Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Bala Plein Air at Hardy Lake Provincial Park
2025-08-20 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM *** note new time

WHAT TO EXPECT: A very popular spot for hikers and visitors to Muskoka at the same time as a favourite spot for artists. The trails, in part are well groomed while other parts are gnarly with roots and rocks. You can perch on a rock overlooking Hardy Lakes and catch the hues of lily pads near an outstretched granite edge. NOTE: this is an earlier start and finish time to allow ample travel time for an instructor-led plein air workshop in Bala 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

DIRECTIONS: 2346 Muskoka Road 169, Torrance. Between Bala and Gravenhurst. 9 minute drive from Bala, 16 minute drive from Gravenhurst Google Map here. Parking lot fills up but should be ok.
We will meet 500 metres in at the edge of Hardy Lake, many options, forest views, water’s edge, classic Muskoka granite and a wide variety of trees. Trails are wide, flat and well marked. See map below and for spot to meet for Plein Air as a group. For those who don’t want to walk that far in (500m) there are cool plein air swamps and marsh views only 100 steps in from the parking lot. See below for other views along the trail. Also see Trail map here if you want to make a day of it.

AMENITIES: Port-a-Pottee on site near parking lot. No buildings or food service. Bring your own water to keep hydrated.
WHAT TO BRING: Wear comfortable Hiking shoes. Some of the trail is paved, gravel or flat stones. Other parts are soft dirt, clear and and covered in pine needles. Near the water, the ground is uneven with tree roots. Lots of shade from trees. Bring your art supplies, canvas and easel in a pack and easy to carry (or wheels), to get in to the meeting spot a short walk from the parking lot.

PALLETTE SUGGESTIONS: Burnt sienna, green-gold and phalto blue and deep reds. Although mostly still green, a few trees are bursting out in crimson and reds to kick off the fall colours.

Bala Plein Air Figure Drawing with Marshall Geddes
2025-08-20 13:30 - 16:30 | Bala Community Centre, 1008 Maple Ave, Bala, Ontario, P0C1A0, Canada
1:30 – 4:30 at Bala Community Centre
This 3-hour afternoon workshop is recommended to artists who would like to get a better understanding of the fundamentals of figure drawing. A starting point for a future workshop adding people in plein air paintings. The workshop will include hands on instruction and exercises to be able to sketch human figures. The focus will be on capturing gestures and poses. Models in the workshop will be fully dressed. All are welcome. There is a fee of $40. Find out more about the Instructor and register here.

Summer Lecture Series: Pages from the Past, Paths to the Future, The Story of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library
2025-08-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Muskoka Lakes Musem, Muskoka Lakes Musem, Port Carling
The Muskoka Lakes Museum is proud to present the final lecture of its 2025 Summer Lecture Series, Pages from the Past, Paths to the Future: The Story of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library, presented by Andrew Whitfield, Chief Librarian of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library (MLPL).
With nearly 138 years of history, the MLPL has been more than just a repository for books; it has acted as a steward of local memory, a hub for learning, and a cornerstone of community life.
Whitfield will lead a fascinating journey through the early days of libraries and librarianship in the Muskoka Lakes Township, highlighting key milestones and stories from the library’s past. He will also explore the library’s evolving role in the digital era and spark a thoughtful discussion on how public libraries continue to serve as agents of change, spaces of belonging, and keepers of community heritage.

Let's Sing 2025!
2025-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Port Carling Community Centre
Muskoka Lakes Singers Choir performs at the Port Carling Community Centre with proceeds going towards Andy’s Hospice House.

Painting with Jessica: Rosseau Bay Shoreline
2025-08-21 00:00 | Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria St W, Rosseau, ON, P0C1J0, Canada
Get ready for a fun morning of painting in Rosseau with Parry Sound artist Jessica Vergeer! This class is being held at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall on Thursday August 21 from 9:30am to 12pm. Registration is limited, so get some friends together and come as a group or don’t hesitate to come out on your own! This is a fun and supportive environment with a focus on art and creativity, first and foremost.
New to painting? Not a problem! This class is perfect for everyone, with Jessica leading you step-by-step through the process of painting this Rosseau Bay Shoreline scene in acrylic on canvas, from start to finish. All painting supplies are provided and you will leave this class with your finished 10×14 painting!
On the day of the class please arrive at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall at least 15 minutes early to check in. We plan to start the class at 9:30am sharp. Please bring your own beverages or snacks if required.
Jessica’s painting classes are geared to an adult audience; registered minors 12 and older are welcome as long as they are also accompanied by a registered adult parent/guardian and can keep pace with the rest of the class.
Please note that all registrations for this event are first-come first-serve. No cancellation refunds or credit will be issued under any circumstance unless the event is canceled by the organizers. If you cannot attend due to a personal issue, you are welcome to send someone in your place if we are notified in advance.

