Jane Glenn | 24 June 2026
Downtown Port Elgin is hosting a combined celebration for Canada Day and Poutinefest on July 1. Local organizers have lined up an afternoon of food, music and family-friendly activities centred around Coulter Parkette and participating downtown restaurants.
The Downtown Port Elgin Poutinefest runs July 1 from 11am to 4pm, with five venues offering different takes on the classic Canadian comfort food. Tickets are available only through Eventbrite, while entry to the downtown area remains open to the public. Entry is free, tasting tickets are $25 for five, $7 for one.
Participating food vendors include The Queen's Bar & Grill, Chester's Bar & Grill, The Wismer Brewpub and Allan's Fireside Grill. Organizers say more venues are expected to be announced soon.
Canada Day activities will also be held at Coulter Parkette from 11am to 1pm, including free balloons, face painting, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. Music in the Parkette, featuring Nuclear Vibes, is scheduled from noon until 4pm. The event is hosted by the Downtown Port Elgin BIA.
Fireworks will be on display in Southampton at the Big Flag, at the end of Millard Boulevard (High Street) at dusk.
