10 Festivals in The Seven You Just Can’t Miss

Northeastern Ontario is packed with festivals that bring music, art, food, and culture to life. Whether you’re dancing under the stars at River & Sky, watching derby cars smash at Kap Kraze, or stepping back in time in a 17th-century holiday village in Temiskaming Shores, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your must-attend festival guide for 2025!

Attend a Pow Wow Across The Seven

June through September 

A pow wow is a vibrant and welcoming celebration of Indigenous cultures, where communities come together to share traditions through drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, attending a pow wow is a chance to experience the energy, beauty, and traditions of Indigenous cultures in an open and inclusive setting. Pow wow season in The Seven kicks off with the Aundek Omni Kaning Traditional Powwow on the first weekend of June. One of the largest, longest-running pow wows in Northeastern North America, the Wikwemikong Annual Cultural Festival is held on the August Civic Holiday weekend in midsummer. The season closes with M’Chigeeng’s Jiingtamok on Labour Day weekend. These gatherings are open to everyone and offer a chance to experience Indigenous traditions firsthand. Remember to be respectful—stand for the Grand Entry and don’t photograph dancers without permission. Here’s a guide to Pow wow etiquette.

Cochrane Bearfest

Late June–Early July 

Held annually in Cochrane, Bearfest celebrates both the region’s unique heritage and its most famous residents—the polar bears. This event is a lively, multi-day, family-friendly festival that takes place in late June through early July, with a variety of activities throughout the week. A major highlight is the fundraising concert, where folks enjoy live music under the stars. The profits from the concert benefit the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, which provides a safe, natural environment for resident polar bears Henry and Ganuk—one of the festival’s key attractions is the opportunity to learn about the Polar Bear Habitat's important work in polar bear conservation. Aside from the bears and the epic tunes, Bearfest features local food vendors, outdoor games, and a range of fun activities for all ages. 

River & Sky Music/Camping Festival

Late July

For live music, camping, and good vibes, River & Sky is the place to be. This laid-back festival is held over four days in late July every year at Fisher’s Paradise, a beautiful riverside campground in Field, Ontario. It’s all about dancing under the stars, cooling off in the river, and soaking up amazing performances in the great outdoors. It’s more than just music—local food, craft vendors, and a welcoming community make it feel like one big summer getaway with friends (old and new). Whether you’re pitching a tent for the weekend or just stopping by for a day, it’s all about chill times, great tunes, and nature at its best.

Kap Kraze Tailgate Derby in Kapuskasing

Late July

For those who love a good adrenaline rush, the Kap Kraze Tailgate Derby is the event to attend. This high-energy festival combines a traditional demolition derby with a tailgate party atmosphere. It’s a thrilling event for motorsports enthusiasts and families alike. The derby pits drivers against one another in a series of intense races, while spectators cheer from the sidelines. The tailgate aspect of the event allows fans to set up their own spaces with picnic tables, coolers, and more, making it an interactive and social experience. It’s a great way to enjoy some fierce competition while soaking in the local culture.

Up Here Festival in Sudbury

Mid-August

When summer hits, the festival scene in The Seven truly comes alive. And if you like fun, one festival you really don’t want to miss is Up Here Festival in Sudbury. Curated by We Live Up Here—a non-profit organization founded in 2012 around the simple idea that art can playfully reshape our community—this urban arts and emerging music festival transforms the city into a massive open-air gallery. With a focus on large-scale murals, live art installations, and concerts featuring local and international musicians, Up Here is an all-encompassing celebration of creativity.

One of the unique aspects of the festival is its seamless blend of art, music, and culture throughout the city. Over the course of the event, you’ll see artists painting murals on building walls, epic live shows in unique and sometimes temporary venues, and interactive art displays where you can become part of the creation. The festival has quickly become a major event in Sudbury and is the place to be for art lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

It's the perfect summer event for anyone looking to experience Sudbury’s vibrant creative scene. With the FEST app, you can discover this year’s lineup, find the murals around Sudbury, build your own schedule, and be the first to find out about pop-up shows and other surprises.

Afrofest Sudbury

Late August

For a truly joyful celebration of culture, music, and community, Afrofest Sudbury is an unmissable festival. Held  in late August at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in Bell Park, this vibrant two-day outdoor event is a celebration of African and Caribbean heritage in the region. It’s an exciting and colourful festival that includes live music, dance performances, a traditional clothing parade, and an array of food vendors offering traditional dishes from across Africa and the Caribbean.

One of the highlights of Afrofest Sudbury is the focus on both local and international performers, who bring their talents to the stage and celebrate African cultures. Art installations, face painting, and community gatherings round out the weekend, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for all ages.

Whether you're enjoying the performances or sampling delicious cuisine, Afrofest offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about and appreciate the vibrant cultures that have helped shape Sudbury.

Pride Events Across the Region

Throughout the Summer

Pride celebrations are an essential part of the festival scene in Northeastern Ontario. From Sudbury to Timmins to North Bay, and everywhere in between, Pride events promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Fierté Sudbury Pride is one of the largest Pride festivals in the region, with a week full of activities leading up to the parade and street celebrations.

Pride events often feature performances, workshops, parades, and community gatherings. They bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, friends, and allies in a supportive and celebratory environment. The energy at these events is palpable, and whether you’re marching in the parade or cheering from the sidelines, there’s an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance that fills the streets. Pride celebrations are a beautiful reminder of the region’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

North Bay Outdoor Winter Night Market

Weekends in November

North Bay is home to one of the most unique experiences in the heart of the cold season—the North Bay Outdoor Winter Night Market. Held annually throughout November, this event transforms the downtown core into a winter wonderland. Picture twinkling lights, local artisans offering their best handmade goods, food trucks serving up warm comfort foods, and live music filling the crisp evening air. It’s a festive vibe that brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the beauty of winter in a way that feels like a warm hug.

For those who love shopping and supporting local talent, the market is a must-see. You can find unique handcrafted items, warm winter essentials, and delicious treats to sample as you stroll. It’s the perfect spot to cross off some holiday shopping while enjoying a cozy winter evening with friends and family.

Village Noël Temiskaming in New Liskeard

Late November

Step into a 17th-century Christmas village at Village Noël Temiskaming in New Liskeard. Inspired by French-Canadian holiday traditions, this festive weekend market is packed with costumed characters, live music, delicious food, and handcrafted gifts. Wander through wooden chalet-style booths, sip warm mulled cider, and take in the magical, old-world charm. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to kick off the holiday season with nostalgia and cheer.

Big Winter Festiglace in Kapuskasing

Mid-March

Kapuskasing’s Big Winter Festiglace is a 10-day winter celebration packed with frosty fun. Running every year in mid-March, this festival transforms the town into a winter wonderland, featuring everything from dog sled rides and ice fishing to snowblower races and polar dips. Love a good challenge? Try arm wrestling, road hockey, or a snowshoe rally. Prefer to stay cozy? Enjoy live music, storytelling, or maple taffy on snow. For a nostalgic twist, don't miss the Annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride, where classic sleds parade through town. This community-driven festival is the perfect way to embrace Northern Ontario’s winter magic. Bundle up and join the fun! 

Up Here, We Know How to Party

The Seven is a region that knows how to celebrate. Whether you’re at Up Here exploring the vibrant art scene, dancing to the rhythms of Afrofest, or enjoying the exhilarating diesel fumes of the Kap Kraze Tailgate Derby, there’s no shortage of exciting events to look forward to. Looking for something else? Here's a guide to more festivals in Northeastern Ontario.

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