Fear not, dear readers, Hometown Happenings is here to rescue you from the summer slump and send you happily into fall. The leaves will be changing soon, the air will become crisp, and the fall fairs, markets, festivals, fundraisers, gatherings, and assorted excuses to leave the house are waiting. From Smiths Falls to all the wonderful little places in between, there’s always something happening. Life is short, so fill it with good company, warm conversations, colourful leaves, and the simple pleasures that make our little communities so special. This week’s “Did You Know?” features the local fairs.
Got an event? Spill the beans! 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! – Linda Seccaspina
Hometown Happenings Sept. 4th and more!
Carleton Place events
Come spend the day at Ukrainian Fest Lanark County and enjoy the wonderful combination of music, delicious food, culture and community! Head to Riverside Park in Carleton Place on Sunday, September 13, from noon to 8 p.m. Bring the family, find a shady spot, listen to the music and soak up the atmosphere. The festival is wheelchair and stroller friendly, with accessible washrooms, water and free parking nearby. And the best part? Admission is FREE! The celebration goes ahead rain or shine, so bring your smile and perhaps an umbrella, just in case. Come for the music and food, stay for the culture, friendship and memories.
Take Back the Night! Join Lanark County Interval House on September 10 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. for an evening of community, solidarity and raising awareness. Participants will meet behind Carleton Place Town Hall before coming together to take a stand against violence and support safer communities for everyone. Bring your voice, your spirit and your support as we walk together and remind our community that everyone deserves to feel safe.
The Festival of Small Halls Ontario season is almost here, and Carleton Place is getting five wonderful evenings of music! If you love live music, intimate venues and discovering great performers, you’ll want to grab your tickets before they disappear. East Coast Experience — October 4 – Whitehorse — October 8 – Sue Foley — October 9 – Fortunate Ones — October 18 – Joel Plaskett — December 4 — SOLD OUT! Tickets are already moving quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute and then wonder where all the good seats went. Get your tickets and settle in for some terrific music, community spirit and five nights worth leaving the house for!
Bingo nights are alive and well in Carleton Place! If you enjoy a little friendly competition and the chance to shout “Bingo!” then you have two evenings to choose from. The Carleton Place Navy League Bingo takes place Thursday evenings at the corps, across from St. Mary’s parking lot. Games begin at 7:00 p.m. and run until approximately 9:30 p.m. On Tuesday evenings, head to the Carleton Place Arena for Civitan Bingo. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the fun getting underway at 6:30 p.m. Bring your lucky dabber and enjoy an evening of community, laughs and maybe a little luck!
Tuesdays are for good food and good company! Join the Carleton Place Community Lunch Program at noon in the Upper Hall at Zion-Memorial United Church, 37 Franklin Street. Come for the free meal, stay for the friendship and conversation. Then, when Wednesday rolls around, St. James Anglican Church, 225 Edmond Street, has breakfast waiting! Enjoy a FREE continental breakfast from 8:00–10:00 a.m. It’s a lovely way to start the day with a little nourishment, a warm welcome and some friendly faces. Two days, two meals, and plenty of community spirit!
The Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum: Closed-August 31 to Sept 8. September hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10-4. Don’t miss local cyber-antiquarian Adin Daigle on September 27 for a fascinating journey into the past! His presentation, “Step Back in Time: Carleton Place’s Early Drug Store,” celebrates World Pharmacists Day by taking us behind the counter and into the world of early medicines, remedies and the businesses that once cared for our community. Come discover some of the fascinating stories, curious treatments and local characters tucked away in Carleton Place’s past.
