Barrie 
Gear up for a weekend of family-friendly festivities at Midland Town Harbour from August 16 to 18. Whether you’re a fan of tugging competitions, live music, or indulging in delectable BBQ, the Tugboat Festival and Midland Rib & Beer Fest promise a weekend packed with unforgettable memories.
Credit: Tugfest Georgian Bay
The picturesque Midland Town Harbour will host the 2024 edition of the Georgian Bay Tugboat Festival on August 17 from 10 am to 4 pm.
Kicking off the festival is the impressive Tugboat Parade of Lights scheduled for the evening of August 16th. The Parade of Lights at dusk provides a brilliant display along the Midland Harbour.
The festival’s Saturday schedule is packed with engaging activities centred around the area’s tugboat heritage. Highlights include tug races, tug push contests, and demonstrations, all taking place at the harbour. For those interested in a closer look at these maritime workhorses, select tugboats will be open for tours from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors can enjoy live performances, including the Neema Choir and 93 North Band, who will entertain the crowd at the Midland Town Dock from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday.
Artisans and vendors will also be present throughout the day at David Onley Park and the dock areas, offering local crafts and treats.
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Simultaneously, Harbourside Park will sizzle with the Midland Rib & Beer Festival. Relish BBQ favourites from pork ribs to blooming onions, complemented by treats like Jolly Rancher slushies and fresh lemonade. Diverse musical themes daily, including ‘Country Night,’ ‘Rock the Park,’ and ‘Music Mash-Up,’ guarantee toe-tapping fun. Entrance is just $2, with children under 12 admitted for free.
The entire family can also enjoy carnival rides, games, and delightful treats like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and deep-fried candy bars at the Midway Carnival.
These festivals take place at the Midland Town Dock Pier and Harbourside Park, providing stunning views of Georgian Bay.
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Tugboat Festival & Midland Rib & Beer Festival
Credit: Emerson Vieira
When:
Friday, August 16, 2024
— 4:00pm – 11:00pm| Midland Rib & Beer Festival @ Harbourside Park
— 4:00pm – 11:00pm | Midway Carnival @ Midland Town Dock
— 3:00pm – 9:00pm | Tugboat Fest @ David Onley Park
— Dusk | Parade of Lights @ Midland Harbour
Saturday, August 17, 2024
— 10:00am – 5:00pm | Tugboat Fest @ Midland Town Dock
— 11:00am – 11:00pm | Midland Rib & Beer Festival @ Harbourside Park
— 11:00am – 11:00pm | Midway Carnival @ Midland Town Dock
Sunday, August 18, 2024
— 10:00am – 5:00pm | Tugboat Fest @ Midland Town Dock
— 11:00am – 7:00pm | Midland Rib & Beer Festival @ Harbourside Park
— 11:00am – 7:00pm | Midway Carnival @ Midland Town Dock
How Much:
Tugboat Fest: Free Admission
Ribfest: $2
Where: Midland Town Dock, 171 King St, Midland
Harbourside Park/David Onley Park, 475 Bayshore Dr, Midland
