City of Owen Sound

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Vacation Guide2009 Vacation Guide - available online

Did you know?
A Georgian College campus is located in Owen Sound, and its most noticeable feature is the renovated Marine Training Centre. The 20,000 square foot training centre is one of the most technologically advanced in the country.

Key Festivals and Events

Home & Cottage Expo
Bayshore Community Centre's arena floor click image for large version
This is it! Grey and Bruce's regional home show, the largest north of Stratford and west of Peterborough. Over 130 exhibits in 5 indoor exhibit areas as well as outdoors. Exhibitor registration begins in January.
Harbour Nights Concert Series
outdoor concert click image for large version
Liven up your Sunday evenings this summer with this free concert series behind the Visitor Centre at 1155 1st Ave. W. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy local music. Donations encouraged.
Owen Sound Heritage Days
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See the tugs! There will be model rail displays, military displays, re-enactors, gift shop sale, entertainment, kids korner, games, food on site, museum exhibits and much more! Family fun for all.
Emancipation Festival Picnic
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Acknowledged as the longest consistently running event in Grey & Bruce counties we invite you to join in celebrating the journey of our ancestors within the Underground Railroad's most northerly safe haven. Bring your family and friends for a weekend of music, art, storyboards, award ceremonies, crafts, children's games, speakers, literature, cultural cuisine, ambience and comaraderie.
Tom Thomson Days
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For days surrounding Tom's August 5th birthday, visit the Tom Thomson gallery for an assortment of special events in addition to events at the Historic Leith Church where his gravesite is located.
Eddie Sargent Across the Bay Swim
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Having started in 1997, locals and visitors from afar participate in a one, two or four mile course visible from both sides of the bay. This is not a race but a challenge for individuals against natural elements such as waves, currents, temperatures and distance.
Conformation Dog Show & Obedience Trials
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The Grey Bruce Kennel & Obedience Club is involved in a wide variety of activities including dog handling seminars, health clinics and our big event, the Annual Championship Conformation Dog Show and Obedience Trials held in the beautiful Harrison Park. Please leave your family pets at home in fairness to the dogs in competition.
Summerfolk
Summerfolk's Mainstage click image for large version
Widely considered one of the best folk festivals in Ontario, Summerfolk is celebrating its 35th year on Georgian Bay August 20, 21 & 22, 2010 at beautiful Kelso Park. The festival features artists from around the world, from emerging talent to some of the biggest names in folk music,plus a children’s village, contra dancing, crafters, and a wide variety of fresh, local food. Six stages, 25 hours of evening concerts and accommodations nearby.
Streets Alive! Owen Sound's Busker Extravaganza
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A busking festival showcasing a wide variety of grassroots performers and seasoned veterans, in the age old tradition of crowd involvement and pure unadulterated exciting entertainment. Watch teh streets come alive with music, magic and merriment. Free admission in the beautiful downtown Owen Sound.
Salmon Spectacular
Salmon Returning to Spawn click image for large version
Thousands of anglers and their families flock to Owen Sound in hopes of catching the big one at this event, and to enjoy daily festivities and entertainment. The 10-day derby features kids’ & seniors’ days, ladies afternoon, onstage performers and two evening fish fries.
Owen Sound Fall Fair
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Activities for all ages, this well-loved event hosts a midway, horse show, truck & tractor pull, demolition derby, music, food, displays, great camaraderie and so much more.
Sweetwater Music Weekend
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This festival presents both classical and contemporary chamber music, and each year premiers an original composition. Sweetwater musicians, all of whom have national and international reputations, offer Master Classes to promising area music students on the Saturday and present an educational outreach program to music students in area schools during the year. In addition to Saturday's workshops, enjoy evening concerts on the Friday and Saturday, an afternoon concert on Sunday.
Festival of Northern Lights
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Thousands of lights twinkle along the banks of the Sydenham River in downtown Owen Sound and at Harrison Park during this popular annual festival. Enjoy several weeks of events, including concerts, craft shows, a Santa Claus parade, house tours and Christmas celebrations. The festival is a National Winter Lights Champion and Festivals & Events Ontario Multiple Award Winner.
Georgian Cup Snowcross Races
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See great championship racing at this annual event. Watch as men, women and youth vie for that all important title.
Celtic Festival
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The Owen Sound Celtic Society invite you to celebrate local heritage at the grey roots facility. Enjoy music, dance, camaraderie and so much more.

 

©2010 City of Owen Sound