2026 Summer Festival

Most of our programming takes place at our Main Festival Site, with special performances and workshops hosted at historic venues throughout the Village of Windermere.

The locations below are the planned venues for 2026, but we recommend checking your individual Eventbrite ticket listing or the specific event on our website to confirm the final address.

Walkable

The Main Festival Site (1039 Golf Avenue Road)

• Events: Most workshops, the Author Talk Series, the Opening Ceremony, the Gallery of the Woods, and most of our musical performances at the Theatre in the Woods.
• Guided Walking Tour: This tour starts and ends at the Main Festival Site.

The Windermere Wharf (2510 Windermere Road)

• Events: The Wenonah II Sunset Cruise (boarding/disembarking), the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra concert, and our Windermere Family Fun Day Finale.

Windermere Village Hall (2496 Windermere Road)

• Events: The Pop-Up Bookshop, book signings, the Arts Café, and daytime performances.

Windermere Community Centre (2416 Windermere Road)

• Events: The Visual Notetaking workshop.

Special Concert & Conversation Venues:

• Island View Room (Windermere House): Community Conversation.
• Windermere United Church (2497 Windermere Rd): Candlelit Taizé.
• Windermere Christ Church (1018 Fife Ave): Classical Performance by Jennifer Tung.

Note on Workshops: While most workshops are held at the Main Festival Site Art Tent, some instructors may choose to utilize nearby scenic locations like the Windermere Beach or scenic pond located directly across the street from the main site.

Muskoka Chautauqua is a “rain or shine” festival. We have a weather plan and tents available to ensure everyone is comfortable. Most of our outdoor programming (including workshops and Theatre in the Woods performances) takes place under tents. Our team monitors the weather closely. In the rare event of extreme weather that requires a delayed start or cancellation, we will post updates immediately to our social medial channels and place signage at the Main Festival Site.

We always suggest checking the local forecast and dressing for the elements so you can enjoy the magic of the woods comfortably!

We are proud to offer a mix of free community programming and ticketed premium events.

The following events are free of charge and open to the public:

• Guided Walking Tours
• Author Talk Series
• Candlelit Taize
• Windermere Family Fun Day (Our festival finale!)
• The Pop-Up Bookshop & Gallery of the Woods

For our workshops and concerts, prices vary depending on the specific event.

Our regular ticket prices range from $0 and pay what you may to $60.

How to Purchase: Pricing will be listed right here on our website shortly. You will also be able to view all event details and purchase tickets directly though our Eventbrite page once our 2026 listings are live.

• Dress for the elements: Our events are held in the beautiful outdoors. We suggest comfortable footwear for walking between venues.
• Please bring a reusable water bottle. As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we provide water refill stations on-site to reduce single-use plastic.
• Bring some cash or a card if you plan to purchase tickets at our welcome trailer, make a donation, or enjoy snacks and drinks that we provide.
• We encourage you to bring the kids! We have specific programming designed for young explorers, including our environmental workshops led by Friends of the Muskoka Watershed.
• A Positive Spirit! Most importantly, bring your curiosity and smile – we can’t wait to see you there!

We strive to make Muskoka Chautauqua as inclusive as possible. Most of our festival sites and outdoor venues are fully accessible; however, due to the historic nature of some village buildings, there are a few exceptions:

• Please note that the Windermere Village Hall (Pop-Up Bookshop) and the Windermere United Church have stairs and are not accessible by wheelchairs. We sincerely regret this limitation.
• Bookshop Accommodations: If you would like to browse our book collection but cannot access the Village Hall, please email us at info@artsinmuskoka.com. We are happy to arrange a way to bring the books to you outside the bookshop!
• Guided Walking Tour: While the tour covers quite a bit of ground with some hills, it is golf-cart friendly. If you have mobility challenges, we have a golf cart available to help you navigate the circuit comfortably. Please email us at info@artsinmuskoka.com.

If you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out to our team in advance – we are always happy to help plan your visit.

Yes, washroom facilities are available across our various event locations:

• Main Festival Site: For your convenience, portable toilets are located across the street, including an accessible portable.
• The Pop-Up Bookshop: Standard indoor restroom facilities are available for visitors at this location between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Yes! The festival is dog-friendly. To ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience, we ask you to please follow these guidelines:

• Leash policy: All dogs must always remain on a leash and under the owner’s control.
• During performances: During concerts, author talks or workshops, please ensure your dog remains settled at your feet and out of walkways.
• Good neighbours: We ask that owners ensure their pets are well-behaved, quiet during performances, and respectful of other guests’ space.
  Please remember to pick up after your pet to help us keep our beautiful Muskoka venues clean!

Yes, though parking is limited. We recommend arriving a little early to secure a spot. You can find parking in the following areas:

• Designated Lot: Limited parking is available in the lot directly across the street from the main festival site.
• Street Parking: Parking is permitted along Golf Avenue near the main festival grounds.
• Parking by the Bookshop: Limited parking is available at the Pop-Up Bookshop located at the Village Hall.

Parking is free. Please carpool where possible and be mindful of residents’ driveways and follow all posted signs.

Absolutely! Muskoka Chautauqua events are family-friendly, and we long seeing young people engage with the arts and nature.

• All Ages Welcome: Children are invited to attend all of our events. We especially recommend our environmental workshop with Friends of the Muskoka Watershed, and the festival finale, Windermere Family Fun Day!

Volunteers are the heart of Muskoka Chautauqua! We are always looking for passionate individuals to help us bring the festival and other programming to life.

To join our team, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form. Whether you’re interested in helping with events, greeting guests, supporting our workshops, or some other task, we’d love to have you involved.

No, there is no need to print your tickets. To help us stay environmentally friendly, our staff and volunteers can check you in electronically at the entrance. Simply provide the name used for the booking, or have your digital ticket ready on your mobile device.

Yes, tickets may be available for purchase on-site at our festival trailer for some events, but it is always better to book in advance.

Yes! Muskoka Chautauqua is a registered charity, and we are happy to provide tax receipts for your support.

• Eligibility: All donations of $25 or more are eligible for an official income tax receipt.
• Process: Your receipt will be issued to the name and address provided.

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