Things to do in Simcoe County in April 2018
Spring has finally arrived, and that means the start of longer days and more sunshine. What better way to enjoy the beautiful weather than by heading out to check out some of these spectacular spring events happening around the region this month! Set out for some adventure, take in a show or tempt your taste buds…there’s something for everyone!
Tap Into Maple
When: March 1 – May 31
Where: Various Locations Throughout Simcoe County
What Is It: Simcoe County and the Georgian Bay region are home to some of the most prolific Maple tree forests making this area well known for maple harvests. Visit numerous maple syrup farms and venues on this self-guided tour.
www.ontarioslakecountry.com/tap-into-maple
April Pool’s Day
When: Apr 1 @ Noon – 3:00 pm
Where: Bradford West Gwillimbury Leisure Centre
What Is It: Kick off the summer swim season at the pool! Learn about swimming programs offered at the leisure centre as well as drowning prevention strategies, rescue techniques, compete in a Family Swim to Survive challenge and more. Community display booths Noon – 1:15 pm. Leisure swim 1:15 pm – 3:00 pm.
www.bwgleisurecentre.ca/aprilpoolsday
Flavours of Lake Country
When: Apr 6 – 22
Where: Various locations throughout the region
What Is It: Local chefs and restaurants serve up authentic creations highlighting local flavours in two-to-three-course prix-fixe menus.
www.ontarioslakecountry.com/flavours-of-lake-country
Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival
When: April 7 – 8, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia
What Is It: Visit the Tiffin Centre Sugar Shack to see how maple syrup is made. Enjoy wagon rides through tree-tapped woodland, a Zoo-to-you presentation, live entertainment, a pancake breakfast and more.
www.nvca.on.ca/events-education/events
Move to Give
When: Apr 7, 10:00 am – Noon
Where: YMCA, Innisfil
What Is It: The YMCA will be hosting their annual fundraising event to support the over 950 members who receive financial assistance each month. Join in for a two-hour Zumbathon that’s sure to get your heart-rate up and motivated for the day!
www.movetogive.ca
Books 2 Eat
When: Apr 8, 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Midland Public Library
What Is It: Competitors transform their favourite book into a delectable dish which is then eaten and voted on by guests. Beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music will be offered throughout the library. Tickets $25.
www.midlandlibrary.com/event/books-2-eat
South Simcoe Theatre Presents “Harvest Moon Rising”
When: Apr 12 – 15
Where: South Simcoe Theatre, Cookstown
What Is It: This contemporary musical focuses attention on the decline of the family farm in Canada and the story of a pioneer woman who’s family was the first to farm the land. Enjoy the beautiful music of one of Ontario’s best-loved composers.
http://southsimcoetheatre.com
TIFT Presents “For Both Resting and Breeding”
When: Apr 12 – 21
Where: Five Points Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: Talk Is Free Theatre brings you this thought-provoking performance that begs the questions: what would a world without gender look like, or how might we be remembered a century and a half from now?
www.tift.ca
Simcoe Spring Home and Cottage Show
When: Apr 13 – 15
Where: Barnfield Point Recreation Centre, Orillia
What Is It: Kick-off spring gearing up for fun in the sun at the 25th annual home and cottage show! Shop from numerous vendors and artisans and connect with local businesses. Donations accepted to support Building Hope in lieu of an admission fee.
www.orilliahomeshow.ca
Home and Garden Show
When: Apr 14, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm & Apr 15, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: RecPlex, Wasaga Beach
What Is It: Come out to experience the Best Bloomin Beach Home and Garden Show presented by the Lion’s Club. Shop and connect with numerous local vendors and businesses. Gather home renovation, landscaping and design tips. Enjoy prizes, children’s activities, a snack bar and more. Admission $2 per person, children 12 and under free!
http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/wasagabeach/page-7.php
A Fool’s Errand
When: Apr 14, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Georgian Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step…walk through time as this character prepares for an adventure stumbling on hilarious roadblocks along the way. Enjoy an afternoon of comedy with this performance that will leave you in stitches. Tickets $23. www.barrie.ca/Culture/Pages/theatres.aspx
Barrie Choralfest: A Musical Odyssey
When: Apr 14, 7:00 pm
Where: Collier St United Church, Barrie
What Is It: Enjoy the richness of choral music performed by the Choralfest Choir and the Huronia Symphony Orchestra as they deliver selected pieces from Les Miserables, Mozart’s Requiem and Leonard Bernstein’s Missa Brevis. Tickets $30.
http://huroniasymphony.ca
City of Barrie Presents “Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!”
