Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival in Owen Sound

The 51st annual Summerfolk takes over Kelso Beach in Owen Sound from August 21 to 23, 2026, where Georgian Bay becomes the backdrop for three days of folk, roots, and world music.

You’ll catch two-time Juno winner Dan Mangan, Indigenous artist Julian Taylor, and groups like Union Duke and Burnstick across multiple stages, including the beloved Stan Rogers Memorial Amphitheatre carved into limestone overlooking the water. Weekend passes run approximately $125 to $150, and kids 13 and under get in free, making this a fantastic choice for families.

Gates open Thursday evening if you want a head start, and Sunday’s gospel session at 10:30 a.m. has become a cherished tradition.

Kelso Beach itself offers a shallow sandy shoreline, a free splash pad, and easy access to kayak rentals at The Launch nearby. Between sets, you can stroll to Harrison Park for a heated outdoor pool, waterfall boardwalks, and canoe rentals, or take the scenic drive to Inglis Falls Conservation Area, where an 18-meter cascade tumbles through lush forest.

For meals, Boot and Blade Restaurant, founded 1976, serves locally sourced comfort food and the famous Sasquatch Burger, while Mudtown Station Brewery, opened 2018, pours house-brewed craft beers inside a restored 1946 CPR train station on the east harbor waterfront. Casero Kitchen Table, started as a taco bus in 2013, Owen Sound location opened 2015, offers scratch-made Mexican dishes with house-smoked brisket.

Owen Sound is a small city, so book accommodations early through Lake.com for Georgian Bay cottage rentals starting around $160 per night, or reserve a campsite right at Kelso Beach to sleep steps from the music. The JUST ASK accessibility tent ensures everyone can enjoy the weekend, and the Artisans Village showcases juried craftspeople from across Ontario.

Summerfolk wraps folk festival warmth, waterfront beauty, and small-town hospitality into one unforgettable August weekend.