Stewart Park Festival, Rideau Canal history and a Legion centennial — celebrating the stories that shaped our communities

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 July 17–12

Almonte events

Almonte Farmers’ Market
Saturday, July 17, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Almonte Farmers Market, 155 High St. Shop fresh produce, baked goods, meats, maple syrup, flowers, artisan products and more while enjoying live music along the OVRT beside the Almonte Library. The producer-only market runs every Saturday through Thanksgiving. 

Carleton Place events

Carleton Place Farmers’ Market
Saturdays at the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market in Market Square on Beckwith Street. The outdoor market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features local produce, meats, baked goods, maple products, flowers, artisan goods, and handmade crafts throughout the summer season. More information is available at carletonplacefarmersmarket.ca

Jammin’ at the Junction featuring M & M Music
Thursday, July 16, 6:30 p.m., Carleton Junction, 42 Moore St. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a free outdoor concert.

Kemptville events

Kemptville Farmers’ Market
Sundays, the Kemptville Farmer’s Market is held at 200 Sanders St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market features local produce, baked goods, handmade products and community vendors throughout the season.

McDonald’s Corners events

McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society Farmers Market
Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall, 194 Cameron’s Rd. The farmers market runs every Sunday and features local vendors and products.

Merrickville events

Outerbridge Magic: Mysteries of the Keyhole House
Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m. at The Pews, 100 St. Lawrence St. Experience an afternoon of mystery and illusion with acclaimed magician Ted Outerbridge.

Sunday Matinee featuring James Brand
Sunday, July 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Pews, 100 St. Lawrence St. Enjoy an afternoon of live music with James Brand. Admission is pay what you can at the door.

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.

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

Stewart Park Festival
Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, Stewart Park. One of the region’s premier summer festivals returns with three days of live Canadian and international music, artisan vendors, food, children’s activities, a licensed patio and after-hours shows. Admission is by donation. Visit the festival website for the full performance schedule.

Port Elmsley events 

Port Elmsley Drive-In
Thursday through Sunday, July 16-19, 333 Port Elmsley Rd. Gates and the grill open at 7:30 p.m. Thursday features Moana (PG) at 9:10 p.m., followed by Toy Story 5 (G), with Thursday designated as Carload Night for $30. Movies for Friday through Sunday are to be announced. Showtimes are 9:10 p.m. Friday and 8:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and older and $6 for children ages five to 12.

Rideau Lakes events

Crosby Flea Market
Saturdays in Crosby from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning May 18. Located at the intersection of Highways 15 and 42 between Smiths Falls and Kingston, the Crosby Flea Market features baked goods, preserves, jewelry, maple syrup, antiques, household and garage sale items, crafts, toys, books, movies and more. A food stand is also on site, with locally grown vegetables to be added as they come into season.

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
Located at 360 Narrows Lock Rd., about two kilometres north of Crosby, 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.

Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival
Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Portland Harbour, 158 Water St. Enjoy a free family-friendly celebration featuring activities, displays and entertainment celebrating the Rideau Canal’s rich heritage.

Smiths Falls events

Thursday Night Cruise-In
Thursday, July 16, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Settlers Ridge Centre, 275 Brockville St. The public is invited to view classic vehicles. Weather permitting.

Smiths Falls By the Rideau Market
Friday, July 17, 3 to 7 p.m., Lower Reach Park, Old Slys Rd. The weekly market runs every Friday through Oct. 2 at its new location under new management.

Celebrate Alexander Park Community BBQ
Friday, July 17, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Alexander Park, 52 Alexander St. Join the community for a free barbecue celebrating the opening of the newly revitalized park.

Smiths Falls By the Rideau Market
Friday, July 17, 3 to 7 p.m., Lower Reach Park, Old Slys Rd. The weekly market continues every Friday through Oct. 2 at its new location.

Royal Canadian Legion 100th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, July 17, 5 to 10 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95, 7 Main St. E. Celebrate the Legion’s centennial with live music by the Roger Plant Trio, complimentary hamburgers and hotdogs, and free admission.

Let’s Roll!
Friday, July 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre, 71 Cornelia St. Admission is $2 per skater. Bring your own roller skates. Helmets are required for those 18 and under and recommended for everyone.

Summer Fun Market
Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95, 7 Main St. E. Browse local vendors and handmade goods at this indoor community market.

Summer Train Rides
Sunday, July 19, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William St. W. Ride in a historic caboose, tour the museum and experience local railway history. Tickets are $16 and available first come, first served in the gift shop.

Afternoon Tea
Sunday, July 19, 1 p.m., Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William St. W. Enjoy an afternoon tea at the museum. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Westport events

Young Petty Stones
Friday, July 17, 7 to 11 p.m., The Cove Country Inn, 2 Bedford St. Enjoy a musical tribute to Neil Young, Tom Petty and The Rolling Stones.

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 Car Show: Cruise & Shop
Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m., throughout downtown Westport. Browse classic cars, trucks, fire trucks, antique tractors, carriages and electric vehicles while enjoying shopping, restaurants and local businesses. Admission is free.

Head Over Heels
Sunday, July 19, 5 to 8 p.m., The Cove Country Inn, 2 Bedford St. Kevin and Vanessa Head perform a mix of folk, jazz, classic rock and contemporary favourites on the waterside patio.

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