Things to do in Simcoe County in May 2018
April showers bring May flowers. Spring is finally upon us, so get outside! Enjoy the fresh air and take in some of these amazing events happening around the region and right in your own backyard.
From festivals to home shows, musical performances and more, there’s something to do in Simcoe County for everyone this May.
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
Orillia Perch Festival
When: April 21 – May 12
Where: Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching
What Is It: Celebrating its 38thyear 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
Kempenfelt Community Players Presents Closer Than Ever
When: May 2 – 5
Where: Ferndale Banquet Hall, Barrie
What Is It: This musical takes a look at the everyday struggles of the modern world through a sincere and comical delivery. Each song delivers a unique story covering topics such as security, aging, second marriage, unrequited love and more. www.kempenfeltplayers.com
TIFT Presents Tales of an Urban Indian
When: May 3 – 12
Where: Five Points Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: Staged on a moving bus, this story depicts the journey of a young Indigenous man’s life from the reserve to downtown Vancouver. www.barrie.ca/culture/pages/theatres.aspx
ABBAMANIA and Night Fever
When: May 4, 8:00 pm
Where: Georgian Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: Featuring an all-Canadian cast, experience the recreation of an ABBA concert. Night Fever relives the incredible music of the Bee Gees and their classics which made them the most popular act of the 70s. Admission $49.
ABBAMANIA & Night Fever Tickets
Music in Motion – The Lion King
When: May 5 – 6
Where: Angus Arena, Essa Township
What Is It: Brought to you by the Essa Parks and Recreation department, enjoy this musical production of The Lion King performed by local Essa Township youth.
www.essatownship.on.ca/community/communityevents
WATV Garden Fair and Barbeque
When: May 5 – 6
Where: Native Woods Nursery, Midland
What Is It: Celebrate spring at the nursery with gardening events and specials and a $2 barbeque! Purchase a special pot of “Julianna” purple daisies to support We Are The Villagers.
http://watvnew.com/event/spring-bbq-at-native-woods-nursery
Trees for Stream Work Party Day
When: May 5 – 27
Where: Nottawasaga River, Various Sites
What Is It: Spend the afternoon giving back to the environment and enhancing the community. Members of the community are invited to aid in various tree planting and clean-up events along the Nottawasaga River. High-school student community hours eligible!
May 5: New Tecumseth and Bradford.
May 6: Innisfil.
May 12: Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa.
May 27: Adjala-Tosorontio.
To participate, contact Silvia Pedrazzi at silvia@nottawasaga.com or 705-435-1540.
HollisWealth Story Pod Opening
When: May 5
Where: Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket
What Is It: Your new favourite place to read, learn and feel inspired! Donated by HollisWealth in Newmarket with a pro-bono design by AKB and book donation from Scholastic Canada and the Newmarket Library. The Story Pod is a community library where residents can borrow a book or stay for a reading visit.
www.newmarket.ca/events
Lord Simcoe Series Hunter Jumper Horse Show
When: May 5
Where: Essa Agriplex, Thornton
What Is It: The Lord Simcoe Series is a local organization bringing the world of horse jumping and shows to Simcoe County. Kicking off the season, this spring event is sure to provide entertainment with beautiful horses showing their talents in the ring. www.lordsimcoeseries.com
Stayner Kinsmen Duck Race
When: May 5
Where: Kinsmen Park, Stayner
What Is It: Spend the morning at this classic duck race sending your duckies down the river in hopes to be the first to cross the finish line. Cost: $5 per duck or $25 per corporate duck.
www.staynerkinsmen.ca
Oro-Medonte Kids Run
When: May 5, 7:00 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medonte
What Is It: Geared for children and youth of all ages, this chip-timed race offers two distance options of a 2.5K and 5K race. The looped track takes participants through open fields, past scenic landmarks and through a wooded creek area. Entry will be capped at 500 participants.
