Let Culture Days guide you across Ontario from Sept. 29-Oct.1 (2017)

Hundreds of Culture Days activities and events are scheduled to take place in communities wide across the Province of Ontario 

Toronto, ON, September 20, 2017 – With an exceptional number of FREE activities and events scheduled to take place in hundreds of communities across Ontario – what better reason could there be for heading out on a road trip?

The annual Culture Days weekend, from September 29^th-October 1^st, provides an excellent opportunity to explore so much of what Ontario has to offer culturally. Whether you choose to investigate what is happening in your own local city or town or hop in a car, catch a bus or train to explore the natural beauty of the landscapes while investigating the cultural offerings of each region, Culture Days can be a great resource to help plan your travels.

Sioned Watkins and the Kingston Symphony. Gyrokinesis workshop, Isabel Bader 

Centre of Performing Arts, Kingston. Photo credit: Agilo Arts.

You’ve never been to Napanee but have heard about the gorgeous scenery? Do you have family in Kingston that is long overdue for a visit?

Perhaps you are curious about the arts scene in Milton; wanted to explore the rustic charm of Brockville or the literary scene in Guelph? Why not take the opportunity to experience different regions of the province while rolling up your sleeves and engaging with some of the incredible cultural forces that are helping to shape these unique regions. And you might even be able to bring home some of your own creations as souvenirs from your travels!

“I’d like to thank Culture Days and all the participating organizations and individuals for opening their doors and inviting Ontarians to take part in the cultural life of our communities. Art and culture are important to community well-being, and with over 1,300 free activities and events in more than 150 cities and towns across the province Culture Days offers something for everyone,” commented Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Whether you are planning a day trip or perhaps making a weekend mini-holiday, here are a few examples of what a travel itinerary could look like:

Toronto ➤ Milton:

Start off in Etobicoke on Saturday, September 30 to learn how to take raw wool from rough fluff to a gorgeous ornament using a wet felting technique. After that, set out for Milton to take part in a couple of the 70+ exciting events taking place at the beautiful FirstOntario Arts Centre, a true Culture Days hub, such as Venetian Mask Craft followed by a Salsa Presentation and lesson.

Gatineau ➤ Brockville:

Start your Saturday off in Gatineau by Delving into the Archives at the Canadian Museum of History, learn how a wax cylinder phonograph works and make your own memory box; and then head out on the highway towards Brockville and take a free guided tour of the Fulford Place Museum and then take a tour of the historic Brockville Armouries

Kingston ➤ Napanee ➤ Belleville:

Start off on Saturday by heading to Painting with Lego in Kingston, then grab a bite to eat and head to Napanee to take part in the Hands On Painting Canada 150 Mural at the Zenergy Gallery & Shop. Then, get back on the road and drive towards Belleville where you can learn the basics of Sight-Singing at the St. Thomas Anglican Church.

Guelph ➤ Stratford:

Start your Saturday off in Guelph exploring art and artefacts with official and unofficial signs and symbols that communicate our history and national identity through Canadian, Eh! A History of the Nation’s Signs and Symbols and then hop on the highway and head to Stratford to experience some imaginary fun by creating your own puppet moments through the SpringWorks Festival Puppet Tea Party.  

London ➤ Springfield ➤ St. Thomas:

Wake up, have a bite to eat then head over to Dundas St in London where you can immerse yourselves in the hypnotic music of WHOOP-Szo, then hop in the car and head over to Springfield and drop in at FROM THA STIX and witness the creation of a mural on the exterior of Out There Creative Therapy. Then – head to St. Thomas where you can go behind the scenes and learn all about Acrylic Pouring. 

While these are just suggestions, Culture Days can be a wonderful way of exploring Ontario and seeing all that the province has to offer. To help plan your travels, whether you stay close to home or are planning a sojourn, tap into the easy-to-use Culture Days Bright Spots Schedule to craft your own unique Culture Days itinerary. Also, check out the official Ontario Tourism site and use their visit planner to investigate the available attractions on your route and let the travel fun begin!

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ABOUT CULTURE DAYS

Millions of Canadians engage in thousands of free activities and performances hosted by artists, cultural organizations and municipalities in communities across Canada. From Nunavut to New Brunswick, and from British Columbia to Baffin Island – and all points in between – we share all the inspiration, artistry, creativity and expression that reflects the mosaic of Canadian culture. As a leading national voice for an active and engaged cultural life, we provide marketing and industry development resources that lead to greater cultural engagement. The Culture Days national awareness campaign culminates in a three-day celebration of the arts starting on the last Friday of September. 

This year’s Culture Days weekend will take place on September 29, 30 and October 1, 2017. The event will feature free, hands-on, interactive events and activities that invite the public to participate “behind the scenes”—and to discover the world of artists, creators, heritage workers, architects, curators, and designers at work in their community. 

Ontario Culture Days is grateful for the support of the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, OLG and TD Bank Group.