Everything You Need to Know About Cochrane's Bearfest 2024

What Is Cochrane Bearfest?

Cochrane Bearfest is a multi-day event this summer in the city of Cochrane, Ontario, about a 4 hour drive from North Bay and 4.5 hours from Sudbury. The festival runs June 28-July 7th and includes a baseball tournament, gourmet food festival, family swim, fireworks, a beach party, an epic benefit concert featuring Tim and the Glory Boys—and much more! So grab your mitt, or your swimsuit, or your dancing shoes (or bring all three) and make plans to join Cochrane’s epic Bearfest this summer!

Get your Bearfest Beach Party and Concert Tickets Here.

All profits from the sale of tickets for the event will be donated to the Polar Bear Habitat to support the care of Ganuk, Henry and Inukshuk, and their Cochrane home.

Must be 19 years or older to attend. 

When is Cochrane Bearfest?

The Cochrane Bearfest runs June 28 - July 7, 2024.

What is the Schedule for Bearfest?

There are loads of family-friendly events every day of the festival so be sure to check out the full event listing. The full schedule for Bearfest is here. 

Here are some festival highlights:

June 28-30th

Fun in the Sun 24-Hour Baseball Tournament. Register your team for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes.

July 1
Canada Day Festivities

Come join for an around the lake swim, volleyball tournament, beach games, and of course—fireworks! Celebrate Canada Day in style at Bearfest! 

July 3rd
Indigenous Day 

Come for an all-day Indigenous experiences event at the Pavillion.  

July 5th
5pm to 8pm
La Foire Gourmande

On Friday, visitors can check out La Foire Gourmande—a festival of food trucks from a diverse selection of chefs and regional vendors at the Pavilion. Don't miss the Mad Baker's famous apple fritters! Try something new and enjoy flavours, friends, family, and live music by the lake. Bring your appetite for this uniquely Cochrane culinary experience! 

July 6
7 pm - late
Beach Party and Benefit Concert

On Saturday, ticketholders can check out the beach party, which starts at 7 pm. Country duo Rosewood Ave is playing and is ready to rock the beach. 

At 9:30 pm, is the main event: The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat 20th Anniversary Benefit Concert. Elyse Saunders opens for Juno Award-winning country/bluegrass Tim and The Glory Boys. Get ready for a bear-y good time! 

For more event listings check the full schedule. 

Is Bearfest Free? How Much Are Tickets to Bearfest?

Many of the events at Bearfest are free! For the beach party and benefit concert, prices are as follows:

For a full day pass including the beach party and the benefit concert, tickets are $75.

For just the beach party, it’s $30.

For just the benefit concert, it’s $50.

Where Do I Buy Tickets to Bearfest?

You can buy Bearfest tickets here.

Is This for Charity?

Yes. All profits from Bearfest are donated to Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat.

Who is Headlining at Bearfest?

Tim and The Glory Boys are headlining. The festival also includes performances by Rosewood Ave and Elyse Saunders.

Anything Else I Need to Know?

Doors close after 10 pm. There is no late entry to the venue.

The beach party and concert on Saturday is a 19+ event.

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