Fear not, dearest readers—we have officially taken on the very important job this week of keeping you from becoming one with the couch. Hometown Happenings has come to the rescue! We’ve rounded up all the perfectly good excuses to put on real pants, leave the house and mingle with your fellow humans. Your couch will still be waiting when you get home—and frankly, it could probably use a break too.
This week, we’ve tucked in a few tiny tidbits about some of our former local one-room schools. So settle in and enjoy the memories. You may even find yourself saying, “Oh, I remember that!”—which is exactly where the fun begins.
Got an event? Spill the tea! Send the details to lseccaspina@pdgmedia.ca 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!
Hey, Lanark County! Know someone in Lanark County who deserves a little trumpet-blowing? Nominations are open for the Awards of Excellence, celebrating folks who make our communities brighter, kinder and better. Go ahead—nominate that local superstar. Fame, glory and bragging rights may follow! Contact: www.lanarkcounty.ca.
Hometown Happenings: Sept. 10 and more …
Carleton Place events
Fish and chips, tea, coffee and dessert: Now that’s a Friday worth circling on the calendar! St. James Anglican Annual Fish Fry is Sept. 18, 2026, from 5 to 6 p.m. at 225 Edmund Street, Carleton Place. Tickets are $25; children under 12 eat free. Tickets are available at the church office Tuesday to Friday, 9 to 10 p.m., or by e-transfer to tickets@stjamescarletonplace.ca. Call 613-257-3118.
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching! Ready to swing into something fun? Total Rhythm Dance Studio starts a five-week beginner swing class Sept. 15. No partner? No problem! Just bring yourself—and perhaps your dancing shoes. Call 613-799-8737 or email Tania@trds.ca. Fees apply.
Dragon Boat Festival: Ready to paddle, cheer and pretend you know exactly what you’re doing? The Dragon Boat Festival hits the water Sept. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Carleton Place Canoe Club. Expect teamwork, excitement and enough paddling to make your arms remember Monday morning.
Carleton Place Legion Branch 192 luau: The legion is throwing a luau because apparently summer isn’t over until someone wears a grass skirt and makes questionable dance moves. Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 p.m. to midnight—hot dogs, fries, music and plenty of tropical musical trouble with Lanark County Revival.
Ukrainian Festival: Bring your appetite, dancing shoes and enthusiasm to the Ukrainian Festival Sept. 13 from noon to 6 p.m. at Riverside Park. Enjoy a celebration filled with culture, community and plenty of reasons to stay longer than planned.
Art House Music: Off Beat: Feeling a little off beat? Perfect—you’re already qualified! Art House Music: Off Beat takes over the Carleton Place Gallery Sept. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. Come enjoy some music, soak up the atmosphere and let someone else worry about keeping time.
Foundry Trivia Night: Think you know everything? Excellent. Come prove it—or discover that your brain has been storing completely useless information instead. Foundry Trivia Night is Sept. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Foundry Coffee Bar. Bring friends, bragging rights and your most dangerously confident answers.
Live Music: Friday nights were clearly designed for live music, good company and avoiding household chores. Enjoy live music every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. James Gate. Sit back, listen, relax and let somebody else provide the soundtrack while you enjoy the beginning of the weekend.
Lanark County Harvest Festival: Harvest time means one thing: somebody has to eat all those vegetables. Head to Beckwith Park on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Lanark County Harvest Festival. Celebrate local food, fall flavours and everything wonderful about the season—without having to grow a single pumpkin yourself.
Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday is a good day for fresh food, local treasures and pretending you only came for vegetables. The Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Market Square Pavilion. Shop local, meet the people who grow and make the good stuff, and leave with considerably more than you planned.
And celebrate fall with the Farmers’ Market Harvest Fest on Sept. 19! It’s harvest season, so the farmers are bringing their best—and shoppers are bringing reusable bags they swear they remembered this time. Fresh finds, local goodness and plenty of reasons to buy “just one more thing.”
Carleton Place Tattoo: Prepare for drums, pipes and plenty of stirring music at the Carleton Place Tattoo on Sept. 20 from noon to 5 p.m. at Legion Branch 192. It’s the sort of afternoon guaranteed to make your feet tap, your heart swell and your neighbours wonder where the parade is going.
