It's finally here, the first long weekend of the summer! Victoria Day always falls on the second last Monday in May and is a distinctly Canadian holiday celebrating the birthday of Queen Victoria. In 2025, the Victoria Day long weekend is May 17 to 19.
Rain or shine, we have tons of activities for you to make the best out of the unofficial start to summer!
The Best Local Events — Delivered to Your Inbox
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Horseshoe Resort
The Bikes, Brews & BBQs weekend bash is back at Horseshoe Resort from May 16 to 19. This four-day celebration is the ultimate kickoff to summer for mountain biking enthusiasts and anyone looking for good vibes!
The resort’s Downhill Mountain Bike Park officially opens for the season, and the weekend is packed with live music, ice-cold beer, mouthwatering BBQ, and a full-on festival atmosphere. Whether you’re crushing laps or just soaking it all in from the patio, there’s something for everyone.
The Beer Tent will be pouring on Saturday and Sunday, featuring brews from local favourites, Creemore and Molson. Pair your pint with smoky, saucy eats from the BBQ, served up all weekend on Ontario’s largest outdoor patio.
Live music keeps the energy high, with performances from Genevieve Cyr, Zach Erickson, Kyle McAdams, and Shawn Steinhart, plus a Saturday night headliner set from Lost in Time (7 PM to 10 PM) on the Coors Outdoor Stage.
Up for a challenge? Join Lap-A-palooza!
Every lap you ride between Friday and Monday counts toward your shot at the Lap-A-palooza Trophy, an awesome prize pack, and serious bragging rights. Plus, don’t miss the Vendor Village, where you can check out the latest gear and demos.
Blue Mountain Resort
Celebrate the May long weekend in style at Blue Mountain! From May 17 to 19, the Village transforms into a high-energy street party packed with live music, fun activities, and plenty of ways to kick off summer.
Get ready to groove with live performances all weekend long on the Subaru Stage, plus giant games in the Village Plaza and family-friendly campfire sing-alongs each evening. For a fun challenge, join the Summer Kick-Off Scavenger Hunt running daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. It's perfect for families and friends looking to explore and win prizes.
Feeling the beat? Don’t miss Groove Dancing with Tyler Boyle, where you can move, shake, and have a blast learning new dance moves that will keep the energy high.
Weekend Highlights:
- Scavenger Hunt
- Giant Games
- Groove Dancing
- Campfire Sing-Along
- Live Music from Genevieve Cyr, Rob Watts, Mik Perlus, Dean James, and Tyler Boyle
Whether you're chasing adventure or just soaking up the festive atmosphere, Blue Mountain is the place to be this long weekend!
Friday Harbour Resort
Dive into fun at Friday Harbour this Victoria Day long weekend with a packed lineup of activities for all ages! Shop the Promenade, soak in live music, and explore everything the resort has to offer with recreation rentals and golf running all weekend.
The Outdoor Market is back on Saturday (11 AM to 8 PM) and Sunday (11 AM to 6 PM), featuring a fantastic mix of local vendors offering artisanal goods, fashion, décor, and more. Don’t miss the resort retailers along the Promenade for even more unique finds.
Entertainment at the CIBC Pier keeps the party going — Friday from 4 PM to 11 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 11 PM. Saturday night is packed with extras: enjoy live music at the Lake Club Restaurant from 7 PM to 10 PM, gather around the campfire at the Beach to unwind, and cap it all off with a dazzling fireworks show over the harbour at 10 PM.
Feeling energetic?
Head to Beach Club After Dark from 11 PM to 2 AM for a late-night vibe.
On Sunday, bring the whole family down for a fun-filled Bingo Scavenger Hunt on the beach.
Free admission (with some pay-to-play activities) and parking make Friday Harbour the perfect destination for your long weekend escape.
South Simcoe Theatre Presents Pippin
Now playing through May 18, South Simcoe Theatre brings the magic of Pippin to life! This Tony Award-winning Broadway revival tells the captivating story of a young prince on a quest for meaning and fulfillment. As heir to the Frankish throne, Pippin searches for happiness through glory on the battlefield, indulgence in earthly pleasures, and the pursuit of political power—even plotting to overthrow his own father, King Charlemagne.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) and a book by Roger O. Hirson, Pippin is a dazzling production that blends humor, heart, and unforgettable songs. Ultimately, Pippin learns that true happiness is found not in grand gestures but in the simple, everyday moments that make life extraordinary.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this timeless classic!
Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Day Festival
Celebrate Ukrainian culture and heritage at the 3rd Annual Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Day Festival on May 18!
