Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Hometown Happenings is your go-to list of markets, music, festivals, fundraisers, and good old-fashioned community fun happening in Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte, Montague, Merrickville, North Grenville, Rideau Lakes, Westport, and points in between.
Got an event to share?
Send the details to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca and we’ll do our best to include it in the next roundup.
Published every Thursday, alphabetically by region, just in time to tee up your weekend plans.
Almonte (Mississippi Mills)
Almonte Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beside the library on High Street. Local produce, crafts, food and sharpshooting knife sharpening.
North Lanark Highland Games
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate the Scottish culture and heritage of the Ottawa Valley at the 40th annual North Lanark Highland Games. The Games offer a traditional format and size attracting about 3,000 visitors. Twenty pipe bands, a hundred dancers and champion heavyweight athletes combine to present what is recognized as one of the Ottawa Valley’s premier summer events.
Carleton Place
Carleton Place Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Market Square Pavilion, 7 Beckwith Street. Local produce, baking and handmade treasures.
Touch a Truck
Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rona, Carleton Place. 535 McNeely Ave. Donations to the Lanark County Food Bank appreciated.
Young Entrepreneurs Market
Sunday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Inaugural event at Dark and Deadly Café, 1 Costello Dr. Vendors will be 12 and under. Limited spaces. Everyone is invited to support these young people. Email info@darkanddeadlycafe.ca for details or to register.
Pakenham
Festival of the Wild Child
Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at High Lonesome Nature Reserve. “See Nature Differently” invites children and their families to explore the natural world through fresh eyes — whether that’s as an artist, a biologist, a beaver, or simply as a curious kid.
Perth
Perth Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Crystal Palace. Riverside setting with produce, prepared foods and artisan crafts.
Perth Museum’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, Aug. 23, 12 to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, heritage demonstrations, crafts, food, behind-the-scenes tours, and more.
Rideau Lakes
Bach on Beverley
Saturday, Aug. 23, 3 to 5 p.m. at Furnace Falls Farm, 504 Old Briar Hill Road, Lyndhurst.
Bach at the Red Brick Schoolhouse
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Red Brick School House, 3 Halladay St., Elgin.
Enjoy these musical events and experience the chamber music of Johann Sebastian Bach and others. Donations support the music program at Rideau District High School.
Newboro Corn Boil
Saturday, Aug. 24, 5 to 9 p.m. at Newboro Memorial Park. Live music, great food, and even better company! Hosted by the CEC.
Smiths Falls
Movies Under the Stars, Centennial Park
Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Lilo & Stitch. Little Ray’s Nature Centre will be on site for some pre-show entertainment. Don’t forget your blanket, bug spray and a lawn chair. Youth in Policing Imitative – collecting empties as well as food pantry items.
Open Air Market
Friday, Aug. 22, 3 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, 2-22 Confederation Dr. Pick up some produce, check out the crafters and artisans. Food available on site.
RibFest: The 4th annual Smiths Falls Ribfest is back, August 22-24 at Centennial Park. With delicious ribs, live music, kids’ zone (mini putt, lawn games and obstacles and slides) and a beer garden, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer weekend. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, and until 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Dance-a-thon fundraiser for the Falls Food Hub with DJ Ashley
Saturday, Aug. 23, 7 to 10 p.m. at the RCAF Hall (Settlers Ridge Centre). Tickets are $10.
Westport
Westport Market
Saturday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 38 Concession Rd., Westport. Enjoy local produce and products in this open-air market setting.
Paint the Summer Art Show and Sale
Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westport Arena, 27 Spring St. Free admission. Hosted by the Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association.
Live at the Cove
* Thursday, Aug. 21, 6 to 9 p.m., Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Brownman Electryc Trio, $10
* Friday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Matt Dickson, the Classic Rock Marathon Man
* Saturday, Aug. 23, 5 to 8 p.m. Classic – Hinch + Adam. Classix perform the songs that stand the test of time. From Elvis to The Beatles, The Stones to Clapton, they play music you know and love.
* Sunday, Aug. 24, 5 to 8 p.m. Head over Heels.
Keep up to date with all Hometown Happenings. Have an event to submit? Send it to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca.
