Make a splash this summer in Rideau Lakes! Start planning your family fun now, as summer vacation is just around the corner. Read on for some banner annual events to make the most out of summer in Rideau Lakes!
Elgin’s Disco Rollerskating – Every summer Friday evening
It’s a wheely-good time! People of all ages are invited to enjoy roller skating or roller blading on Friday nights at the Elgin Outdoor Rink, where lights, music, games and a canteen can be found. Some rentals are available. Grab your friends or family and come try something new in town!
Cow Island Fireworks Display – June 29, 2024
Celebrate being Canadian and take part in the annual tradition of viewing the Cow Island fireworks from your boat moored off Cow Island or from land in Portland or at your cottage. Starting at dusk. We hear there are usually folks gathered at Hanna Park on the water’s edge in Portland, too! Organized by the Big Rideau Lake Association.
Chaffey’s Lock Canada Day Celebration - July 1
In the beautiful waterfront village of Chaffey’s Lock, enjoy a Hotdog Barbeque with the Chaffey’s Lock and Area Heritage Society and the Chaffey’s Area Lakes Association Duck Race at the lock from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for face painting and pirate games!
Rideau Lakes Canada Day Celebration and Parade in Newboro – July 1
The little community with big heart is celebrating Canada Day in style from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on July 1, 2024. Enjoy the sounds of the Perth Citizen’s Band from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with hot dogs and drinks by donation. Then watch (or be in!) the parade starting at 7 p.m. Birthday cake to honour the occasion is served at 7:30 p.m. Get your groove on with Three2Go until 9:30 p.m.! Most activities in and around the Newboro Community Hall.
Rideau Lakes Studio Tour – June 29 and 30, 2024
Discover the art of creative minds at work on Canada Day weekend! Enjoy incredible original art, sculptures, pottery, weaving, carving, painting much more. As always, the Rideau Lakes Studio Tour promises to be a spectacular showcase of the region's finest artists. Taking place from June 29 to 30, 2024, the event will feature 22 artists opening their studios to the public, allowing visitors to see how these talented creators work their magic. Learn more at https://rideaulakesstudiotour.ca/
Claire Jacobs Fine Art, Portland
Clifford Pennock: Remastered at Elgin’s Red Brick School – summer weekends 2024
Rediscover how local 20th century photographic pioneer, Clifford Pennock, viewed this era through his masterful lens and what he saw after he pressed the shutter! In this stunning new exhibit, the Elgin and Area Heritage Society is showcasing an extraordinary collection of more than 100 Pennock photos in large-format colour at the Red Brick School in Elgin. They have been remastered in full colour to bring his work to life! Stop by weekends only starting June 29 - if you’re an historical, photographic, or artistic buff you don’t want to miss this!
South Elmsley CEC Pancake Breakfast – July 1
Get ready for pancakes and syrup at the annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast at the South Elmsley Hall at the Ronald E. Holman Municipal Complex in Lombardy. Running from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. it’s organized by the South Elmsley Community Enhancement Committee.
Westport Rideau Lakes Canada Day - July 1, 2024
Events starting at 8:00 a.m. around the village, at Lions Sand Lake Beach in North Crosby from noon to 5:30 p.m. and at the Royal Canadian Legion Upper Rideau Lakes Branch 542. Look for lots of festivities, including helicopter rides, face painting, breakfast, Rideau District Museum, carriage rides, geocaching at Foley Mountain, the annual bicycle parade, touch a truck, Canada Day bingo, a fish fry and more! Don't miss the fireworks at about 10 p.m., at the Legion Hall (10099 10, Westport).
Elgin Days – July 11 to 14, 2024
Picture this: streets full of yard sales, a chicken barbecue, live music, children’s events, a parade, petting zoo, vendor market, fire trucks, library events, face painters, legendary bake sales, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, and so much more! Elgin Days is a village wide celebration of community taking place every year on the second weekend in July.
Elgin Days Chicken Barbecue Photo by Robyn O'Neill
Delta Fair – July 25 to 28, 2024
One of the longest running agricultural fairs in Ontario, The Delta Fair is a summertime highlight for the area for generations. The Delta Agricultural Society is celebrating 194 years of the fair in 2024! Enjoy fun for the whole family with children’s shows, a midway, games, truck pull, horse and animal shows, lawn mower races, live entertainment, homecraft exhibits, chainsaw carving and much more. This year, see the return of the Delta Fair Parade on July 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Lombardy Fair – August 2 to 4, 2024
Giddy up and head to the Lombardy Fairgrounds for a long weekend agricultural fair! The Lombardy Agricultural Society is celebrating 158 years of country hospitality with something for everyone. Popular events here are the demolition derby and the Monster Madness – have a sneak peek at how the fair is shaping up and mark it on your calendar!
Lombardy Fair
Planning for the rest of the year? Look what else is coming up in Rideau Lakes!
Delta Harvest Festival – September 2025
The Delta Harvest Festival is a village-wide celebration of harvest. Food, vendor sales and tours of the historic Old Stone Mills National Historic Site are among village-wide events.
Skate the Lake – January 2025
This annual speedskating competition in the village of Portland sees skaters from near and far race on a 1 km outdoor oval on Big Rideau Lake! Be sure to check back about Skate the Lake this coming winter.
Skate the Lake
Delta Maple Syrup Festival – April 2025
The Delta Maple Syrup Festival is a weekend celebration taking place in April inviting families to the village of Delta to enjoy sweet maple syrup and pancakes, wagon rides, and more.
Delta Maple Syrup Festival - Delta Agricultural Society
Dive into events in Rideau Lakes! For more information or the see what else is happening in the township, visit the Events page. Summer is sizzling in Rideau Lakes!
