The harvest is kicking into gear in Rideau Lakes! Pay tribute to an eventful next few months in Rideau Lakes with these exciting seasonal offerings. Mark your calendars and enjoy everything from poultry to dances and from rodeo to exceptional live music.
Newboro Corn Boil – August 23
This may sound corny, but you’re invited! The Newboro CEC is hosting the third annual corn boil and barbecue on Saturday, Aug 23 at Memorial Park from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Live music and unlimited corn!
Bach at the Red Brick School - August 24
Think Chamber music is hard to understand? Think again! Experience the chamber music of Johann Sebastian Back and others as this trio gives a brief explanation of each selection and background on the composer. It’s easy listening - chamber music style! From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red Brick School, 3 Halladay Street in Elgin. Free, with donations accepted for the music program at Rideau District High School.
Photo: Red Brick School in Elgin
Historic Rideau Canal exhibit - weekends until September 1
Come aboard at the Red Brick School and navigate the historic Rideau Canal every weekend! As a precursor to 200th Anniversary of the start of construction for the Rideau Canal in 2026, the Elgin and Area Heritage Society (EAHS) presents a pictorial display of the Locks of the Rideau Canal, expertly compiled by EAHS Partner Glen Russell, in collaboration with Rideau Canal Researcher Ken Watson. Don’t be stuck on the dock - take a peek at the intriguing exhibit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekends until August 31.
Late Summer Workshops at Stone Manor Studios - August 23 & September 12 to 14
Stone Manor Studios is located on the grounds of an 1860s stone manor house in the heart of Rideau Lakes. The renovated carriage house has been repurposed as an exclusive art studio for creatives. Learn from experts, engage in meaningful conversations about art, and have an unforgettable experience that will inspire, refresh, and enrich the creative heart and mind. Join in the creativity for a Wildflower Weaving Workshop on Aug. 23 or a dynamic Gestural Floral Painting, Oil Painting Workshop on Sept. 12, 13 and 14.
Lombardy Poultry and Critter Meet - Sunday, September 14
Shake a tail feather all the way to the Lombardy Poultry and Critter Meet for fall on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6 a.m. to noon! Purchase poultry, waterfowl, turkeys, rabbits and more. Located at the Lombardy Agricultural Barns at 6 Kelly’s Road. Be sure to shop the country goods, fresh produce and craft vendors, too.
Lombardy Agricultural Society Pro Rodeo – September 19 and 20
Witness the thrill of the 3rd Annual Black Creek Rodeo on September 19 and 20, 2025! Experience an up-close view of the rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing, and more. Enjoy live music in the barn at the after party!
Delta Harvest Festival - September 27
Celebrate all things harvest at the Delta Harvest Festival – a true community fall festival. Set for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, the festival features lots of family fun. Vendors line the main street and craft vendors can be found at the Fairgrounds along with live music and a car show. The Old Stone Mill is open for tours with a milling demonstration in the afternoon. Blacksmithing demonstrations are a favourite for visitors in the blacksmith shop beside the Mill. The Old Town Hall is home to a Book Sale and the Friends of the Mill table featuring a variety of home baking, preserves, vegetable produce, crafts, plants, dried flowers, all donated by friends of the mill. Lots of food, fresh-baked goodies, and cool stuff for sale. Visitors arrive from Ottawa, Kingston, Brockville and many other centres to enjoy the country atmosphere of this lovely village!
Photos: Delta Harvest Festival provided by Delta Agricultural Society
Heritage Days in Chaffey’s Lock - Aug. 30 and 31
Enjoy tours of the Lockmaster’s House Museum for Heritage Days in Chaffey’s Lock! Learn about lock life, the stories and local lore surrounding this bustling hamlet - integral to shaping the Rideau Canal.
Festival of Small Halls
The Ontario Festival of Small Halls is about sharing a love of music in a beloved place. Brought to you by the Team Behind Bluesfest, the Festival of Small Halls brings exceptional Canadian musicians to small venues across Eastern Ontario. Communities across Rideau Lakes will again open their doors for unforgettable live music in 2025!
Sunday, October 5 | The Pairs - Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall
Friday, October 10 | Irish Mythen - Newboro Community Hall
Saturday, October 11 | Mia Kelly with opener Blair Dunlop – Morton Community Hall
Friday, October 17 | Sarah Hagan - Elgin United Church
See the full schedule and buy tickets!
Nothing ushers in the end of summer like top notch community events in Rideau Lakes! Keep up to date on happenings in the area through the township events calendar.