Carleton Place Farmers’ Market: Saturday mornings were surely invented for a little wandering, something tasty to nibble on, and convincing yourself that you’re only “having a look.” The Carleton Place Farmers’ Market is open from 8:30–12:30 in Market Square, offering fresh produce, meats, baked treats, maple delights, flowers and plenty of handmade treasures. For more information, visit the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market website: carletonplacefarmersmarket.ca
Did you know? Here’s a little piece of local history that might surprise you: Carleton Place can lay claim to being the birthplace of one of the region’s earliest agricultural exhibitions. In January 1840, the Bathurst District Agricultural Society was formed at a meeting in Carleton Place. For years afterward, the town welcomed the annual fall agricultural exhibition, bringing farmers, families, livestock, produce, and plenty of community pride together. But as time passed, the exhibition packed up its ribbons, prize animals, vegetables and country spirit and moved down the road to Almonte. There it continued to grow and eventually became the Almonte Fair, carried on today by the North Lanark Agricultural Society.
Kemptville events
Iroquois Apple Festival — September 19, 2026: Enjoy a full day of family fun with an apple pancake breakfast, craft and food vendors, apple peeling and pie contests, kids’ activities, live music, classic cars, motorcycles, the Lions Club BBQ, talent contest, Grey Cup display, awards, and more. Finish the day with a 7 p.m. festival performance and fireworks at 9 p.m.!
A big shoutout to Nina and Rick Tachuk for bringing Kemptville’s new triangle sign to life! Their creativity and hard work make it easier for everyone to discover downtown events. Keep an eye on the sign for what’s happening next. Another wonderful little beautification project from the Downtown Kemptville BIA!
Kemptville Farmers’ Market: Make Sunday your market day! Stop by 200 Sanders Street from 11–3 and enjoy a leisurely stroll among local vendors offering fresh produce, delicious baked goodies, handcrafted finds and plenty of friendly conversation. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday and support local makers all season long.
North Grenville Curling Club: Ready to get back on the ice? Circle September 10, 7–9 PM, or September 12, 10 AM–noon, for registration at 200 Reuben Crescent, Kemptville. Come sign up, meet some fellow curlers and get ready for another season of good times, great company and a little sliding on the ice!
Did you know Kemptville once had its own agricultural fair? Held at Riverside Park, the traditional fair featured all the familiar country fun until it quietly disappeared around 1998 or 1999. While the old-fashioned midway and derby are now memories, Kemptville continues to celebrate with a variety of festivals and community events. Of course, there are still plenty of wonderful agricultural fairs nearby to satisfy anyone craving a little country fun!
McDonald’s Corners events
McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Hall has plenty going on, so pick your night and come join the fun! Thursdays: Try your luck at BINGO at 7 p.m. all summer long. Every other Monday, bring your best poker face for Euchre from 6:30–9 p.m. Something for everyone—and always a friendly welcome!
Sunday means market day in McDonald’s Corners! Head to the Agricultural Hall at 194 Cameron’s Road, 10–2, for fresh local produce, baking, jams, jellies, soaps, crafts and more. Grab breakfast from 10–noon, then stay for lunch at noon. Support local farmers, bakers and artisans—and take home something delicious!
Get your tickets for the upcoming performance by Spencer Scharf at the Snow Road Community Centre on September 17th, 2026. 7-9 $15.00 tickets
Got a sweet tooth? Follow your nose to McDonald’s Corners! The Pies, Tarts & Pastry Event happens Sunday, September 13, from 10–2 at the Ag. Hall. Enjoy local bakers, delicious treats, handmade goodies and a pie-eating contest! Sign up at 11, competition at noon. Come hungry, leave happy—and perhaps loosen your belt and maybe wear your stretch pants!
The Annual Fall Agricultural Fair is one of the foundational events of the McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society. Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026– put this on your calendar!
Did you Know? McDonald’s Corners knew how to celebrate the harvest long before fall fairs became fashionable. The Dalhousie Agricultural Society was formed in 1853, and by 1866, the old general store had become the agricultural hall, where fairs were held. The community even developed a reputation for outstanding potatoes—apparently serious enough to challenge provincial competition! The fair celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1956 and is still going strong.