Square dancing: Proof that walking in circles can be an organized activity! Come to the Modern Square Dance Open House Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Brunton Community Hall. For information, visit mississippisquares.ca—because getting lost is only funny on the dance floor.
MacEown-Ramsay Pipe Band: The pipes are calling, and apparently they have excellent lungs! Join the appreciation night Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at Captain A. Roy Brown Legion Branch 192. Come celebrate the MacEown-Ramsay Pipe Band and enjoy an evening of music, kilts and enough bagpipes to make the neighbours mysteriously disappear!
Capt. A. Roy Brown Legion Branch 192: Coffee, conversation and camaraderie—three things veterans have perfected over the years. Join the friendly gathering Oct. 14 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 177 George Street, Carleton Place. Call 613-257-1727. Free refreshments included!
Waterside Retirement Community: Grandparents Day brings wisdom, apples bring temptation, and men’s social hour brings stories that somehow improve with every telling. Waterside Retirement Community in Carleton Place has it all: music, memories, pub talk, tall tales and apple-inspired fun.
Grandparents Day Celebration with Arlene Quinn — Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m.
Men’s Social Hour: “Pub Talk & Tall Tales” — Monday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m.
All Things Apple Social & Entertainment — Friday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.
Bingo is always happening 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 runs 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.
Community meals: 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 Street. Fellowship, free food and friendship!
Every Wednesday means a free continental breakfast at St. James Anglican Church, 225 Edmond Street, Carleton Place, from 8 to 10 a.m.
The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum: September hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 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.
Did you know? Before separate wooden structures were built, bathroom boundaries were remarkably simple. At schools near Carleton Place, including nearby Clayton, one side of a large bush was designated as the girls’ bathroom and the exact opposite side was the boys’ bathroom.
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.
Kemptville Legion Pipes & Drums: The band is recruiting because apparently making noise in a kilt is a skill society still desperately needs. No experience required, just enthusiasm, rhythm and a willingness to learn. Come join the band! Contact: kemptvillelegionpipeband@gmail.com.
6th Annual Art in the Yard Show and Sale: Multiple visual artists and plenty of beautiful creations come together at 100 Joseph St., Kemptville, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come browse, admire and discover something you absolutely “need” for the wall.
Soiree in the Field: The event returns with a fall harvest picnic and deliciously curated charcuterie boards. The Harvest Picnic is Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. A perfect excuse to enjoy good food, beautiful surroundings and pretend grazing is a legitimate dinner strategy. Tickets are limited! 2243 Beach Rd.
Ferguson Forest Centre: Highly skilled tournament players from Ontario Disc Golf are coming to the course. Come watch discs fly through the beautiful surroundings—and marvel at people who can throw something accurately without yelling “FORE!” 241 Honour Way, Kemptville.
Taste the Maze at Dulmage Farms: Saturday, Sept. 19, offers local food trucks, wineries, breweries, live music and a glowing corn maze under the stars. Come hungry, stay for the music and try not to get lost before dessert. 352 South Gower Dr., Kemptville.
She Creates Market: Explore, stroll and shop locally curated goods in the beautiful fields of Lavender Mills Farm. Because wandering through a lovely field while shopping is considerably better than wandering through a shopping mall. The market is designed to celebrate and elevate local women-owned businesses. Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2243 Beach Rd., Kemptville.
Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company: Something Rotten! features cast members aged 13 to 68. That’s quite a range—and plenty of talent under one roof. Grab your tickets before they disappear faster than opening-night nerves! Urbandale Arts Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville, Sept. 26 to Oct. 10. Tickets are available at www.kymtc.org.
Hwy 43 Car Club: See classic cars galore every Friday. Because some people collect memories, while others collect horsepower. North Grenville Municipal Parking Lot, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville.
Did you know? If you visit the historic, preserved log schoolhouse from nearby Acton’s Corners, which was relocated to the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum, you will notice a bizarre design flaw! Apparently, Ontario schoolchildren once sat facing the walls instead of the teacher. Brilliant! Teachers got a lovely view of their backs while students enjoyed prime note-passing and face-pulling opportunities. It was an 1880s design quirk, proving classroom surveillance has been a problem for considerably longer than anyone realized.
