2025 Kincardine Ontario Festivals & Events Guide

Get ready for a summer filled with excitement in Kincardine, Ontario! In 2025, this town will be alive with colorful festivals and engaging community events that showcase the area's cherished culture, history, and diversity. From lively Highland Games to quirky cardboard boat races, there’s truly something for everyone. This guide highlights the must-see events that you won’t want to miss!

Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games

When: July 4-6, 2025

Join in celebrating over 25 years of All Things Scottish from July 4-6, 2025. The festival

Mark your calendars and start planning your trip to Kincardine, and if you're a local, get your kilts ready! We will continuously update our Music and Entertainment page with bands and the Events Page with activities happening throughout the weekend.

The Scottish Festival board is working hard to create an exciting lineup featuring Scottish music and performances for everyone. We are also looking for vendors to join us at the festival.

Kincardine’s annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games is a highlight of the summer. This event turns the town into a celebration of Scottish culture, featuring traditional Highland dancing and the iconic caber toss, where athletes compete in thrilling showcases of strength and skill.

The festival opens with a vibrant Pipe Band Parade, where over 15 marching bands march proudly in their kilts, filling downtown with pulsating music and lively energy. This spectacle draws hundreds of attendees, making it a visually stunning and heartwarming event.

As the festival progresses, participants can enjoy the Gathering of the Bands, where multiple pipe bands unite for powerful performances. The festival also boasts delicious Scottish delicacies like haggis, neeps, and tatties, alongside cultural workshops where visitors can learn Scottish dancing or play traditional instruments.

KCF Cardboard Boat Regatta

When: Summer 2025 (often July/August)

For those looking for a fun twist on summer activities, the KCF Cardboard Boat Regatta is essential. Teams of all ages come together to race their handmade cardboard boats at Station Beach. Each boat is uniquely styled, often leading to unexpected humorous designs and a lively atmosphere.

More than just speed, participants can win awards for fun categories like "most spectacular sink" and "most creative design." Last year, over 30 teams participated, with hundreds of spectators cheering on as boats splashed into the water, some even humorously capsizing. It’s an event full of laughter, community spirit, and creativity.

Market in the Park

When: Weekly, summer months (June–August 2025)

If you're in Kincardine during the summer, the Market in the Park provides a delightful weekly experience. Local artisans, farmers, and food trucks gather in the town's charming parks, bringing fresh produce and handcrafted goods for visitors to enjoy.

This market isn’t just about shopping; it’s a social event where community members can connect over live music and delicious local eats. In 2023, the market supported over 50 local vendors and drew an average of 300 visitors each week, showcasing the best of Kincardine’s summer spirit.

Kincardine Cruise Nights

When: Monthly, summer evenings (June–September 2025)

Kincardine Cruise Nights is a cherished event where classic cars take over Queen Street in a heartwarming display of automotive history. Vintage vehicles gleam under the summer sun, reminding attendees of days gone by.

These evenings feature live retro music, enticing food vendors, and plenty of retro-themed activities for car enthusiasts. In 2023, more than 100 classic cars participated each month, and attendees reported it as a joyful experience—nearly 80% of attendees stated they would return for the next year.

Kincardine Marine Heritage Festival

When: August 2025 (dates vary)

In August, Kincardine hosts the Marine Heritage Festival, celebrating the town's rich maritime history tied to Lake Huron. Visitors can engage in activities like boat tours, fishing contests, and storytelling that highlight Kincardine's nautical past.

This festival not only provides entertainment but also educates the community about its heritage. Last year, over 1,000 attendees participated, showcasing the town’s strong connection to maritime traditions.

Teddy Bear Parade

When: Typically July/August 2025 (aligned with summer festivals)

The Teddy Bear Parade is an adorable highlight for children. Kids are encouraged to bring their beloved teddy bears and march through town, creating a delightful scene filled with laughter and joy.

This event often concludes with family-friendly activities like face painting, picnics, and teddy bear-themed games, offering a fantastic day out for all ages and fostering a sense of community.

Kincardine Pride

When: June or August 2025 (exact month TBD)

Kincardine Pride has become a significant fixture on the summer calendar. This vibrant festival celebrates LGBTQ+ visibility and community solidarity through rainbow-themed parades, performances, and various workshops.

In 2023, the event showcased over 40 local artists and drew an impressive turnout, marking a growing commitment to inclusivity in the community. Stay updated on the exact dates for 2025 by following local announcements, as this event continues to enhance the spirit of acceptance in Kincardine.

Important Considerations

As you plan your visit to Kincardine for the festivals in 2025, keep these points in mind:

1. Ongoing Events: The Market in the Park and Kincardine Cruise Nights are recurring events. Be sure to check Kincardine Tourism for the latest schedules.

   
   

2. Festival Highlights: Popular components like the Pipe Band Parade and Gathering of the Bands are essential parts of the Scottish Festival and shouldn't be missed.

   
   

Embrace the Spirit of Kincardine

Kincardine offers an exciting blend of festivals and events in 2025 that capture the community's vibrant spirit and rich culture. Whether you're dressed in a kilt for the Highland Games, navigating a cardboard boat, or marching in the Teddy Bear Parade, memorable experiences await.

Mark your calendars for a summer brimming with excitement in Kincardine, where each festival invites you to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the warmth of the community. Whether it’s honoring Scottish heritage, engaging with local arts, or showing support for inclusivity, Kincardine welcomes everyone with open arms.

Plan Your Stay: Experience Kincardine’s 2025 Festivals with Maple Leaf Inn

Discover why Kincardine, Ontario, is the perfect getaway for culture, history, and family fun.

Kincardine’s 2025 festival lineup promises unforgettable memories—from the roar of bagpipes at the Scottish Festival and Highland Games to the whimsical creativity of the Cardboard Boat Regatta. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or family traveler, here’s how to make the most of your trip:

Why Stay at Maple Leaf Inn?

Prime Location: Just minutes from downtown Kincardine and Lake Huron, our inn offers easy access to events like the Pipe Band Parade, Market in the Park, and Marine Heritage Festival.

Cozy Comfort: Relax in heritage-inspired rooms after a day of exploring. Enjoy our complimentary breakfast before heading to the Teddy Bear Parade or Kincardine Pride celebrations.

Local Expertise: Our team can help you plan your itinerary, secure event tickets, and recommend hidden gems (like the best fish tacos near the harbor!).

Eat Locally: Find our local food guide which includes restaurant for any occasion, whether it's going out for date night or don't want to cook.