Merrickville events
Fall is calling, and it wants your best recipe! Join up at the Merrickville Legion on September 10 at 1 p.m. for Our Fall Table. Come decorate a beautiful fall table runner—free supplies and entry included! Bring your favourite fall recipe to trade, share and spark some good conversation. Come for the crafting, stay for the recipes, and leave feeling wonderfully fresh and frisky. Registration required: merrickvillelionsprograms@gmail.com
Celebrate the release of Wild Iris, Ambre’s deeply personal new album. Experience an intimate evening of soulful songs, stories, raw emotion and the fearless artistry of one of our most compelling singer-songwriters- at The Pews- Saturday, September 26, 7:30 pm
Fall is coming to Merrickville, and it’s bringing the whole family! Mark Saturday, October 10 and head to Heritage Stables, 620 Heritage Drive, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for Fall For Merrickville. With 100+ vendors, food, art, hayrides, a musical horse show, Superdogs and plenty of Thanksgiving fun, there’s something for everyone. Come browse, eat, wander and enjoy the glorious chaos of fall! Tickets: fallformerrickville.com
Fall For Merrickville needs YOU! Want to be part of the fun without having to actually organize the whole thing? Volunteer on Saturday, October 10 at 620 Heritage Drive and help create an unforgettable day on the farm! Volunteers get all-day event access, training, snacks, drinks, an after-party, new friends and plenty of fun. Come lend a hand—you might even have such a good time they’ll forget you were working!
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 2:00 pm until Labour Day at The Pews in Merrickville. This haunting show is sure to amaze and astound you! Don’t miss it!
Did you know? The Merrickville Fair is still going strong—and apparently nobody told it to retire! The 188th edition rolled into town August 7–9, 2026, bringing all the good old-fashioned country fun to the Merrickville Fair Grounds at 446 Main St. W. Expect livestock, horses, tractor and truck pulls, kids’ activities, local food and enough fairground excitement to remind you why country fairs never go out of style!
Mississippi Mills events
Almonte Lawn Bowling Club: The 96th Governor General’s Tournament is rolling into the Almonte Lawn Bowling Club on September 5, and the green at 157 Robert Street is going to be a busy place! The flag and player parade begins around 9:45 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 10:00. The first bowls roll at 10:30, with trophies presented around 4:30 p.m. Come watch some seriously skilled bowlers, enjoy the atmosphere and discover that lawn bowling is considerably more exciting than your backyard grass might suggest!
Newfoundland Night is Coming to Almonte! Grab your friends, loosen your belt and get ready for a proper scoff and a scuff! Newfoundland Night returns to the Almonte Civitan Community Hall, 500 Almonte Street, on October 24, 2026, from 6 p.m. to midnight, with dinner at 7. For $45, you’ll get a traditional Jiggs’ Dinner, complete with roast turkey and all the trimmings, followed by live music from The OtherKRow, serving up rock, blues, folk and country with a little East Coast Irish spirit. You haven’t truly experienced Newfoundland until you’ve survived a good old-fashioned Screech-In! Become an honorary Newfoundlander and embrace the culture, the laughter and perhaps a little Screech-induced courage.-Tickets are advance sales only and available at Baker Bob’s, Nicholson’s in Pakenham, or online.
BINGO! Wednesday Nights Just Got Lucky! Head to the Almonte Civitan Community Hall, 500 Almonte Street, every Wednesday for an evening of Bingo, prizes and plenty of community fun. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the first game at 6:30 p.m. There are regular, lightning and special games, plus Hot Balls, Bonanza and the Toonie Pot—with jackpots reaching $2,000! The hall is air-conditioned, accessible and has free parking and a canteen. Bring your lucky charm—but leave your rent money at home!
