LAURIE WEIR
SMITHS FALLS — The town is gearing up for its centennial Old Home Week celebration from Aug. 2 to 9, a once-in-25-years community festival that promises parades, music, family fun and plenty of hometown pride.
The celebration began in 1925, when former and current residents gathered to reconnect through historical pageants, lake cruises and parades. It was so successful that subsequent editions were held in 1950, 1976, 2000 and now 2025.
This eight-day event will bring free, family-friendly activities across town. Highlights include the opening parade, a Wellnessfest with health exhibits and wellness demos at Lower Reach Park and the Smiths Falls Curling and Squash Club.
That same evening, a drone light show will animate the sky over the park.
One of the week’s most beloved events, the Nightshirt Parade on Aug. 7 from 5 to 11 p.m., followed by Riverbank Musicfest along the canal on Aug. 8.
The Farewell Concert closes the week with live music and community spirit. Other highlights include heritage walking tours, museum retrospectives, a strongman competition, pickleball tournaments, euchre, bike nights and old-fashioned games.
Top 10 things to do at Old Home Week (with dates and times):
1. Watch the Opening Parade – Saturday, Aug. 2 at 1:30 p.m. from the Youth Arena to Lower Reach Park
2. Explore Heritage House Museum’s Old Home Week Retrospective – Open daily Aug. 2–9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Test your strength in the Strongman Firetruck Pull – Sunday, Aug. 4 at 12 p.m. on Beckwith Street
4. Visit vendor booths and wellness activities at Wellnessfest – Sunday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lower Reach Park and Curling Club
5. Catch the Drone Show – Sunday, Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. over Lower Reach Park
6. Take a guided Heritage Walking Tour – Various times Aug. 3 to 9 (check daily schedule for details)
7. Join the Nightshirt Parade and stay for Parkfest – Thursday, Aug. 7 starting at 5 p.m., parade ends at Centennial Park with live music and food
8. Enjoy live music at Riverbank Musicfest – Friday, Aug. 8 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. along the Rideau Canal near Lower Reach Park
9. Watch a movie under the stars in Centennial Park – Film screenings begin at dusk on select nights (check event schedule)
10. End the week with the Farewell Concert – Saturday, Aug. 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lower Reach Park
Here are a few things to know before you go.
- Most daytime events run between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and evening events up to 11 p.m. The majority of activities are free, with some ticketed events such as dances or special performances.
- A free shuttle service will operate throughout the week, helping residents and visitors get to and from key festival sites. Expect limited street parking downtown and road closures around parade routes and park zones. Plan to arrive early for headline events.
- Major event sites include Lower Reach Park, Centennial Park, the Smiths Falls Station Theatre, Town Hall, and the Community Memorial Centre. Most venues are accessible to the public, but attendees are advised to wear comfortable footwear and bring a water bottle.
- Washrooms and hydration stations will be available at all main venues. Bringing a folding chair is also recommended for outdoor performances.
History in the making
The history of Old Home Week dates back to 1925, when Smiths Falls first hosted a town-wide reunion. The idea originally came from New Hampshire, where a governor in the late 1800s launched Old Home Week as a way to reconnect rural communities and encourage former residents to return. Smiths Falls adopted the concept and made it its own. That first celebration included a historical pageant, boat tours on the Rideau, a carnival and more than 500 people in costume.
Subsequent editions have each brought something unique. In 1950, post-war optimism infused the festivities with renewed pride. In 1976, the Nightshirt Parade was born, adding a quirky and beloved tradition to the mix. In 2000, the town marked its 175th anniversary alongside Old Home Week, pulling together one of its most ambitious celebrations.
Over the years, the red and white Old Home Week logo has become a symbol of shared memory. For many, it’s a chance to come home, reconnect and celebrate a town that’s small in size but big in heart.
With the 100th anniversary now here, organizers are pulling out all the stops. From parades to park concerts, retrospectives to river floats, this Old Home Week promises something for everyone.
A few final tips
- Plan your route.
- Use the shuttle if possible.
- Expect large crowds at peak times like the parade, Drone Show and Farewell Concert.
- Bring layers, especially for cooler evenings.
- Check weather updates each morning.
- And if you’re looking to get involved, there are still volunteer opportunities open.
Smiths Falls Old Home Week 2025 is a homecoming, a celebration and a rare chance to be part of a century-old tradition that continues to bring people together.
For full schedules, maps and shuttle info, visit the website.
Looking for more weekend happenings? Check out Hometown Happenings — a fresh list of local events is posted every Thursday, covering what’s going on across Lanark County, Leeds and North Grenville.
