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Southampton Arts Festival
From August 1st to 4th, we’re thrilled to present our first annual celebration of the arts in the beautiful beach town of Southampton, Ontario. Discover many ways to enjoy the visual arts, theatre, and music – on the August long weekend. There are plenty of exciting events happening this weekend celebrating all forms of art! See the details below and explore everything that’s going on through the link provided for each event. Check back regularly for updates or follow along through our newsletter!
If your art group would like to be part of this exciting weekend, read on to learn how to get involved.
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About the Festival
Southampton Arts Festival is a collaboration among independent arts organizations, each staging their own events. The festival has no central committee, office or budget. For information on each event: Please contact the event holder’s organization, through the websites listed with the event.
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To join as an arts group: If you represent an organization that would like to have a role in the festival, this year or next, please email:
Fred Kuntz, Chair, Board of Directors, Southampton Arts Centre: chair@southamptonartscentre.com
Friday, Aug. 1, 2025
Artisans and Tastes Market
Step into a vibrant outdoor market with 50+ talented growers, cooks, artists, and more!
Free admission. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Friday in July and August, at the corner of Albert Street and Huron Street. Organized by the Marine Heritage Society. More information at https://chantryisland.com/artisans-crafts-tastes
Homage
A summer long exhibit of neck pieces, created by renowned metal artist Don Stuart as a celebration and tribute to Canadian women throughout the ages and across the country. The exhibit runs from May 31 to Sept. 1.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.
More information on times and admission rates at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/exhibits
Métis Traditional Crafts
Learn about local Métis history and experience traditional crafts. Free drop-in children’s crafts from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Historic Saugeen Métis, 204 High Street, Southampton.
https://saugeenmetis.com/category/news-and-events/
Naked Radio the Musical
Live theatre featuring hilarity and great musical performances. Two DJs and their station manager improvise stories and songs to keep the radio on air during a fierce storm while handling call-ins from wacky characters.
Ticketed event ($35 adults, $25 students), 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m., Sunday – running July 24 to Aug. 9.
Bruce County Playhouse, 201 High Street, Southampton, ON.
More information at https://www.brucecountyplayhouse.com/professionalseason
The Neighbours are Wild
Animal-lovers alert! See this special three-week exhibit of original works featuring a
fulsome fondness for fauna, by artists Annette ten Cate and Terri De Signore.
Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m.
Sundays, from July 23 to Aug. 13.
Southampton Art Gallery, 201 High Street, Southampton, ON.
More information at www.southamptonartscentre.com/events2025
Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025
50 Little Masterpieces
Take home a piece of original artwork! Fifty ticket-holders can choose one of 50 original 10” x 10” paintings – no competition or bidding, order of selection is by a draw. Light refreshments, plus a silent auction of other items. Tickets will go on sale in June.
Begins 7:00 p.m., art selection 8 p.m., silent auction ends 8:30 p.m.
Southampton Arts Centre, 201 High Street, Southampton, ON.
More information at www.southamptonartscentre.com/events2025
Art on the Fence
Come see scores of amazing original artworks in a beautiful outdoor setting. Paintings,
sculptures, pottery, photography, and wood/metal art, by members of the local Shoreline
Artists group.
Free, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Chantry Breezes Bed & Breakfast, corner of High St. and Huron St. South, Southampton, ON.
More information at https://www.shorelineartists.net/art-on-the-fence
Homage
Aa summer long exhibit of neck pieces, created by renowned metal artist Don Stuart as a celebration and tribute to Canadian women throughout the ages and across the country. The exhibit runs from May 31 to Sept. 1.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.
More information on times and admission rates at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/exhibits
Saugeen First Nation Independent Business Association (SFNIBA) Arts Market
The Saugeen First Nation Arts Market is a vibrant showcase of local makers, crafters, beaders, and artists. Each vendor brings their own unique talents and cultural expression to the market, offering visitors a chance to experience the creativity rooted in Saugeen First Nation. A wide variety of handmade items are available for purchase, making it a perfect opportunity to support local talent and take home something special.
Free, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Front lawn of the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.
Naked Radio the Musical
Live theatre featuring hilarity and great musical performances. Two DJs and their station manager improvise stories and songs to keep the radio on air during a fierce storm, while handling call-ins from wacky characters.
Ticketed event ($35 adults, $25 students), 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m., Sunday – running July 24 to Aug. 9.
Bruce County Playhouse, 201 High Street, Southampton, ON.
More information at https://www.brucecountyplayhouse.com/professionalseason
Pop-up Summer Crafting
The museum’s drop-in summer crafting program invites guests of all ages to unleash their creativity and make their own unique souvenirs to remember their visit. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members are free; general admission applies.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.
More information at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/thisevent/pop-up-summer-crafting-2/2025-08-02/
Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Homage
A summer long exhibit of neck pieces, created by renowned metal artist Don Stuart as a celebration and tribute to Canadian women throughout the ages and across the country. The exhibit runs from May 31 to Sept. 1.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.
Complimentary (free) admission on Sunday, Aug. 3, only.
More information on times and admission rates at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/exhibits
Naked Radio the Musical
Live theatre featuring hilarity and great musical performances. Two DJs and their station manager improvise stories and songs to keep the radio on air during a fierce storm while handling call-ins from wacky characters.
Ticketed event ($35 adults, $25 students), 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m., Sunday – running July 24 to Aug. 9.
Bruce County Playhouse, 201 High Street, Southampton, ON.
More information at https://www.brucecountyplayhouse.com/professionalseason
Summer Concert Series – featuring Greg Ritchie
The Greg Ritchie band delivers infectious blues-rock rhythms and soulful vocals. Part of the Saugeen Shores Summer Concert Series.
Free event, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Emmett McGrath Pavilion at the Port Elgin Main Beach.
More information at https://www.saugeenshores.ca/en/explore-and-play/summer-concert-series.aspx
Summer Concert Series – featuring The Vaudevillian
The Vaudevillian jug band duo of Norah Spades and Jitterbug James entertain with 1930s-style music on resonator guitar, banjo, washboard, and musical spoons. Part of the Saugeen Shores Summer Concert Series. Free event. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Fairy Lake Pavilion, 260 High Street, Southampton.
More information at https://www.saugeenshores.ca/en/explore-and-play/summer-concert-series.aspx
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 (Civic Holiday)
Homage
A summer long exhibit of neck pieces, created by renowned metal artist Don Stuart as a celebration and tribute to Canadian women throughout the ages and across the country. The exhibit runs from May 31 to Sept. 1.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.
More information on times and admission rates at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/exhibits
All weekend
ARTbike
Watch for the touring ARTbike – popping up at locations all around town – offering eco-friendly crafts and art projects for children and families. A mobile event taking creativity to the streets!
Free program of the Southampton Arts Centre, 201 High Street, Southampton.
More information at https://www.southamptonartscentre.com/artbike
Creativity is Contagious – Pass it On!
We’re thrilled to share a vibrant new addition to the Southampton Arts Centre: our interactive mural is now complete! Designed to inspire and engage, this collaborative piece invites you to stop by, snap a photo, and share the joy of creativity with friends. Come be part of the movement — and help pass it on!
