About the Festival

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. See the details below and explore everything that's going on through the link provided for each event. 

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

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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/artbike

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Earth, Water, Sky

Feature exhibit of artworks by Janet Saunders. She 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 Gallery Studio. 201 High Street, Southampton.

July 22 to Aug. 15, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Free admission.

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​After the Squall

Feature exhibit of artworks by Lorina Stephens, 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.

Southampton Arts Centre, in the Promenade Gallery. 201 High Street, Southampton.

July 22 to Aug. 15, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Free admission.

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

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​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.    

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

General admission applies, most days. Admission is free on Sunday, Aug. 2.

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

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

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​Murder at Ackerton Manor-by Stephen Gallagher

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.

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

Bruce County Playhouse, 201 High Street Town Hall, Southampton.

​Ticket information and complete schedule at https://www.brucecountyplayhouse.com/    

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Alleyway Art Walk

A downtown alleyway features art by talented local GC Houston students, depicting depict Southampton’s High Street and Chantry Island in their own unique way. Located adjacent to 173 High St.

Supported by the Southampton Business Improvement Area.

 

Friday, July 31, 2025
 

Artisans & Tastes Market

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

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

At the corner of Albert Street and Huron Street.

Organized by the Marine Heritage Society.  

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

Métis Traditional Crafts
Free drop-in children’s crafts. Learn about local Métis history and experience traditional crafts.

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  

Historic Saugeen Métis, 204 High Street, Southampton.

More information at https://www.saugeenmetis.com/

 
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

 

 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 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 

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Chair Affair

Place your 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.

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 for sale in a beautiful outdoor setting. Paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography, and wood/metal art

An event of the local Shoreline Artists group.

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
 
Art on the Street

Live demonstrations of paintings by local artists, in the shopping district of Southampton.
Artists and locations to be announced closer to the date.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (times may vary for different artists), High Street, Southampton.

Supported by the Southampton Business Improvement Area.

 

Bell Mural Unveiling

Official unveiling of a new mural by local youth artist Kennedy Cameron. Located on the South side of the Bell building, at the corner of Albert and Landsdowne Streets in Southampton. Time to be determined.

Supported by the Southampton Business Improvement Area.

 

Artisans Market – Saugeen First Nation Independent Business Association

The Artisans 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.  
Albert Street near High Street, behind the former Town Hall building, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Saugeen First Nation Independent Business Association (SFNIBA) information at https://www.sfniba.ca/
 

​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. This year’s craft will connect visitors to the festival’s themes of art and creativity, while offering a craft related to the current exhibit Biomimicry: Inspiring Nature, Inspired Technology.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration required. Free for museum members; general admission applies.

Seating 1, 11:00 AM; Seating 2, 12:00 PM

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

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

 

Sidewalk Chalk Art

Fun for the whole family. Register in advance with small fee, to receive your chalk and a designated section of sidewalk on High St. in Southampton. Produce an artwork on a theme to be announced.

More information to come.

8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Organized by the Education Committee of the Shoreline Artists group.

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Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026

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Free Admission to the Bruce County Museum

Enjoy Free Admission to the Museum on Sunday, Aug. 2, in celebration of the Southampton Arts Festival. During your visit, explore Taylor Cameron’s Woodland People exhibit in the Bruce Gallery, Biomimicry: Inspiring Nature Inspired Technology in the lower level, and the unveiling of the Fabric of Our Being Quilt.

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

10:00 a.m. to – 5:00 p.m.

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

 

Fabric of Our Being – Quilt Unveiling
Celebrate the unveiling of a  6ft x 7ft 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.  The quilt will be kept at the Museum  for permanent display. With special guest Nadine Williams. Enjoy refreshments and treats.

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

Admission is free on Sunday, Aug. 2. Event is 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

 

Summer Concert Series 

Free open-air concerts, Sundays throughout the summer, presented by the Town of Saugeen Shores.

Something's Always Flying

7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, Fairy Lake Pavilion, 260 High Street, Southampton.

Bobby Scongack & Friends

7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, 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

 

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 website: https://www.saugeenshoreschamber.ca/list/ql/accommodation-65

 

Interesting in joining?

Are you an arts group or individual interested in joining the Festival, with an event, performance or artworks? Southampton Arts Festival is a collaboration among independent arts organizations, each staging their own events with their own funding. The festival has no central committee, office or budget. Each event is self-run, with that organization’s own resources. 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

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Thank you

We’re grateful to all the participants in the Festival, as well as to supporters in the Festival’s promotion including the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce.