2026 Summer in Sudbury: 50+ Activities, Festivals, & Free Fun

From outdoor concerts to glorious hikes in the woods, there is plenty to do in and around Sudbury for a fun-filled summer!

Credit: © Destination Ontario

Here is a list of festivals, summer events, nature fun, water activities and more to enjoy in Greater Sudbury this summer.

I. Events and Festivals

EARTH WORKS: Where Art Meets Action

Earth Works brings the powerful visual storytelling of Benjamin Von Wong to life through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences focused on planetary health. Blending art, science, creativity, and hands-on learning, this family-friendly exhibit inspires curiosity, conversation, and action toward a more sustainable future. Details

Opening June 19, 2026

Taste of Asia

Flo Rida brings his chart-topping hits to the Sudbury Community Arena for a high-energy summer concert. Fans can expect favourites like “Low,” “Good Feeling,” “My House,” and more from the five-time Grammy-nominated artist. Details

June 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Flo Rida

Flo Rida brings his chart-topping hits to the Sudbury Community Arena for a high-energy summer concert. Fans can expect favourites like “Low,” “Good Feeling,” “My House,” and more from the five-time Grammy-nominated artist. Details

June 26, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Italian Festival

The Società Caruso’s Italian Festival is an annual celebration featuring regional Italian food, performances, music, and activities. Details

TBA; July 3 – 6, 2025

Under Pressure: The Music of Bowie & Queen

Under Pressure: The Music of Bowie & Queen brings a bold theatrical concert experience to The Refettorio in Greater Sudbury. This all-ages show celebrates the hits, collaborations, and unforgettable sounds of two legendary artists with powerhouse vocals and summer-night energy. Details

June 9 – July 4, 2026

Japan Festival

Celebrate Japanese culture at the Bell Park Amphitheatre. The festival will showcase Japanese traditional drums, dance, martial arts, and more! Details

July 18, 2026 | 11 AM – 5 PM

Northern Lights Festival Boreal

This is a signature music & arts festival of Northern Ontario as well as one of Canada’s longest consecutively running music festivals. In addition to a great musical line-up, there are historical activities, visual arts, artisans and vendors, food offerings, creative family activities, and more. Details

July 10 – 12, 2026

Free Summer Concerts

Summer means outdoor concerts.. Check out local music happening at various locations throughout Sudbury.

Sudbury Gem & Mineral Show

Northern Ontario’s largest gem, mineral, fossil, rock, jewellery, bead and lapidary arts show featuring dealers, displays, demonstrations, silent auction, video theatre, kid’s activities, outdoor vendors, a field trip, and metal detecting and prospecting demonstrations. Details

July 17 – 19, 2026

MABUHAY! Philippine Festival

Join us for MABUHAY SUDBURY, a celebration of Filipino culture featuring food, performances, and more at Grace Hartman Amphitheatre. Enjoy a talent showcase, opening ceremonies, games, dance contests, singing contests, a fashion show, food, and merchandise booths. Details

July 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Dallas Smith

Dallas Smith performs live with special guest Hailey Benedict at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre at Bell Park in Sudbury. The award-winning Canadian country star brings his hit-filled career to the stage for an evening of live country music. Details

July 16, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Come From Away

Come From Away comes to Sudbury Theatre Centre with the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the Newfoundland town that welcomed them. This breathtaking musical celebrates courage, kindness, music, and the lasting friendships formed in an extraordinary moment. Details

July 6 – August 8, 2026

Greek Festival

Join us for the Sudbury Greek Festival at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Celebrate 33 years with authentic Greek food, traditional dancing, and imported Greek beer. Enjoy a variety of events including live music, DJ-hosted night celebrations, and family-friendly activities, all with free admission. Details

July 2026; dates TBA

Canada Day at Science North

Come and witness the amazing local talents on the main stage, visit the local vendors in the market, or try out one of the many treats and activities planned for this full day event. be sure to stick around for the dazzling drone show! Details

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Lungs

Lungs comes to The Refettorio in Greater Sudbury with a smart, funny, and emotional drama about a couple considering parenthood in an uncertain world. Directed by Order of Canada recipient Richard Rose, the play explores love, change, hope, betrayal, and the difficult questions that shape a relationship. Details

