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 every Thursday, and listed alphabetically by region, just in time to tee up your weekend plans.
Don’t forget, it’s the Victoria Day long weekend – the first one of the summer season. Bonus events this weekend, as many farmers’ markets are opening, if they haven’t already. Enjoy!
Hometown Happenings May 15–18
Almonte 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 from May 16 to Thanksgiving weekend. More information is available at almontefarmersmarket.com.
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.
Kemptville events
Kemptville Buskerfest: The First Act
Friday, May 15 at the North Grenville Curling Club. This free pre-festival evening event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and kicks off the Buskerfest weekend with entertainment and performances.
Kemptville Buskerfest
Saturday, May 16 on Prescott Street in Kemptville. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features street performers, entertainment and family-friendly activities. More information on both events is available through Kemptville Buskerfest.
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.
Lanark events
A Really Local Plant Sale
South Lanark Community Garden will host its annual plant sale on Saturdays, May 16, 23 and 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2208 Highway 511 between Balderson and Lanark Village. The sale features locally grown vegetable seedlings, donated perennials and hanging flower baskets, with proceeds supporting local food security initiatives and community garden operations. More information is available through South Lanark Community Garden.
Merrickville events
Merrickville Country Market
Saturday, May 16 at the Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read St. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features local makers, bakers, specialty foods, artisan goods, antiques and more. The market is held every third Saturday of the month.
Montague events
Johnny’s Jumpin’ Line Dance Party
Saturday, May 16 at Rosedale Hall, 657 Rosedale Rd. S. in Montague. The dance party runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door.
Perth 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 from May 9 to Thanksgiving weekend, with additional Harvest and Christmas markets planned later in the year. More information is available through Perth Farmers Market
Port Elmsley events
Drive-In Double Feature
Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at the Port Elmsley Drive-In. Catch The Sheep Detectives (PG) and Project Mary (PG). Gates and grill open at 7:30 p.m. with showtime at 8:45 p.m. Admission for the double feature is $15 for ages 13 and older and $6 for children five to 12.
Drive-In Triple Feature
Sunday, May 17 at the Port Elmsley Drive-In. The evening features The Sheep Detectives (PG), Project Mary (PG) and a bonus screening of The Mummy (14A). Gates and grill open at 7:30 p.m. with showtime at 8:45 p.m. Admission for the triple feature is $16 for ages 13 and older and $6 for children five to 12.
Smiths Falls events
Coffee With a Cop
Friday, May 15 at Starbucks, 123 Lombard St., Smiths Falls. The Smiths Falls Police Service will host a Police Week community event from 1 to 3 p.m., giving residents a chance to meet officers, ask questions and connect over coffee.
Fish and Chips Night at the Legion
Friday, May 15 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95. Dine in or take out from 4 to 7 p.m. One-piece fish and chips is $15, with extra fish available for $10. Pre-orders can be placed after 3 p.m. Friday by calling 613-283-2101.
Car Wash and Bake Sale
Saturday, May 16 hosted by the Smiths Falls Firefighters’ Association. The fundraiser begins at 9 a.m. and features car washes by local firefighters along with baked goods and sweet treats available for purchase.
Westport events
Bosko Baker at The Cove Inn
Friday, May 15 at the The Cove Country Inn. Roots musician Bosko Baker will perform from 5 to 8 p.m., blending country blues, ragtime, folk and swing into his signature “street swing” sound. The performance kicks off the May long weekend in Westport.
Saturdays at the Westport Market
Saturday, May 16 at the Westport Market, 38 Concession St. The outdoor market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features vendors, local products and community shopping throughout the summer season. The market runs weekly from May 16 to Aug. 29.
Sundays with Eric and Meghan
Sunday, May 17 at The Cove Country Inn. Meghan Balogh and Eric Uren will perform acoustic folk music featuring fiddle and guitar from 5 to 8 p.m.
Cove Monday Musical Residency: Jon Jones
Monday, May 18 at The Cove Country Inn. Singer-songwriter Jon Jones will perform from 5 to 8 p.m., bringing a blend of folk, country and blues inspired by artists including Neil Young, John Prine and Hank Williams.
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