Georgian Bay Waterfront Festival

The Georgian Bay Waterfront Festival is a brand-new, free, family-friendly celebration that brings together  scenic waterfront views, working tugboats, and breathtaking murals into one unforgettable two-day event on the shores of Georgian Bay. Taking place August 8 and 9, 2026, at the Midland Harbour and Harbourside Park, the festival transforms the waterfront into a lively hub of art, music, and maritime excitement from morning to night.

Schedule of Events

Mural Tours

Harbourside Park

Did you know Midland is home to more than 30 murals and sculptures that help tell the story of our community? Explore them at your own pace with a self-guided tour or join a guided mural tour to discover the history, artists, and inspiration behind these iconic works of public art.

Guided mural tours will take place on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Registration will open at 10 a.m. at the Town of Midland information tent in Harbourside Park. Registration is first-come, first-served, and all guided tours have a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour.

 

Pick up a mural map at the Town of Midland information tent in Harbourside Park and explore Midland's outdoor gallery at your own pace.

Community Mural Creation

Harbouside Park

Help paint brand-new murals alongside professional artists! No registration required - just stop by the mural tents at Harbourside Park and join in. All skill levels are welcome.

Entertainment Stage

Harbourside Park

Enjoy live music all weekend long on the Entertainment Stage in Harbourside Park, with performances from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Festivalgoers can relax in the licensed area near the stage and enjoy a variety of food trucks located just steps away.

Alycia Hebert 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Junior Dad 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Holly Santonato 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Intermission 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Woodpickers 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
TRAUMAQUEEN 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
James Blonde 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Heart Like a Ronstadt 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
NESS 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
YASSiN & Sean Terrio 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Adam Cousins 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Michel Payment 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Josh Keenan Band 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sno Daze 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kitty and the Boyz 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sydney Riley 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tugboats and Antique Vessels

Midland Harbour

Festivalgoers can explore working tugboats and antique vessels at the Town Dock. Rolling tugboat tours will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, while antique vessels will be on display along the pier in partnership with the Georgian Bay Heritage League. The Red Hot Stove Pipe Band will perform throughout the weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Festival FAQs

Parking on downtown streets, Midland Harbour, and Bayshore Drive is free. The Midland Harbour lot includes 160 marked parking spaces.

Coming soon!

For emergencies, please call 9-1-1. For minor injuries, a certified first aid company is onsite to assist with first aid. They have a station set up at Harbourside Park and will have staff roaming throughout the festival.

The festival hires a private security company to assist with any on-site issues. They wear identifiable clothing and you’ll find them throughout the festival.

Due to the number of festival visitors and crowds, we strongly recommend leaving your dog at home. If you have your dog with you, please do not leave them unattended in your vehicle.

Vendor applications closed on June 30, 2026.

Please visit our event sponsorship page to learn more about how you can sponsor our event.

Thank You to Our Funders and Sponsors!

Georgian Bay Waterfront Festival sponsor logos

 

Recent provincial changes allowing “bring‑your‑own” alcohol at outdoor events are optional for municipalities. At this time, bring‑your‑own alcohol is not permitted at Town‑hosted Special Events or Special Events that take place on municipal property, as per the Municipal Alcohol Policy.

Notice of Safety

Participating in this activity entails inherent risks of injury. All safety precautions should be taken including the use of safety equipment such as lifejackets or other safety equipment. The Town will not be responsible for the provision of such equipment and participation is done at your own risk.  All risks involved shall be assumed by the participants.

We will never request payments through social media platforms. Any messages asking for payment via PayPal or e-transfer are fraudulent. If you receive a suspicious message, please report it immediately to festival staff via the Contact Us page.

Notice of Photography

Photography and filming may be taken during this event for promotion of the event or other Town services by the Town of Midland and event partners.