Taking place at scenic Meridian Place by Kempenfelt Bay, this vibrant event invites everyone to join in honoring the iconic embroidered Ukrainian shirt — the Vyshyvanka.
Enjoy a day filled with colorful performances, cultural exhibits, family-friendly activities, and a variety of vendor kiosks featuring delicious food, traditional Ukrainian embroidery, arts and crafts, and more.
Whether you have Ukrainian roots or simply want to experience the rich traditions of this community, all are welcome to take part in the festivities!
Black River Wilderness Park Vendor Market
The Black River Wilderness Park Vendor Market is back!
Every Saturday morning from May 17 to October 4, enjoy a unique shopping experience at this beautiful park, where Indigenous artisans from Rama First Nation and local vendors showcase their handcrafted goods.
From one-of-a-kind creations to quality products, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to support local talent and explore the natural beauty of Black River Wilderness Park, owned and operated by Rama First Nation.
Leacock Museum Family F un Day
Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled day at the Leacock Museum on May 17! Admission for children is free with the purchase of an adult self-guided tour ticket.
Inside the museum, kids can take part in an "I Spy" activity with the artifacts and a fun scavenger hunt. There will be various other activities throughout the day on the museum grounds to keep the little ones entertained.
No pre-registration is required;. Simply purchase your self-guided tour ticket at the museum gift shop upon arrival.
Canadiana: The Musical
Get ready for Canadiana: The Musical, a light-hearted celebration of Canada’s iconic music and history. Produced by Linus Hand, the mastermind behind Broadway hits like Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Rent, and Shrek, this show brings together an all-star Canadian cast.
You'll enjoy unforgettable tunes from Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Anne Murray, The Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot, and more.
Starring Rod Standish (Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Matthew Yipchuk (Buddy in Elf The Musical), and Aadin Church (Mufasa in The Lion King), Canadiana promises to be a spectacular musical journey through the best of Canada’s legendary artists.
Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind production with two showings on May 18 at Casino Rama Resort.
Opening Day at Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum
Join the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum for its exciting opening weekend, kicking off on May 17!
Set on a scenic six-and-a-half-acre historic site, this "living museum" brings the history of the original 1840s Woodrow homestead and the village of Coldwater to life. With the Coldwater River flowing through the property, visitors are invited to explore, get hands-on, and immerse yourself in the past.
Forget the “keep off the grass” signs — here, you’re encouraged to roll up your sleeves and take part in the history-making experience!
Special programming for the opening weekend (May 17-18) includes an immersive reenactment of the Fenian Invasion of Canada by the 35th Battalion Simcoe Foresters. Expect dramatic musket fire, war cries, and intense clashes. Bandages, crutches, and prosthetics are optional, but an adventurous spirit is a must!
Come step back in time and celebrate community, history, and fun at the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum.
Opening Day at Elmvale Jungle Zoo
Elmvale Jungle Zoo kicks off their season on May 17!
Wander through shaded, winding trails and encounter majestic white lions and tigers in their natural habitats. Watch playful monkeys and lemurs in action, and enjoy the adorable antics of baby animals.
With 30 acres of natural beauty, the zoo offers a variety of rare and exotic birds, along with other fascinating wildlife. Whether you're an animal lover or nature enthusiast, Elmvale Jungle Zoo promises an unforgettable experience for all ages!
Friday Flicks at Painswick Branch
Looking for a family-friendly movie night? Head to the Painswick Branch for Friday Flicks and enjoy fun and relaxing evening.
The feature film on May 16 is Ghostbusters (1h 45m), perfect for a night of laughs and adventure.
Admission is free, and feel free to bring your own nut-free snacks and drinks to enjoy during the show.
Portarama 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Portarama is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a weekend full of exciting events in Port McNicoll.
Kick off the weekend celebrations at Portarama’s 40th Anniversary party! Join us at Marina's Sports Bar for live music by Kitty and the Boyz, a delicious buffet, raffle prizes, dancing, and more. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the band performing from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are just $20 each or 2 for $35.
On Saturday and Sunday, get ready for a town-wide treasure hunt! Portarama’s Community Yard Sale is back this Victoria Day Long Weekend, and it’s bigger than ever.
On Saturday, you can also support local artisans and shop for unique finds at the Portarama Craft & Vendor Show. Enjoy browsing vendors under the covered rink at Talbot Park and then head over to Patterson Park after 2:00 PM for fireworks. There will also be fun for the kids with face painting and other activities.