McDonald’s Corners events
McDonald’s Corners Fall Fair Dinner: Turkey, stuffing and dessert: the holy trinity of fall dining! Join the dinner Sept. 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 194 Camerons Rd., McDonald’s Corners. Only 200 tickets are available, so grab yours before the turkey disappears faster than Grandma’s famous gravy!
McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Hall: It is basically the place to be! Thursdays: bingo at 7 p.m. all summer—bring your lucky charm! Sundays: Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come hungry, leave happy! Every other Monday: euchre from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Annual Fall Agricultural Fair: One of the foundational events of the McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026—put this on your calendar!
Music at MERA: The Fall Series is back! On Sunday, Sept. 20, enjoy The Homewood Duo at McDonald’s Corners. Come for the music, stay for the atmosphere—and leave humming something you’ll probably be singing all week. Hosted by MERA.
Did you know? The local schoolhouse had no insulation, just one mighty potbelly stove fighting winter. Sit nearby and you roasted while your ink dried instantly; sit in the corners and you froze. Apparently, education came with a complimentary lesson in temperature management—and possibly frostbite.
Merrickville events
“Our Fall Table” Workshop: Sept. 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Merrickville Legion. Come craft, share recipes and enjoy some fall fun with the Merrickville Lions Club. It’s free, but registration is required by email. Bring your creativity—and perhaps a recipe worth bragging about!
Dorene’s Village Tour: Sept. 11, 2026, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Merrickville Community Centre. Dorene, The New Hires and The Burningtree are bringing live rock music to town. Tickets are $11.30. Come for the music, stay for the dancing!
DEIG That Works Virtual Workshop: Sept. 17, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Join the Chamber of Commerce online for a leadership session designed to get people thinking, learning and hopefully avoiding another meeting that could have been an email. Tickets range from $31 to $65.
Merrickville’s Makers Fall Market: Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Merrickville Fairgrounds. Browse handmade goods and local autumn treasures. Come expecting to “just look” and leave carrying three things you never knew you needed. That’s how markets work!
Merrickville Art Walk: Sept. 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. along Main Street West. Enjoy open-air artist demonstrations and living gallery strolls. It’s art without the gallery walls—and a wonderful excuse to wander downtown while pretending you’re appreciating culture rather than shopping.
Did you know? Winter crowding: In Merrickville, the tiny schoolhouse normally crammed in 50 to 60 students—and up to 80 in winter! Apparently, when farm chores slowed down, everyone headed to school. Personal space was clearly considered an unnecessary luxury, right along with indoor plumbing and peaceful recess.
Mississippi Mills events
31st Annual Fibrefest: Sept. 12 and 13, 2026, at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and partner locations in Almonte. More than 80 vendors will tempt fibre enthusiasts with supplies, workshops and handmade treasures. Come for a look, leave with yarn—and possibly a convincing explanation for why you needed more.
Mississippi Mills Film Society: “The Marching Band”: Sept. 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 in Almonte. Enjoy The Marching Band as part of the fall film series. Tickets are $15. Sit back, enjoy the movie and let someone else do the marching for a change.
Mississippi Mills Business Breakfast: Sept. 22, 2026, at Stewart Community Centre in Pakenham. Get a preview of the new Economic Development Strategic Plan while networking with local leaders. Registration is required by Sept. 17. Come for breakfast, stay for the conversation—and try not to spill coffee on the strategic plan.
Honouring the Sacred Circle: A Two Spirit Journey: Sept. 29, 2026, at the Mississippi Mills Public Library, Almonte Branch. Presented by Mississippi Mills All My Relations ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An opportunity to listen, learn, reflect and honour stories and experiences that deserve to be heard.
Almonte Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 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.
Poppies! There’s something especially meaningful about the Poppy Project: every handmade poppy is a small act of remembrance, stitched with care and gratitude. Volunteers are needed to help reach this year’s goal of 7,000 poppies. Drop-off deadline: Oct. 5, 2026. Questions? Contact Mary Rozenberg at mary@interlinkx.com.
Community Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—especially when someone else is cooking! Join St. George’s Anglican Church in Clayton for a hearty Community Breakfast on Saturdays, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 2786 County Road, Clayton, Ont. Free-will donations.
