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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.”
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.
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.
