Fear not, dear readers, Hometown Happenings has come to the rescue. We’ve rounded up the markets, music, fundraisers, fairs, gatherings and assorted opportunities to get yourself out of the house and into the community. From Smiths Falls to all the wonderful little places in between, there’s always something happening. So grab your coffee and grab a friend, or seek out the neighbour you’ve been meaning to talk to since 2019. Get out, go somewhere and spend a little money locally. Hear some music, eat something different from a food truck, then buy something you absolutely did not need. Remember that Hometown Happenings is locally loved and community approved.
Got an event? Spill the beans! Send the details to sav_77@yahoo.com and we’ll try to squeeze it into the next roundup. Published weekly, alphabetically by region—because even your weekend plans deserve a little organization before the fun begins!
Hometown Happenings Aug. 28–30
Carleton Place events
Can you find all eight? They’re hiding out in plain sight in downtown Carleton Place! Meccha Chameleon Hide & Seek is happening right now downtown until the end of August of the Arts! Grab a hint sheet at 170 Bridge St. and start hunting. Find all eight hidden figures and win a mini Meccha Chameleon of your very own—customize it, play your own mini game with friends or keep it as a souvenir!
One of the most popular groups in Carleton Place! The Carleton Place & District Horticultural Society is back for the season! Their next meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Zion Memorial. Guest speaker Wendy Asbil is national manager of CFIA’s Invasive Alien Species and Domestic Plant Health programs, a board member of the Canadian Council of Invasive Species, and was a University of Guelph professor/lecturer and researcher for 18 years on the topic of invasive plants and other pests in the garden, forest and environment.
Guest Artist Exhibit: Lynne Morin: Aug. 29 to Sept. 17 at Carleton Place Gallery, 210 Bridge St.
Bingo is always in Carleton Place: Carleton Place Navy League Bingo is a community bingo held Thursday evenings at the corps located across from St. Mary’s parking lot. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. and goes until approximately 9:30 p.m. Civitan Bingo is held every Tuesday night at the Carleton Place Arena. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.
Did you know? Americans originally called the game Beano, but it eventually took on a new name thanks to a simple mistake. American toy salesman Edwin Lowe played a key role in renaming Beano to bingo. While observing a game, Lowe heard a player excitedly shout “Bingo!” instead of “Beano” upon winning. And, that my friends, was that!
Tuesdays mean it’s time for the Carleton Place Community Lunch Program at noon, hosted in the upper hall at Zion-Memorial United Church, 37 Franklin St. Fellowship, free food and friendship! Every Wednesday means a free continental breakfast at St. James Anglican Church at 225 Edmond St., Carleton Place, from 8 to 10 a.m.
The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum: Closed Aug. 31 to Sept. 8. September hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t forget to catch local cyber-antiquarian Adin Daigle on Sept. 27! Step Back in Time: Carleton Place’s Early Drug Store is a fascinating presentation celebrating World Pharmacists Day! Discover the medicines, remedies and businesses that served our community once upon a time.
Carleton Place Farmers’ Market: Saturday mornings were made for wandering, nibbling and pretending you’re “just looking.” The Carleton Place Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Market Square, with produce, meats, baked goods, maple goodies, flowers and handmade treasures. More information is available at carletonplacefarmersmarket.ca.
Kemptville events
Kemptville Farmers’ Market: Sundays are market days in Kemptville! Wander through 200 Sanders St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for local produce, tempting baked goods, handmade treasures and friendly vendors—all season long.
North Grenville Curling Club: Mark that calendar! Registration hits 200 Reuben Cres., Kemptville, Sept. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Brooms optional; enthusiasm highly recommended.
Did you know? — The Oxen Myth: An old 1880s tale claimed the original Kemptville town land was bought for a pair of oxen and a gun, though land records show it actually sold for £50.
