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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

Nationally touring collection of 41 framed neckpieces, 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

 

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/events

 

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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/events

 

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

Nationally touring collection of 41 framed neckpieces, 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

 

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. 8 a.m. to 5 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/

 

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Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025

Homage

Nationally touring collection of 41 framed neckpieces, 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

 

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

 

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Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 (Civic Holiday)

Homage

Nationally touring collection of 41 framed neckpieces, 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

 

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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/

 

Southampton Art Gallery

Browse our new Gift Shop and year-round exhibits, featuring artworks for sale by 35 artists and artisans – from unique jewelry, ceramics, and woodwork, to small and large drawings, and a variety of painting mediums. Free admission.

201 High Street, Southampton.

Please visit our website for more information and our operating hours  https://www.southamptonartscentre.com/

 

 

More to Come

More events – including Plein Air live art demonstrations outdoors – may be added in the run-up to the Southampton Arts Festival. Make sure to revisit this page and subscribe to our 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