Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Spring forward with chili fest, polar plunges and live music across Lanark County

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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.

Spring forward this weekend

A small reminder before you crawl into bed Saturday night. Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8. At 2 a.m., clocks jump ahead one hour. Yes, you lose an hour of sleep, but you gain those longer, brighter evenings that make everything feel a little less wintry. It is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and reset any clocks that do not update themselves, including your vehicle.

Hometown Happenings March 6 – 8

Carleton Place events

Jeff Rogers Trio
Saturday, March 7, 6:45 p.m.
Doors open at the Town Hall auditorium. Singer songwriter Jeff Rogers’ unmistakably soulful voice often evokes weighty comparisons to the past including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles or even Otis Redding. Tickets here

Wine Tasting and Gourmet Small Bites

Saturday, March 7, 7-10 p.m. Guided tasting of fine wines paired with gourmet small bites from renowned Black Tartan at the Curling Club, 120 Patterson Crescent. Visit Ticketsplease.ca for your ticket. Guided tasting by sommelier Louise Boutin.

Upcycle Workshop
Sunday, March 8, 1 to 4 p.m. Join artist Choleena at the Carleton Place Collective for a hands-on workshop combining acrylic painting and upcycled broken jewelry to create a unique canvas artwork. No experience needed. $55 includes all materials; tickets via e-transfer to choleena@gmail.com, PayPal or TicketsPlease.ca.

McDonald’s Corners events

Meet the Artists at MERA
Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m. An exhibition of pots, weaving and quilts combines the formative crafts of MERA’s formation as a community hub for creative arts and, more generally, in the deeply human art of self-expression. Located at 974 Concession 4A Dalhousie, McDonald’s Corners.

Mississippi Mills events

Pancake and Hoops
Saturday, March 7, 8 to 11 a.m. at the Almonte Legion, 100 Bridge St., upstairs. The Naismith Basketball Association is hosting the event that supports the U14 girls competitive basketball team and the Love4Reesie Foundation. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Smiths Falls events

Polar Bear Plunge
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,
Lower Reach Park. You’ll be “Freezing for a Reason” in support of Special Olympics. Register or donate https://soopolarplunge.crowdchange.ca/128375 Smiths Falls Police Service

Westport events

Rideau Vista Chili Fest
Saturday, March 7, at the Westport Legion. A day full of laughter, friendly competition, full bellies and community spirit. Chili Fest is back courtesy Rideau District Public School. $5 entry fee, $20/family. 

Outskirts Live at The Cove
Friday, March 7, 7 to 11 p.m. at The Cove Inn. Celebrating the Music of Blue Rodeo and for $90 + HST, you get dinner and the show.

Sunday Funday
Sunday, March 8, 1 to 4 p.m. Shawn McCullough and his band including brother Dave “Fave” McCullough on bass and vocals and drummer Tom Uhryniw will be playing.


Keep up to date with the latest Hometown Happenings.

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