Sapphire Soirée
2025-08-21 17:30 - 23:00 | Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, 251 Wellington St, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1C1, Canada
A Night to Celebrate, Reflect, and Inspire

2025 marks 45 years of community-driven support for exceptional healthcare in South Muskoka. The Sapphire Soirée is more than a celebration — it’s a chance to shape the future of care. Guests will enjoy a luxurious Brew-Master dinner, open bar, and live entertainment, while exploring interactive features like the History Wall, Giving Tree, and Time Capsule. Every moment of this exclusive evening helps fund life-saving equipment, cutting-edge technology, and vital education for our healthcare professionals.
Join us in honouring the past and investing in local healthcare
Get your tickets today at HealthMuskoka.ca/soiree.

Josh Ross - Kee to Bala
2025-08-21 20:00 - 23:00 | The Kee to Bala
Canadian Country singer and song writer Josh Ross at the Kee for Thursday Aug 21st.
19+show
Tickets here

Explore Craft in Muskoka: August 22- September 7th
2025-08-22 - 2025-09-07 | Ontario

Cruisin' for Inclusion Boat Cruise Fundraiser with Community Living South Muskoka
2025-08-22 18:30 - 21:30 | Muskoka Steamships, 185 Cherokee Lane Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1Z9 Canada
Come out August 22nd from 6:30-9:30pm for Crusin’ for Inclusion Boat Cruise Fundraiser with Community Living South Muskoka. Enjoy live music, a 50/50 draw, and dinner in connection with Muskoka Steamships.
For more information, go to https://www.clsm.on.ca/boat-cruise-cruisin-for-inclusion/

Glass Tiger - The Kee to Bala
2025-08-22 20:00 - 23:00 | The Kee to Bala
Come out to The Kee to Bala to see Glass Tiger!
This is a 19+ event.

Rock the Pickle Gala - Port Carling
2025-08-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Port Carling Community Centre
Rock the Pickle is a fundraising event in support of Melanoma Canada, taking place on August 23rd in Muskoka. Their Gala will be held at the Port Carling Community Centre for $250 a ticket. To learn more, reach out to ana@solutionswithimpact.com

Mini Markets at Jack & Stella
2025-08-23 11:00 - 16:00 | Jack and Stella’s, 1004 Bala Falls Rd, Bala, Ontario, P0C 1A0, Canada
Come out to Jack & Stella’s and Support local and small shops during J&S’s Mini Markets. Enjoy vendors, drinks, and good vibes.

The Great Canadian Songbook Presented By The Muskoka Music Festival
2025-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Gravenhurst Opera House, 295 Muskoka Rd S, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1J1
Saturday August 23, 2025
Doors Open at 7:00PM; Show begins at 7:30PM
Tickets: $45 plus applicable fees & taxes
Reserved Seating
Cash Bar
Looking for the VIP Experience? Click here. You will be re-directed to The Muskoka Music Festival website to purchase. Limited quantities available.
The Great Canadian Songbook is presented by The Muskoka Music Festival featuring Miranda Mulholland and Friends; Julian Taylor, NQ Arbuckle, Jadea Kelly & Tragedy Ann.
Join JUNO nominated Miranda Mulholland and Friends for a night celebrating the very best songs in the Great Canadian Songbook and have a say in the setlist!
Do you love Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and Leonard Cohen? Do you have a song you think should be included? Buy a ticket to this one night only event and request your favourite song!
Renowned songwriter Julian Taylor, folk troubadour NQ Arbuckle, songstress Jadea Kelly, indie darling duo Tragedy Ann join Miranda backed by a house band of Bret Higgins (Great Lake Swimmers) and Tali Trow (Bonnie Dobson)

The Bala Bay Divas
2025-08-23 20:00 - 22:00 | Ontario
The Divas are BACK serving Muskoka glam at the iconic Bala Bay Inn! This endless summer vacation is guaranteed to be the hottest of the season
Saturday, August 23rd The Bala Bay Inn, Bala, ON Doors at 8pm | Show at 9pm Ticket link BELOW 19+ event

BALA BAY DIVASEnya Dreams Lucki DreamsAria Reddy

Trivia at Jack & Stella
2025-08-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Jack and Stella’s, 1004 Bala Falls Rd, Bala, Ontario, P0C 1A0, Canada
On Mondays 6-9PM, join Jack & Stella for Trivia Night along with Adam from Big Dumb Face Trivia!

