This summer, you'll find events in Ottawa, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Manitoulin Island, and communities throughout the province organized by the First Nations and Métis communities that have called this land home for generations. From solstice celebrations and arts fests to film festivals and National Indigenous Peoples Day programming, this roundup brings together 13 events, with details on what's happening, where, and when, so you can find ways to engage with Indigenous creativity, knowledge, and contemporary life wherever you are in Ontario.
Date: May 16, June 13, July 18, and August 15, 2026 Annual event series
Hosted by Indigenous Crafters at Prudhommes Antiques on the shores of Lake Ontario near Vineland, this outdoor market series highlights Indigenous artisans and makers across four summer dates. Vendors offer art, crafts, and handmade goods, with each market day featuring a rotating group of creators.
Date: May 19–21, 2026 Annual event
Presented by the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, the Manitoulin Treaties and Knowledge Gathering returns in May 2026 with programming held at the Manitowaning Treaty Signing Site with an evening presentation at Debajehmujig Theatre. Wampum: Recording Relationships and Weaving Understanding, focuses on treaty history, relationship-building, and knowledge sharing.
This gathering is open to everyone, and brings together Anishinaabek community members, Elders, academics, and historians for two days of talks, discussions, and shared learning. Programming continues work developed over the past three years in partnership with Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin, Debajehmujig Theatre Group, Wikwemikong Tourism, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, and the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising.
Date: June 20-21, 2026 Annual event
Founded in 1996, the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival takes place each June around National Indigenous Peoples Day. Programming unfolds over multiple days and locations including Mādahòkì Farm and Wesley Clover Parks. Events include Indigenous music, dance, storytelling, workshops, culinary experiences, artist markets, Ojibwe Spirit Horse experiences, and activities for all ages. The festival brings together artists, knowledge holders, chefs, and performers from across Ontario and beyond.
Date: June, annually. Dates vary year to year. Annual event
Hosted inside Goods & Co. Market, this June art market gathers more than 35 Indigenous artists and makers for a full day of shopping and conversation. The event highlights locally made artwork, apparel, jewelry, textiles, and other handcrafted goods, with many of the artists on site to share their work directly with visitors.
Goods & Co. Market operates year-round as an indoor market in Thunder Bay and includes several Indigenous-owned businesses as permanent tenants. Shoppers will find vendors such as 21 Creek Creations, which produces ribbon wear and everyday apparel, Cree Stevens Designs, known for birchbark jewelry, and Mamakeesick Roots, offering art, clothing, and sports equipment. Alongside its regular shops, the market regularly hosts Indigenous-focused pop-up events, with this summer market returning as an annual highlight.
Date: June 17-21, 2026 Annual event
Presented during Indigenous History Month, the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival showcases Indigenous theatre, spoken word, music, dance, and performance art. Events take place across multiple venues in Peterborough and highlight both emerging and established Indigenous artists working in contemporary performance.
Date: June 2–7, 2026 in Toronto, June 8–14, 2026 online.
imagineNATIVE is the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival. The program includes film screenings, digital media, immersive works, panel discussions, artist talks, and industry events. Featuring Indigenous creators from around the world, the festival has become a key early-summer event in Toronto’s arts calendar.
Date: June 18, 2026 Annual event
Hosted by Huronia Historical Parks, this education-focused National Indigenous Peoples Day event has been held at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons for decades. The Day of Learning brings together First Nations and Métis knowledge holders, artists, educators, and interpreters for a full day of interactive programming designed for school groups and the general public.
Programming includes scheduled demonstrations and all-day activities such as lacrosse skill stations, Métis games and displays, traditional teachings, music, art demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can take part in activities like corn husk figure crafting, Indigenous ring and pin games, outdoor survival skills sessions, and an interactive treaties map experience. The site also hosts an Indigenous and Métis artisans market, along with museum exhibits and historical interpretation throughout the day.
Date: June 21, 2026 Annual event
Hosted by the City of Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square, this early-morning gathering begins at sunrise and includes a ceremonial opening followed by a light community breakfast. The ceremony marks National Indigenous Peoples Day and is open to the public.
Date: June 21, 2026 Annual event
As part of National Indigenous History Month programming, the Town of Aurora hosts Indigenous storytelling in Aurora Town Park. The event centres oral traditions and shared stories in an outdoor, community-focused setting.
Date: July, typically mid-month. Date TBD. Annual event
Weengushk International Film Festival is held in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. The festival presents Indigenous-made films from Canada and around the world, with a focus on Indigenous storytelling through cinema and media arts. Screenings and events take place in community venues on the territory, creating space for filmmakers and audiences to gather, watch films, and take part in discussions.
Date: July 31, annually Annual event
Founded in 2018 by Debajehmujig Theatre Group, the Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival brings together established and emerging Indigenous artists for an evening of live music and arts programming. Performers have included artists such as Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Crystal Shawanda, and emerging talent from across the region.
The festival also features visual art displays, dance performances, and an on-site Indigenous chefs cooking challenge. The event is alcohol- and substance-free, with on-site security.
Admission: Adults: $20 / Children: $5
Wiikwemkoong Band Member Elders 65 and over, and youth 17 and under, are free.
Date: August 8, 2026 Annual event
Held at Pioneer Park in Southampton, the HSM Rendezvous is a daytime cultural gathering featuring fiddle music, dancing, cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, and food. The event is open to the public and designed for families and visitors of all ages.
Date: August, date TBD Annual event
Anishnawbe Keeshigun is a summer cultural gathering held at Fort William Historical Park
that highlights Anishinaabe culture, traditions, language, and technology. The event takes place over a full weekend and includes live entertainment, hands-on activities, and cultural demonstrations led by Anishinaabe artists and knowledge holders. Programming also includes a community feast on Saturday that is open to all visitors, along with a pow wow featuring regional dancers and drum groups.
Date: September 15-20, 2026 Annual event
Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival showcases Indigenous documentary, narrative, and experimental films alongside music, visual art, and media installations. Screenings and events take place at venues across Ottawa, highlighting contemporary Indigenous storytelling through film and media.
Date: Fall, Date TBD Annual event
Since 2024, Six Nations Tourism and Wikwemikong Tourism have partnered on a cultural exchange to showcase the experiences, stories, and offerings of both nations. This multi-day cultural experience brings together Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee communities for shared learning and celebration. Programming includes storytelling, shared meals, cultural demonstrations, and land- and water-based experiences. Events take place across the territory, creating opportunities for visitors to engage directly with hosts in outdoor and community settings.
