Hometown Happenings: Plowing matches, movies and more this weekend

LAURIE WEIR

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. 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beside the library on High Street. Local produce, crafts, food and sharpshooting knife sharpening. 

Balderson

Lanark County Plowing Match
Saturday, Aug. 16, 12:30 p.m. opening ceremonies: Politicians will vie for bragging rights at the Lanark County Plowing Match, to be held at Beachgrove Farms in Balderson, 2960 Drummond Conn. 7. Competition plowing, vendors, live music, and a VIP class. Opening ceremony 12:30 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. and admission is $5. Hosted by the Lanark County Plowmen’s Association. 

Carleton Place

Carleton Place Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Market Square Pavilion, 7 Beckwith Street. Local produce, baking and handmade treasures. 

Carleton Place Riverfront Artscape
Saturday, 9, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., a vibrant outdoor festival of locally and lovingly produced art, music and food.

Movie in the Park
Saturday, Aug. 16. Come to Carleton Junction for the Dog Days of Summer as we present the next Movie in the Park: Bolt. This free event will be bringing “music for the ages” starting at 7 p.m., so come early to find a spot to enjoy the music before the movie. Showtime: around 8 p.m. Pack a comfy blanket or chair, and pack some snacks or purchase some from the Carleton Place Civitan Canteen!  

Elizabethtown-Kitley Township

Takoma Rescue is hosting a meeting and greet, Tails for Home. Looking to adopt a dog? Check out this event on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a chance for adopters to meet the dogs, ask questions, and begin the adoption process. The team will guide you through each step, including reference checks and home inspections, to ensure every dog finds the right forever family. Location: 7552 County Road 28, Addison. 

Perth

Perth Farmers’ Market and Tay Valley Watershed Day
Saturday, Aug. 16, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Crystal Palace. Riverside setting with produce, prepared foods and artisan crafts. While at the market, join the Friends of the Tay Watershed for the 24th annual Watershed Discovery Day. Learn about the value and protective care crucial to the health of the Tay Watershed. The theme this year is Wetlands and Natural Heritage Systems. There’ll be informative displays and fun interactive activities for the children, including the Paddling Puppeteer. Several environmental experts will be on hand to answer your questions, including Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Watersheds Canada, Federation of Ontario Cottage Association, Ottawa Riverkeeper and Climate Network Lanark.

Rideau Lakes

Doors Open
Saturday Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the magic behind all the open doors in the township.

Smiths Falls

Movies Under the Stars, Centennial Park
Thursday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m., A Minecraft Movie. The Zoo Crew will be on site for some pre-show entertainment. Youth in Policing is collecting empty bottles and cans for donations. Don’t forget your blanket, bug spray and a lawn chair. 

Downtown Music Series
Saturday, Aug. 16, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tom Watson, 77 Beckwith St. N.  

Westport

Westport Market
Saturday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 38 Concession Rd., Westport. Enjoy local produce and products in this open-air market setting. 

MUSICwestport 2025:
Saturday, Aug. 16 from noon to 7 p.m. Downtown, 15 Church St. Activities and live music throughout the village. 

Live at the Cove
* Friday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Human Rights, Toronto’s favourite Reggae sensation.
* Saturday, Aug. 16, 8 to 11 p.m. Generator Party Live.
* Sunday, Aug. 17, 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.