Maberly events
Heat of the Moment Revisited
Featuring Pierre Schryer, Danielle Enblom & Ian Clark. Saturday, August 29, 2026. Maberly Community Hall – 180 Maberly Elphin Road, Maberly, ON – Doors Open: 7:00 p.m. Concert Begins: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 advance | $35 at the door. Tickets available at: https://celticconcertmaberlyhall.eventbrite.ca/. A portion of proceeds supports Brooke Valley School.
McDonald’s Corners events
Did you know McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Hall is basically the place to be? Thursdays: bingo at 7 p.m. all summer—bring your lucky charm! Sundays: Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come hungry, leave happy! Every other Monday: euchre, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The Annual Fall Agricultural Fair is one of the foundational events of the McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society. Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026—put this on your calendar!
Did you know? There are no Golden Arches in McDonald’s Corners. Despite the globally famous fast-food name, the village features a historic schoolhouse that now serves as a community craft studio rather than a drive-thru.
Merrickville events
Fresh Local Flowers! Fresh-picked charm awaits! The Meadow Glen flower stand is blooming on County Road 23 in Merrickville. Cash or e-transfer welcome. Bouquets most weekends—watch Instagram @meadowglenfarm!
Outerbridge Magic: Mysteries of the Keyhole House: At The Pews, 100 St. Lawrence St., Ted and Marion Outerbridge bring their magic and illusion show to the stage. Tickets are $26.78. This show runs every Saturday at 2 p.m. until Labour Day at The Pews in Merrickville. This haunting show is sure to amaze and astound you! Don’t miss it!
Merrickville Legion: Fall is calling! Join them Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Merrickville Legion to decorate a beautiful fall table runner. Free entry and supplies! Bring a favourite fall recipe—and prepare for delicious conversation.
Did you know? A local Merrickville mill owner once accidentally delayed the grand opening of the Rideau Canal for an entire year by building a dam that drained the water right out of the channel!
Mississippi Mills events
Almonte Farmers’ Market: Saturdays at the Almonte Farmers’ Market beside the Almonte library at 155 High St. The outdoor market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with local produce, baking, meats, maple products, flowers, artisan goods and handmade items throughout the season. The 2026 market season runs to Thanksgiving weekend. More information is available at almontefarmersmarket.com.
Almonte — A MEAL FOR ALL: A MEAL FOR ALL is a grassroots organization made up of members from local faith. Come and join them for a hot, free breakfast every Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 111 Church St., Almonte.
Almonte Fair: Come ready to dance, get silly and have fun with the family—Sept. 11 to 13, 2026, at the Almonte Fairgrounds, 195 Water St. Pay-One-Price admission includes the entertainment and unlimited midway rides! Get your tickets today. Weekend passes are only available until Sept. 10. https://events.frontdoor.plus/host/10
Heat of the Moment Revisited: Saturday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m., at Maberly Community Hall, 180 Maberly-Elphin Rd. Award-winning Celtic artists Pierre Schryer, Danielle Enblom and Ian Clark reunite for an evening of fiddle music, guitar and step dancing. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will support Brooke Valley School. Advance tickets are available at celticconcertmaberlyhall.eventbrite.ca.
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum: Join the MVTM and Rainbow Veterans of Canada at the museum on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. for a screening and discussion of The Fruit Machine by Sarah Fodey. Survivors Patti Gray and Sharp Dopler will join us for a panel discussion after the screening. This event is free, but registration is required! Register here: https://www.canadahelps.org/…/the-fruit-machine…/
Did you know? NHL defenceman Kent Huskins was born and raised in Almonte. Kent played for the Anaheim Ducks, the San Jose Sharks, the St. Louis Blues, the Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers. He won the Stanley Cup in 2007 while playing with the Anaheim Ducks.
Pakenham events
Hooked on Friday night plans? St. Andrew’s United Church in Pakenham is serving up a fish fry on Sept. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy fish, fries, corn and Hudson’s Farms homemade pie—takeout only! Advance orders are required by Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. Call or text Lisa at 613-410-8990.