www.orokidsrun.com
Orillia Concert Band – Around the World
When: May 5, 7:30 pm
Where: St Paul’s Centre, Orillia
What Is It: Enjoy a spectacular evening of musical talent as the Orillia Concert Band takes you on a tour around the world. Featuring guest artists the Orillia Brassworks. Tickets: $30 per family, $15 per adult, $10 per student, $5 per child 5-12, under 5 free!
www.orilliaconcertband.com
MS Walk
When: May 6
Where: Various Locations Throughout Simcoe County
What Is It: Join in for this charitable walk supporting the Multiple Sclerosis foundation and their life-saving research initiatives.Multiple locations and venues in Barrie, Collingwood, Midland, New Tecumseth and Orillia. http://mssoc.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage
Orillia Concert Association & Toronto Concert Orchestra
When: May 6, 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Where: Orillia Opera House, Orillia
What Is It: Travel through various movie spectaculars enjoying songs from hits such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Sound of Music, Les Misérables and more! Tickets by subscription through the Orillia Concert Association.
www.orilliaoperahouse.ca
Barrie International Comedy Festival Presents Rick Mercer
When: May 8, 8:00 pm
Where: Georgian Theatre, Barrie
What Is It: Enjoy an evening of comedic relief with world renowned Rick Mercer. He will chronicle, satirize and celebrate everything great and irreverent about Canada. Admission: $92.59 – $169.50.
www.tift.ca
Garden Party at the Essa Public Library
When: May 10, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Essa Public Library, Angus
What Is It: Come out for an insightful evening learning about the Community Share Gardens and to tour the new garden sites. Learn about upcoming family events and sign up for volunteer gardening, workshops and demonstrations. www.essatownship.on.ca/community/communityevents
Wye Marsh Fundraising Dinner
When: May 11, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Oakwood Community Centre, Victoria Harbour
What Is It: Enjoy an evening of delicious culinary far in support of fundraising efforts for the Wye Marsh and a live musical performance by Adrien Robitaille. Tickets: $20 per person, $35 per couple, $6 per child 12 and under.
www.wyemarsh.com
Marsh Mash
When: May 12, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Springdale Christian Reformed Church, Bradford
What Is It: Compete in fun-filled canoe and kayak races notably the 4tholdest marathon canoe race in Ontario. Attracting canoeists, kayakers, paddle boarders, and outrigger paddlers from far and wide. Offering classes for paddlers of varying experience levels, participate in a paddle down the canal winding through the Holland Marsh. www.marshmash.ca
Coldjack Live
When: May 12, 7:00 pm
Where: Gayety Theatre, Collingwood
What Is It: Enjoy an evening of spectacular music as Coldjack brings their popular hits to the Gayety Theatre. The Collingwood Collegiate Jazz Band joins them as a special musical guest. An exciting show featuring radio chart hits ‘Woman’s World’, ‘Unconditional’, She Takes Me High’ and more!
Gayety Theatre Tickets
The Hawkestone Singers Present Flashback to the 70s
When: May 12, 7:00 pm
Where: Hawkestone Community Hall, Oro-Medonte
What Is It: The Hawkestone Singers take you back in time to a period of groove and soul in the 70’s. Enjoy this musical evening of popular hits. $15 per adult, $5 per child. Hawkstone Singers Flashback to the 70s
The Cellar Singers
When: May 12, 7:30 pm
Where: St James’, Orillia
What Is It: The Cellar Singers of Orillia, with special guests the Elmer Iseler Singers, deliver the spectacular works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. General admission: $25 or $10 for students.
www.thecellarsingers.com
Wasaga Home and Garden Show
When: May 14 – 15
Where: RecPlex, Wasaga Beach
What Is It: The Wasaga Beach Lions Club presents the Best Bloomin Beach Home and Garden Show! Shop from numerous local vendors and artisans, enjoy door prizes, draws, a snack bar, children’s activities and more. Admission $2 per person, children under 12 free!
