Welcome to June, what is traditionally a time of gearing up with holiday, family, and friends plans, and a bit of a winding down of community events and shows.
That being said, don’t forget it is Pride Month and there are several events and offers going on all month long that are Pride-related:
Leacock Museum - Decoding Anne Lister: History's First Modern Lesbian. Click here for details.
Couchiching Craft Brewery – Drink Special ‘Love Potion Cocktail’ with proceeds going to Lake Country Pride
Rind and Truckle $5 from every small Charcuterie box will be donated to LCP
Inked by Nicki $10 from every service booked in June donated to LCP
(While supplies last) – Orillia Public Library Pride Craft Make & Take. Click here for details.
One of the last community events is the Sing It Choir’s end-of-year show, Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Centre. This is a very dedicated enthusiastic group of choristers under the direction of Julia Johnston. Concert proceeds are going to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge and Speaking of Wildlife Sanctuary. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth 15 and under and you can get them at the door, or online here.
This weekend is the big Port of Orillia Sunshine Festival, a new, revamped June festival billed as fun for the whole family. Free admission, in-water boat displays, live music, an outdoor market, beer garden, and art experiences. The fun continues right into Downtown Orillia as well.
Also this weekend, the Orillia Rib and Beer Fest, brought to us by Northern Heat Rib Series, at Tudhope Park. Lots of food options and lots of musical acts, with Country Night on Friday night, Rock the Park on Saturday, and Music Mash up on Sunday. New this year, a $2 per person admission fee.
This Saturday night, Mil and the Thrills are playing a dance at the Orillia Legion. Tickets $7 for Legion members, $10 for non-members. Doors open at 7 p.m., band starts at 8 p.m. Call the Legion at 705-325-8442 for more information.
This Sunday, the Orillia Farmers’ Market presents the first of two pop-up markets this June, and this one is at the Leacock Heritage Museum. There are 30 vendors, including food vendors, crafters and holistic and wellbeing vendors as well. You can grab a hotdog from Sunshine BBQ or Korean dumplings from YJ, and sit by the lake and enjoy the view.
A book reading is also planned for noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with author Jeremy John, who will be reading his humorous short stories. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there will be gourmet coffee as well. Bring or have a picnic and come enjoy.
Bare Canvas Events is presenting a Spring Market Showcase also on Sunday, but from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ODAS Park. There will be photography, Tupperware, leggings, and lots of other unique items for you to browse and buy.
And since apparently June is the month for markets, the Moonstone Makers Market is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ramey Park in Moonstone. Lots of makers as vendors, a BBQ as well, and it’s all a fundraiser for Moonstone Parks and Rec. Come enjoy!
If you are looking for a Girls Night Out, Magic Men Australia, apparently the country’s hottest male dance group, is coming to the Orillia Opera House on June 12 at 7:30 p.m. These guys have to be seen to be believed ... so, come see them. Tickets through www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Jakob Pearce and Dave Hewitt are playing at Couchiching Craft Brewery Saturday night, and always live music all weekend at the Hog n Penny, too.
Have a lovely June weekend, and if you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
