Coming Events – Explore Manitoulin

MANITOULIN SUMMER CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS 2024

ALL SUMMER LONG

Astronomy is what we are known best for at Manitoulin Eco Park, home to a rare DarkSky Preserve. With next to no light pollution, see stars, planets, constellations, and galaxies far beyond what you can see most anywhere else! For more details check out manitoulinecopark.com

Our Stargazing Night Hike is an immersive adventure through our hardwood forest after dark, with a focus on nocturnal wildlife plus orienting by star constellations. During this hike you will get to experience all the wonders our nighttime forest has to offer! For more details check out manitoulinecopark.com.

Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA) All Inclusive Alvar Cycle Tour, 5-day riding 4-night stay, June 10-14, June 17-21, September 2-6, September 9-13.

Maja’s Gourmet Garden Gig, Dinner, and Live Music events every Wednesday 6-9 pm by reservation, July and August in Mindemoya. www.majas.ca

Maja’s Pioneer Potion Workshop, every Thursday in Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30 am, July and August.

Summer Fun Program at the Providence Bay arena. Weekdays in July and August, 8 am to 4 pm. For ages 5-12. No cost. For more information contact the municipal office at 705-377-5726.

Learn to Sail for youth 8 and older, the Little Current Yacht Club is running CANSail learn-to-sail programs at various locations around Manitoulin through July and August. Visit www.LittleCurrentYachtClub.checklick.com.

Junk in the Trunk Sale at the NEMI Rec Centre starting in June and held every other weekend until August. No charge, just bring your goods to sell.

Yoga every Tuesday at 2 pm and every Wednesday at 6:15 pm at Spring Bay Hall.

Crazy Eights and Animal Circles are of part of the Qigong Wednesdays at the United Church in Little Current. Please check www.sweethollows.ca for styles, times and dates. Gentle qigong routines promote flexibility, tonify immunity and are fun to do together. Free for seniors over 65, sliding scale for others. Contact Ingrid at 705-229-4916 to register or for information.

Friday mornings in Manitowaning, stretch with classic qigong. Gentle qigong routines promote flexibility, tonify immunity and are fun to do together. Free for seniors over 65, sliding scale for others. Also available, private or semi-private sessions of qigong/tai chi, Reiki and other modalities. Please check www.sweethollows.ca for styles, times and dates. Contact Ingrid at 705-229-4916 to register or for information.

Sheguiandah Archaeological Tour. To book a tour of the 10,000-year old site visit www.shegsite.com.

Summer Art Workshops. A series of three-day art workshops in conjunction with the Perivale Art Gallery. Visit www.perivalegallery.com.

Daily cultural experiences from Wikwemikong Tourism. Tours available through to November. Experiences range from soft adventure to wilderness eco-adventures, reconciliation, and educational interpretive tours. To book a tour call 705-859-3477 or visit wikytours.com.

Splashtown Manitoulin Water Park on Lake Mindemoya near the government dock (Ketchankookem Trail) June 29 to August 21. For tickets and details go to www.splashtown.ca. Use code lakeday2024 to get a savings.

Debajehmujig Storytellers presents ‘New Elders.’ Preview July 31, 2024 (pay what you can). Show dates, August 1 to 4, August 7 to 11, 7 pm. Matinée, August 11 at 2 pm. 43 Queen St., Manitowaning.

Café in The Woods eclectic style of folk, blues, Celtic variety music concerts, four shows only. May 24; September; October and November. Email cafeinthewoods@gmail.com.

Live local music with George Williamson and Friends every Friday night in downtown Little Current at Soldier Park. Beginning end of May to September. Donations accepted to support Manitoulin Food Bank.

At the Discovery Centre in Providence Bay, all summer long every Wednesday in July and August. Past events have included: Making Rock Art, History Walks, Stream Detective, Rock and Minerals Identification, iSpy, Treasure Hunts and Water Games. To keep up to date check out www.centralmanitoulin.ca.

At the Discovery Centre in Providence Bay, check out the exhibits displayed all summer long. Augmented Reality Sandbox. Adjust to the elevation levels of the sand and water in real-time! Beach dunes, European settlement history, geology and fossils, Indigenous history, Invasive species and lake level awareness, Lake Huron, live animal exhibits. Our terrariums host live frogs, snakes, painted turtles and more. Mounted fish, stuffed animals and pelts native to the area are on display. Self-directed learning displays and exhibits.

