Make a splash this summer in Rideau Lakes! Start planning your family fun now, as summer vacation is just around the corner. Read on for some banner annual events to make the most out of summer in Rideau Lakes!

Elgin’s Disco Rollerskating – Every summer Friday evening

It’s a wheely-good time! People of all ages are invited to enjoy roller skating or roller blading on Friday nights at the Elgin Outdoor Rink, where lights, music, games and a canteen can be found. Some rentals are available. Grab your friends or family and come try something new in town!

Cow Island Fireworks Display – July 1 (raindate July 2)

Celebrate being Canadian and take part in the annual tradition of viewing the Cow Island fireworks from your boat moored off Cow Island or from land in Portland or at your cottage. Starting at dusk, the fireworks have a rain date of July 2.  Organized by the Big Rideau Lke Association. 

Chaffeys Lock Duck Race - July 1

In the beautiful waterfront village of Chaffeys Lock, enjoy a Hotdog Barbeque and Duck Race atteh Lock from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Organized by the Chaffeys Lock and Area Heritage Society. 

Newboro Community Events and Parade – July 1

The little community with big heart is celebrating Canada Day in style from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 1. Join the Newboro CEC for live music, popcorn, snowcones, face painting, magician, hot dog bbq, cake, Newboro Historical Society Displays and more. The ever-favourite parade starts at 7 p.m. and cake and drinks will be served at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and all are welcome! Organized by the Newboro and Area Community Enhancement Committee. 

Rideau Lakes Studio Tour - July 1 and 2, 2023

Discover the art of creative minds at work on Canada Day weekend! Enjoy incredible original art, sculptures, pottery, weaving, beading, and more. This year, the Rideau Lakes Studio Tour celebrates its 25th anniversary, and it promises to be a spectacular showcase of the region's finest artists. Taking place on Canada Day weekend, July 1 and 2, 2023, the event will feature more than 18 artists opening their studios to the public, allowing visitors to see how these talented creators work their magic. Learn more at https://rideaulakesstudiotour.ca/

Claire Jacobs Fine Art, Portland 

SOLD OUT - South Elmsley CEC Pancake Breakfast 

Get ready for next year! Tickets to the annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast at the South Elmsley Hall at the Ronald E. Holman Municipal Complex in Lombardy is already sold out in 2023. Starting at 8:00 a.m. Organized by the South Elmsley Community Enhancement Committee. 

Westport Rideau Lakes Canada Day - July 1

Events starting at 8:00 a.m. around the village, at Lions Sand Lake Beach in North Crosby and at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 542. Don't miss the fireworks at dusk, at the Legion Hall (10099 10, Westport). 

Elgin Days – July 6 to 9, 2023

Picture this: streets full of yard sales, a chicken barbecue, live music, children’s events, a parade, petting zoo, vendor market, fire trucks, library events, face painters, legendary bake sales, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, and so much more! Elgin Days is a village wide celebration of community takes place every year on the second weekend in July. This year is extra special as Elgin Days is paying tribute to the local community service groups and churches with an Anniversary Jubilee!

Elgin Days Chicken Barbecue Photo by Robyn O'Neill

Delta Fair – July 27 to 30, 2023

One of the longest running agricultural fairs in Ontario, The Delta Fair is a summertime highlight for the area for generations. The Delta Agricultural Society is celebrating 193 years of the fair in 2023! Enjoy fun for the whole family with children’s shows, a midway, games, truck pull, horse and animal shows, lawn mower races, live entertainment, homecraft exhibits, chainsaw carving and much more.

Lombardy Fair – August 4 to 6, 2023

Giddy up and head to the Lombardy Fairgrounds for a long weekend agricultural fair! The Lombardy Agricultural Society is celebrating 157 years of country hospitality with something for everyone. Popular events here are the demolition derby and the Monster Madness – have a sneak peek at how the fair is shaping up and mark it on your calendar!

Lombardy Fair  

Planning for the rest of the year? Look what else is coming up in Rideau Lakes!

Delta Harvest Festival – September 2023

The Delta Harvest Festival is a village-wide celebration of harvest. Food, vendor sales and tours of the historic Old Stone Mills National Historic Site are among village-wide events.

Skate the Lake – January 2024

This annual speedskating competition in the village of Portland sees skaters from near and far race on a 1 km outdoor oval on Big Rideau Lake! Be sure to check back about Skate the Lake this coming winter.

Skate the Lake 

Delta Maple Syrup Festival – April 2024

The Delta Maple Syrup Festival is a weekend celebration taking place in April inviting families to the village of Delta to enjoy sweet maple syrup and pancakes, wagon rides, Easter egg hunt, and more.  

Delta Maple Syrup Festival - Delta Agricultural Society  

Dive into events in Rideau Lakes! For more information or the see what else is happening in the township, visit the Events page. Summertime is the right time for events in Rideau Lakes.