Humming Bird Chocolate Maker: Ever wondered what happens before that glorious chocolate bar reaches your hands? Here’s your chance to find out—and yes, tasting is part of the research! Take a guided tour of the Almonte chocolate factory and discover how humble cacao beans are transformed into everyone’s favourite sweet temptation. You’ll learn about the chocolate-making process and sample some delicious results along the way. Tours run Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. It’s the perfect excuse to spend a day in Almonte, especially if you believe there is no such thing as “too much chocolate.” Space is limited, so book ahead!-https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/627108928687?aff=oddtdtcreator
Almonte Farmers’ Market: Saturday mornings were made for wandering, nibbling and saying, “I’m only looking”—before leaving with three bags of things you absolutely needed. Find the Almonte Farmers’ Market beside the library at 155 High St., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy local produce, baking, meats, maple goodies, flowers, artisan treasures and handmade finds. The 2026 season runs through Thanksgiving weekend, so there’s plenty of time to shop, snack and support their wonderful local vendors!
Almonte — A Meal for All: Thursday mornings just got a whole lot tastier! A Meal for All, a grassroots group made up of local faith communities, serves up a hot FREE breakfast every Thursday from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at 111 Church Street, Almonte. Come for breakfast, stay for the friendly faces and conversation. After all, good food tastes even better when nobody has to eat alone!
The Almonte Fair: It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes, release your inner goofball and let the family fun begin! The Almonte Fair runs September 11–13, 2026, at the Almonte Fairgrounds, 195 Water Street. One price gets you entertainment AND unlimited midway rides—because apparently one ride is never enough! Weekend passes are available only until September 10, so don’t dawdle! Get your tickets here
It’s Pie O’Clock in Almonte! The Almonte Civitan Annual Apple Pie & Crisp Day is coming September 24! Stock up on delicious apple pies featuring MacLaren Orchards apples, or grab a comforting apple crisp—because fall calories don’t count, right? Pies: $20 Crisps: $16- September 24, 2026-Pick up 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Almonte Civitan Community Hall, 500 Almonte Street Order by phone, online or through any Civitan member. Cash, debit and credit accepted. Basically, you bring the appetite. The Civitan brings the apples. Everybody wins!
Did you know? Before there were Ferris wheels, cotton candy and children begging for “just one more ride,” there was agriculture! The Almonte Fair traces its roots back to the 1850s, when the Township of Ramsay Agricultural Society organized its first fair around 1858 on a local farm. After four years, the fair packed up its prize vegetables and livestock and moved permanently into Almonte. Then there’s the grand old star of the show—the 1868 covered wooden grandstand, believed to be Canada’s oldest surviving one of its kind. It has watched generations cheer, compete and celebrate. Not bad for a building that’s been around since your great-great-grandparents were young!
Pakenham events
Friday Night Fish Fry! Forget cooking and let St. Andrew’s United Church in Pakenham take care of supper! On September 11 from 4–7 p.m., enjoy a delicious fish-and-fries dinner with corn and Hudson’s Farms homemade pie—because dessert should never be an afterthought! It’s takeout only, and advance orders are required by 5 p.m. September 8. Call or text Lisa at 613-410-8990 to reserve yours. Come hungry, leave happy—and let someone else wash the frying pan!
Did you know? Long before fair food came on a stick, Pakenham was showing off its country talents! The first recorded village fair took place in 1861, with exhibits displayed in a drill hall built during the Fenian Raids. For generations, the fair has celebrated Lanark County’s rural roots with horses, beef and dairy cattle, 4-H competitions, prize vegetables, baking and crafts. Today, the tradition continues around the Stewart Community Centre. It’s proof that Pakenham has always known how to bring the country together—and probably how to argue over whose cow, pie or pumpkin deserved first prize!
Perth Ontario events
Perth Fair Is Back! Come celebrate 179 years of fairground fun over Labour Day Weekend! From Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6, 2026, Perth will be buzzing with all the sights, sounds and good old-fashioned fun that make a fair worth getting out for. Bring the family, bring your appetite—and bring your sense of adventure.