All year long at the Fish Viewing Platform in Providence Bay, located just east of the Discovery Centre on the Mindemoya River: Spring: Watch spawning rainbow trout come up the river. Fall: Watch spawning coho, chinook and pink salmon come up the river. The Mindemoya River runs from Lake Mindemoya to Lake Huron in Providence Bay.

Nerf Wars, July and August, Gore Bay Memorial Arena, 11 Phipps St. Bi-weekly, tentative start date of June 27.

Sunset Music Series at the Providence Bay Discovery Centre. The Sunset Music Series is an outdoor concert lineup that features some talented local and travelling musicians. The series takes place in the summer season of July and August. Chris Walker, Friday, July 5; Trout Lily, Saturday July 6; Charlie Gammon, Friday, July 12; Moskito Bar, Saturday, July 13, and the Good Time Jammers; The Jeff Wiseman Trio, Friday, July 19; Shawna Caspi, Saturday, July 20; Ricardo Chàvez, Friday, July 26; T.B.A., Saturday, July 27; T.B.A., Friday, August 2; Emma McDaniel, Saturday, August 3 and Jamie Dupuis; Pride Weekend Showcase: T.B.A., Friday, August 9; Wild Black & J3M, Saturday, August 10; T.B.A, Friday August 16; T.B.A. Saturday, August 17. Teilhard Frost, Friday, August 23; Robbie Shawana, Saturday, August 24; Gissun, Friday, August 30; Ian Reid, Saturday, August 31; Grand Finally with Nettish & Friends, Sunday, September 1. There will be further information on the artists on the Huron Island Time website.

Euchre every Monday at 1:30 pm at the Sheguiandah Seniors’ Hall, Sheguiandah. Serving light refreshments.

Gore Bay Theatre will be presenting two plays this summer performed in repertory so that audiences will be able to attend both shows in the same week. The two plays are “The Housekeeper” by James Prideaux and ‘Painting Churches’ by Tina Howe, a comedic drama. Information about tickets available at the Gore Bay Town Office at 705-282-2420.

MAY - JUNE

MAY:

Mother’s Day Market Saturday May 4 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Mindemoya Community Hall and Memorial Garden in Mindemoya.

Spring Poker Run May 12 with a depart time of 10 am from South Bay Centre, Wiikwemkoong. Sponsored by Wiikwemkoong Anglers.

Manitoulin Streams Outdoor Angling Trade Fair May 18 to 19 in Kagawong.

Family Fun Screening Day hosted by the Manitoulin Service Provider Network. Sunday, May 26 at 10am-2pm, Low Island, Little Current. Development screening on site. Car seat clinic, refreshments and family fun! For more information: slamothe@compassne.ca.

Burns Wharf Theatre Players present at Manitoulin Secondary School ‘The Addams Family.’ Ten showings in the evening Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, May 24 and 31; June 1, 14 and 15. Matinées at 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays, May 26, June 1, 2, 15, 16. For tickets and information www.burnswharf.net.

JUNE:

Saturday, June 1 at Manitoulin Eco Park in Tehkummah. Animal Forms for Early Risers. Early Morning Stretch, Strength, and Mobility Play (so sleepyheads can sleep in).

Aundeck Omni Kaning Traditional Powwow June 1 to 2. Grand Entry is at 12 pm and 7 pm on Saturday, then at 12 pm on Sunday. Admission is free and welcome to all.

Manitoulin Passage Ride June 1 and 2, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates’ two-day fully-supported cycle event, offering 3 daily routes. Great riding, good food and camaraderie creating lasting memories. Visit www.manitoulincycling.com for more information.

Bluegrass in the Country Festival June 7, 8 and 9 in Providence Bay at the Fairgrounds. Music festival to benefit Special Olympics. Visit www.bluegrassinthecountry.net.

Healthy Aging and Wellness Expo Tuesday, June 11 at the Mindemoya Arena. Geared to adults 55+. 10am – 2pm.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day at communities across Manitoulin.