North Lanark Regional Museum: Apple Pie Fest and a Classic Car Show—because apparently apples and automobiles are the perfect pair. Come Sunday, Sept. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 647 River Road, Appleton. Admission is $15 per person. Bring your appetite, admire the cars and try not to leave with pie in your lap!
Métis Kitchen Party: Live music, dinner and dancing are on the menu Friday, Oct. 2, with Amanda Rheaume, the Mamawin’ Town Band, Métis dancers, Jason Lepine and Lionel Descharmes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with music from 6 to 11 p.m. or later. It’s at the Agricultural Hall, Almonte Fairgrounds, with dinner, dancing, a cash bar and plenty of toe-tapping. Tickets: reconciliationthroughart.ca.
Chair Yoga: Because sometimes the body wants to exercise, but the knees have filed a formal complaint. Join Darlene Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at Stan Mills Lounge in Almonte for gentle movement, stretching and better balance.
A Meal for All: This Almonte grassroots organization is made up of members from local faith communities. Come and join them for a hot, free breakfast every Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 111 Church Street, 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 Street. Pay-one-price admission includes entertainment and unlimited midway rides. Get your tickets today. Weekend passes are only available until Sept. 10. Tickets: events.frontdoor.plus/host/10.
Charity Soup Bowl: Soup for the soul and a bowl to take home! The Charity Soup Bowl brings warm soup, community spirit and a good cause together Sept. 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Contact 613-256-5959. Almonte United Church, 106 Elgin St., Almonte.
Civitan Radio Bingo: Tuesday evenings are getting serious! Tune in to 88.1 myFM at 6:10 p.m. for Civitan Radio Bingo. A $10 card gets you nine faces, with a $2,500 prize board and a $1,200 jackpot waiting for a lucky listener. And there’s a new phone option: 613-264-8811. When the automated attendant answers, simply say “Bingo” and you’ll be connected to the operator. Your couch has never been this exciting.
Bingo Night: Every Wednesday, the Almonte Civitan Community Hall becomes headquarters for people who know that shouting “BINGO!” is perfectly acceptable—if you actually have bingo. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the first game at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy regular, lightning and special games, hot balls, bonanza and toonie pot, with jackpots reaching $2,000! It’s an evening of prizes, laughs and community spirit at 500 Almonte Street, Almonte. Bring your lucky dabber!
Apple Pie & Crisp Day: Sept. 24 is officially a dangerous day for anyone pretending to avoid dessert. The Almonte Civitan offers homemade temptation for pickup between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Almonte Civitan Community Hall, 500 Almonte Street, Almonte. A pie is $20 and a crisp is $16. Call 613-256-1082, order online at almontecivitan.com/shop or ask any Civitan member. Diet plans may be temporarily suspended.
Newfoundland Night: Newfoundland Night returns Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Almonte Civitan Community Hall, with dinner served at 7 p.m. Expect a proper scoff and a scuff, featuring Jiggs dinner and roast turkey, followed by live music, traditional Newfoundland music, blues, folk and country—with an East Coast Irish twist—and a traditional screech-in. Tickets are $45, including HST, and are available in advance only. Available at Bob’s, Nicholson’s in Pakenham or almontecivitan.com/shop. Come hungry—and prepare to dance!
Shirley Duego from Fulton’s, who gives me the news on Cedar Hill, writes: “Our community has been busy putting in place outdoor defibrillators that are available 24/7. So many of them are inside and only available when the buildings are open! A good initiative for every community!” Thanks, Shirley!
Did you know? As pioneer schools grew into larger places like Almonte Public School, keeping boys and girls apart became a full-time operation. Separate entrances, divided playgrounds and even a basement split down the middle! Apparently, anything you might have had was considered a serious educational hazard, requiring walls, boundaries and military-level enforcement.
Pakenham events
MVFN Bird Walk: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Ken Allison, Concession 9. Grab your binoculars and prepare for a morning of feathered discoveries. Come see who’s singing, flying and generally making a much better impression than most of us before coffee.
Festival of the Wild Child: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at High Lonesome Nature Reserve. Enjoy nature walks and outdoor play for those who believe the best playground has trees, dirt and absolutely no Wi-Fi. Come prepared to explore, get a little messy and rediscover your inner wild child.