Teams will be a max of 4. Walk ins welcomed, but booking in advanced is highly recommend.

Check out their calendar for more summer events here.

MDC Dance Party
2025-08-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Muskoka Discovery Centre, 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1Z9, Canada
Join Us for an Unforgettable Dance Party at the Muskoka Discovery Centre!
Get ready to dance the night away in one of Muskoka’s most unique venues! The Muskoka Discovery Centre invites you to an exciting evening of music, lights, and fun. Whether you’re grooving to your favourite hits or just enjoying the lively atmosphere, this dance party promises great vibes, a fantastic crowd, and an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it!
All ages welcome – come make memories on the dance floor!

Port Carling Farmers' Market
2025-08-28 09:00 - 13:00 | Hanna Park, Bailey St, Port Carling, Ontario, Canada
Come out Thursday August 28th from 9:00am-1:00pm for the season final of the Port Carling Farmers’ Market.

Sam Roberts Band - The Kee to Bala
2025-08-29 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-30 20:00 - 23:00 | The Kee to Bala
When Friday Aug 29th and Saturday Aug 30
@The Kee to Bala
Doors open 8pm Show 830pm
19+
Tickets
Canadian Singer Songwriter Sam Roberts and Band return to the Kee for what will be two fantastic shows!

Pig Roast with the Bala Legion
2025-08-30 17:00 - 19:30 | Bala Legion, 1011 Maple Ave, Bala, ON P0C 1A0
Dinner includes Roast pork, Fresh Ontario Corn, Salads and Dessert
Tickets are $30 per person and are available in person at the Bala Legion or online through the eventbrite link.

FOLLOWING THE DINNER AT 7:30 PM
Join the Legion for Live Music with “THE GRADY BROTHERS”

Karaoke Night at the Port Carling Legion
2025-08-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Port Carling Legion, Port Carling, On
Come out to the Port Carling Legion for Karaoke Night, every last Saturday of each month starting at 7pm. Check out the list below for other fun things going on at the legion!

Monday: Hunter’s Bay Radio Bingo 7pm sharp. Lounge opens at 4pm.
Tuesday: Wing Night 5 to 8pm.
Friday: Fish & Chips 5 to 8pm.
Saturday: Euchre 4pm. Karaoke 7pm (last Saturday of every month).

Bala Farmers' Market
2025-09-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Jaspen Park, Muskoka Road 38, Bala, Ontario, Canada
Come out Monday September 1st from 9:00am-1:00pm for the season final of the Bala Farmers’ Market.

Tuesdays- Yoga on a Chair for Every Body
2025-09-02 10:00 - 10:45 | Muskoka Lakes Public Library Bala, Bala Community Centre, Bala
Lindsey Edwards’ classes are fun and therapeutic, held Tuesdays at our Bala branch from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Drop-ins are welcome, or you can call Lindsey, 705-706-4036, to pre-register to attend in-person or online. Chairs provided. Bring your own mat, if you wish, for under the chair.
Suggested $10 or pay what you will.
September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Bala Plein Air at YMCA Camp Pine Crest
2025-09-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Ontario
9:00 AM to 12:00 noon

A history like no other place in Muskoka. YMCA Pinecrest has been connecting the young and old with nature and teaching outdoor skills for over 115 years on the edge of Clear Lake near Torrance. Clear Lake lives up to its name as one of the clearest lakes in Muskoka as camp traditions continue from the ringing of the dinner bell to learning how to get back in a tipped canoe.

ADDRESS & DIRECTIONS: 1090 Gullwing Lake Road, Torrance, ON Google Maps Link Here. Take Hwy #169 to Torrance. At the the Clear Lake Brewery From Hwy #169 turn onto Hwy #12 and immediately turn left onto Clear Lake Road. After 2km turn right onto Gull Wing Road and follow signs to the end to Pinecrest.
PALETTE SUGGESTIONS: Teal Blue, Titanium White, Graphite Black, Cadmium Red, Burnt Sienna, Green Gold.
WHAT TO BRING: Own art supplies, easel and chair. Water to stay hydrated. The weather may be cool or hot, so sun protection and light jacket is advisable. Good walking shoes as some descents down to the water are rocky.