42nd Pearson Cup Mixed Softball Tournament Father’s Day Weekend in Mindemoya, June 14-16.

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory Traditional Pow Wow, June 15 – 16.

5th Mindemoya Youth Softball Tournament June 21, 22 and 23 in Mindemoya at the ball fields. Thirty-six co-ed teams made up of 420 youth aged 5 to 19 will take part in approximately 76 games in the Island’s largest youth sporting event.

Paint What You Really See (not what you think you see) art workshop at Perivale Gallery, June 21, 22, 23. LET’S GET REAL! with Barry Bowerman.

Working with Light and Magic with Ruth Reid at Perivale Gallery June 28, 29, 30.

Sheshegwaning First Nation 27th Annual Pow Wow, Sheshegwaning First Nation, June 28 to July 1. Grand entry at 12 noon on Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday.

Central Manitoulin Summer Market Canada Day Weekend, June 29 and 30, at Mindemoya Arena. The event will have 70 local micro business vendors with handmade and direct sales.

JULY - AUGUST

JULY:

Canada Day fireworks, games, prizes, cake and more in Providence Bay. The event happens annually on July 1, Canada Day. The Discovery Centre Board through Municipality of Central Manitoulin proudly organize and fund the Canada Day events.

47th Annual Homecoming Weekend and Manitoulin Ribfest Canada Day Weekend, June 28 and 30, July 1 in Mindemoya. Hosted by the Central Manitoulin Lions Club. Events include a Canada Day parade, fireworks, three big ribbers, food trucks, live entertainment, kids’ games. For more information visit www.manitoulinribfest.ca.

Mindemoya Classic Triathlon June 30 in Mindemoya.

Annual Canada Day Weekend Yard Sale June 29 to 30. Hosted by the Providence Bay/Spring Bay Lions Club at the Providence Bay Hall parking lot in Providence Bay.

July 1 Canada Day Events throughout the Town of Gore Bay. Consists of a Fun Run in the morning and parade in the afternoon. Fireworks put on by the Gore Bay Fire Department as dusk.

Canada Day in Little Current: junk in the trunk, face painting, bouncy fun inflatables, artisans.

Canada Day events across Manitoulin Island. See The Manitoulin Expositor for the details.

Jabbawong Storytelling Festival, Kagawong, July 5-8.

Enchanting Vistas with Catherine Timm at Perivale Gallery, July 5-7.

Sheguiandah First Nation Annual Jiingtamok (traditional Pow Wow) July 6 to 7.

Empowering Ancient Ways, a program from Sticks and Stones Wilderness School at Manitoulin Eco Park, Monday, July 8.

Cold turkey take-out supper on July 10 at the Sheguiandah Seniors’ Hall. $25 per plate. Watch The Manitoulin Expositor for more details.

July 11-14 Weengushk International Film Festival at Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre and 4 Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning. WeengushkFilmFestival.ca

Painting Large with Power with Lee Munn at Perivale Gallery, July 12-14.

Paint Like Tom Thomson and the Group of 7 with Mark Hope at Perivale Gallery, July 19-21.

South East Manitoulin Lions Club Summerfest. Parade, kids’ games, live entertainment, dance and the world-famous smash-up derby. Manitowaning fairgrounds. July 19-21.

Manitoulin Art Tour. For more information go to www.manitoulinart.com, July 19-21, 2024.

‘In the spirit of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven’ at Perivale Gallery in Central Manitoulin July 20-August 5.

Annual Gore Bay Harbour Days. Many free family fun activities, events and live entertainment, July 26-28.

AUGUST:

Little Current Lions Club Haweater Weekend, August 2-4. Kids’ games, Hawfest dance, Sunday parade and fireworks display.

United Church in Little Current is having a Silent Auction on the Friday and Saturday of Haweater Weekend. Bidding can be done between 9 am and 4 pm. Watch The Manitoulin Expositor and Haweater schedule for more details.

Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival August 2 at Thunderbird Park.

Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival, August 2-4. Grand Entry is at noon each day. Various presentations, workshops, dances and vendors. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children, and free admission for children under 6 and elders over 65.

Hug a Tree art workshop with Cathy Boyd at Perivale Gallery, August 2-4.