www.wasagabeach.com/event-calendar
Kiwanis Festival Encores
When: May 15, 7:30pm
Where: Orillia Opera House, Orillia
What Is It: This 60thAnnual Festival Encores Concert features select performances from the 2018 Kiwanis music festival.
www.orilliaoperahouse.ca
Portarama
When: May 18 – 21
Where: Port McNicoll
What Is It: A celebration of the culture and heritage of Port McNicoll! Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of family oriented activities, displays, vendors, a parade, live entertainment, a Lion’s Club barbecue and more! Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display on Saturday!
www.portarama.ca
Art on the Street
When: May 19 – Oct 6
Where: Downtown Collingwood
What Is It: Featuring the works of over 50 local artists, the streets of downtown Collingwood are brought to life with this outdoor art exhibit. Admire beautiful pieces of work and take a seat on one of numerous hand painted Muskoka chairs.
Touch-A-Truck
When: May 24, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Operations Centre, 1275 Maple Hill Court, Newmarket
What Is It: See, touch, explore and get up close with some of your favourite large vehicles and trucks. Explore a fire truck, Zamboni, backhoe, dump truck and more! www.newmarket.ca/events
Barrie Waterfront Festival
When: May 25 – 27
Where: Heritage Park, Barrie
What Is It: Come on down to Heritage Park at Barrie’s waterfront to enjoy a weekend full of entertainment. Enjoy live musical performances, street buskers, a midway with rides, face painting, street vendors, food trucks, contests and more! Admission is free! www.barriewaterfront.ca
Walk for MOBYSS (Mobile York South Simcoe)
When: May 26, 9:00 am
Where: BWG Public Library and Cultural Centre, Bradford
What Is It: The Walk for MOBYSS raises awareness and funds to support the mobile walk-in clinic for youth aged 13-25. Participate in a 1K or 5K walk supported by the Bradford Lions Club.
www.facebook.com/events/994755407356765
Beeton Honey and Garden Festival
When: May 26, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Downtown Beeton
What Is It: Featuring over 190 vendor booths, the streets of downtown Beeton are transformed into a local artisan shop of everything for the home, garden and you. Perennials, pastries, produce, artwork and so much more! Don’t miss the Antique Alley for unique vintage finds. For the car enthusiast, enjoy the Classic Car and Truck Show. Live entertainment at the Muddy Water Bandshell and a free family fun zone! http://thehoneyfestival.com
Coldwater Lions Club Duck Race
When: May 26, 10:00 am
Where: Main St and Coldwater River
What Is It: Spend the morning at this classic duck race, the most popular fundraising event sponsored by the Coldwater Lions Club. Send your duckies down the river in hopes of being the first to cross the finish line.
http://coldwaterlions.com/events/coldwater-duck-race
Creemore Springs Turas Mor
When: May 26, 1:00 pm
Where: Creemore Springs Brewery
What Is It: An afternoon of sightseeing, delicious food and Creemore Springs brews. This non-competitive cycling event takes you through some of the most scenic areas in Creemore and Clearview Township. Eat, drink, cycle! www.creemorespringsturasmor.com
Creemore Vintage Festival
When: May 26
Where: Downtown Creemore
What Is It: Experience all things vintage in the village of Creemore including clothing, independent retailers, unique finds, artisanal coffee, the Creemore Springs craft brewery and live music.
www.facebook.com/creemorevintagefestival
Barrie Fun Run
When: May 30
Where: Southshore Centre, Barrie
What Is It: Hosted by the Rotary Club of Barrie, the Fun Run brings together over 1,200 participants with funds raised supporting various local venues.
www.barriefunrun.com
The Barra MacNeils
When: May 31, 7:30 pm
Where: Orillia Opera House, Orillia
What Is It: The world renowned Barra MacNeils bring their tour to Orillia in support of their latest release On the Bright Side. Enjoy the musical talents of these 5 MacNeil siblings combining an array of talent on numerous instruments. Tickets: $57.50. www.orilliaoperahouse.ca