The Sound Waterfront Festival and Canada Day Celebrations Kick off Friday, June 28 

Owen Sound will celebrate Canada Day on July 1 as part of The Sound Waterfront Festival at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park. This four-day, free cultural festival occurs from Friday, June 28, through Monday, July 1. It features entertainers, live music, vendors, food trucks, family activities, fireworks, and a focus on the area’s rich history. 

The Saugeen Ojibway Nation Joint Chief’s flag will be raised at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 28 at the Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden to acknowledge the Anishinaabe people who called this land home before colonization. The flag will fly permanently as a reminder and thanks for their stewardship of this land, their traditional territory.  

Starting at 7 p.m. The Rock of Fame concert, a Tribute to Canadian music, will be held in the Amphitheatre at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park, featuring local and talented musicians in partnership with Chris Scerri Presents. Musicians include Tara and Trevor Mackenzie, Pete Devlin, John Hume, Terry Martell, Drew McIvor, Jaret Koop, Holly Sled, Fred Dawson and Chris Scerri. The event is free, although there is the option to donate. The gate opens at 6 p.m. with food and craft vendors on site. In the case of inclement weather, this event will be held at The Harmony Centre in Owen Sound. Please bring a lawn chair. 

Saturday, June 29, is Youth Day at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park from 12 p.m.- 9 p.m. will include interactive juggling, dog shows, pony rides, Scouts cub car building and racing, family-friendly yoga, and frisbee golf. The Amphitheatre will feature youth musicians and entertainers, including Banditfest, Dickie Bird, Charlie Taylor-Gillespie, Owen Sound Dance Academy, SLV Band, Kenzy and Olivia, The Roxy Young Company, and Grace McCrae’s musicians, followed by a youth dance party to close the night. Many youth organizations will be on-site, along with food and craft vendors.

Sunday, June 30, is Waterfront Day, which includes park activities, food trucks, vendors, tours, and entertainment. The beachfront at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park will include The Big Canoe offering tours along the shoreline throughout the day; The Owen Sound Rowing Club will provide demos between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. or come try out a stand-up paddle board with ISUP Saugeen launching from the beach between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. with free beginner and intermediate lesson options. The Owen Sound Water Rescue team will be on the water showcasing their equipment throughout the day.   

The West Side Boat Launch will include The Grey Bruce Dragon Boat Club, which will be offering trials for those wishing to know more about the club and paddling. Want to get out on an adventure of your own but don’t have the equipment? Kayak rentals are available at The Launch Adventure Rentals at the West Side boat launch. All activities are on first come basis - refer to the website for details, times, and items required to participate.  

Musicians Paige Warner, Gracie Jet, Amber Mitchell and Kailey Jane Hawkins will play beach tunes all afternoon by the shoreline. The Good Cheer Splash Pad will be open with games and activities for kids on the beach all day. 60’s Revisited will take to the Amphitheatre stage at 6 p.m. so you can dance the night away to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Lovin Spoonful, the Monkees, as well as songs from Woodstock, Joe Cocker Santana, and The Who. 

Canada Day festivities start at noon on Monday, July 1, packed with children’s activities, dog shows, juggling and circus performers, pony rides, music and entertainment, plus food trucks and vendors. Opening ceremonies will begin at 4 p.m. in the Amphitheatre with the Rubbily Ubdugs, a kid's favourite. The Mike McCarthy Band, followed later by a message from City of Owen Sound’s Mayor Boddy to kick off the evening headliner CMT’s Woman of Country Sacha. The evening will conclude with spectacular fireworks over the Owen Sound Harbour at 10 p.m.