Things to do in Simcoe County in April
April showers may bring May flowers, but no matter the weather, the forecast for fun-filled family events in April is far from gloomy! The days of winter hibernation are over and now that spring is upon us, there’s no better time to get out and explore the region. This April is filled with arts and entertainment, physical activity and some Easter entertainment in between… the only showers this month will be showers of fun!
Flavours of Ontario’s Lake Country
When: Mar 31 – Apr 16
Where: Orillia
What Is It: Beginning Mar 31, enjoy decadent prix fixe menus and special meals at various restaurants throughout Orillia which celebrate the local heritage and Canada’s 150th with gourmet flare! http://flavoursoflakecountry.com
Renewal: 21st Annual Women’s Day Art Show
When: Apr 1 – Apr 23
Where: Orillia Museum
What Is It: View a display of visual and written art forms celebrating the creative expression of women featured in the works of over 100 artists. https://www.orilliamuseum.org
Springlicious
When: Apr 3 – May 18
Where: Blue Mountain
What Is It: Enjoy fine dining and shopping at various locations throughout the Blue mountain village Sundays through Thursdays. Explore shopping and spa offers and $25 fixed menu dining. http://bluemountainvillage.ca/springlicious
24th Annual Home & Garden Show
When: Apr 8 – Apr 9
Where: Wasaga Beach
What Is It: Presented by the Lions Club for the 24th year running, explore various vendors all under one roof providing demonstrations, product and service offers for everything home related. Admission $2.00 per adult, Children under 12 Free. http://www.wasagainfo.com
Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival
When: Apr 8 – Apr 9
Where: Utopia
What Is It: Enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast with real maple syrup harvested at the Tiffin Centre. Entertainment for the whole family is provided with live music, a horse drawn wagon ride, animal show and more! http://www.nvca.on.ca/Pages/Events0206-2049.aspx
Chappell Farms Spring Festival
When: Apr 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16 @ 10 am – 4 pm daily
Where: Chappell Farms
What Is It: Chappell Farms delivers fun for all ages! Gather the family for a true celebration of spring enjoying a candy hunt, face painting, animal petting zoo and more! http://www.chappellfarms.ca
Easter Egg Hunt – Rounds Ranch Style
When: Apr 8, 9, 14 & 15 @ 10 am – 5 pm daily
Where: Rounds Ranch
What Is It: Have a hopping good time at Rounds Ranch! The whole family can enjoy four trails, eater egg gathering, a visit from the Easter bunny, a petting zoo and so much more! http://roundsranch.com
The Rabbit Transit
When: Apr 15 – Apr 16
Where: South Simcoe Railway, Tottenham
What Is It: Travel aboard the Easter Express for an Easter themed train ride hosted by none other than the Easter bunny himself! Enjoy games and prizes along the way. All kids will get a chance to chat with the Easter bunny and receive a chocolate treat! Advanced registration tickets required. http://www.southsimcoerailway.ca/cgi.bin?JOB=RR&PG=1&PP=easter
Celebrate Easter – Bradford
When: Apr 15 @ 10 am – noon
Where: Bradford West Gwillimbury Leisure Centre
What Is It: Check out this fun-filled Easter party! Enjoy a photo booth, gym activities, face painting, balloon creations, crafts and activities the whole family can enjoy. www.bwgleisurecentre.ca
Great Easter Egg Hunt – Collingwood
When: Apr 15 @ 10 am
Where: Downtown Collingwood
What Is It: Hop on down to downtown Collingwood where the Easter bunny himself has left a special surprise! Enjoy an Easter-themed movie, classic Easter egg hunt, face painting and more! http://www.collingwooddowntown.com/events/collingwood-downtown-great-easter-egg-hunt
Great Easter Egg Hunt – Orillia
When: Apr 15 @ 9:30 am – noon
Where: Downtown Orillia
What Is It: Bring the kids out to downtown Orillia to hunt for colourful eggs. Afterwards, trade them in at the Opera House for a special treat! Find the golden egg to win a special prize! http://downtownorillia.ca
Easter Egg Hunt – Victoria Harbour
When: Apr 15 @ 10 am
Where: Oakwood Community Centre, Victoria Harbour
What Is It: Don’t miss this fun-filled day full of Easter excellence! Enjoy face painting, an Easter egg hunt, snacks and fun for the entire family! http://www.tay.ca/en/Calendar/Events/Default.aspx
Easter Eggstravaganza – Wasaga Beach
When: Apr 15 @ 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Wasaga RecPlex
What Is It: Enjoy a fun-filled day of Easter extravagance! The day features an Easter egg hunt, grab bags for all egg hunters, a visit from the Easter bunny, petting zoo, face painting, rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, wagon rides, laser tag and fun for all ages! http://www.wasagabeach.com/events
Easter Extravaganza – Coldwater
When: Apr 15
Where: Main St.
What Is It: Celebrate Easter on Main St with a visit from the Easter bunny, piñatas, games and fun for the whole family! http://www.coldwatervillage.com/event/view/168
Telstars Rock’N’Roll Showband
When: Apr 21 @ 1 pm
Where: Marlwood Golf and Country Club, Wasaga Beach
What Is It: Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to rock at a 60’s theme sock-hop! Prizes for best costume, spot dances, hula hoop contest and more! Tickets $20, includes live entertainment, snacks and cash bar. http://www.telstarsrocknrollband.com/events_schedule.html
Orillia Perch Festival
When: Apr 22 – May 13
Where: Lake Simcoe and Couchiching, Orillia
What Is It: In its 37th consecutive year, the perch festival is one of Canada’s largest registered fishing derbies. There are many prizes to be won including over 60 tagged perch worth $500 each, bonus perch, and thousands of dollars in daily, weekly, and grand prize draws. Adults registration is $20. Children under 16, $5. https://www.orillia.com/index.php?id=22
Spring Shopping Extravaganza
When: Apr 28 @ 6 – 9 pm
Where: Waubaushene Fire Hall
What Is It: The Waubaushene Fire Hall transforms into a shopping mall for one night only! Shop from over 20 vendors & enjoy an evening snack. Parking available at the baseball diamond. http://www.tay.ca/en/Calendar/Events/Default.aspx
Barrie Spring Art Tour
When: Apr 28 – Apr 30
Where: The Edge Gallery, Barrie
What Is It: Celebrate the opening night of the Spring Art Tour with an inaugural celebration on Friday night. The art tour showcases the fine arts and aophisticated crafts of local artists and artisans. Visit various studios throughout the region and meet with the artists. http://barriespringarttour.ca
Dave Beckett Studio/Gallery
When: Apr 29 – Apr 30
Where: Dave Beckett Studio, Orillia
What Is It: Learn how to paint with pastels at this doors-open event to learn from Dave Beckett himself! http://www.davebeckettartcanada.com
Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival
When: Apr 29 @ 8 am – 5 pm
Where: Town of Elmvale
What Is It: Celebrate Ontario’s liquid gold maple syrup at a traditional town fair. Explore vendors’ booths showcasing arts, crafts, food and more! http://elmvalemaplesyrup.ca