Pride Manitoulin. Celebrate Pride Manitoulin August 8-11 at various locations and with events throughout Manitoulin. Parade and barbecue on August 11 in downtown Little Current.

History Day in Kagawong, Kagawong Park Centre, August 8.

Fabulous, Flirty and Fun Florals with Christie Pearson Anderson at Perivale Gallery, August 9-11.

Billings Library Beach Movie, Kagawong public beach, August 9.

Home, Cottage and Culinary Show at the NEMI Recreation Centre, Little Current, August 9–11.

Assiginack Youth Ball Tournament, Manitowaning ballfields, August 9-11.

Perseid Meteor Showers at Manitoulin Eco Park, Tehkummah. Our Dark Sky Preserve is the ultimate location for Perseid meteor showers. August 11-13.

Assiginack Swim Lessons for Youth, August 12 to August 23.

Whealism – A Sight to be Seen with Ivan Wheale at Perivale Gallery, August 16-18.

Providence Bay Fair and Music Festival August 16-18. The fair is one of Manitoulin Island’s most popular events. Since 1884, this country fair has attracted thousands of visitors and is hosted by the Providence Bay Agricultural Society. Events include a midway, vendors, entertainment, Ambassador Pageant, parade and more. www.providencebayfair.com. Saturday night headliners Jade Eagleson and Nate Heller.

Annual Pancake Breakfast Saturday, August 17, Providence Bay Hall. 8 to 10:30 am at the Providence Bay Hall. Hosted by the Spring Bay and Providence Bay Lions Club.

Whitefish River First Nation Traditional Pow Wow, Sunshine Alley off of Hwy 6, August 17-18, 2024.

Zhiibaahaasing First Nation Traditional Pow Wow, August 24-25.

M’Chigeeng First Nation Traditional Pow Wow, August 31-September 1.

SEPTEMBER

Colour Drama, Painting and Sketching the Land with Lauren Satok at Perivale Gallery, September 6-8.

Manitowaning Fall Fair, Manitowaning Fairgrounds, September 7-8.

Nature Calls – A Date with Plein Air with Mark Hope at Perivale Gallery, September 13-15.

Little Current United Church presents Scott Woods Band, Yee Haw, on September 14 from 7 to 9 pm at the Little Current Howland Recreation Centre, 9001 Hwy 6, Little Current. Yee Haw is a fun-filled 2-hour live show that is reminiscent of the television show “Hee Haw”, from the 70s and 80s. It will feature lots of Canadian Old Time Fiddle tunes, favourite country classics, instruments, sweet harmonies, sensational step-dancing, smooth vocals, lots of family humour and inspirational stories. Proceeds from this event in support of the Little Current United Church. Tickets are $45 each and may be purchased by calling the Scott Woods Band Office at 1-855-726-8896. Locally tickets will be available after August 1 (cash only) at the Manitoulin Expositor Office, 1 Manitowaning Road, Little Current or by calling Gail Gjos at 705-368-2589.

Golf Tournament at Brookwood Brae, Mindemoya, Spring Bay/Providence Bay Lions Club in support of 348 Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps, Manitoulin, September 21-22.

Sheguiandah Fall Fair, Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah, September 14.

Wiikwemkoong Agricultural Fall Fair, September 20-21.

Every Child Matters events throughout Wiikwemkoong September 22.

4elements Elemental Festival, Kagawong, September 20-21.

NorthWords Literary Festival, Kagawong, September 20-21.

6-Foot Festival, Debajehmujig Storytellers, Manitowaning, September 28-29.

Manitoulin Holistic Healing Fair at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, Sunday, September 29 from 10am-4pm.

Festivals

Bluegrass in the Country Festival – June 7, 8 and 9 in Providence Bay at the Fairgrounds. Music festival to benefit Special Olympics. Visit www.bluegrassinthecountry.net.

47th Annual Homecoming Weekend and Manitoulin Ribfest – Canada Day Weekend, June 28 and 30, July 1 in Mindemoya. Hosted by the Central Manitoulin Lions Club. Events include a Canada Day parade, fireworks, three big ribbers, food trucks, live entertainment, kids’ games. For more information visit www.manitoulinribfest.ca.