Pakenham Horticultural Society Meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Community Church, Ramsay Concession 11A, Almonte. Join fellow garden enthusiasts for an evening of plants, ideas and horticultural conversation. Come for the gardening wisdom, stay for the inevitable discussion about why weeds seem to grow better than everything we actually planted.
Pakenham Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon. The annual plant sale is your chance to bring home something green, hopeful and considerably cheaper than therapy. Choose your plants, plan your garden and confidently promise yourself that this year, everything will actually survive.
Did you know? Before modern heating, the “funny” reality for the oldest student in the room was that he was automatically designated as the school janitor. It was common practice for a 13-year-old boy to wake up at 6:30 a.m. in the freezing Ontario winter, trudge through the snow, shovel the walkway and successfully light the wood stove so the room wasn’t sub-zero by the time the teacher arrived.
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 Saturdays to Thanksgiving weekend, with additional Harvest and Christmas markets planned later in the year.
Perth Museum: The museum shifts from its daily summer schedule to operating Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labour Day.
Perth Night Market: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Perth. Enjoy an evening of shopping, live music, family activities and even a petting zoo. It’s free, pedestrian-friendly and perfect for strolling around town while spending money you absolutely did not plan to spend.
Having Hope at Home: Sept. 17 to 20 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2026, at Studio Theatre Perth. This heartwarming Canadian comedy promises laughs, warmth and perhaps a little recognition of family life. Come enjoy the show and be grateful your own household arguments don’t require theatrical lighting and ticket sales.
Perth Citizens’ Band Summer Pop Series: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Crystal Palace. The Perth Citizens’ Band brings its Summer Pop Series to town with an afternoon of music. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tunes—no musical talent required from the audience, which is excellent news for everyone.
Parkinson SuperWalk: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Conlon Farm. Lace up for the Parkinson SuperWalk and join a community coming together to support people affected by Parkinson’s. It’s exercise with a purpose, friendship with a purpose and a fine excuse to leave the couch behind.
Terry Fox Run: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at Conlon Farm Recreation Complex. Join this family-friendly, non-competitive run supporting cancer research. Walk, jog or run—there’s no need to channel an Olympic athlete. Just bring your determination, your good heart and comfortable shoes.
Honor Our Veterans Banner Program Weekend & Legion Parade: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, Perth pays tribute to veterans with the Honor Our Veterans Banner Program Weekend and Legion Parade. Come out to remember, reflect and show appreciation for those who served. Some occasions call for applause; this one calls for gratitude.
Seize the Day Country Music Dance for Epilepsy: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the Civitan Club of Perth. Put on your dancing boots and seize the day with country music, dancing and a great cause. Come ready to two-step, toe-tap and prove that sitting still was never really your strong suit.
Did you know? The Eaton’s catalogue connection: Apparently, even schoolhouses could be ordered from a catalogue! Many one-room schools followed nearly identical plans, as if Ontario had simply checked the Eaton’s catalogue, circled “One Schoolhouse” and waited for delivery.
Port Elmsley events
Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre: At this writing, the movie lineup was TBA. Check the theatre’s website at portelmsleydrivein.com/page2.html. First movie plays at 7:40 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11 and 12—gates and the grill open at 7:15 p.m. Come for the movies, stay for the snacks!
Did you know? The holy upstairs and the chaotic downstairs school: When the school opened in 1873, someone decided the building should multitask. The upstairs became the Presbyterian church, while downstairs housed a noisy one-room schoolhouse. So while adults prayed peacefully above, children below shouted ABCs, dropped slates and stoked the wood stove. Nothing like a little spiritual turbulence with your morning lessons!
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 stand awaits!
Cloud 9 Festival: Sept. 11 to 13, 2026, at No. 9 Gardens. Electronic music, eco-art, workshops, camping and morning wellness sessions, featuring headliner Loukeman. Come for the music, stay for the camping and convince yourself that dancing until midnight counts as cardio. 1516 Summers Rd., Rideau Lakes.
Lombardy Pro Rodeo: Sept. 19 and 20, 2026, hosted by the Lombardy Agricultural Society. Expect professional rodeo action, music and family entertainment. Hold onto your hats—and possibly your children—because this is one weekend where things are supposed to get a little wild.
