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, in Downtown Midland and Harbourside Park, the festival transforms the waterfront into a lively hub of art, music, and maritime excitement from morning to night.

Festival Highlights

• Explore 30+ murals throughout Midland, one of Ontario’s largest outdoor art galleries

• Discover artwork spanning King Street, laneways, the Midland Harbour, and beyond

• See the monumental Huron Native and Jesuit Priest at Sainte-Marie mural

  • 80 ft x 250 ft — the largest outdoor historic mural in North America

• Enjoy live music, buskers, food trucks, local artist booths, and hands-on art activities

• Free, family-friendly, and open to all ages

• Live entertainment

• Vendors and family activities

• A full day-to-night festival experience on Saturday, and all day fun on Sunday

Mural Tours

• Guided tours

  • Meet at the Midland Info Tent in Harbourside Park

  • Three tours available

  • In-person registration starting at 10:00am (first come, first served)

• Self-guided tours

  • Pick up a mural map at the Midland Info Tent

  • Explore Midland’s outdoor gallery at your own pace

Community Mural Creation

• Help paint brand-new murals alongside professional artists

• No registration required - just stop by and join in

• All skill levels welcome

• Builds on the success of the 2024 Midland Mural Festival, where attendees helped create two murals now displayed downtown

Tugboat & Waterfront Experiences

• Tugboat demonstrations and exhibitions of different tugboat tasks

• Tug push contest and tug race

• Parade of lights on the water

• A vibrant waterfront atmosphere 

The Georgian Bay Waterfront Festival blends art, community, and maritime heritage into one colourful celebration - inviting visitors to explore, create, and experience Midland’s waterfront like never before.