Schedule of Events + Entertainment

The Cobourg Waterfront Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It's time to mark your calendar for next year. It's a tradition you must be a part of.

July 1 - 3: Entertainment, Craft Tents, Lions Marketplace and more!
July 4: Finish the weekend with a final browse through the Rotart Harbourarts tents. 

Do you want to be a vendor at next year's event? Email tourism@cobourg.ca.

CRAFT BEER NIGHT | 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Get the festival started at the Refreshment tent at Victoria Park.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • Refreshment tent | 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

BREAKFAST IN THE PARK | 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce.
Sponsored by Jacqueline Pennington

ROTARY HARBOURARTS | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stroll through the vendors in the Rotary HarbourArts Tents.

CANADA DAY PARADE | begins at 11:00 a.m.
Get a good spot along King Street and follow the parade to Victoria Park.

OPENING CEREMONIES | 12:30 p.m.
Join MC York Bell-Smith for our annual welcome at the Bandshell in Victoria Park

ACTIVITIES + ENTERTAINMENT | 1:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
We will have a full slate of fun at Victoria Park and on stage at the Bandshell

MIDWAY IN THE PARK | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Take a break from shopping for some classic midway fun in Victoria Park.

REFRESHMENT TENT | 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Get out of the sun and enjoy a cold beverage while you watch festival-goers and listen to the music from the bandshell.

ROTARY ENTERTAINMENT ON THE ESPLANADE | 12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Take a break from the tents and enjoy some refreshments and music on the Esplanade.

BANDSHELL ENTERTAINMENT | 1:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a full afternoon and evening of music and entertainment.

FIREWORKS | Beginning at 10:00 p.m.
Don't miss the traditional fireworks extravaganza over the harbour and marina. Get your seat on the beach and look up to be amazed.

SHUTTLE SERVICE | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (after the fireworks)
Instead of worrying about finding (and paying for) a parking spot within walking distance from the festival, consider using our FREE shuttle service. Shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes.

As the Waterfront Festival is not a pet-friendly event, only service animals will be permitted to ride the shuttles.

Shuttle Stops
Northumberland Mall | Bus Shelter
Cobourg Community Centre | Bus Stop
Downtown Terminal | 35 Albert Street
Cobourg Marina

BREAKFAST IN THE PARK | 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce.

ROTARY HARBOURARTS | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stroll through the vendors in the Rotary HarbourArts Tents.

FESTIVAL TENTS AND MARKETPLACE | 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Stroll through the Lions Marketplace and find your favourite vendors.

MIDWAY IN THE PARK | 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Take a break from shopping for some classic midway fun in Victoria Park.

REFRESHMENT TENT | 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Get out of the sun and enjoy a cold beverage while you watch festival-goers and listen to the music from the bandshell.

LIONS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BANDSHELL | 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Bring a chair or a blanket and take a break from the marketplace and enjoy some entertainment on the bandshell stage.

ROTARY ENTERTAINMENT ON THE ESPLANADE | 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Take a break from the tents and enjoy some refreshments and music on the Esplanade.

SHUTTLE SERVICE | 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Instead of worrying about finding (and paying for) a parking spot within walking distance from the festival, consider using our FREE shuttle service. Shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes.

As the Waterfront Festival is not a pet-friendly event, only service animals will be permitted to ride the shuttles.

Shuttle Stops
Northumberland Mall | Bus Shelter
Cobourg Community Centre | Bus Stop
Downtown Terminal | 35 Albert Street
Cobourg Marina

BREAKFAST IN THE PARK | 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce.

ROTARY HARBOURARTS | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stroll through the vendors in the Rotary HarbourArts Tents.

FESTIVAL TENTS AND MARKETPLACE | 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Stroll through the Lions Marketplace and find your favourite vendors.

MIDWAY IN THE PARK | 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Take a break from shopping for some classic midway fun in Victoria Park.

REFRESHMENT TENT | 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Get out of the sun and enjoy a cold beverage while you watch festival-goers and listen to the music from the bandshell.

LIONS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BANDSHELL | 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Bring a chair or a blanket and take a break from the marketplace and enjoy some entertainment on the bandshell stage.

ROTARY ENTERTAINMENT ON THE ESPLANADE | 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Take a break from the tents and enjoy some refreshments and music on the Esplanade.

SHUTTLE SERVICE | 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Instead of worrying about finding (and paying for) a parking spot within walking distance from the festival, consider using our FREE shuttle service. Shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes.

As the Waterfront Festival is not a pet-friendly event, only service animals will be permitted to ride the shuttles.