Delta Harvest Festival: Sept. 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Delta Fairgrounds and throughout town. Enjoy local food and craft vendors, a classic car show, live music by Jeff Code and the Silver Wings Band, plus magic shows. Come for the harvest and stay for the car envy.
Hike Ontario Summit & Rideau Trail 55th Anniversary: Sept. 25, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. at Westport United Church, 27 Spring Street, Westport. Celebrate 55 years of the Rideau Trail Association. A perfect gathering for people who enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air and calling a very long walk a “recreational activity.”
Did you know? The Halladay School: Built in 1868 on the edge of blacksmith Noah Halladay’s property at Westport Road and Concession Road 9 in Salem. Imagine trying to learn your lessons while the forge next door rang away. Today, the old stone schoolhouse survives as a private home—hopefully with considerably less hammering during homework.
Smiths Falls events
VANCAMP with Tristan Konkle: Sept. 18, 2026, at Bowie’s Smiths Falls. VANCAMP and Tristan Konkle bring live music to town. Come for the tunes, stay for the atmosphere and enjoy an evening where the only thing you’re expected to sing is along with the chorus.
Smiths Falls Home and Outdoor Show: Sept. 19, 2026. Local vendors and outdoor living take centre stage. Come browse, gather ideas and discover all the things your home apparently needs. You may arrive simply looking and leave with a notebook full of projects—and absolutely no idea who approved the budget.
Smiths Falls Literary Festival: “Small Town, Big Stories”: Sept. 19 and 20, 2026. Smiths Falls gets its first community book and storytelling festival, featuring author panels, workshops and an Outerbridge Magic cabaret dinner show. Come celebrate big stories from small towns—and discover that apparently we’ve all been collecting material without even realizing it.
Saved by the Bell — Hillcrest Cemetery Tour: Sept. 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. Take a guided walking tour through the oldest section of Hillcrest Cemetery and explore local history and traditions. It’s a fascinating afternoon among the town’s earliest residents—and one occasion where nobody will complain if you spend two hours talking to yourself.
Hallows Express at RMEO: Sept. 19, 2026, at the Rideau Canal Museum/Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Hallows Express brings a seasonal special event to the museum. Come aboard for some spooky fun and discover that railways, history and a little Halloween mischief make a surprisingly good combination.
Montague Fire Department 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. After enjoying the performances on Russell Street East, keep the music going and head over to Main Street West at the Millar Brooke Place Stage for an evening lineup in 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 in for new games and prizes. Doors open at 11 a.m. and play starts at 1 p.m. Effective in October, bingo will be held on the first Sunday of the month.
Did you know? Morning recess at the Smiths Falls one-room schoolhouse apparently inspired the older boys to become amateur chimney engineers. They’d stuff a board, turf or old coat down the chimney, filling the classroom with smoke. The teacher’s solution? Dismiss the class. Mischief: 1. Education: 0.
Then there was the wonderfully terrible stove prank—dropping a stray bullet or gunpowder into the potbelly stove and waiting for it to pop. Nothing says “good morning, teacher” quite like an unexpected explosion beside the reading lesson.
Westport events
Westporch Festival Kick-Off Party: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. on the patio at The Cove Inn. The Brothers Plaid, featuring Jeff Callery and Shawn McCullough, will get things rolling. Come for the music, stay for the patio—and start the weekend before the weekend officially knows it has begun.
Westporch Festival: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Westport’s front porches become outdoor stages as local homes welcome regional artists, musicians and community treats. It’s a free walking tour where you can stroll, listen and enjoy the neighbourhood. Finally, a festival where wandering around town is actually part of the schedule!
Westporch After Party: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at The Cove Inn. Evan Carlson and Ron Steeves keep the music going while raising funds for Howling Hideaway Rescue. Come for the tunes, support a great cause and prove that after-party energy can survive even after your dancing shoes have filed for retirement.
Westport Museum: After Labour Day until Thanksgiving Sunday, the museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Did you know? The teacher’s commute: At Coon’s School near Westport, teachers got creative getting to work. One rowed across Lower Beverley Lake, another rode horseback—but one took the B&W railway. With no station, the engineer simply slowed the train, letting the teacher jump off! Forget coffee breaks—this was a daily commute with a built-in stunt sequence.
See you next week!
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