Set sail for a weekend of family-friendly fun at the 2025 Marine Heritage Festival, taking place July 25 to 27 in historic Southampton, Ontario.
“This three-day celebration has something for all ages,” says Festival Co-Chair Deb Kaufman. “And it’s free – no admission or registration fees.”
Co-Chair Doug Goar adds, “With over twenty-five new and ‘best of’ activities, it’s the perfect way to spend quality time with family and friends in a beautiful beachside setting.”
Highlights Include:
The Friday Artisans & Tastes Market – Shopping among 50 vendors showcasing homemade, handcrafted goods and local flavors, plus visiting the unique shops and cafés of High Street. Details here.
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NEW “Beneath the Surface” Public Lecture – Experiencing rare underwater footage of Great Lakes aquatic life and exploring an 1895 shipwreck mystery in this interactive session (not a film screening), led by award-winning filmmakers who will showcase their deep-dive drone camera technology, share unique underwater views, and discuss their passion for exploring the world beneath the surface. Limited seating, but free advance tickets available here.
Bringing History to Life – Climbing the 1850s Chantry Island Lighthouse (but book early!), stepping into BOTH fully restored and still-operational 1903 Range Light navigation beacons, plus touring a marine gallery and other free exhibits
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NEW Chantry Time-Trek History Walk – Meeting mariners, lighthouse keepers and other “characters” from Southampton’s storied past. Details here.
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Children’s Activities – Pedalling their way to prizes in the Bike Rally (July 25) at Fairy Lake and searching for treasures in the beachfront Gold Hunt.
Fun In The Park – Hands-on activities and NEW displays including a magical showcase of giant LEGO creations by Ken Reid, the region’s master LEGO builder. He’s famous for his 92,000-brick MS Chi-Cheemaun (now on display at the Tom Thomson Gallery) but is bringing to the Festival for the first time his giant LEGO Titanic, LEGO Millennium Falcon, detailed LEGO sailing ships, and more! Meet Ken and learn his playful tips for building with these colourful, creative bricks!
Crowd-Pleasing Spectacles – Including a NEW sailor-themed production by LookUp Theatre, where acrobats and dancers take to the skies in a high-flying nautical adventure! Plus, the hilariously unpredictable Cardboard Boat Races (featuring age groups, families, and corporate teams). And a graceful Sail Past of sleek boats, as the Southampton Yacht Club glides by in timeless style.
Summertime Food Favourites – Savoring the Corn Roast BBQ, Pancake Breakfast, Fish Fry Dinner, Beer Garden, all-day comfort food concession, and sweet treats.
Live Music – Enjoying an all-NEW lineup of local bands and balladeers across multiple venues: The Sapsuckers, Moon Dance, and Mike McDonald & Shakey D Blues performing on the Pioneer Park Stage; The Sofa Kings bringing dance hits to the Sunset Beach Party; Johnny & The Appleseeds entertaining under the big top tent; the smooth voice and warm strings of John Stewart; and David Archibald bringing his beautifully composed lake songs to life; plus the NEW Richard Knechtel family sing-along. But limited seating for the sing-along – so get free advance tickets here.
Plus More – From the “Bernie’s Boat” crew meet & greet, to Road Hockey with the Winterhawks, a non-denominational Sunday morning ecumenical service, and the refreshing Beer Garden.
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About Attending:
· All venues are nearby in Southampton.
· This is a free festival. The only cost is food/refreshments, souvenirs, and accommodations.
· There is a free Saturday shuttle bus service and two free bike valets courtesy the Town of Saugeen Shores.
· For all event details, visit ChantryIsland.com and click on ‘Festival.’ Or go directly to https://chantryisland.com/marine-heritage-festival.
· For those planning ahead, the website includes a downloadable schedule, event registration forms, cardboard boat race rules, links to venue locations, and much more.