August 4 – 29, 2026

Sudbury Comicon by POP Culture Canada

Join us for Sudbury Comicon at Garson Community Centre / Arena. A variety of vendors will be selling comic books, new & vintage toys, jewelry, anime, prints, and a variety of other awesome geek stuff . There will even be some Artists & Authors present with their own art, books and comics. Visit their booths and get some unique items and even some free autographs!! Details

August 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sudbury Camino

The Sudbury Camino is a 30 km hiking route inspired by the famous Camino de Santiago. Following the Trans Canada Trail, it offers a unique way to explore Sudbury’s trails, lakes, and neighbourhoods. Details

August 15, 2026

Sudbury Poutine Fest

Enjoy a weekend of potatoes, cheese, live music, and entertainment at the Sudbury Poutine Fest. Details

TBA; August 1 – 3, 2025

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams brings his Roll With The Punches Tour to the Sudbury Community Arena with special guest Lights. Fans can look forward to new music alongside timeless classics like “Summer of ’69,” “Heaven,” “Run to You,” and more. Details

August 31, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Celebrate Afro Culture

Afrofest Sudbury is a free outdoor community festival that celebrates Afro culture through music, food, dance, fashion, art and craft. Details

August 21 – 22, 2026

Sudbury Fun Fest

Sudbury Fun Fest is a free family festival filled with activities, vendors, food, entertainment, and community fun all weekend long. Families can enjoy a massive kids zone, local vendors, family activities, food vendors, fireworks, and attractions for all ages. Details

August 14 – 16, 2026

Up Here 12

Up Here is an independent urban art & emerging music festival. Every summer, Up Here brings together dozens of muralists, musicians and installation artists to transform downtown Sudbury into an urban art gallery. Details

August  14-16, 2026

Sudbury RibFest

Sudbury RibFest takes place at Bell Park’s Grace Hartman Amphitheatre during the Labour Day long weekend. There will be six professional rib teams, various food vendors, licensed refreshments, a family zone, and live music. Details

September 4-6, 2026

Jazz Festival

Enjoy an eclectic lineup of the finest jazz, blues, and world music artists. Details

 September 2026; dates TBA

Valley East Days Festival

The 49th Annual Valley East Days returns to Hanmer with a full weekend of community celebration and two major nights of live music. Country Night features Andrew Hyatt, Larry Berrio, and Tyson Ranger, while Rock Night brings Big Sugar, Just Leppard, and Green’d D’eh to the stage. Details

September 11 – 13, 2026

Cinéfest International Film Festival

A nine-day festival that showcases high-calibre film programming to a broad audience of cinephiles, filmmakers, and industry delegates. Details

September 19-27, 2026

Activities in (and around) Sudbury

William Ramsey Cruise

The William Ramsey is back for 2026 season and offers a one-hour cruise on Sudbury’s Ramsey Lake, featuring scenic views, lakefront homes, and sailboats. The boat is accessible, family-friendly, and equipped with washrooms and a snack bar. With space for 50 passengers, it sails rain or shine, and kids can try steering with Captain Rob’s help. Details

As the days get warmer, Sudbury’s most popular park starts to become a hot-spot for getting active or simply relaxing. The natural landscapes are a perfect setting for a quaint picnic by the water.

Go for a picnic at Bell Park

As the days get warmer, Sudbury’s most popular park starts to become a hot-spot for getting active or simply relaxing. The natural landscapes are a perfect setting for a quaint picnic by the water.

Explore Lake Laurentian Conservation Area

This conservation area has a remote tranquillity. With scenic lookouts, nature trails, and areas to view its fauna, it is an endless opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of summer’s nature. Located just minutes away from downtown Sudbury,  Lake Laurentian Conservation Area is a great place to observe wildflowers, wildlife, fish, and bird watch. Bring along your watercraft to the Ramsey Lake launch and cruise along the shore. Details

Take a Walk

Greater Sudbury is a nature-lover’s paradise with amazing scenery and many trails to discover. Maps of the trails in the region can also be picked up from trail maps at Citizen Service Centres, Greater Sudbury Public Library branches, local sports stores, and tourism brochure racks throughout the city. Details

Enjoy a beer and a bite to eat at the Laughing Buddha

Take your grub out to the crimson-brick courtyard and chill out with friends on a hot summer’s day. Food and drink are affordable and delicious, with an extensive selection of over 100 beers. Details

