Just days away from opening, the Southampton Arts Festival has expanded to what organizers call 37 “points of interest.”
“The three-day festival starting Friday, July 31st has in total more than three dozen events, attractions or moments that the public can enjoy,” said Fred Kuntz, Chair of Southampton Arts Centre. “That’s up from just 12 events last year.”
Many of those points of interest, such as buskers on High Street, were added to the roster just recently, thanks to several groups collaborating in the festival.
“Events range from major ticketed events, such as a theatre play or a Gallery gala, to free outdoor markets and concerts, or simple fun on the street such as live painting demonstrations,” Kuntz added. “Family participation events include Chalk Art on the main-street sidewalk and crafting workshops at different venues.”
Festival events and details are listed at southamptonartscentre.com/artsfestival2026, including a map to print.
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Saugeen Times file photos – Art on the Fence
Highlights include:
- Art on the Fence, a free outdoor sale and exhibit by the local Shoreline Artists group, on Sat., Aug. 1. at Chantry Breezes
- “Murder at Ackerton Manor,” a comedic spoof of Agatha Christie mysteries, at Bruce County Playhouse on all days of the festival and beyond.
- 50 Little Masterpieces, a gala event at the Southampton Art Gallery on the evening of Aug. 1, with tickets at $100 to take home an original artwork, or $50 to attend.
- Free admission to the Bruce County Museum on Sunday, Aug. 2, including an exhibition of artworks by Saugeen First Nation artist Taylor Cameron and the 1 p.m. unveiling of a community quilt called The Fabric of our Being.
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The opening ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 31, at the corner of High and Goderich Streets, followed at 11:30 with the unveiling of a new mural on the Bell Building in downtown Southampton. Also that morning, the Artisans & Tastes Market will be open and the Gallery will feature two special exhibitions by guest artists.
The festival, now in its second year, is a collaboration among 10 cultural and community groups, all sharing a love of the arts: Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Bruce County Playhouse, Historic Saugeen Métis, Marine Heritage Society, Saugeen First Nation Independent Business Association, Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, Shoreline Artists, Southampton Arts Centre, Southampton Business Improvement Area, and the Town of Saugeen Shores.
The festival sponsor is Launch Custom Homes, a custom home builder in Southampton. More information is at: www.easthampton.ca