The Hospice Hub: AUTUMN ELEGANCE: FASHION FOR A CAUSE- Fall is coming—and apparently, it’s bringing good taste, great fashion and a reason to wear something other than jeans! Join The Hospice Hub for an elegant evening in support of hospice programs and services. Thursday, September 17, 2026-6–8 p.m. – Perth Civitan: 6787 County Road 43, Perth – $40 per ticket – Expect fashion, snacks, sweets, warm drinks and a cash bar, plus a 50/50 draw and raffle. Because supporting a good cause is even better when there’s something delicious in your hand. For more information: 613-627-0974 ext. 1 – fundraising@thehospicehub.ca
Tickets available at:
• Steve Design — 64 Gore St., Perth
• Fashion Envy — 47 Foster St., Perth
• The Hospice Hub — 33 Lewis St., Perth
Perth Farmers’ Market: Saturday mornings are made for wandering, nibbling and enjoying the day. Head to the Perth Farmers’ Market at the Tay Basin by Crystal Palace, 31 Basin Lane, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find fresh produce, baking, meats, preserves, crafts, artisan treasures and live music. The 2026 season runs through Thanksgiving weekend, with Harvest and Christmas markets still to come. Bring your reusable bags—and leave a little room for the things you absolutely didn’t plan to buy! You contact for info- Perth Farmers Market
Hop on over to Perth! 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 Fiddlehead’s Bar and Grill Live performances every Saturday at the Perth Farmers’ Market Catch The Garage and The Red Fox for live music, too!
Perth Fair is turning up the volume! If you thought the Perth Fair was all about prize-winning cows, giant vegetables and trying not to lose your children on the midway, think again!There’s a whole lot of live music coming to the fairgrounds. Thursday: Small Town Socials — 9–11 p.m.-Friday: doubleBack — 9–11 p.m.-Saturday afternoon: Cashmen Ford — noon–2 p.m.-Saturday night: Limit — 9–11 p.m.-Sunday: Dale Manson — 1–4 p.m. So come for the livestock, stay for the music—and if someone starts dancing beside the prize pumpkins, we promise not to judge. The Perth Fair: where the animals aren’t the only ones making noise.
The Perth Museum: After Labour Day, the Perth Museum slows things down just a little—but thankfully, it doesn’t hibernate! Its fall and winter hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the summer, it’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. So if you’ve been meaning to wander through Perth’s past, autumn is still a perfectly good time to go digging through history—just not on Monday or Tuesday!
Did you know? The Perth Fair: Where 1845 Still Knows How to Party – Before there were smartphones, selfies, or anyone arguing about whether the midway was too loud, there was the Perth Fair. Established in 1845, it has been bringing Lanark County together for generations—and apparently has no intention of retiring. The fair began with good old-fashioned agricultural competition: livestock, crops, baking, preserves, handicrafts and the eternal question of who grew the biggest vegetable. Over the years, it moved around Perth before settling on its present Arthur Street grounds, where the buildings got bigger, the crowds got larger and the midway became considerably more exciting than admiring someone’s prize turnip. Today, the Perth Fair still celebrates its rural roots while adding rides, entertainment, demolition derbies and enough food to make your belt question your life choices. Held over Labour Day weekend, it is more than a fair. It is a yearly reunion with Perth’s past—with a little cotton candy stuck to it.
Port Elmsley events
Port Elmsley Drive – In Theatre: Movies under the stars since 1953! Friday, Saturday & Sunday — August 28, 29 & 30 –Paws, dinosaurs and one very unlucky coyote? Yes, please! The big screen is serving up a double feature: PAW PATROL: THE DINO MOVIE — G • 8:05 p.m. Followed by…COYOTE vs. ACME — PG • 9:30 p.m. Gates & Grill open at 7:20 p.m. So grab the family, grab some food, and grab a chair—because nothing says summer quite like watching cartoon chaos under the stars. If the coyote happens to catch a break this time, we’ll consider it a miracle.
From the Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre: 20 Seasons, Countless Memories & Probably a Few Grey Hairs- As they head into their last mid-week shows—after this, they are weekends-only—we figured we still had your attention, so we’d better take a moment to say THANK YOU! They’ve raised their kids here. They’ve worked with some amazing young people and had the absolute joy of watching so many of those kids grow up right before their eyes. Along the way, they’ve collected more memories than they could ever fit on a movie screen. Time really does fly when you’re having fun—or when you’re trying to keep everyone from spilling popcorn in the car. To everyone who has pulled into the lot, grabbed a snack, watched a movie and made us part of your summer: thank you for being their fans for 20 wonderful seasons.
