Must-see festivals in the Ottawa Valley this summer

Many festivals in the Ottawa Valley offer a twist in addition to showcasing their local artists, foods and businesses.

From celebrating Celtic traditions, a lumberjack and chainsaw carving competition, a day of paddling along the Ottawa River and more, here are some unique festivals to check out in the Ottawa Valley this summer.

Almonte Celtfest in Almonte

• Details: This festival celebrates the area’s rich Celtic history by showcasing local performers, hosting artisanal vendors, honouring Celtic traditions and singalongs with the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective.
• When: July 4 to 6
• Where: Gemmill Park, Almonte
• Website: almonteceltfest.com

Stewart Park Festival in Perth

• Details: Local music, duck race, marketplace, brewery patio and kids activities are just a few things to enjoy at this community music festival in the heart of Perth.
• When: July 18 to 20
• Where: Stewart Park, Perth
• Website: stewartparkfestival.com

Goodwood Country Music Festival in Beckwith

• Details: During the long weekend, this festival treats attendees to a lineup of local country music artists, including those inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame. Food trucks, a dance floor and more are available throughout the weekend
• When: Aug. 1 to 3
• Where: Beckwith Park, Beckwith
• Website: beckwith.ca/goodwood-country-music-festival

Bridge Street Summer Fest in Carleton Place

Old Home Week in Smiths Falls

Paddlefest in Arnprior

• Details: In partnership with the Town of Arnprior and Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, the third edition of this festival invites the community and visitors to enjoy a day of paddling on the Ottawa River, live music, games and activities, and various food and drink vendors, while also learning about water and boating safety.
• When: July 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: McLean Beach, Arnprior
• Website: ovap.ca/pages/paddlefest

Ottawa Valley Stomp and Lumberjack Festival in Petawawa

• Details: Highlight the “spirit of the Ottawa Valley,” this festival features a lumberjack and chainsaw carving competition, barbecue smoke off, butter tart festival, hot wheel show and shine, a battle of the bands and more through its three days.
• When: June 27 to 29
• Where: Civic Centre, Petawawa 
• Website: ottawavalleystomp.ca 

Ottawa Valley Buskerfest in Pembroke

• Details: Celebrating local and international talent, this festival treats visitors to a live art installations, music, magicians and other street performers, along with a vendor market, car show and kids entertainment.
• When: Aug. 22 to 23
• Where: Waterfront Park and Downtown Pembroke
• Website: ottawavalleybuskerfest.ca

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