A game of mini-golf

Spend a memorable day playing unique mini-golf courses at the Dinosaur Valley Mini Golf. Details

Scale the wall at ARC Climbing

Focusing on rock climbing and yoga, this facility features 7000 square feet of space for rock climbing that go up to 35-feet in height. Whether you’re a first-time climber or a climbing veteran, ARC climbing accommodates all. Details

Go sailing or kayaking on Kukagami Lake

Rent a log cabin on Kukagami Lake and enjoy the calm and relaxed atmosphere. Lodges offer home-cooked meals in a dining hall, ideal after time out on the water canoeing, sailing, fishing, or kayaking. Details

Try your hand at Axe Throwing at Northern Axperts

If you think you’ve tried it all, Northern Axperts is for those that actively seek out adrenaline and adventure. Axe throwing seems to be the new archery in the modern day, but isn’t your average afternoon activity. Details

Have an indoor adventure

Head over to KUPP Centre Indoor Playground + Laser Tag for some fun! They have soft play structures, a toddler soft play area, and laser tag. Details

Birdwatch at the Fielding Bird Sanctuary

Walking the Kelly Lake Trail will lead you to the Fielding Bird Sanctuary, which offers awe-inspiring views of the lake and plenty of friendly critters and birds to identify. Details

Dine out

Wine and dine outdoors this summer at Sudbury’s outdoor patios. Head over to your favourite or nearest patio and savour some of the best food and drink the city has to offer.

Rent a cabin from the Agnew Lake Lodge

Whether you’re looking for a camping experience or cabin-stay, Agnew Lake Lodge (an hour West of Sudbury) provides spacious campsites and comfortable cabins that complement a fishing or hunting getaway in both the summer and winter months. Details

See Sunflower Fields Corn Mazes

A visit to a sunflower farm is surely a cause for a smile, photo ops, and plenty of sunshine. Walk on a path through a sea of yellow flowers and purchase a specialty product from a store on-site to commemorate your summer experience.  In Ontario, these flowers bloom for about two weeks only from early to late August/early September. Details

A Night of Stargazing

Watch the stars and wonder at the celestial splendor. Stargazing is not fun as well as relaxing. Lie back in your own backyard or in a dark sky area near you and take in the awe-inspiring star-filled night sky. Details

Enjoy Camping

Experience nature and camp outside! Camping is available at campgrounds and trailer parks owned and operated by the City of Greater Sudbury. Details

Planetarium Live Shows

Science North’s Planetarium offers immersive all-ages shows using digital technology, surround sound, and an 8.4-metre dome screen to explore stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe. Visitors can experience Space Exploration Live Show, led by Science North Bluecoats, and Wilfred Buck’s Star Stories, a powerful dome presentation sharing Cree star knowledge, astronomy, and teachings about the night sky. Details

Go tubing with Chillin’ N Tubing

From the bus trip to Vermillion River, to wading in the water in a tube float, a day trip with Chillin’ N Tubing is an all-around great summer experience. The slow current allows you to seamlessly float and enjoy the sunshine and scenery. Details

You might like: 9 Places to Go Lazy River Floating or Tubing in Ontario

Visit the Science North Science Centre

Considered Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction, the Science North Science Centre is a place that combines fun and education with its IMAX theatre, digital Planetarium, and special exhibitions dedicated to the most important aspects of science. Details

Explore the Dynamic Earth Centre

The Science North Science Centre’s sister, Dynamic Earth is an earth sciences centre that focuses on Northern Ontario’s geological history and brings attention to Sudbury’s mining heritage. Your younger kids will also love to spend time in the outdoor science park. Details

Mural tour is on

Go on a self-guided mural tour with the official Up Here app. Details

Immerse yourself in nature at the AY Jackson Lookout

Overlooking High Falls tumbling into the Sudbury Basin, this famous local lookout was named after Alexander Young Jackson – a Canadian painter whose imagination was heavily inspired by this location’s scenery. Details

Try Sudbury’s signature dish – “Porketta”

A twist on an Italian dish – Porchetta, Sudbury uses the term “Porketta” to describe seasoned roast pork. This city-wide obsession pushed the Beef and Bird restaurant to start the now well-known Porketta Bingo on Saturday afternoons. Details

Paddle the Crowley Lake

Located on the southern side of the city’s largest park, Crowley Lake is Kivi Park’s hidden gem. Rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP and explore this 43-hectare lake. Details

