August long weekend will see the first ever Southampton Arts Festival, a celebration of arts from August 1 to 4, 2025.
Attendees will have an opportunity to explore various art forms from visual arts to theatre to music, with events happening all weekend long.
Friday, August 1 will see the ARTISANS AND TASTES MARKET, an outdoor market with over 50 growers, cooks, artists and more at the corner of Albert and Huron Street in Southampton.
Organized by the Marine Heritage Society, visit chantryisland.com/artisans-crafts-tastes for more information.
ART ON THE FENCE will see scores of original artworks in a beautiful outdoor setting on Saturday, August 2 from 9am to 4pm. Taking place At Chantry Breezes Bed & Breakfast, corner of High and Huron Street, the show will feature paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography, as well as wood and metal art by members of the local Shoreline Artists group.
Rain date Sunday, August 3.
More information is available at shorelineartists.net/art-on-the-fence.
Saturday, August 2 will also see the SAUGEEN FIRST NATION ARTS MARKET on the front lawn of the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre with local makers, crafters, beaders, and artists, each bringing their own unique talents and cultural expression.
A variety of handmade items will be available for purchase, making it a perfect opportunity to support local talent and take home something special.
The event is free to attend and will take place from 10am to 4pm at 33 Victoria Street North.
POP-UP SUMMER CRAFTING is Bruce County Museum's summer crafting program inviting guests of all ages to unleash their creativity and make their own unique souvenirs. Saturday, August 2 from 8am to 4pm. Members can attend for free, general admission applies ($8 plus HST for adults, $4 plus HST for children 4-12 and Seniors are $6 plus HST. Children 3 and under are free.)
More information at brucemuseum.ca/thisevent/pop-up-summer-crafting-2/2025-08-02.
The SAUGEEN SHORES SUMMER CONCERT SERIES is set to take place on Sunday, August 3 from 7pm to 8:30pm.
The GREG RITCHIE BAND will deliver infections blues-rock rhythms and soulful vocals at the Emmett McGrath Pavilion at the Port Elgin Main Beach.
THE VAUDEVILLIAN, a jug band duo featuring Norah Spades and Jitterbug James will bring 1930s style music on resonator guitar, banjo, washboard and spoons will perform at the Fairy Lake Pavilion, 260 High Street in Southampton.
The Summer Concert Series is free to attend.
More information at saugeenshores.ca/en/explore-and-play/summer-concert-series.aspx.
Watch for the touring ARTbike popping up at locations all around town offering eco-friendly crafts and art projects for children and families.
A Free program of the Southampton Arts Centre, 201 High Street, Southampton, southamptonartscentre.com/artbike.
HOMAGE, a nationally touring collection of 41 framed neckpieces, created by renowned metal artist Don Stuart as a celebration and tribute to Canadian women throughout the ages will be at the Bruce County Museum, 33 Victoria Street North.
Museum admission rates apply. For more information about the exhibit, visit brucemuseum.ca/exhibit/homage-inspired-by-outstanding-canadian-women.
The Museum is open Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. General admission is $8 plus HST for adults, $4 plus HST for children 4-12 and Seniors are $6 plus HST. Children 3 and under are free.
Bruce County Playhouse brings you NAKED RADIO THE MUSICAL, a live performance featuring comedy and musical interludes when two DJs and their station manager improvise stories and songs to keep the radio on air during a fierce storm while handling call-ins from wacky characters.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for students with a Friday and Saturday showing at 8pm and a Sunday showing at 2pm. Bruce County Playhouse is located at the Southampton Town Hall, 201 High Street. More information, visit brucecountyplayhouse.com/professionalseason.
THE NEIGHBOURS ARE WILD will feature a fulsome fondness for fauna by artists Annette ten Cate and Terri De Signore at the Southampton Art Gallery, 201 High Street. Free admission Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 4pm.
The Southampton Arts Centre also brings you 50 LITTLE MASTERPIECES on Saturday, August 2. Take home a piece of original artwork with 50 ticket-holders choosing one of 50 original 10x10" paintings. No competition or bidding, order of selection is by draw.
The event will include light refreshments and a silent auction and will get underway at 7pm.
More information at southamptonartscentre.com/events2025.
The Southampton Arts Festival is a collaboration of independent arts organizations with no central committee or budget. For information about each event, contact the event holder's organization.
To bring your arts group or organization to this or next year's festival, contact Fred Kuntz, Board of Directors Chair with the Southampton Arts Centre at chair@southamptonartscentre.com.
For a printable version of the three-fold VISITORS' GUIDE AND MAP seen below, visit southamptonartscentre.com/_files/ugd/7434a7_749e78b8a7bf4d7c93c044e533a969be.pdf.
