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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