If you are after a summer getaway in Ontario then look no further than North Bay – a vibrant lakeside city that transforms into a festival wonderland during the warmer months. From Indigenous celebrations to music festivals, food feasts to cultural events, North Bay offers an incredible array of summer activities that showcase the best of Canadian hospitality and natural beauty.
Weekly Ongoing Events
Opening up on May 16th, the North Bay Summers Farmers’ Market runs every Wednesday and Saturday in front of the North Bay Museum featuring local produce, crafts, live music and seasonal festivals including Strawberry and Fall Fair.
The North Bay Cruisers are back every Monday evening from May 11 from 4:30pm till dusk at the parkette in front of the North Bay Museum. The Monday night cruise nights run for 19 weeks in 2026 (September 14th) and on average expect to see over 120 or more cars, music, 50/50 draws, lots of car talks and food trucks. Expect to see classic cars, hotrods, imports, tuners, supercars, old school, and new school – a car for every taste.
Summer Concert Series – Free outdoor concerts featuring live music and performances from local and regional talent every Wednesday from June 17 to September 9th at the North Bay Waterfront Kiwanis Bandshell.
2026 Live Music Lineup: To be announced
Arts & Culture Nights – Free cultural activities every Tuesday evening from June 23 to September 3 at the waterfront, featuring unique performances like La Bulle’s geodome shows against stunning sunset backdrops.
Arts & Culture Line Up: To be announced
Corpus Dance Project présente La Bulle (2023) – photo: Paul Ritter
June 2026: Kickstart Your Summer Adventure
Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow – A Celebration of Indigenous Heritage
Experience the rich cultural traditions of Canada’s First Nations at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’s 18th annual Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow-Wow on June 6th and 7th at Lee Park. Watch traditional dancers in stunning regalia perform ancient ceremonies, including the delightful potato dance where partners balance potatoes on their foreheads while dancing – a joyful spectacle that embodies the spirit of community and fun.
What to Expect:
- Authentic Indigenous craft vendors featuring handmade jewelry, artwork, and traditional items
- Traditional foods and Indigenous cuisine
- Sacred drumming and dancing ceremonies
- Family-friendly activities and cultural education
North Bay Poutine Feast – Canada’s Ultimate Comfort Food Festival
Calling all food lovers! The traveling poutine festival makes its delicious stop at Lee Park on June 11th to 14th and brings together the holy trinity of fries, cheese curds, and gravy in creative combinations you never imagined. This isn’t just about eating – it’s about celebrating Canada’s most iconic dish with activities for all ages.
Festival Highlights:
- Dozens of poutine vendors with unique twists on the classic
- Family activities and live entertainment
- Perfect for food tourists and Instagram-worthy moments
Mattawa River Canoe Race
Each summer (June 13, 2026), paddlers from across Canada challenge themselves in the iconic Mattawa River Canoe Race, a historic 64 km marathon from Olmsted Beach on Trout Lake in North Bay to Mattawa Island Conservation Area. Organized by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and held since the 1970s, the race follows a Canadian Heritage River route of lakes, rapids and portages, celebrating the waterways once used by Indigenous peoples and voyageurs. There’s also a 13 km family-friendly event from Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park for all skill levels. Spectators line the riverbanks to cheer on paddlers in canoes, kayaks and SUPs.
photo credit: North Bay – Mattawa Conservation Authority
Celebrate La Saint-Jean in North Bay – A Joyful Tribute to French-Canadian Culture
Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Saint‑Jean‑Baptiste Day), is celebrated on June 24 with music, colour, and community spirit. Hosted by Les Compagnons des francs loisirs, this annual event is a lively tribute to Franco‑Ontarian heritage and French‑Canadian traditions featuring live music that gets the whole crowd dancing. Families will love the interactive kids’ zone, complete with bouncy castles, reptile show and children’s art exhibit. More than just a festival, La Saint-Jean is a heartfelt expression of identity, togetherness, and joy.
St Jean Festival – photo: Les Compagnons
July 2026: Peak Summer Festival Season
Shake the Lake Ribfest – Eat Well, Do Good
July 17-20 brings North Bay’s premier BBQ event to the shores of Lake Nipissing. This Gen7 fuel-organized festival combines mouth-watering ribs with live music, all while supporting the local food bank – proving that great food and community spirit go hand in hand.
Festival Features:
- Award-winning rib vendors from across Ontario
- Live music performances throughout the weekend
- Kids zone
- Beautiful Lake Nipissing waterfront setting
- Supporting local food security initiatives
photo credit: Shake the Lake
Canoe Day La Vase Portages – Historical Adventure
Step back in time with the Friends of La Vase on July 18th and experience the same waterways that voyageurs traveled centuries ago. This guided canoe adventure through the La Vase Portages offers both novice and experienced paddlers a chance to connect with Canadian history while enjoying Northern Ontario’s pristine wilderness.