Did you know? — The Failed Gold Rush: In 1908 (notably reported by local papers), hopeful residents formed a $200 capital company and dug diligently for gold on the farm of Mr. Daniel McKeith, though no riches were ever found.
Perth Ontario events
Perth Farmers’ Market: Saturdays at Perth Farmers Market in the Tay Basin at Crystal Palace, 31 Basin Ln., Perth. The outdoor market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the season and features local produce, baking, meats, preserves, artisan goods, crafts and live music. The 2026 season runs Saturdays to Thanksgiving weekend, with additional Harvest and Christmas markets planned later in the year. More information is available through Perth Farmers Market.
Perth and the local area clearly didn’t get the memo about quiet nights! Tunes fill the week with music Wednesdays through Saturdays—from outdoor concerts and open mics to brewery bands, market performances and late-night Mexican melodies. Something is always playing! Tunes on the Tay outdoors at Terrace on the Tay Wednesday evenings. Live music every Friday night at Bridge Masters Brewing Company. Mex ’Til Midnight every Thursday at Mex&Co. Thursday Night Open Mic with Kevin Choffe at Fiddleheads Bar and Grill. Live performances every Saturday at the Perth Farmers’ Market. Catch The Garage and The Red Fox for live music, too!
Come celebrate the 179th Perth Fair Labour Day weekend! Thursday, Sept. 3 to Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.
The Perth Museum shifts from its daily summer schedule to operating Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labour Day. Fall and winter hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours (prior to Labour Day): daily (Monday to Sunday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Did you know? The Crystal Palace came from transit scrap: The town’s decorative bandstand and market pavilion, the Crystal Palace, was built using discarded glass panels and steel framing from old bus shelters originally deployed on Rideau Street in Ottawa.
Port Elmsley events
Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre: The Port Elmsley Drive-In, 333 Port Elmsley Rd.—the final big five-day movie week is here! Aug. 21 to 23, 25 and 27: The Odyssey at 8:20 p.m., followed by Spa Weekend (14A)—except Tuesday. Gates and grill open at 7:30 p.m. Earlier showtime, bigger excuse to get out! Admission is $15 for ages 13 and older, $6 for children five to 12, or $30 for carload night. The grill opens at 7:30 p.m.
Did you know? There was a swamp foundation at the drive-in: To level the wet, muddy terrain for cars, workers had to truck in tens of thousands of tonnes of gravel before it could open in May 1953.
Rideau Lakes events
Crosby Flea Market: Saturday treasure hunters, start your engines! The Crosby Flea Market runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at highways 15 and 42, packed with antiques, goodies, crafts, books, toys, preserves, maple syrup and plenty of “I can’t believe I found this!” moments. Come hungry—the food stands await!
Crosby G. Varley Gallery: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12 Narrows Lock Rd., Crosby. The gallery features original oil, watercolour and acrylic paintings.
Crosby Stevenson Farms: Eat fresh and support local! Located at 360 Narrows Lock Rd., about two kilometres north of Crosby, just past the Varley Art Gallery. Stevenson Farms offers locally raised lamb produced through an ethical farming system with no herbicides, pesticides or steroids. Products are sold frozen and packaged at the farm. Organic vegetables are also available in season.
Did you know? Ancient Continental Origins: The basin of Big Rideau Lake was carved out by an ancient continental collision over a billion years ago, long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Smiths Falls events
Smiths Falls Ribfest: Aug. 28 to 30! Get ready for food, family and fun! Kids zone: Running daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission. Friday: 6 to 8 p.m.—Abandon Eden followed by doubleBack. Saturday: 2 to 5 p.m.—The Continentals followed by Ambush. Sunday: DJ Johnny Five Johnny Vandusen. Fully licensed beer garden with domestic and imported options (19+). Centennial Park, Smiths Falls. Accessible parking available. info@smithsfallschamber.ca
Summer Train Rides: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William St. W. Take a ride in a historic caboose, explore the museum and discover local railway history. Tickets are $16 and include museum admission. Tickets are available in the gift shop on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note Summer Train Rides at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario end on the last Sunday of August.