When: Apr 17, 6:30 pm
Where: Georgian Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: The #1 kids toy in North America is brought to life with this fun and engaging on-stage performance. Enjoy musical performances by some of your favourite shoppies including Jessicake, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Polli Polish and more! Tickets starting at $29.03. www.shopkinslive.com/tour/canada
Midland Spring Home Show
When: Apr 20, 1:00 – 8:00 pm & April 21, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, Midland
What Is It: Everything you need to transform your house into your dream home! Browse numerous vendor booths showcasing home products and connect with local artisans, tradespeople and businesses. Free parking and Free admission!
www.midlandhomeshow.ca
Roots North Music Festival
When: April 20
Where: Downtown Orillia
What Is It: Downtown Orillia sets the scene for this traditional music festival with performances at the restored St Paul’s Centre and a late night performance at the Brownstone. Artists include the Wooden Sky, Irish Mythen, Oh Susanna and many more. Live musical performances will be showcased at various shops throughout the downtown core.
www.rootsnorthmusic.ca
Orillia Perch Festival
When: April 21 – May 12
Where: Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching
What Is It: Celebrating its 38th year running, participate in one of Canada’s largest registered fishing derbies. There are over sixty tagged perch to be caught worth $500 each! There are also bonus perch and thousands in daily, weekly and grand prize draws to be won!
www.orillia.com/index.php?id=22
My Girlfriend’s Closet
When: Apr 21, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: IdeaLAB & Library, Lakeshore Branch, Innisfil
What Is It: Hosted by Friends of the Library, come out for a day of resourceful shopping while supporting the library. Shop gently used women’s clothing with nothing costing more than $5! Proceeds will support the purchase of new resources, author visits, community programs and more. https://innisfil.ca/events/calendar#
Hitting Clinic with Willie Upshaw
When: Apr 21, 10:00 am – Noon & Apr 22, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Where: Smith Brother Baseball Central, New Lowell
What Is It: Former Toronto Blue Jay player Willie Upshaw comes to Barrie instructing a hitting clinic for children 9-12 years of age. Pre-registration required. Cost $75+hst/child and includes an autographed photo.
www.baseballcentral.ca
Wine and Dine with Willie Upshaw
When: Apr 21, 6:30 pm
Where: Barrie Country Club, Barrie
What Is It: Enjoy a wine and dine dinner with former Toronto Blue Jay player Willie Upshaw. A portion of proceeds will support the Central Ontario Reds. Tickets $75+hst/adult, $50+hst/child or $140+hst/two adults.
www.baseballcentral.ca
Earth Day
When: April 22, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Simcoe County Museum, Minesing
What Is It: Celebrate the beautiful planet on which we live with an afternoon of arts, crafts, entertainment and activities at the museum!
http://museum.simcoe.ca
Barrie International Comedy Festival Presents Ed Asner: A Man and his Prostate
When: Apr 24, 7:30 pm
Where: Georgian Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: Best known for his role as Lou Grant on the Mary Tyler Moore show and it’s spin off, Lou Grant, the comedic sensation Ed Asner brings you an evening of laughter and entertainment. Bringing his only Canadian performance to Barrie, this show is based on the true life experiences in which a man discovers his inner self. Tickets starting at $41.74.
www.barrie.ca/Culture/Pages/theatres.aspx
Simcoe County Heritage Fair
When: April 25, 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm
Where: Simcoe County Museum, Minesing
What Is It: Support local students and learn about our region’s heritage at this school fair. Showcasing projects from students throughout Simcoe County depicting Canadian culture and heritage.
http://museum.simcoe.ca
Barrie Spring Art Tour
When: April 28 – 29
Where: Blue Mountain Village
What Is It: Celebrating 10 years of unique, fine art from various local artists. Enjoy this self-guided tour through studios in Barrie and the surrounding area.
http://barriespringarttour.ca
Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival
When: April 28, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Elmvale
What Is It: Springtime is a time to celebrate the region’s treasure… liquid gold maple syrup. The town of Elmvale transforms into a syrup wonderland with vendors lining the streets, a sugar shack information booth, and a tour to the sugar bush.
www.emsf.ca
We Walk The Line – A Tribute to Johnny Cash
When: Apr 28, 7:30 pm
Where: Five Points Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: Enjoy a true Johnny Cash experience celebrating the music and life of this country music legend and his equally talented and loved wife June Carter. A not-to-be-missed musical experience! Tickets $34.
www.barrie.ca/Culture/Pages/theatre.aspx
Hawkestone Singers Spring Concert
When: Apr 28, 7:30 pm
Where: Hawkestone Community Hall
What Is It: Enjoy an evening of musical delight with the soothing sound of the Hawkestone Singers!
www.oro-medonte.ca/community
Run or Walk for Southlake
When: Apr 29, 8:15 am – 11:00 am
Where: Newmarket Senior’s Meeting Place
What Is It: Presented by Nature’s Emporium, this 5Km timed road race supports programs and life-saving efforts of Southlake Regional Health Centre. This all-ages event is the centre’s largest fundraiser and delivers fun for the whole family. Fund raised will support the purchase of tools and equipment for the centre.
www.runforsouthlake.ca