Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Hometown Happenings is your go-to list of markets, music, festivals, fundraisers, and good old-fashioned community fun happening in Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte, Montague, Merrickville, North Grenville, Rideau Lakes, Westport, and points in between.
Got an event to share?
Send the details to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca, and we’ll do our best to include them in the next roundup.
Published weekly, and listed alphabetically by region, just in time to tee up your weekend plans.
Hometown Happenings August 14–16
Almonte events
Almonte Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beside the Mississippi Mills Public Library, 155 High St. Shop local produce, baking, meats, maple products, flowers, artisan goods and handmade items at the weekly outdoor market.
Athens events
Athens Cornfest 2026
Saturday, Aug. 15, at Centennial Park in Athens. Celebrate all things corn with live entertainment, food vendors, a kids zone, local vendors, a silent auction and more. Admission is free.
Carleton Place events
Jammin’ at the Junction
Thursday, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Carleton Junction, 42 Moore St. Jamie and Brendan McMunn take the stage for a free outdoor concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Carleton Place Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Market Square, 7 Beckwith St. The weekly market features fresh produce, baked goods and handmade products from local farmers and artisans. Rain or shine.
Lanark County events
Lanark County Plowing Match
Saturday, Aug. 15, beginning at 9 a.m. at MacMor Farms, 537 Armstrong Rd. The MacPherson family hosts this year’s match featuring competition plowing, a vendor market, canteen lunch, silent auction and live music by Dave Brown and Friends. Admission is $5, with children under 12 admitted free. Cash only.
McDonald’s Corners events
McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society Farmers Market
Sunday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Agricultural Hall, 194 Cameron’s Rd. The weekly Sunday market features local vendors, produce, baking and more.
Merrickville events
Merrickville Country Market
Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read St. Shop from local vendors and artisans at the Merrickville Country Market.
Outerbridge Magic: Mysteries of the Keyhole House
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m., at The Pews, 100 St. Lawrence St. Ted and Marion Outerbridge bring their magic and illusion show to the stage. Tickets are $26.78.
Perth Ontario events
Perth Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 15, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Crystal Palace and Tay Basin, 31 Basin Ln. Browse local produce, baking, meats, preserves, artisan goods and crafts at the weekly market.
Port Elmsley events
Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre
The Port Elmsley Drive-In, 333 Port Elmsley Rd., has another weekend of movies lined up. On Thursday, Aug. 13, gates and the grill open at 7:30 p.m. with showtime at 8:40 p.m., featuring Spider-Man: Brand New Day (PG) and Toy Story 5 (G). Admission is $15 for ages 13 and older, $6 for children five to 12, or $30 for carload night. From Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16, gates and the grill open at 7:30 p.m. with showtime at 8:30 p.m., featuring Spider-Man: Brand New Day (PG) and The Invite (14A). Admission is $15 for ages 13 and older and $6 for children five to 12.
Rideau Lakes events
Pedals & Popsicles
Sunday, Aug. 16, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Ronald E. Holman Municipal Complex, 441 Hwy. 15. The South Elmsley & Area Community Enhancement Committee hosts an afternoon of bikes, games and frozen treats.
Smiths Falls events
Smiths Falls Thursday Night Cruise-In
Thursday, Aug. 13, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Settlers Ridge Centre parking lot, 275 Brockville St. The public is invited to come out and check out the cars. Weather permitting.
Movies Under the Stars: The Lion King
Thursday, Aug. 13, at Centennial Park beneath the water tower. Pre-show entertainment featuring The Zoo Crew and concessions begin at 7 p.m., followed by the 1994 Disney classic The Lion King at dusk. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Weather permitting.
Swap Days
Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16. Give unwanted items in good condition a new home or head out on a treasure hunt for something new to you. Mark giveaway items as “FREE” and place them at the curb.
Smiths Falls By the Rideau Market
Friday, Aug. 14, 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.
Fish & Chips Night at the Legion
Friday, Aug. 14, 4 to 7 p.m., at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95, 7 Main St. E. Dine in or take out. One piece of fish and chips is $15, with extra fish available for $10. Pre-orders can be placed after 3 p.m. Friday at 613-283-2101. Available while quantities last.
Let’s Roll!
Friday, Aug. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Smiths Falls Youth Arena, 71A Lansdowne St. Bring your roller skates for an evening on wheels. Admission is $2 per skater. Helmets are required for those 18 and under and recommended for everyone.
Downtown Smiths Falls Ghost Walk
Friday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m., beginning at Town Hall, 77 Beckwith St. N. Join the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum for a spooky walk through the historic streets of downtown Smiths Falls. Tickets are $10 plus fees. For information, contact heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca or 613-283-6311.
No Strings Attached
Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15 and 16, at 2 p.m. at the Smiths Falls Community Theatre, 53 Victoria Ave. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
The Big Thrift Event
Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in downtown Smiths Falls. Spend the afternoon hunting for thrifted treasures at participating downtown locations. Advance tickets are $10 and can be redeemed at 77 Beckwith St. N. on the day of the event.
Summer Train Rides
Sunday, Aug. 16, 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.
Westport events
Westport Market
Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 38 Concession St. The weekly open-air market features local vendors throughout the summer and runs every Saturday through Sept. 5.
MUSICwestport Festival
Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15, in Westport. The 18th annual MUSICwestport Arts & Music Open Air Festival kicks off Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Cove Inn, 2 Bedford St., with Kingston rock ‘n’ roll band Dead Root Revival. Cover is $25 plus a donation to MUSICwestport Festival and the Westport Arts Council. On Saturday, festivities run from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with musical acts and artistic groups performing on three stages throughout the village. The festival is organized by the Westport Arts Council with support from local businesses.
Head over Heels Live on the Waterside Patio
Sunday, Aug. 16, 5 to 8 p.m., at The Cove Inn, 2 Bedford St. Gananoque acoustic duo Kevin and Vanessa Head perform a mix of original music and covers spanning folk, jazz, classic rock and contemporary music as part of The Cove’s Sunday summer music series.
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