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. From July 31 through August 2, we’re thrilled to present our second 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. Plenty of exciting events are 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!

For information on each event: Please contact the event holder's organization, through the websites listed with the event.
​

ARE YOU AN ART GROUP INTERESTED IN JOINING THE ARTS FESTIVAL?

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
 
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

 

Southampton Arts Centre - in the Gallery Studio

201 High Street, Southampton, ON.

Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -  Free admission.
Feature Exhibit: Earth, Water, Sky - July 22 to Aug. 15

Feature exhibit of artworks by Janet Saunders

Janet paints landscapes in acrylics, inspired by forests, lakes and rivers of the Grey-Bruce region where she lives. Saunders studied at the Toronto School of Art and Sheridan College and is a member of the Studio XX artists group.

​

 

Southampton Arts Centre - in the Promenade Gallery 

201 High Street, Southampton, ON.

Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -  Free admission.

Feature Exhibit: After the Squall - July 22 to Aug. 15

Feature exhibit of artworks by Lorina Stephens 

Lorina is a Southwestern Ontario author, journalist and landscape artist. With 50 years of experience, Stephens works mainly in watercolours, but also in oils, acrylics, charcoal, pencil, and pen and ink.

More information at https://www.southamptonartscentre.com/galleryexhibitions 

​

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

​ 33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.

Summer hours, 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Woodland People – Artist Taylor Cameron

Paintings by Taylor Cameron, a Saugeen First Nation artist, reflecting the history and rich culture of the Woodland peoples who have inhabited this territory since time immemorial. His art is inspired by his passion for uncovering forgotten stories and, drawing on his archaeological training, presents authentic depictions of past lifeways.    More information at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/exhibits/

​

Bruce County Playhouse - 201 High Street Town Hall, Southampton, ON

Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday a 2p.m. matinee 

Murder at Ackerton Manor

Live theatre starring three professional comedic actors in seven roles! A spoof of classic Agatha Christie mysteries, featuring the murder of the despicable Lord Roger Ackerton at his English manor on a stormy night, with Detective Pierre Pierrot investigating a handful of eccentric suspects and a missing diamond. Outrageous plot twists make for a hilarious night of raucous fun.

​Ticket information at https://www.brucecountyplayhouse.com/

​

Summer Concert Series – featuring [TBD]

Free event, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Fairy Lake Pavilion, 260 High Street, Southampton.

Emmett McGrath Pavilion at the Port Elgin Main Beach.

Info here about the performing band.

More information at https://www.saugeenshores.ca/en/explore-and-play/summer-concert-series.aspx

 

Friday, July 31, 2025
 

Artisans and Tastes Market

Every Friday in July and August, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., - Free admission.

At the corner of Albert Street and Huron Street.

Step into a vibrant outdoor market with 50+ talented growers, cooks, artists, and more!

Organized by the Marine Heritage Society.  

More information at https://chantryisland.com/artisans-crafts-tastes

Métis 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.

Learn about local Métis history and experience traditional crafts.
More information at https://www.saugeenmetis.com/
 

 
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

 

Southampton Arts Centre - 50 Little Masterpieces

201 High Street, Southampton, ON.

Begins 7:00 p.m., art selection 8 p.m., silent auction ends 8:30 p.m.

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 go on sale in June.
More information at www.southamptonartscentre.com/events

 

Chair Affair

Southampton Arts Centre, 201 High Street, Southampton, ON.
Place you bid, or just enjoy the show, in a silent auction of several one-of-a kind chairs, painted by local artists as a fundraiser for the arts. Information on time, specific room location to come.
More information at www.southamptonartscentre.com/events

 Shoreline Artists - Art on the Fence

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.

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.

More information at https://www.shorelineartists.net/art-on-the-fence
 
Art on the Street

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

High Street, Southampton, ON.
Live demonstrations of painting by local artists, in the shopping district of Southampton.
Artists and locations to be announced closer to the date. (times may vary for different artists).
 

Saugeen First Nation Independent Business Association Arts Market

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location TBD.
The Arts Market is a vibrant showcase of Saugeen First Nation makers, crafters, beaders, and artists. Each vendor brings their own unique talents and cultural expression to the market, offering visitors a chance to experience Indigenous creativity. A wide variety of handmade items are available for purchase, making it a perfect opportunity to support local talent and take home something special.  
More information at https://www.sfniba.ca/

Sidewalk Chalk Art

8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Fun for the whole family. Register in advance [where], $10, to receive your chalk and a designated section of sidewalk on High St. in Southampton. Produce an artwork on the theme of [TBD]. Ballots and a prize for the People’s Choice Award [verify wording].

Organized by the Education Committee of the Shoreline Artists group.
More information at [need a web url].

​

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.

Pop-up Summer Crafting

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members are free; general admission applies.
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.

More information at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/events-programs/

​​
Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026

 

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
33 Victoria Street North, Southampton, ON.

Admission is free on Sunday, Aug. 2. at 2 p.m. 

Fabric of Our Being – Quilt Unveiling
Celebrate the unveiling of a large community quilt – a special project of the museum launched during Black History Month in February 2026. Led by renowned artist, author and President’s Poet Nadine Williams, this art initiative stitches together 8.5-by-11-inch art tiles representing “the fabric of your being” from many participants of all ages using different materials.

More information at https://www.brucemuseum.ca/exhibits/

 
More to Come
More events may be added in the run-up to the Southampton Arts Festival. Make sure to revisit this page and subscribe to the Southampton Arts Centre newsletter to stay up to date on all the exciting ways to experience the festival!
 
Looking for a place to stay?
Plan ahead! If you’re an out-of-town visitor, places may sell out quickly for the August long weekend! You can find many options for local accommodations listed at the Saugeen Shores.

Chamber of Commerce: https://www.saugeenshoreschamber.ca/list/ql/accommodation-65