Emancipation Festival
August 2 - August 4
2025
The Emancipation Festival, originally
called the Emancipation Day Picnic,
commemorates the British
Commonwealth Emancipation Act of
August 1, 1834. Since 1862, descendants
of those who escaped slavery and found
freedom and peace in Canada, gather in
Owen Sound’
s beautiful Harrison Park
and other places such as the Grey Roots
Museum and Archives over the Civic
holiday weekend. This is a time for
fellowship and reflection with family
and community, to share memories, and
keep the picnic and other traditions
alive for future generations.