The Orillia Waterfront Festival returns to the Port of Orillia this weekend, August 7 to 9, bringing three days of family-friendly entertainment, shopping, food, and activities along Orillia’s downtown waterfront.
Hosted by the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC), the festival has become an annual tradition for both residents and visitors, attracting thousands of attendees. Admission is free, and there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.
The festival features an extensive waterfront vendor market with artisan goods, clothing, home décor, specialty products, and a variety of food vendors. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment and browse the latest marine offerings on display at the Port of Orillia.
Returning favourites include the exciting Dock Diving Dogs competition presented by Raw North and the ever-popular Cardboard Boat Race. Dock Diving demonstrations will take place on Saturday from 12 to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 4 p.m., while the Cardboard Boat Race launches on Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m., showcasing creative homemade boats and plenty of friendly competition.
Festival highlights include:
- Friday, August 7
- Festival opens at 12 p.m.
- Vendor market and food vendors open until 8 p.m.
- Live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.
- Saturday, August 8
- Festival hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Vendor market and food vendors
- Dock Diving Dogs competition from 12 to 1 p.m.
- Live entertainment throughout the day.
- Sunday, August 9
- Festival hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Vendor market and food vendors
- Cardboard Boat Race from 12 to 3 p.m.
- Dock Diving Dogs competition from 3 to 4 p.m.
“We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors back to the waterfront for another fantastic weekend,” said Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. “The Waterfront Festival is a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and vendors, enjoy great entertainment, and experience everything that makes Orillia’s waterfront such a special destination.”
A complete schedule of events, entertainment, and competition registration details can be found at www.orillia.com/waterfront-festival. Visitors are encouraged to come for the day or make it a weekend and enjoy everything the festival and downtown Orillia have to offer.
With ample parking available near the waterfront, festival organizers invite everyone to come out and celebrate one of Orillia’s favourite summer traditions.
