“This event has been happening in Bracebridge for 45 years and continues to be the biggest shopping night of the year in Muskoka,” says Tracy Larkman, BIA Administrative Coordinator. “We’re excited to bring everyone together again for a night that truly showcases the best of our downtown.”

Live music is always a highlight of Moonlight Madness, and this year’s lineup promises something for everyone. Thanks to support from the Bracebridge 150 Grant, two stages will feature a wide range of local talent. On the main stage, the Hop Heads kick things off at 7:00 pm, followed by Mighty Lopez at 8:30 pm and Carter Pharaoh Superstars closing the night at 10:00 pm. Over in Memorial Park, music starts at 6:00 pm with Liam Kearney, followed by Stan Simon, Ayden & Becky, and Dan Purcell throughout the evening.

In addition to live music, visitors can expect vibrant street performances and family-friendly entertainment. Manitoba Street will host fire and Magic shows every hourly from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, featuring the always popular Bella Magic and Hoop You. Memorial Park will be full of energy from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm with Cottage Games for families to enjoy. Plus, there will be live demonstrations from Aerial Ascension Artists, the Neema Children Project, and Big Country Muskoka Kickboxing along Manitoba Street.

Lindsay Alexander, BIA President, notes that the event is a perfect way to kick off the Civic Holiday weekend. “Moonlight Madness has become known for its incredible shopping deals and fun, festive atmosphere. Whether you’re here for the music, the shopping, or just to take in the sights and sounds of the evening, there’s something for everyone.”

The event is proudly supported by Long & McQuade, Cottage Classic Docks, and Cooper Rental, whose contributions have helped bring this year’s celebration to life.

To allow for setup, Manitoba Street will be closed to traffic at 3:00 pm from Taylor Road to Ontario Street and will reopen at 1:00 am. Parking will be available in nearby municipal lots. For more information, visit www.downtownbracebridge.com or call 705-646-5590.

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Music has always played a key role in the event and this year is no exception starting at 7pm the Mighty Lopez Band will kick off the fun for the evening and then will be followed up by local artist Tobin Spring at 9:30pm. We are also excited to welcome back the Neema Children’s Choir from Africa who will be set to preform on the street starting at 6;30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm

Visitors will also be entertained and wowed by several busker style Fire and LED Light shows throughout the night. This will include the return of the Fire Guy and Zola Molotov. These busker style shows will run every hour from 6pm – 10pm along Manitoba Street. Tracy Larkman does indicate that the kids’ zone that is traditionally in Memorial Park will look a little different this year due to the on-going COVID-19 health measures. The BIA made the tough decision not to offer kids inflatables at this year’s events but will instead be offering a free fun kid’s area with cottage games and activities for kids to enjoy. The park will be set up with Corn Hole, Ladder Ball, Volleyball, Pickle Ball and will run from 6pm – 11pm in Memorial Park.

“Midnight Madness has become known for its great shopping and terrific deals over the years, and it is a great way to kick off the civic long weekend in Muskoka and we are really excited that this event is set to return to Downtown Bracebridge” states Lindsay Alexander BIA president.

Tracy Larkman, BIA Administrative Coordinator says “The Midnight Madness planning committee has been working hard to make sure this year’s event is fun for the entire family. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy what Muskoka’s Downtown has to offer. The event will start at 6 pm and will run until Midnight. Manitoba Street will be closed to traffic at 3:00 pm between Taylor Road and Ontario Street and will reopen at 2:00 am. Parking will be available within the parking lots in the surrounding area. For more information visit the Bracebridge BIA website at www.downtownbracebridge.com or call 705-646-5590.

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The BIA board of directors announced the cancellation of their downtown festivals to the public on June 1 before issuing a statement to the media on June 2. The events affected include the Father’s Day Car Show, Canada Day downtown activities and the annual Midnight Madness Street Festival. BIA Chair Lindsay Alexander said that the extended state of emergency along with the current social distancing rules and the ban on gatherings made them realize it wouldn’t be possible to host their usual summer events.

“Although we had kept our hopes up in the past few months that our events could still occur, it had become clear at our last meeting it was going to be impossible given the current situation with COVID-19 to ensure our visitors, volunteers and shop keepers could [remain] safe,” Alexander said. 

Despite the disappointing news, the BIA feels optimistic that the downtown summer events will be back for 2021, according to the statement.

“The summer is going to look different, but for now, our focus will be on helping our local [businesses] get back on their feet,” said Tracy Larkman, administrative coordinator for the BIA. “The downtown is slowly re-opening and supporting local is more important than ever.”

For more information on cancellations, visit the Bracebridge BIA website or call 705-646-5590.

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