Festivals and Events

The Municipality of Clarington is known for its incredible festivals and community events, many of which are hosted and run by our local business improvement areas (BIAs). In 2019, Clarington was named the Municipality of the Year by Festivals and Events Ontario. Find a complete list of events in Clarington on the Events Calendar.

For more information on festivals and events, visit Clarington’s BIA websites:

We’ve created a list of some of the biggest and best events throughout the seasons to help you narrow down your activities and fill up your calendar.

Spring Events

Spring is a great time to discover Clarington. In May, the streets of Bowmanville become sweeter at Maplefest, a celebration of everything maple syrup. Take a look at some of the other key spring events.

MapleFest

Maplefest is a celebration of all things maple, as we celebrate the freshly harvested maple syrup. Join us in Historic Downtown Bowmanville on the first Saturday in May for this anticipated festival, showcasing local syrup producers and products.

Summer Events

Summer in Clarington is jam-packed with lots of exciting events and festivals.

Annual Orono Antique Street Festival

The Annual Orono Antique Street Festival is a day-long event and fills Main Street in Orono with antiques, vintage furniture, collectables and retro finds. There’s free admission and parking.

Canada Day

Join us as we celebrate Canada Day in Clarington with a fireworks display and community fun.

Concerts in the Park

Spend a warm summer evening outside, listening to live music at one of our Concerts in the Park. From June to September, four different communities in Clarington host the Outdoor Concert Series. All concerts are free and take place rain or shine. Bring a picnic blanket or some lawn chairs and relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of summer in Clarington.

Bowmanville hosts concerts on Thursdays at 7 p.m. from the middle of June to the end of August at Rotary Park.

Courtice hosts one concert per month in June, July, and August at Tooley’s Mill Park.

Visit Newcastle on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. from June to the beginning of September at the Newcastle Community Hall Parkette for great music.

Newtonville hosts concerts on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. from June to the beginning of September at Ina Brown Parkette.

Newcastle Artist & Artisan Show

A Gift of Art’s annual Artist & Artisan Show & Sale takes place each year in July. Whether you are looking for a special gift, just love to browse and look at local art, or want to learn more about that one-of-a-kind creation, this art show is the place to explore.

Orono Fair

The Orono Fair is a focal September tradition in Clarington highlighting the best in agriculture. The fair is a long-standing tradition spanning more than 168 years. It runs over the course of four days with events for the entire family, including a midway, various crop exhibits, antique tractor display, axe throwing, birds of prey, demolition derby, and so much more.

Ribs and Brews

Bowmanville Rockin’ Rotary Ribs and Brews is a three-day annual event. Enjoy barbecue ribs and chicken, local craft-brewed beer and live entertainment.

Fall Events

Celebrate the fall harvest season in Clarington at AppleFest in Historic Downtown Bowmanville. Vendors line the streets with fresh produce, candy apples, pies, apple doughnuts and more. Autumn is also the perfect time to take a scenic drive or bike ride through our charming rural routes.

Apple Festival and Craft Sale

The annual Apple Festival and Craft Sale in Bowmanville celebrates all things apple. You’ll find fresh-pressed apple cider, homemade apple pies and crisps, candy and caramel apples, cider doughnuts, and so much more. It's held in October, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Bowmanville. Free admission and parking.

Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival makes the most of the fall season and includes crafters, kids' activities, tractor displays, live music, and much more to enjoy. The festival runs on King Avenue in Newcastle, and is the perfect way to kick off the season.

Holiday Events

Start new family traditions in Clarington, where you experience a hometown holiday that is truly magical. One of the best ways to celebrate is at a Santa Claus parade.

Christmas Moonlight Magic

Celebrate the holiday season with your family in Bowmanville at Christmas Moonlight Magic. Join the annual tree-lighting ceremony, listen to some carols and bask in the magic of the season. You can also have your picture taken with Santa and his reindeer. Enjoy the Christmas Market and free horse-drawn wagon rides along the main street, perfect for helping you carry all of your parcels as you shop at the local stores that stay open late for some evening holiday shopping. Stop by one of the restaurants to take a break and enjoy some great food.

Santa Claus Parades

Start new family traditions in Clarington, where the holiday season is truly magical. One of the best ways to celebrate is at a Santa Claus parade. Clarington is proud to host five parades, including the famous Tyrone, Haydon, Enniskillen and Enfield (THEE) Farmers' Parade of Lights, where you can see farm equipment decked out in festive lights at night.