  • Musical Campfires
  • Children’s Activities

Accommodations can be made to camp on the festival grounds or stay at other places in the surrounding areas. For other options in the area make sure to visit the Red Rock and Nipigon official websites

Live from the Rock Folk Festival is truly a unique experience as it encourages the musicians and performers to collaborate within a fun environment, and provides you with a front row seat to a one-of a kind musical experience.

Terrace Bay 75th Aniversary – Lighthouse Festival

When: August 18th – 21st

Where: Terrace Bay

The Township of Terrace Bay is celebrating its 75th Anniversary from August 18 to 21, 2022. This event endeavors to instill a sense of pride in commemorating moments past and present while celebrating our bright future as a community.

We plan to provide celebratory events through a number of festivities, entertainment, reunions, and reflections for all current & former residents and visitors.  Be their guest as Terrace Bay commemorates the past and celebrates the future!

This 4 day event includes:

  • Day 1 – Welcome Day – Opening Ceremony and Retro theme night
  • Day 2 – Lighthouse Festival Day – 3 bands and inflatables
  • Day 3 – Beach Day – Terrace Bay Waterfront Beach Party with DJ and fireworks
  • Day 4 – Farewell Day – Closing ceremony at the Terrace Bay Waterfront featuring the burying of the time capsule

For more information on this epic festival click HERE

Winnie’s Hometown Festival

When: August 19th – 21st

Where: White River

Winnie the Pooh is the well known bear we all know and love. Especially the residents of White River being that it is the birthplace of the beloved character. Every year the community celebrates this with “ Winnie’s Hometown Festival” on the third weekend of August this year it will take place on the weekend of August 19th-21st. Each year the festival takes on a different theme examples of previous themes include “Winne the Pooh goes to Vegas” and “ Winnie the Pooh goes to Hawiia.”

The story by A.A Milne was inspired by an orphaned black bear cub taken in by a trapper who brought her to White River. This was a common thing to have bears in the early 1900’s and thankfully it was or else Winnie the Pooh would never exist. There is much more to this heartfelt story and history of the character if you would like to read more make sure to visit the official webpage.

This 3 day event includes:

  • Block Party
  • Parade
  • Fireworks
  • Food Vendors
  • Pancake breakfast
  • Trade Fair
  • Bingo
  • Fish Derby

Blueberry Blast Festival

When: Aug 12th – 14th

Where: Nipigon

The Blueberry Blast is a fun-filled event for the whole family. The festival provides a variety of services and entertainment. From music and blueberry-themed foods to goods from local artisans and crafters, children’s events, and adult’s events all throughout the weekend. You can even pick and eat fresh blueberries yourself! The Blueberry Blast festival is a great way to enjoy what Nipigon and area has to offer. It’s also a great time for former residents to reconnect with friends and family and visit the area. The Blueberry Blast is organized and run by a central committee and aided by local volunteers.

This event includes:

  • Blueberry Social
  • Live music
  • Pancake breakfast
  • Live entertainment
  • Vendors
  • Guided berry picking
  • Entertainers
  • Draws

Ribfest

When: August 26th – 28th

Where: Thunder Bay

Ribfest is a food festival that has spread throughout the United States and Canada and it celebrates one of Barbeque’s staples and a fan favourite “RIBS.” It takes place in many different locations throughout the summer months and Thunder Bay has its very own that will take place this year on August 26th  – 28th 2022. This year Ribfest will be taking place on the CLE grounds at 425 Northern Avenue Thunder Bay, Ontario.

If you are a barbeque enthusiast, foodie, or simply just a rib lover this is the festival for you. With not only your endless supply of ribs but also food vendors with other selections for you to try.

This 3 day event includes:

  • Music
  • Local Food Vendors & Artisans
  • Craft beer
  • Competitions
  • Games
  • Incredible Rib eating experience

Ribfest offers something for everyone and will not disappoint! For more information please click here.

Fall Fishing Festival

When: August 31st – September 2nd

Where: Nipigon

The Nipigon Fall Fishing Festival (FFF) is the longest running annual event along the Northshore. This year will be the 55th annual FFF which takes place from August 31st – September 2nd, 2019.

Don’t let the name scare you if you are not a fisherman/woman! It has lots to offer and is more than just a fish derby. The festival is an opportunity for family, friends and visitors to come together to taste fantastic food, enjoy excellent local entertainment, and participate in a ton of fun activities.

However, if you are a fishing enthusiast, the Derby is something that will spark your interest. There is a two day family derby and one day Huck Finn derby for kids. For more information on the derbies click here.

This 4-day event includes…

  • 5km race
  • Beer Gardens
  • Biggest slo-pitch tournament on the Northshore
  • Kids races and activities
  • Dance at the Nipigon Legion
  • Parade
  • Classic car display
  • Kids’ inflatables
  • Talent Show
  • Home Run contest
  • Food trucks and booths
  • Giant penny auction
  • Catch the Ace (giving you the chance to win a progressive jackpot)

For more general information on the FFF please click here.

 

 

 

Ice Fest

When: March   

Where: Nipigon 

Ice Fest is the perfect festival if you love adventure, winter, and consider yourself an adrenaline junkie. It is the longest running Canadian premiere ice climbing festival. You don’t have to be a pro or an experienced climber as they offer activities from a beginner level all the way to expert.

The fest is put on by Outdoors Skills and Thrills which is an organization that provides the best climbing experiences in Northwest Ontario. They offer guided rock and ice climbing adventures and courses.

The Nipigon Ice Fest typically takes place at the beginning of March. Outdoor Skills and Thrills updates their website frequently with all the details for the festival, so make sure to check their events calendar as there is always something exciting happening.

This event includes:

  • Climbing clinics
  • Snowshoe outings
  • Presentations
  • Gear Swap/Sale
  • Prizes/Gear Raffle
  • Dinner Specials
  • Ice Climbing Adventures
  • Climbers mingle
  • Game Night
  • Networking

If you are looking for more information or you want to register for the Ice Fest please click here.

Birding Fest

When: May 

Where: Dorion

The Birding Fest originally began with the Township Of Dorion as “Dorion’s Canyon Country Birding Festival” but has now been taken over Lakehead Conservation Authority however, still occurs in Dorion, Ontario.

Birding is one of the most popular ways to observe wildlife and this festival is extremely successful every year to the point of it selling out quickly. The specific locations for the birding include the Hurkett Cove Conservation Area, Hurkett Dock, Ouimet Canyon, and some back roads and farm fields along the way.

This two day event includes

  • Breakfast
  • Transportation provided to sites where you will be birding
  • A great birding experience
  • Dinner
  • Presentations/Discussions

This is a festival that you need to register ahead of time so if this is something that interests you or you want to know more you can visit their website or sign up for their newsletter by clicking here.

 

 

This article mainly focuses on just the festivals taking place within Superior Country however, there are so many more events to attend. Watch out for future articles on these events such as Pow Wows, Fish Derby’s, Heritage days, and more in Superior Country.