Shuttle Stops
Northumberland Mall | Bus Shelter
Cobourg Community Centre | Bus Stop
Downtown Terminal | 35 Albert Street
Cobourg Marina

ROTARY HARBOURARTS | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Stroll through the vendors in the Rotary HarbourArts Tents.

ROTARY ENTERTAINMENT ON THE ESPLANADE | 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Take a break from the tents and enjoy some refreshments and music on the Esplanade.

3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Scott Bolger & Graham Saywell
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. | Wicklow

The History of the Waterfront Festival

The Cobourg Waterfront Festival began in 1967 as a modest art and craft show on Victoria Beach, celebrating Canada's Centennial with a fireworks display organized by local firefighters. In 1987, the Cobourg Rotary Club and Lions Club, along with a dedicated volunteer committee, revitalized and expanded the event. Today, it stands as one of Ontario's largest summer festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Held annually over the Canada Day long weekend, the festival features a blend of arts and crafts, live entertainment, amusement rides, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display. It's a cherished tradition that continues to unite the Cobourg community and visitors in celebration.

 

JOIN US AT THE ROTARY HARBOURFRONT PARK FOR A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE FROM 12:30pm - 5:00pm

A vibrant showcase of music, dance, and culture from around the world, right here in Cobourg!

Join us on Canada Day from 12:30 to 5 pm for a joyful celebration of the many cultures that make up our community and country.

Set against the backdrop of the Cobourg Waterfront Festival around the pond at Victoria Park, this afternoon of live performances brings together music, dance, and traditions from across the globe.

It’s a celebration for all ages — dance along, explore new cultures, enjoy incredible performances, and celebrate Canada Day together by the waterfront.

Additional Information

This festival is often hot and busy so we ask that you leave your pets at home to enjoy the air conditioning. Although we love your furry friends as much as you do, pets are not recommened in Victoria Park and Rotary Harbourfront Park during this event, other than service animals in compliance with the Customer Service Standard under the AODA.

This Festival policy is in place for the safety of the vendors, attendees and your pet. Pets, even very social and friendly ones, can react poorly when in large crowds. These events can even be stressful to them. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including your pet, we ask that you keep them at home when attending the Cobourg Waterfront Festival.

Parking is limited on the waterfront and downtown, we recommend taking one of the free shuttles, ride share or biking if possible.

If you would rather not think about where you’re going to park while you enjoy your time at the Festival, you can park your car for free at the Northumberland Mall at 111 Elgin Street West or at the Cobourg Community Centre, 750 D’Arcy Street and catch a complimentary shuttle to and from the Festival.

The shuttle stops approximately every 30 minutes at each of the below destinations during the festival and will bring you right to the festival or back to your vehicle. Please remember that traffic and wait times are beyond the shuttle driver’s control.

As the Festival is not a pet-friendly event, ONLY service animals will be permitted to ride the shuttles.

SHUTTLE STOPS

Northumberland Mall | Bus Shelter

Cobourg Community Centre | Bus Stop

Downtown Terminal | East of Church Street

Cobourg Marina

Saturday, June 27
9:30am – 10pm

Sunday, June 28
9:30am – 10pm

Monday, June 29
9:30am – 10pm

Tuesday, June 30
9:30am – 10pm

Wednesday, July 1st
9:30am – 11pm
(after the fireworks)

Your safety is our top priority! Please take a moment to review the following guidelines and resources to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Festival Rules:

No weapons, illegal substances, or fireworks are allowed on festival grounds.

Glass containers and outside alcohol are prohibited unless purchased from authorized vendors.

Please follow all instructions from festival staff, security personnel, and emergency responders.

Emergency Services:

First aid stations are located at Victoria Park beside the Bandshell If you or someone with you needs medical assistance, please head to these stations or notify the nearest staff member.

In case of emergency, dial 911 immediately and alert festival staff.

Lost & Found:

Lost items can be reported or picked up at the Information Booth near the Cobourg Beach in Victoria Park and at the Cobourg Marina.

If you become separated from your group, please arrange a designated meeting spot in advance.

Personal Safety Tips:

Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.

Stay hydrated and seek shade or rest if needed.

If you see suspicious activity or someone in distress, notify a staff member or security immediately.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Enjoy the festival!

Victoria Park Campground

Downtown Cobourg

Marina

Winner of the Northumberland Spirit Award in 2025 for Best Festival

The Cobourg Waterfront Festival was honoured to win the Spirit award for best festival. Make sure you're at the festival at the end of June. You don't want to miss the overwhelming display of community spirit.

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