6 Places for Music Lovers in Timmins Ontario

Here are 6 music festivals and events to check out in this Northeastern Ontario city. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a lucky resident who lives here year-round, these musical spots are for you!
A concert showing a man on an outdoor stage singing at night.

Timmins, Ontario has a rich musical history that is evident in the city's lively music offerings today. The city's first live band began in South Porcupine in 1912, playing in hotels and dining rooms. Since then, celebrities and people from all over Canada and the world have come to our beautiful city to dance, listen and play music. 

Photo provided by The Timmins Library Archives, The Porcupine Advance 24 April, 1947, 1, p.5 A wide view of the entire Shania Twain Monument which shows the plaque at the top and the imprint of Shania Twain's hands at the bottom
Pianist Oscar Petersen (left) performed in Timmins back in 1947. Photo credit: Porcupine Advance 24 April 1947. // The Shania Twain Monument in Timmins (right). Photo credit: Kendall Grace Fountain.

Throughout the years, celebrities such as Tommy Davis Jr and pianist Oscar Petersen have performed right here in Timmins. Both Stompin Tom Connors and Shania Twain, among many other musicians, started their fantastic singing careers in Timmins—singing inside what used to be the Maple Leaf Hotel. Hints of their time spent here can still be found. Be sure to pay a visit to the popular Shania Twain Monument located in downtown Timmins. And while Stompin' Tom Connors doesn't yet have his own monument here, the city has been immortalized through his lyrics—both his songs "Carolyn" and "Fire in the Mine" are based on his experiences in Timmins

Where can I go to listen to live music in Timmins?

The City of Timmins hosts many diverse music festivals throughout the year. If you're looking forward to visiting our talented city this summer, then be sure to check out these epic music festivals!

1. Festa Italiana

Get ready for a fabulous four-day event that will be full of delicious food, fun-filled activities and some amazing musical entertainment. A staple in our beautiful city, the Festa Italiana is a yearly event organized by the Porcupine Dante Club since 2017. A fun way to celebrate and acknowledge the heritage and cultural roots of our city's fantastic Italian community, the Festa Italiana is the perfect place to spend summer evenings. For a look at their amazing Festa events which include activities for kids, comedy shows, feasting under the stars and rocking the night away, visit the Porcupine Dante Club website and purchase your tickets ahead of time as this is one summer music festival that you won't want to miss!

Photo provided by The Porcupine Dante Club Photo provided by The Porcupine Dante Club Photo provided by The Porcupine Dante Club
Photos provided by the Porcupine Dante Club

2. Timmins' Rock on the River

This July 18th - 20th come on down to the Hollinger Park at the Timmins' Rock on the River! Get ready to rock under the stars with us as you enjoy an epic lineup of not only local artists, but also artists from all over the country during this amazing 3-night event. From rock to country to soul music, as well as delicious vendors, get ready for a musical experience of a lifetime. For more information on band times and lineup, as well as to book your tickets, be sure to visit their website

3. The Heart of Gold Fest 3

This year, rock with us in the City with the Heart of Gold at the Heart of Gold Fest 3! Back for the third time and featuring an awesome 3-night festival full of punk rock for only $90.00, this event will be held at The Surge Bar, The Victory Tavern, The Moneta and The Airport Hotel. This musical event is perfect for those who are looking for a good time while enjoying a beverage in one or all of our amazing bars, for more information and to ensure a rocking good time in the City of Timmins, Ontario, book your tickets now and stay tuned for more information on this event which includes schedules, shows and times.

4. The Timmins Concert Series

Bringing you fantastic summer evenings that will be full of music and nature every Tuesday night from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, the Timmins Concert Series features a premium lineup of local artists who will be performing at the Lions Club Park located in Schumacher. Offering a delicious BBQ dinner and a show, the Timmins Concert Series is an event that you will not want to miss! For more information including the lineup of bands that are going to perform this summer, be sure to visit their Facebook Page and get ready for a summer night full of musical entertainment, and fresh air right here in the City of Timmins.

Photo provided by Tourism Timmins Photo provided by Tourism Timmins
Come for musical summer evenings with the Timmins Concert Series on Tuesday nights.

Looking to buy or play an instrument in Timmins?

Not only does Timmins, Ontario have some fantastic and exciting music festivals that are a must for any music lover, but we also offer some premium music stores which include musical groups and repair shops that are sure to suit anyone's musical needs. 

5. The Music Box Timmins

Located at 108 Third Avenue and founded in 1947 by Lou Vacchino, The Music Box is one of the most iconic music stores in our city. What was once a music store and recording bar that used to sell RCA record players and stereos now also sells premium quality electric guitars, amplifiers, acoustic guitars, keyboards, pianos, microphones, P.A., pedals, percussion and drum sets, stands, strings, accessories, used instruments and much more. For more information on this fantastic state-of-the-art music store that is truly a part of the community, visit their website

6. The Timmins Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1979 by the late conductor Emil First, and supported by a team of musicians who were encouraged by a successful woodwind performance that same year, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra is a beloved organization in the Timmins community. It includes professional teachers offering instruction to music lovers of all ages and offers premium symphonic and choral music. The Timmins Symphony Chorus,  founded in 2004 by conductor Matthew Jones is also a popular organization currently led by conductor Dr. Joshua Wood. The Timmins Symphony Orchestra is located at 35 Pine Street South in the City of Timmins, Ontario. If you're interested in learning more about how to play an instrument or would like to become a part of the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, then be sure to visit the Geoffrey James Lee School of Music which offers multiple teaching studios, a music library and a big ensemble room including an administration office. 

A wide view of all the members from the Timmins symphony orchestra holding their instruments and smiling at the camera
Credit given to the Timmins Symphony Orchestra's Facebook Page.

Whether you're visiting or residing in the City of Timmins, many musical opportunities await you. With its amazing festivals, outstanding orchestra, plus its diverse array of bands, groups and music-related stores—the musical possibilities are endless right here in Timmins, Ontario. 

About Kendall Fountain

Born and raised in Timmins, Ontario, Kendall Grace Fountain is studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Concurrent Education at Nipissing University. With a background as a research assistant and a travel counsellor with Tourism Timmins, she is passionate about the history of her hometown. An artist and avid reader, she enjoys writing, travelling, and discovering new adventures. She likes to learn, share her knowledge with others, and is working towards becoming a teacher.

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