The pandemic put a hold on so many of the things that we love but this summer your favourite Grey County festivals and events are back! Not only are they back, in 2022 they’re back with a vengence, BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!! – and there are even a few new events to watch for. New details will be added to this post as they become available but for now, keep this list of awesome Grey County Signature Events, happening all year long, on your radar.
Dodge RAM Rodeo, Grey Highlands
May 28 – 29, 2022 Cowboys, cowgirls, and fans of rodeo, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to dust off your boots, put your cowboy hat on, and saddle up … the RAM Rodeo Tour & Case IH Ultimate Rodeo Tour is returning to Grey Highlands in 2022!
NEW: Blue Mountain Film Festival
June 1 – 5, 2022 BMFF invites film lovers and filmmakers to connect, be inspired, and escape into the mountains to enjoy the very best in International and Canadian cinema. From June 1 – 5, 2022, cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and artists will gather in Blue Mountain Village to discover the best in world cinema in the majestic setting of The Blue Mountains. The 5-day festival includes a curation of over 20 International and Canadian films, an industry creative forum, parties, special guest appearances, and unique Mountain & Village experiences.
Maclean’s Ales Boots & Brews 4.0, Hanover
June 11, 2022 Boots & Brews Country Music Festival is all about celebrating friends, craft beer, and great country music! Grab your dancing boots, and get ready for an amazing country lineup at Maclean’s Ales in Hanover.
Salsa at Blue Mountain Festival
June 24 – 26, 2022 Muy Caliente! The very hot Salsa at Blue Mountain Festival returns to the Village from June 24 to 26, 2022. The entire Village transforms into a showcase of Latin life with pulsating music and passionate dancing!
The Sound Waterfront Festival, Owen Sound
June 30 – July 3, 2022 A 4-day multicultural event taking place at Nawash Park near Kelso Beach. It will feature a combination of arts and culture, Indigenous workshops and ceremonies at the Reconciliation Garden, entertainment, artisans, Ghost Walks, Black History storytelling and music, Canada Day fireworks, food trucks, children’s activities, Corkscrew City Tours, exhibits and rail travel history.
Summerfolk Music Festival, Owen Sound
August 19 – 21, 2022 Situated on the shores of beautiful Georgian Bay at Kelso Beach Park in Owen Sound, Summerfolk offers music on two concert stages Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and five workshop stages during the day on Saturday. There are children’s activities, open mic, demonstrations, circus workshops, a vendor market and more.
AGORA: Path of Light, Blue Mountain
Late August – end of October AGORA is an unusual and magical space inspired by storytellers and cycles of life in nature. As participants walk this circular path, they will encounter a series of interactive lighting installations based on the five elements of air, space, earth, water and fire.
Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular
August 26 – September 4, 2022 The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular is coming back in full force in 2022. The event will feature a variety of activities, including the fish fry on both Saturdays of the event from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., nightly entertainment except for the last Sunday of the derby, and for the first weekend of the event, there will be a fishing frenzy for children. There will also be over $150,000 in prizes with boat draw tickets already online for purchase.
Concours D’Elegance, Cobble Beach
September 16 – 18, 2022 Beautiful and rarely seen automobiles will herald in a new tradition of distinction and elegance on the shores of Georgian Bay. On Friday the Participant Tour will take place throughout Grey County. Saturday is the Cars & Coffee event, and on Sunday, the Concours d’Elegance will be held on the 18th fairway of Cobble Beach. This extraordinary bayside course will play host to a rich assortment of international automobiles and distinguished guests.
25th Meaford Scarecrow Invasion, Meaford
September 30, 2022 The scarecrows are invading, the scarecrows are invading! Starting early September, until the end of October, Meaford will once again be invaded by scarecrows of all shapes and sizes; bringing back the community’s fall tradition of 25 years! The Scarecrow Parade and Festival will take place on Friday, September 30. Enjoy a drive around Meaford to observe the creativity and excitement of businesses and residents as they decorate their properties with scarecrows and fall décor. Don’t miss the parade and family festival, and the very popular Apple Harvest Craft Show taking place on the same weekend.
Blue Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
October 8 – 10, 2022 A celebration of gratitude for the lands we live on, and that the farmers that feed us. Fabulous fall colours, crisp autumn air and even crisper apples. These are just some of the ingredients of the harvest weekend experience at Blue Mountain, in Ontario’s largest apple growing region. Apple Harvest Weekend features live music, family activities, fall colours hiking, cider tasting, Agora Path of Light and more!
Holiday Magic, Blue Mountain
November 18 – January 1, 2023 Holiday Magic at Blue is a traditional celebration of the holiday season with gorgeous décor all day, animation and entertainment on weekends and holidays and 1 km light trail every evening.
Festival of Northern Lights, Owen Sound
Starting November 19, 2022 The Festival of Northern Lights will shine brightly again in 2022. Enjoy the seasonal light displays from 5:00pm until 10:00pm nightly from mid-November until early January. More than 400 displays and 25km of lights illuminate the harbour, the Sydenham riverbanks, the downtown core, and Harrison Park. Don’t miss the opening ceremony featuring live music, fireworks and more, date TBD soon.
With files and information provided by VisitGrey.ca and the Grey County Tourism Dept.