Grab an iced coffee at Old Rock Coffee

It’s summertime, and you know that means iced coffee. Old Rock Coffee is an award-winning roaster and coffee shop in Northern Ontario, serving a delicious iced coffee with cream and a shot of vanilla to sweeten up your day. Details

Look for a good summer read at Bay Used Books

It’s no secret that used books possess their own sort of unique charm in the literature world. At Bay Used Books, you can buy or even rent books to read throughout the summer – whether you read at the park to bask in the sun, or at home before bed. Details

Visit the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre

This hidden gem of a museum focuses on paying homage to the heritage of northern Ontario and the history of the mining, lumber, and railroading industry. Details

Relax at the Fielding Memorial Park

This quaint, well-kept park boasts beautiful flora, chirping birds, and green field surroundings. Popular for weddings and special events, the park contains a deck and walking trails that create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

Visit the animals at Northern Exotics

Northern Exotics is somewhat of a shelter for exotic pets such as bearded dragons and snakes. Exposing the public to these kind and interesting creatures, they aim to demonstrate the importance of care and the importance of simulating an animal’s natural habitat in their over 80 exhibitions. Details

Go go-karting at Sudbury Kartways

The Sudbury Kartways is a go-kart space that offers single and double seater go-karts for your racing pleasure. Staff are dedicated to ensuring a safe and fun time, and the site additionally offers a batting cage and mini-golf experience. Details

Go paintballing

Home to five different fields, each with their unique challenges, Bickel City Paintball really tests your team’s paintball abilities. Details

Get pampered at La Renaissance Day Spa

La Renaissance Day Spa and Beauty Studio is a luxury spa in Sudbury, bringing a new meaning to relaxation and pamper. Indulge in an elegant spa experience by yourself, with your partner, or with friends! Details

Lie on the sand at Moonlight Beach

A popular Sudburian destination in the summer months, Moonlight Beach is a family-friendly beach with a few trees to catch the shade, a great swimming area, and plenty of walking trails. Relax on the sand and view some beautiful sunsets this summer!

Enjoy Boating

There are several boat launches in Greater Sudbury. Head to your nearest one and enjoy a day out in the water. Details

Book a Tee Time

Golf courses are open to enjoy! Book your tee time and have fun. Details

Sip on some craft beer at Stack Brewing

This modern craft brewery opened its doors to the community in 2013. Their wonderful craft beers won then several provincial and national awards, and they continue to expand and grow, winning over the hearts of beer lovers with their unique offerings. Details

Explore the city on a bicycle

For your next outdoor adventure, explore the city’s non-motorize trails. There are many trails of varying lengths to choose from. Details

Geocaching

For a treasure hunt-like experience try geocaching! Chances are there are some geocaches near you. Create a free account to get started. Details

Pick-your-own farms

What can be more wonderful than enjoying freshly picked berries and fruits. Check out Ruby Berry Farms to enjoy fresh strawberries and a fun family outing. Details

Visit Ontario Parks

Be it to enjoy a walk or relax in the outdoors, fish or enjoy boating, provincial parks are great places to spend your time.

Kivi Park

Trying to get a unique summer picture for your Instagram? Fear not. Kivi Park’s Inukshuk Lookout is the ideal spot to check out the natural panoramas of Canadian nature, practice your rock-stacking abilities, and get that perfect shot. Details

Purchase some goods at The Market

Open from June through October, the Sudbury farmer’s market is a great destination for crafters, artisans, entertainers, food vendors, and local producers, and those looking to purchase from them. The Market is held every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm at 40 Elm Street and Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm at the corner of York/Paris Streets. Details

Pick your own vegetables at Josephine’s Vegetables

Fresh, no-herbicide vegetables have been picked at Josephine’s Vegetable Farm since the early 1980s. Over 60 different vegetables are grown here, including cabbage, broccoli, and rhubarb. Details

Have an Adventure

Make memories with the whole family at Urban Air Adventure Park. Details

Cool off at the Beach

Dip your toes in the sand and cool off the summer heat at the beaches in Sudbury. Details

Explore Ontario

View Comments (1)

  • Great to have these things to enjoy while visiting or liveing in this place . Thank you Greater Sudbury for these Great ideas to enjoy & spend a wonderful time weather inside or out .

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