
Summer Festival and Event Calendar Sunset Country 2023

The people of Ontario’s Sunset Country sure know how to take advantage of the short summer season. This year our event calendar is packed full of events ranging from Pow Wows to agricultural fairs to music and food festivals! You won’t want to miss out on the famous fishing tournament weigh-ins like the Kenora Bass International and the Lund Bronzeback Classic. Food trucks and pop-up shops are also abundant—be sure to check out these local events wherever you’re headed!
Did we miss any events? Let us know! info@visitsunsetcountry.com
JULY
Lake of the Woods Speedway: List of Events June-September
Matiowski Farmers Market: Every Wednesday throughout the summer from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm at the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion on the Kenora harbourfront.
Thunder Bay’s Teddy Bear Picnic July 11, 2023
Railroad Daze in Rainy River: July 13-16, 2023
Norseman Festival Red Lake: July 20-23, 2023
Festival of India Thunder Bay: July 22, 2023
AUGUST
Kenora Agricultural Fair: August 3rd-5th, 2023
Hosted at the Kenora Curling Club this year, an agricultural fair full of exhibits and activities. Find out more or enter some competitions here:
Lake of the Woods Speedway: List of Events June-September
Matiowski Farmers Market: Every Wednesday throughout the summer from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm at the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion on the Kenora harbourfront.
Sioux Narrows Arts Festival: August 5-6, 2023
Northwest Farmers Market: Every two weeks you can visit this Friday market in Sioux Lookout, Ontario! Runs June until September 29, 2023.
Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival: Aug 4-13th, 2023
All family fun at this week-long annual blueberry festival. Not just an event but a celebration! Join in on some activities, purchase blueberries and enjoy over 100 events!
Emo Fall Fair: Emo, Ontario, August 17-19, 2023
Dryden Fall Fair: Dryden Fair Grounds - August 24-26, 2023 Annual fair dedicated to celebrating the Dryden area's agricultural history and contributions to the community.
FISHING TOURNAMENTS
The open water season may be slightly shorter than other regions in Ontario, but arguably, Ontario’s Sunset Country has the best fishing in Ontario. Tournaments in Sunset Country gave anglers like 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champion, Jeff Gustafson his start. If you’ve ever wanted to expand your tournament list, add Ontario’s Sunset Country to your bucket list for competitive or recreational fishing. Here’s a list of some tournaments available in the area to join in or cheer on your favourite team.
JULY
Kenora Walleye Open July 8-9, 2023
Shoal Lake Bass Classic: July 8-9, 2023
Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship: July 20-22, 2023
Lund Bronzeback Classic: July 22-23, 2023
Lac Seul Walleye Cup: July 28-30, 2023
AUGUST
KBI (Kenora Bass International): August 11-12, 2023
Atikokan Bass Classic: August 18-19, 2023
SEPTEMBER
Red Lake Fall Classic: September 1-3, 2023
Bassin' for Bucks: September 8-10, Sioux Narrows
MUSIC FESTIVALS
Some music festivals last three days in Ontario’s Sunset Country! Bring a tent, trailer or set up accommodations in a nearby lodge! You won’t want to miss out on these fun festivals, complete with vendors, food, late-night jams, and amazing entertainment.
JULY
Coney Island ‘Maybe’ Annual Festival: Kenora July 30, 2023
AUGUST
Kenora Harbourfest: Kenora August 5, 2023
Trout Forest Music Festival: August 11-13, 2023, Ear Falls, Ontario Held at Ear Falls Waterfront Park, just one hour north of Vermillion Bay on Highway 105. Camping on the shores of the English River, part of the Historic Red Lake Gold Rush Trail, and the late-night jam sessions around the bonfires make for a memorable experience of Music in the Woods.
Moose N' Fiddle, 2023: Caliper Lake Provincial Park, August 25, 26, 2023 This "cool little festival at the lake" returns to Nestor Falls. It all happens along the water's edge and under a canopy of tall pines!
A LIST OF NOT-TO-BE MISSED POW WOWS
Ontario’s Sunset Country sprawls across three Treaty boundaries: Treaty Three, Five, and Nine. This historic and enriching cultural area is teeming with events, ceremonies, and celebrations of the First Nations and their communities. Why not take the time to learn more and make a Pow Wow part of your trip in northwestern Ontario? You can visit the event links below to find out more. Also, check out this Pow Wow etiquette guide.
JULY
Naotkamegwanning First Nation 50th Anniversary Pow Wow: July 7-9, 2023
Opwaaganisining First Nation (Lake Helen Reserve) Annual Pow Wow July 14-16, 2023
Seine River Pow Wow: July 14-16, 2023
Wauzhushk Onigum (Rat Portage) First Nation Pow Wow: July 14-16, 2023
Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Dalles First Nation Pow Wow: July 21-23, 2023
Ogimaawabiitong Annual Healing Your Spirit Pow Wow Wauzhushk Onigum: July 28-30, 2023
Naicatchewenin Northwest Bay First Nation Pow Wow: July 27-29, 2023
AUGUST
Iskatewizaagegan First Nation Shoal Lake 39 Pow Wow: August 11-13, 2023
Mishkosiminiziibiing (Big Grassy River) First Nation Pow Wow: August 11-13, 2023
Anishinaabeg Naongashiing Big Island First Nation Pow Wow: August 18-20, 2023
Lac La Croix First Nation Pow Wow: August 25-27, 2023
Wabeseemong White Dog First Nation Pow Wow: August 26-27, 2023
SEPTEMBER
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Pow Wow: September 1-3, 2023
Dryden We Run this City 10K: September 3, 2023
Did we miss any events? Feel free to let us know at info@visitsunsetcountry.com with the subject line: Events 2023!
PREVIOUS EVENTS IN SUNSET COUNTRY 2023
JUNE
Northwest Farmers Market: Every two weeks you can visit this Friday market in Sioux Lookout, Ontario! Runs from June until September 29, 2023.
Kenora District All Breed Championship Dog Show June 23-25, 2023
Lake of the Woods Speedway: List of Events June-September
Dryden Walleye Masters: June 17-18, 2023
JUNE
Rainy River First Nation’ Pow Wow: June 17-18, 2023
Couchiching First Nation Pow Wow: June 23-25, 2023 https://visitsunsetcountry.com/couchiching-first-nation-pow-wow
Lac Des Mille Lacs Pow Wow: June 24-25, 2023
Red Lake Anishinaabe Pow Wow Circle: June 16-17th
Fort William Traditional Pow Wow: June 30-July 2, 2023
Onigaming First Nation Pow Wow: June 30-July 2, 2023
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