The party's on in North Bay this summer.

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North Bay Summer Festivals 2026

Ontario's Gateway to the North offers music festivals, rib and poutine fests, Pride, and more! All just a short drive from the GTA.

By Northern Ontario Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada!

March 13, 2026

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 2026 festivals.

June

Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow

June 6 & 7, 2026

pairs of participants in beautiful traditional pow wow clothing delicately balance potatoes between their's and their partner's foreheads as they dance the potato dance. The partners have their hands clasped behind their backs and are smiling at each other and seem to be having a lot of fun. — Photo credit Tourism North Bay

The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre presents its 18th annual pow-wow this year. The weekend at Lee Park will include Indigenous craft vendors, food, dancing and drumming.

North Bay Poutine Feast

June 11-14, 2026

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.

July

River & Sky

July 22-26, 2026

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.

a smiling guitar player crouches onn stays as she sings to the crowd on the green grass next to a shining river at the River & Sky music festival. — Photo credit Vanessa Tignanelli

Shake the Lake Ribfest

July 17-20, 2026

Eat ribs and feel good doing it this July—this weekend promises a medley of music and ribs on the shores of Lake Nipissing.

Canoe Day La Vase Portages

July 18, 2026

Red canoes paddling down a green waterway. — Canoeing La Vase.

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.

Mattawa Voyageur Days

July 24-26, 2026

The countdown is on to the 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 inflatables, musical performances, Science North demonstrations and fireworks.

Hot Summer Night Music Festival

July 31-August 2, 2026

Ease into the long weekend and take in some outdoor performances at the Kiwanis Bandstand. Check out the live music that plays the 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.

On The Edge Fringe Festival

August 12-16, 2026

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.

Boatapalooza

August 15, 2026

This year's Boatapalooza event takes place on August 15 at Average Joe's on Trout Lake, North Bay. Bring your boat, canoe, kayak or any watercraft and enjoy live bands all afternoon 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).

Bay Block Party

August 21-22, 2026

This free, family-friendly event is a celebration of community and local businesses in downtown North Bay. Don't miss one of North Bay's most popular events, featuring local talent, food vendors, artists and fun—including this year's headliners The Strumbellas.

North Bay Pride

September 2026

Be sure to watch the North Bay Pride website for announcements about this year’s celebration. Pride brings a packed schedule of free events across multiple venues each year—including raising the pride flag, talent shows, drag contests, 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:

Summer Cruise Series

Together, the Capitol Centre and the Chief Commanda II are bringing back the Summer Cruise Series, featuring a range of artists and genres on select dates throughout the summer. Don't miss out on this exciting way to enjoy summer on the lake.

North Bay Summer Farmers' Market

—every Wednesday and Saturday, and includes a Strawberry Festival and Corn Festival.

A man in a hat shopping at the North Bay farmer's market. — North Bay Farmers' Market

North Bay Summer Concert Series

—The Summer Concert Series is a free outdoor concert series at the North Bay Waterfront Kiwanis Bandshell every Wednesday from June 17 to September 9, 2026.

North Bay Arts & Culture Series

—free arts and culture activities every Tuesday evening from June 23 to September 3 at the North Bay Waterfront Kiwanis Bandshell.

An artist performing in a clear geodome against a purple sunset. — La Bulle performing at the North Bay Waterfront as part of the free Arts & Culture Series. Photo credit Paul Ritter

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 or check out their events calendar directly.

Find more things to do and places to stay in North Bay!

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About Northern Ontario

Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada! Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else. Sunset Country is famous for its spectacular fishing lakes, Superior Country has friendly towns and a superior coastline, Algoma Country has bucket list drives and epic outdoor adventure, and the Northeast provides excellent vacation destinations close to Toronto and other large urban centres in Southern Ontario.