Festival Information

 

 

 

Event Information

We look forward to welcoming you to the Muskoka Chautauqua Arts & Culture Festival!

From August 7–16, 2026, join us in Windermere Village for 10 days of unforgettable arts, music, wellness, literary events, and family fun! Immerse yourself in creativity, inspiration, and community in the beautiful Muskoka region.

Dates: August 7 –August 16, 2026
Location: Windermere Village. The Main Festival Site is located at 1039 Golf Avenue Rd., Windermere, Ontario.

Key Highlights

Literary SERIES

This year’s literary series will allow you to engage with renowned authors, participate in discussions, and explore the Chautauqua Reading Circle List. 

Check back soon for more updates!

Musical Series

The musical series brings world-class artists to our lakeside stage. Past highlights include:

  • Dan Mangan
  • Caroline Marie Brooks of Good Lovelies
  • Toronto All-Star Big Band
  • Sultans of String
  • Jennifer Tung
  • Mississauga Symphony Orchestra
  • Jen Morgan & Kelly Creasor
  • Isla Maria
  • Todd & Robyn
  • Her Romance 
  • Beverlie Robertson & Po Cholly 
  • Grady Kellneck
  • Mike Phillips 
  • Bet & Blair Smith 
  • Northern Lights Steel Orchestra
  • Big Smoke Brass Band 
  • ….and many more!

Visual & Creative Workshops SERIES

This fantastic series combines the best of visual arts disciplines and creative workshops to ignite your creativity! These workshops fill up quickly, so make sure to book your spot early.

Previous workshops include:

  • Metal Etching 
  • Air-Dry Clay 
  • Plein-Air Painting (watercolour, oil, acrylic)
  • Ukulele 
  • Harmonica 
  • Song-Writing & Performance 
  • Into to Improv 
  • Ceramics 
  • Intro to Pottery 
  • Alcohol Inks 
  • Jewelry Making 
  • Photography (DSLR & cell phone)
  • Foraging 
  • Sculpture 
  • Printmaking
  • Drawing
  • Mosaics & textile arts

 

 

 Daily Programming

Enjoy festival favorites daily from August 8-15, 2026:

  • Guided Historical Walking Tours of Windermere at 12pm
  • Pop-Up Bookshop featuring titles from our authors plus more “cottage-inspired” picks! Open 10am-4pm at historic Village Hall.
  • Art Exhibition: The Gallery in the Woods features works by our festival visual arts instructors and other local artists. Open 10am-4pm.

Family Fun Day – August 16, 2026

Celebrate the closing day with Windermere Family Fun Day at Windermere Wharf from 11am-4pm! Free to attend! Activities include:

  • Children’s Entertainment 
  • The 3rd Annual Windermere Business Canoe Race
  • Beach activities & swimming
  • Windermere Golf & Country Club Golf Pitch: sink a hole in one on a boat!
  • Arts & crafts 
  • Windermere Lions Club BBQ
  • Fire truck spray down
  • Prize Raffle draw at 3:30pm
  • Face painting and more!

Tickets

Don’t miss out on Muskoka’s premier arts and culture event!
Join our mailing list to be the first to know when tickets are on sale for the 2026 festival! Join us for 10 days of creativity, inspiration, and fun! We look forward to welcoming you!

Support the Festival

Help us bring the magic to life!

  • Make a Donation: Donations over $25 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate Here
  • Volunteer: Interested in volunteering? Complete the Volunteer Application to join our team.

Questions?

Contact us!

Email: marketing@muskokachautauqua.com
Phone: +1 (705)-765-1048

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