North Bay Summer Festivals 2024

Located within about a 4-hour drive of Toronto, Ottawa and Kitchener, North Bay makes for a relaxing 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 North Bay's 2024 festivals. 

Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow 

June 8 – 9

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 13 – 16

The travelling poutine festival rolls into Lee Park beginning June 13, for a weekend of cheesy, gravy-drenched deliciousness. The event promises activities for attendees young and old, including a curd pong tournament.

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.

River & Sky 

July 17 – 21

This 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 18 – 21

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 20

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 20 

This year's 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 26 – 28

The countdown is on to the 25th annual Mattawa Voyageur Days, with Our Lady Peace and James Barker Band headlining. The popular festival takes place less than an hour east of North Bay and offers daytime entertainment for all ages, including inflatables, performances by Genoa Circus, and Science North demonstrations.

Hot Summer Night Music Festival 

August 2 – 3

Ease into the long weekend taking in some outdoor performances at the Kiwanis Bandstand. Six bands are lined up to play the City Hot Summer Night Music Festival this year, including 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 10 

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 14 – 18

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 24

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!

Bluesfest at the Capital Centre

 *Cancelled*

The Capital Centre announced they’re ending Bluesfest after nearly 10 years, due to funding challenges. A message on their website said they’ll look for other ways to support local talent, and will “continue to champion the blues, music, and the arts in general in our community.”

North Bay Pride 

September 11 – 15

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 on July 6th and Corn Festival on August 17th.

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.

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