Did you know? – Port Elmsley may not have its own big agricultural fair, but it certainly knows how to pick a good neighbourhood! It sits smack dab in the middle of some of the region’s finest fair-going territory. The Lombardy Fair — Just south of Smiths Falls, roughly 8–15 km away, and going strong for 160 years. That’s a lot of prize pumpkins, livestock, pies and people arguing over who makes the best butter tarts! The Merrickville Fair — Another beloved, long-running agricultural tradition nearby, proving that around here, we take our fairs—and our deep-fried everything—very seriously. So, while Port Elmsley may not have its own fairgrounds, residents don’t have to go far to find one. Just follow the smell of french fries and the sound of a midway ride
Rideau Lakes events
Crosby Flea Market: Saturday treasure hunters, start your engines The Crosby Flea Market runs 8–4 at Highways 15 & 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!
Lost Lanark Legacy: Because Apparently, We’ve Been Losing Apples! Ever wonder what happened to some of the old fruit varieties that once grew around Lanark County? Well, this is your chance to get to the core of the story! Join Jennifer Ferris on September 3 as she shares the curious journey behind the Lost Lanark Legacy project—and the fascinating search for the lost trees that have been hiding in plain sight. September 3, 2026-Doors open 6:30 p.m. Elgin Municipal Complex, 47 Main St., Elgin. Free for members | $5 for guests-There will also be door prizes and refreshments, because no good horticultural gathering should end without a little something to eat. Who knew history could be this fruitful?
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? Rideau Lakes: Where the Fairs Have Been Showing Off Since 1830! If you think agricultural fairs are a modern invention involving deep-fried food and questionable midway rides, think again! The Township of Rideau Lakes is home to some serious fair history, most notably the Delta Fair, which has been running since 1830. That’s nearly two centuries of livestock, tractors, baking, crafts, midway rides and people proudly displaying vegetables that somehow grew larger than their children. Then there’s the Lombardy Fair, another local favourite featuring livestock shows, homecraft competitions and plenty of long-weekend entertainment.So whether your interests run to tractor pulls, prize preserves, giant vegetables or seeing who can survive the midway without losing their lunch, Rideau Lakes has a fair for you.
Smiths Falls events
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 ends on the last Sunday of August.
BINGO! Because Sometimes You Just Need a Little Luck on a Sunday! Clear your calendar and dust off those lucky charms—the Smiths Falls Civitan Sunday Afternoon Bingo is back! Starting Sunday, September 13-Doors open at 11 a.m. Bingo begins at 1 p.m. They’ve got new games, new prizes and plenty of chances to yell “BINGO!” louder than your neighbour. And mark your calendars: starting in October, Bingo moves to the first Sunday of every month. So bring your lucky dabber, your lucky socks, your lucky Aunt Mildred—whatever you think is going to get those numbers behaving! Come for the Bingo, stay for the fun, and leave with a little more money if Lady Luck is sitting beside you
Ontario East Fibre Fest: Mark your calendars and call your fibre fun besties to plan your OEFF adventure! This October 3 & 4 the Ontario East Fibre Fest comes to the Lombardy Agricultural Society Fairgrounds in Lombardy, ON.-Come enjoy the colours of Fall as you explore the colours of fun. There are three buildings of fibre artists, makers, and farmers sharing the best of our region’s fibre community. Their vendors will be featuring fibre arts supplies for knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, and felters. Explore the wonders of fleece and yarn as you take in the talents of our fibre artists and traditions of our community.. Saturday Oct 3, 10-5–Sunday Oct 4, 10- Entrance is $5 (children 12 yr and under are free) https://www.ontarioeastfibrefest.ca/vendors.html#/
The Montague Fire Dept Famous BBQ Dinner: Bring your appetite to the Montague fire department’s famous Beef and Pork pit barbecue! Saturday, September 12, from 5–7 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, September 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 on the Russell St. E., 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. The Lockmaster’s Taphouse and Patio — 32 Beckwith St. S. –Tickets are also available online at events.frontdoor.plus/event/2014
The Black Creek Rodeo Is Back in Lombardy! Dust off your boots, find your cowboy hat and prepare to spend the weekend watching people voluntarily climb onto animals that clearly did not agree to this arrangement. The 4th Annual Black Creek Rodeo is coming to the Lombardy Agricultural Society, 6 Kellys Road, September 25–27, 2026! Expect bull riding, barrel racing and plenty of rodeo action, followed by live music in the barn: And the best part for the little cowpokes? Kids 5 and under get in FREE! Get your tickets and come see what happens when cowboys, bulls and gravity meet under one roof!
