Small communities really know how to party, and some of the best family-friendly festivals and events in Eastern Ontario are held right here in Lanark County, just a short drive from Ottawa. These are the events that get your feet moving, bring neighbours together, and make summer shimmer with magic.

This summer, Lanark County is gearing up for another season of family-friendly fun, complete with sack races, live music, face painting, church suppers, midway rides, and unforgettable small-town traditions. So grab your lawn chairs, hats, and sunscreen, and bring the kids, friends, or family along for the adventure.

Here are eleven signature festivals and events that will help you remember how to be a kid again while experiencing everything that makes Lanark County so special.

Signature Events

Spirit of the Drum Powwow – Smiths Falls

When: June 13-14, 2026

Watch as Indigenous culture comes to life in Smiths Falls at the annual Spirit of the Drum Powwow. For Indigenous peoples, a powwow is more than a celebration, it is a gathering that honours culture, family, identity, and the teachings passed down through generations. This event is an open invitation to experience the power of song, dance, and drumming while building meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture.

Tickets: Admission is free!

Almonte Celtfest – Almonte

When: July 3 to 5, 2026

There are music-themed events and then there’s Celtfest, the ultimate celebration that invites you into the mystical and fun world of Celtic music. This three-day, family-friendly event has been running for more than 25 years and gets better every year. Learn more about Celtic traditions and drink in the Celtic culture and heritage with fiddlers, bagpipers, dancers, and singers. Break out your inner Celt for this fun event!

Tickets: Admission is by donation.

Stewart Park Festival – Perth

When: July 17 to 19, 2026

When the hot days of July descend, thousands of visitors flock to the heritage town of Perth for a Woodstock-esque musical event in beautiful Stewart Park. For three days, Stewart Park is transformed into a 70s-style outdoor folk music festival, with lawn chairs and blankets strewn across the grass. Kick off your shoes and dance beneath the towering maple trees, then splash in the Tay River to cool off. Browse the vendors that line Market Square or take part in one of the many workshops held throughout the weekend.

Tickets: Admission is by donation.

Bridge Street Summerfest – Carleton Place

When: July 25th, 2026

When summer is at its peak, downtown Carleton Place comes alive for the annual Bridge Street Summerfest. Bridge Street is closed to traffic and transformed into a lively street market stretching over half a kilometre from Mill Street to Lake Avenue, filling the town’s historic core with music, activity, and visitors. Local businesses, makers, artisans, and food vendors line the street alongside pop-up shops and entertainment. Live music and street performers create a constant energy while visitors explore interactive activities such as free face painting and balloon twisting.

Tickets: Admission is free!

Goodwood Music Festival – Beckwith

When: July 31 to August 2, 2026

Forget Nashville, the last weekend in July, Beckwith Park turns into a memorable outdoor country music festival. Bring a lawnchair or blanket, the kids and your dancing shoes for a fun weekend listening to the Ottawa Valley’s finest country musicians. Purchase a full weekend pass and camp right there are the park (camping includes access to showers and restroom facilities).

Tickets: Goodwood Music Festival requires tickets or weekend passes and tickets may be purchased on-site on arrival.

Puppets Up! – Almonte

When: August 8 to 9, 2026

Isn’t it true that young or old, everyone loves puppets? Puppets Up! Is a bi-annual event in Almonte that transforms the town into a stage for imagination, creativity, and world-class puppetry. Experience performances from talented puppeteers from across Canada and around the world as they delight audiences with storytelling, artistry, and wonder.

Tickets: While tickets are required for some performances the event itself is free and features free outdoor entertainment and a puppet parade.

Perth Fair – Perth

When: September 3 to 6, 2026

Experience the combination of agricultural tradition and classic fairground fun at the Perth Fair, where visitors can learn about the region’s rural heritage alongside the excitement of a midway. From livestock shows, equestrian events, and agricultural exhibits to rides, games, and live entertainment, the fair showcases the best of rural life.

Tickets: Available at the gate. The fair also offers weekend passes or an all-you-can-ride midway pass for Friday only.

Sundance Artisan Show – Maberly

When: September 5 to 7, 2026

Feed your inner artist at the annual Sundance Artisan Show in the picturesque community of Maberly. Held each year on Labour Day weekend, this is a studio tour that takes place in one location. Browse the works of over 40 artists on the shores of the sparkling Fall River.

Tickets: Admission is free!

Almonte Fair – Almonte

When:  September 11 to 13, 2026

Experience a classic country fair at the Almonte Fair, where agricultural traditions and family-friendly entertainment come together each fall. From livestock shows, homecraft exhibits, and horse competitions to midway rides, live entertainment, and children’s activities, the fair offers something for visitors of all ages.

Tickets: Tickets available at the gate.

Carleton Place Dragon Boat Festival – Carleton Place

When: September 12, 2026

When early fall settles over the Mississippi River, Carleton Place hosts the annual Carleton Place Dragon Boat Festival, filling the waterfront with racing, music, and community energy. Teams from across the region gather to compete in fast-paced dragon boat races, drawing crowds to the shoreline and nearby parks to watch the action unfold. Under the festival’s spirited call to “giv’r down by the river,” spectators and participants alike enjoy a full day of competition and celebration. Alongside the races, visitors can take in live entertainment, local food vendors, and community activities, all set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River in downtown Carleton Place.

Tickets: Admission for spectators is free! Participants can register here until July 1, 2026.

Downtown Smiths Falls Music Festival – Smiths Falls

When: September 12, 2026

Back for its second year, the Downtown Music Festival brings the heart of Smiths Falls to life with a full day of live music and community spirit. The festival showcases an exciting mix of local, regional, and Canadian talent, with free outdoor performances throughout the afternoon and a special evening headliner concert featuring Canadian rock icons The Trews.

Tickets: Afternoon performances are free to attend, while tickets are required for the evening headliner concert.

Lanark County Harvest Festival – Beckwith

When: September 13, 2026

The Lanark County Harvest Festival celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage, inviting visitors to connect with local farmers, food producers, and artisans during the harvest season. Experience farm tours, harvest markets, demos, children’s activities and more during this one-day family-friendly event.

Tickets: Admission is free!

Middleville Agricultural Fair – Middleville

When: September 19, 2026

This is the cutest fair you’ll ever see! Come to the small community of Middleville, halfway between the town of Almonte and Hopetown for an old-fashioned agricultural fair that will bring back memories of yesteryear. Celebrating 175 years in 2026, the Middleville Fair features children’s races and games, livestock shows, and craft competitions and more. End the day with an old-fashioned turkey dinner, and breathe in the sweet scent of pies lined up for dessert.

Tickets: Available at the gate.

Find a full calendar of events happening in Lanark County this summer here.