Starry Night, show at Orillia Opera House, movies in the park, rib fest and much more on the menu this weekend in Orillia
We are in the countdown to fall, with under two weeks until Labour Day, but still some wonderful summer events to go.
I had the pleasure of seeing the world premiere of the play Common Ground, by John Spurway last week at the Orillia Opera House. It’s a fun comedy about relationships and the unexpected twists and turns of fate and life. It’s a lovely way to end the summer. Get your tickets ASAP though, as the last show is Aug. 29.
This Friday is Music and Makers again at the Rotary Aqua Theatre in Couchiching Beach Park. Lots of great vendors and the musician this week is well-known and loved local, Zachary Lucky. The vendor market starts at 5 p.m. and Lucky starts playing at 6:30 p.m. It’s a free event!
The Sunday evening Band Concert, same place, is also free, unless you want to throw some toonies in the donation bucket. This week’s guest band is the Skyliners Big Band, it starts at 6:30 p.m. and it’s sure to be amazing.
Saturday night, same place, it’s another Movie in the Park night, courtesy of local organizer Derick Lehmann and some wonderful local businesses. This week’s movie is Toy Story and if the weather sucks Saturday, the rain date is Aug. 26. The movie gets started at dusk! Donations for The Sharing Place are gratefully accepted.
For information about all of the Aqua Theatre events, visit the City of Orillia website here.
The big highlight of this weekend in my mind is the 21st annual Starry Night Studio and Art Tour, this Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. This year, all the action is on Peter Street South, and that street will be closed for the duration. There will be art in most of the buildings on the street, galleries Hibernation Arts and Peter Street Fine Arts will be open with wonderful art on display inside, there will be art in tents on the street, some musical entertainment, there will be food vendors … It’s going to be a lovely magical night of art under the stars.
This year’s iteration of Starry Night is thanks to the hard work of volunteer organizers Lucia McGarvey, Molly Farquaharson, and Leslie Fournier, with help from BIA Executive Director Deron Johnston. Special thanks also to Ron Schell and Paul Baxter for the magical décor and scenery that we will enjoy on the night.
Do come out, support art, support artists and musicians, and support the hard work of these community-minded folks. Enjoy the magic!
Also happening this weekend, the Northern Heat Rib and Beer Fest, at Tudhope Park. The food and action get started Friday at 4 p.m. and run through the weekend. Lots of yummy ribs and other food, music, vendors, and beer. For more information, check out the Facebook event here.
Tuesday Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. come out and try a Peacock rock dot painting workshop, at Couchiching Brewery upstairs. It’s beginner-friendly, fun and relaxing, you can have a drink while you do it, and all materials are included for just $40. For more information and to book your spot, go here.
Of course, next weekend is the Pirate Party at the Port of Orillia! It’s going to be a lot of fun, and will expand into the downtown on Saturday with lots of Piratey fun happening there as well. More next week, or check the website here or the downtown event here.
Lots of great events coming our way this fall as well, including many wonderful concerts at the Orillia Opera House, some jazzy goodness from Arts Orillia, a wonderful series of concerts from the Orillia Youth Centre, and so much more. Stay tuned!
Have a wonderful Starry Night weekend, and if you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.orilliamatters.com ’