The final Bike Night of the 2026 season: Sept. 2—come downtown, bring friends and support the restaurants and shops. Thank the sponsors and volunteers who have helped make this possible, and celebrate what Bike Night has become.
The Montague Fire Dept. Famous BBQ Dinner: Bring your appetite to the Montague fire department’s famous beef and pork pit barbecue! Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Montague Centennial Hall. Good company and community spirit—all for $20 per person, and kids 12 and under eat free! Hosted by your local firefighters. Join friends, neighbours and family for an evening of great food and community spirit!
Downtown Smiths Falls Music Festival: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026—headlined by The Trews—with guests Amber Mclean, Spencer Scharf, Danielle Hewitt, Landon Bedor, One Eyed Dawgs and Vicki Brittle. Location: After enjoying all of the incredible performances at the Russell St. E. location, keep the music going and head over to Main St. W. (Millar Brooke Place Stage) for an amazing evening lineup—Main St. W., downtown Smiths Falls. Limited in-person tickets are still available while quantities last at: BFF Boutique, 7 Russell St. W.; Impression Printing, 51 Abbott St.; and The Lockmaster’s Taphouse and Patio, 32 Beckwith St. S. Tickets are also available online at events.frontdoor.plus/event/2014.
Smiths Falls Bingo: Smiths Falls Civitan Sunday afternoon bingo starts again Sept. 13. Join us for new games and prizes. Doors open at 11 a.m. Play starts at 1 p.m. Effective October, bingo will be the first Sunday of the month.
Evergreen Bible Chapel — Free Church Yard “Sale” and BBQ: Saturday, Aug. 29, beginning at noon at Lower Reach Park. Evergreen Bible Chapel hosts a free yard “sale” with clothing, books, kitchen and household items, baby items and more available to take home while supplies last. A free barbecue and sports follow.
Smiths Falls By the Rideau Market: Friday, Aug. 21, 3 to 7 p.m., at Lower Reach Park, Old Slys Rd. The weekly market continues every Friday through Oct. 2 at its new location.
Throne Zone Pickleball Event: Pickleball takes over the Smiths Falls Curling and Squash Club on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fun, informal fundraiser will feature women’s, men’s and mixed challenges, with proceeds helping the club purchase much-needed equipment.
Did you know? — Rideau Artist of the Year — Competition Winners: Almost 20 regional artists were challenged to complete an original piece of artwork in the style of en plein air during the July 25 Smiths Falls Big Art Walk. Using downtown Smiths Falls and the Rideau waterway as their inspiration, each artist had up to 12 hours to complete their works and submit them to the panel of three art jurors for review. This year the museum presented a tie for Rideau Artist of the Year! Carleton Place artist Heidi Sinnett won for her ink and watercolour piece of the Smiths Falls Public Library entitled Inkformation. Westport artist Lorraine Gravelle shared the title and prize for her acrylic painting titled Lest We Forget. The second-place winner was Makenna Cleaver for her work Mother’s Morning. This year, the museum awarded an honourable mention to Ryan Hill of Ottawa for his acrylic and oil entry titled Streetside. This diverse showcase of local talent from the competition will be on display for the public at the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until Oct. 4, 2026. See you at the museum!
Westport events
Westport Market: Saturdays at 38 Concession St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The open-air outdoor market runs every Saturday from July 4 to Sept. 5 and features local vendors, artisans and seasonal products throughout the summer.
Westport Museum: Remember that the museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Labour Day Monday. After Labour Day until Thanksgiving Sunday, open Wednesdays through Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Did you know? An Ambitious, Unfinished Railway: In 1882, an entrepreneur proposed a grand railway line stretching all the way from Brockville to Sault Ste. Marie, but funding ran dry right after reaching Westport, leaving the village as the final stop.
Keep up to date with the latest Hometown Happenings.