WASHROOMS are available and accessible. If it rains we will be able to take cover and paint from the covered dock area or inside the Yard House Recreation building. A small group (60) outdoor education teachers will be training while we are here for our plein air.

Car Wash with the Peninsula Lions
2025-09-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Crowders Garage, 2062 7th District Road, Minett, ON, P0B1G0, Canada
Check out the final date of the Peninsula Lions’ Car Wash in Minett.
Sat. Sept 6

Come out from 9am-12pm and help support your local community.

Gravenhurst Opera House Show: Rogers, Richie & Robinson
2025-09-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Gravenhurst Opera House, 295 Muskoka Rd S, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1J1
Doors Open at 7:00PM; Show begins at 7:30PM
Tickets: $55 plus applicable fees & taxes
Reserved Seating
Cash Bar

Sing along to the hits of Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, and Lionel Richie. Let three world class vocalists – Luke Mcmaster, Kevin Pauls and Joel Parisien – take you on a trip down memory lane as they perform timeless songs that have become the soundtrack of our lives.
Classics like “The Gambler”, “Hello”, and “Ooh Baby Baby” – a fresh version emphatically endorsed by Smokey himself! Hear stories about the songs, the legends and the surprising connection between them. The harmonies will astonish you, the songs will elevate you, and the night will leave you wanting more.

2025 Hike for Hospice Muskoka
2025-09-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery, 1074 Cranberry Rd, Bala, Ontario, P0C 1A0, Canada
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 | 12-3PM
MUSKOKA LAKES FARM & WINERY

The 3rd Annual Hike for Hospice Muskoka is happening Sunday, September 7th from 12-3pm! Lace up your hiking boots and come out to the beautiful Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery for an unforgettable afternoon of fresh air and community, raising funds for palliative and end-of-life care. There is no cost to register and you can sign up as an individual or as a team.
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE EVENT? LET’S CONNECT:
705-646-1697 ext 210
FundDevelopment@hospicemuskoka.com

Bala Plein Air at Bala-Hy Motel, Long Lake
2025-09-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Ontario
9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Channel your inner Monet as you paint the lily pads. Paint the trees against the blue water on Long Lake from the beach Walk across the footbridge to a tiny island and set up your easel to paint the beach-scape, or cottages on different shores.
DIRECTIONS: Make your way to the point (500 metres) and shore side of the brown cabin of the Bala-Hy Motel on Long Lake in Bala. The hotel address is 3017 Muskoka District Road #169. From Port Carling, drive through Bala over the Moon River bridge toward Windsor Park/Sutton Road. From Gravenhurst drive along Hwy #169 to Bala and turn left before Windsor Park/Sutton Road. Beside the Beer Store pull into parking lot of the Bala Garden Centre and make your way down the gravel road behind the Motel toward the cabins near the water. Google Maps Link Here or refer to X on map below.
PARKING & WASHROOMS: Both are available at this location. Parking in various spots among the cabins is very close to the beach. Only 15 steps on flat terrain to many views. Or 32 steps to paint on the island.
WHAT TO BRING: Art supplies, easel and chair. Dress warmly for cooler temperatures. Parking areas are very close, a couple of steps to where we will be painting.
PALETTE SUGGESTIONS: Blue, cadmium red, cadmium orange and bright yellows and green-gold.

Business After Hours at CNIB Lake Joe
2025-09-11 17:00 - 19:00 | CNIB Lake Joseph Centre, 4 Joe Finley Way, Seguin, Ontario, P0C 1H0, Canada
Come join the Muskoka Lakes Chamber and we’ve invited the Parry Sound and Area Chamber too for an evening at your host, CNIB Lake Joe with co-host the West Muskoka Food Bank!
Connect with other business leaders, compare notes about how summer went and enjoy tasty bites and drinks supported by Legends Distillery, Hitchhiker Lemonade, and Crepe. Door prizes, too.
Note: We’ll be inside the big building and there will be the chance to tour their beautiful grounds and specialized programming areas.

Square Foot Exhibition: September 12-September 28
2025-09-12 - 2025-09-28 | 63 Manitoba Street
