North Bay Summer Festivals 2025
Located within about a 4-hour drive of Toronto, Ottawa, and Kitchener, the waterfront city of North Bay makes for a relaxing Ontario summer getaway. With festivals lined up most weekends throughout the summer, it’s the perfect excuse to visit!
From pow wows to poutine, here are the must-do North Bay's 2025 festivals.
January
January 7-9 2025
Winter Bluesfest at the Capital Centre
The Capital Centre's three-day Bluesfest is a great way to celebrate blues, music, and the arts this January. Kicking off with a party and live music at Gateway City Brewery on the 9th, the festival's Main Stage Concert on the 11th features the North By Entertainers Hall of Recognition Band, David Laronde Band, Whiskey River Blues Band, Spencer Mackenzie, and Ottawa's MonkeyJunk.
June
Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow
June 2025
The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre celebrates its 50th year and presents its 16th annual pow wow this year. The weekend at Lee Park will include Indigenous craft vendors, food, dancing and drumming.
North Bay Poutine Feast
June 2025
The travelling poutine festival rolls into Lee Park in June, for a weekend of cheesy, gravy-drenched deliciousness. The event promises activities for attendees young and old, including a curd pong tournament. Check their site for updates.
Holi Fest
June 29
All are invited to StudyBuddy Canada's family-friendly celebration of the colours at the Kiwanis Bandstand from 1-6 pm. The day will involve traditional colour throwing, food, dance, and performances.
July
River & Sky
July 2025
This epic family-and-dog-friendly music and camping festival takes place at Fishers’ Paradise Campground, around an hour northwest of North Bay. Live music is spread across four stages —including one on the beach—and as installations throughout the campground, bringing together a community of art and nature lovers over several days.
Shake the Lake Ribfest
July 2025
Eat ribs and feel good doing it—this Gen7 fuel-organized event is in support of the North Bay food bank. The weekend promises a medley of music and ribs on the shores of Lake Nipissing.
Canoe Day La Vase Portages
July 2025
Canoe Day offers a chance to experience the La Vase Portages and connect with like-minded canoeists for the same type of unforgettable paddling experienced by those who had travelled the portages centuries ago. Shuttling, guiding, and lunch are provided.
Boatapalooza
July 2025
This year's first Boatapalooza event takes place on July 20 at Average Joe's on Trout Lake, North Bay, with a second date on August 10. Bring your boat, canoe, kayak or any watercraft and enjoy live bands from 12 pm-4 pm while delicious food is brought right to your boat (or feel free to book a table at the restaurant and enjoy the show from there).
Mattawa Voyageur Days
July 25-27 2025
The countdown is on to the 26th annual Mattawa Voyageur Days. The popular festival takes place less than an hour east of North Bay and offers daytime entertainment for all ages, including inflatablesas well as Science North demonstrations. Musical performances across all three day of the festival include Fefe Dobsen, the Reklaws, Tim and the Glory Boys, and a Bon Jovi tribute band.
August
Hot Summer Night Music Festival
August 2025
Ease into the long weekend taking in some outdoor performances at the Kiwanis Bandstand. Check out the live music that plays the City Hot Summer Night Music Festival—past years have included performances by North of Quiet, Yer Blues, and The Unknown. The free outdoor festival is put on by the city, with support from local businesses.
Boatapalooza
August 2025
Bring your boat, canoe, kayak or just yourself and enjoy a live band at the end of the docks at Average Joe's during the summer's second rendition of Boatapalooza.
On The Edge Fringe Festival
August 6-10 2025
On The Edge Fringe Festival has brought professional and emerging theatre artists alike to North Bay, since 2014. The festival programs up to 12 local, regional and international artists each year, selected by lottery. Performances in a variety of genres (such as contemporary dance, sketch comedy, and traditional theatre) take place across four venues.
Bay Block Party
August 2025
This free, family-friendly event is a celebration of community and local businesses in downtown North Bay. The North Bay Real Estate Board has yet to announce the lineup for this year, but expect a day filled with local talent, food vendors, artists and fun!
North Bay Pride
September 2025
Be sure to watch the North Bay Pride website for announcements about this year’s celebration. Last year featured a packed schedule of free events across multiple venues, including raising the pride flag, a talent show, a drag contest, a trans march, a pride parade, and a concert in the park.
Always On in North Bay
North Bay has some events that run on regular dates all summer long. Check out these ongoing summer events and mark your calendar so you can catch the fun:
North Bay Summers Farmers' Market
—every Wednesday and Saturday, and includes a Strawberry Festival and Corn Festival.
North Bay Summer Concert Series
—Summer Concert Series is a free outdoor concert series at the North Bay Waterfront Kiwanis Bandshell every Wednesday from July 3 to August 28th.
North Bay Arts & Culture Series —free arts and culture activities every Tuesday evening from July 2 to August 27 at the North Bay Waterfront Kiwanis Bandshell.
If you’re visiting from out of town, check out these great places to stay in North Bay, and round out your visit with a scenic trail walk, a visit to one of the local-approved beaches, or a meal at one of these foodie destinations.
For more ideas about the best things to see and do in the city, visit Tourism North Bay.