CALLING ALL SKATERS! LET’S ROLL! Summer isn’t over yet, so there’s still time to lace up, roll out and pretend you know exactly what you’re doing.The Smiths Falls Youth Arena is rolling into summer fun with roller skating from July 24 to September 15! Fridays: 6–8 p.m. Tuesdays: 5–7 p.m.Cost: Just $2 per visit! Whether you’re a seasoned skater, a wobbly beginner, or someone who considers staying upright a personal achievement, come join the fun. Two bucks, a pair of skates and plenty of opportunities to roll with it! Just remember: the floor is slippery, gravity is undefeated, and the walls are there if you need them
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.
Did you know? Smiths Falls: Where the Chickens Were the Big Attraction! Long before Smiths Falls became known for everything else it has today, the town had a rather “fowl” claim to fame.Beginning in the early 1860s, Smiths Falls hosted its annual Poultry Fair, which grew into what organizers proudly claimed was the largest poultry market in the Dominion. Every December, Beckwith Street became a bustling marketplace filled with chickens, turkeys and other poultry—held in the cold weather for a very practical reason: nature provided the refrigeration! It was a massive event and an important part of the town’s history. Imagine the traffic, the noise and the feathers flying! Today, if you want a more traditional agricultural fair, residents can make the short trip south to the Lombardy Fair. From poultry to prize pumpkins, Smiths Falls and the surrounding area have always known how to put on a good show—and apparently, sometimes the chickens were the headliners.
Westport events
Westport Market: Saturday Is for Shopping! Looking for a good excuse to get out of the house on Saturday morning? Westport Market has you covered—and you might even come home with something you didn’t know you needed. – 38 Concession St., Westport – Every Saturday, July 4 to September 5- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This open-air market brings together local vendors, talented artisans and plenty of seasonal goodies—the perfect place to browse, nibble, chat and support the folks who make our communities so special. Come for the local treasures, stay for the conversations, and try not to leave with six things you never planned to buy. Saturday mornings were made for markets!
Westport Museum: Remember that the Museum is open daily from 9:30 to 4:30 until Labour Day Monday. After Labour Day until Thanksgiving Sunday, open Wednesdays through Sundays. 9:30 to 4:30.
Apparently, one Thanksgiving centrepiece workshop just wasn’t enough—so they are doing it again! This year, there are TWO time slots, because even the pumpkins deserve options! Join them on September 26 for a fun-filled day in beautiful Westport. Bring a friend, get creative, and make something fabulous for your Thanksgiving table. You’ll leave with a gorgeous centrepiece, some new memories—and hopefully without covering yourself entirely in leaves and glue. September 26, Thanksgiving Centrepiece Workshop
For details and to choose your time slot, visit Garcia Gardens.Come for the flowers, stay for the fun, and let someone else worry about making the table look spectacular!
Did you know? Westport has a history of community fairs and market events. Historically, Westport, Ontario hosted events like the traditional Turkey Fair (also known as Poultry Fair Day) during the early 1900s around Thanksgiving and December, as well as local School Fair Days on the community field. Today, it doesn’t host a traditional agricultural midway fair, but it runs the seasonal Westport Market.
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