Adventure Includes:
- Professional guides and historical interpretation
- Shuttle service and lunch provided
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Unforgettable wilderness photography opportunities
La Vase Portages – credit: Friends of La Vase
Mattawa Voyageur Days – Regional Festival Destination
Less than an hour east of North Bay, the 27th annual Mattawa Voyageur Days (July 24-26) offers three days of entertainment featuring major Canadian artists including Theory of a Dead Man, Owen Riegling, and other supporting bands on the Sunday like Chirs Buck Band, Tanya Marie Harris, Ten02 and Steven Lee Olsen. This regional festival makes an excellent day trip from North Bay.
Summer Cruise Series – Music on the Water
The Capitol Centre and Chief Commanda II present unique themed cruises throughout summer:
- 80’s Cruise with Birds of a Feather- Friday, July 10
- Classic Rock Cruise with Blue Screw- Friday, July 24
- Country Cruise with The County- Friday, August 7
- Blues Cruise with The Jesse Thomas Band- Friday, September 4
These floating concerts offer a one-of-a-kind way to experience North Bay’s musical scene while enjoying scenic lake views of Lake Nipissing.
August 2026: Late Summer Celebrations
Hot Summer Night Music Festival – Free Outdoor Entertainment
Kick off the August long weekend with free outdoor performances at the Kiwanis Bandstand from July 31st to August 2nd. This city-sponsored festival features local and regional talent, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing summer evening by the water.
Boatapalooza – Floating Concert Experience
Experience North Bay’s most unique concert event, Boatapalooza, at Average Joe’s on Trout Lake (August 15). Bring any watercraft – from luxury boats to kayaks – and enjoy live bands from the water while delicious food is delivered directly to your vessel. Alternatively, you can take a seat on Average Joe’s patio – but be sure to reserve your table in advance.
Unique Experience:
- Free Live Music Concert viewed from the water
- Food service delivered to boats
- Alternative: restaurant seating with lake views
- Perfect for boating enthusiasts and music lovers
On The Edge Fringe Festival – Professional Theatre Arts
On the Edge Fringe Festival will take place on August 12 to 16, and brings professional and emerging theatre artists to North Bay for this lottery-selected festival featuring up to 12 performances across four venues. Experience contemporary dance, sketch comedy, traditional theatre, and innovative performance art in intimate settings.
Bay Block Party – Community Celebration
This August, Saturday the 22nd transforms Downtown North Bay into a massive street party headlined by The Strumbellas in 2026. Bay Block Party is a free, family-friendly celebration of local businesses features live music, food vendors, artists, and community spirit in the heart of the city.
Afro-Caribbean Festival – Echoes of the Motherland
The North Bay Afro-Caribbean Festival is a vibrant community celebration held on August 29th, that brings together the diverse cultures, music, food and artistic traditions of African and Caribbean communities in the region. Started to foster connection and inclusion, the festival takes place at the Kiwanis Bandshell in sunny late summer and features energetic performances, colourful cultural displays, and delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine, all while offering a welcoming space for people from all backgrounds to enjoy the rhythms, flavours and heritage of this wonderful community.
September 2025: Extended Summer Festival Fun
North Bay Pride – Inclusive Community Celebration
September brings North Bay’s vibrant Pride celebration featuring multiple free events across the city. From flag-raising ceremonies to talent shows, drag contests to the main parade and concert in the park, this inclusive festival welcomes everyone to celebrate diversity and community.
Planning Your North Bay Summer Festival Getaway
North Bay’s strategic location on the shores of Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, combined with its rich cultural scene and natural beauty, makes it the perfect base for exploring Northern Ontario. Whether you’re interested in Indigenous culture, music festivals, outdoor adventures, or culinary experiences, North Bay delivers authentic Canadian experiences in a stunning lakeside setting.
Pro Tips for Visitors:
- Book accommodations early during festival weekends
- Don’t miss our promotions pages for special accommodation deals and food and drink specials
- Many North Bay events are free or low-cost, making North Bay budget-friendly
- The waterfront location provides stunning backdrops for all events
- Easy access to trails, beaches, and outdoor activities between festivals
For the most up-to-date information on dates, tickets, and special events, visit Tourism North Bay’s official website and events calendar. Your perfect Northern Ontario summer adventure awaits in North Bay – where every weekend brings new reasons to celebrate!