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Festivals & Events

Explore Brockville by Enjoying our Weekly Summer Events 2016

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Brockville is an amazing city to visit and enjoy, especially during the summer months when hanging out by the waterfront is the best place to be.
No matter which day you choose to visit Brockville, there is always something to see and do. Take advantage of the many weekly activities during the summer months to add onto your visit to help you make the most of your stay, and get to know the people who call Brockville home.

Weekly Summer Events Line up

Tuesdays:

Brockville Farmers’ Market 8:00 am-12 noon (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
Market Street West

Wednesdays:

Summer Music Series at Fulford Place Museum 12 noon- 1:00 pm (July 6-August 24)
July 6 and August 3: The Silvertones bring back your favourite hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s with their guitar-infused melodies and rich harmonies.
July 13: RiverWinds, a woodwind ensemble formed by members of the Brockville Concert Band, presents a mix of classical, folk and popular selections.
July 20: The Hoolies blend a range of sounds, from guitar and keyboard to bodhrán and Irish whistle, into toe-tapping tunes and beautiful Celtic airs.
July 27: Caroline Hosick, a seasoned theatre, small-group and solo performer in Brockville, performs blues and jazz standards accompanied by Alan Ogborne of the 1000 Islands Jazz Trio and Brockville Concert Band.
August 10 and 24: The Castle Minstrels take you on a journey through time with a lively mix of Celtic and Canadian Old Time tunes.
August 17: Sue Baker, a versatile vocalist who performed to sold-out crowds at the Thousand Islands Jazz and Blues Festivals, performs jazz standards with Alan Ogborne. Sue and Alan are part of the 1000 Islands Jazz Trio.

Thursdays:

Brockville Farmers’ Market 8:00 am-12 noon (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
Market Street West
Brockville Movies in the Park 6:00 pm activities open, movies start at dusk
Hardy Park
July 7: Kung Fu Panda 3
July 14: Hotel Transylvania 2
July 21: Zootopia
July 28: The Jungle Book
August 11: The Good Dinosaur
August 18: Jurassic World
Sept 1: Grease

Fridays:

Brockville’s Criminal Past Walking Tour 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm (July 1-September 2)
Brockville Museum, 5 Henry St.
This 90 minute guided tour led by the Brockville Museum will mesmerize visitors and locals alike on a walk making a circuit from the Brockville Museum to the courthouse and back. $6 ticket price includes admission to the Brockville Museum

Saturdays:

Brockville Farmers’ Market 8:00 am-12 noon (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
Market Street West
Yoga in the Park 10:30 am
Hardy Park

Sundays:

Concerts in the Park 7:00 pm in July, 6:30 pm in August
Hardy Park Gazebo
Join us on Sunday nights in July and August and enjoy live music by local talent on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, bring your picnic blanket or lawn chair.
July 3, 7pm: The Maple Leaf Brass Band
July 10, 7pm: The Brockville Concert Band
July 17, 7pm: Alexander’s Big Time Band
July 24, 7pm: The Seaway Winds
July 31, 7pm: Sue Baker and the 1000 Islands Jazz Trio
August 14, 6:30pm: Fiddlers Plus
August 21, 6:30pm: County Road 5
August 28, 6:30pm: Chris Coyea, Alex Fleuriau Chateau, Chris Cennon, James MacKenzie
 

Brockville Arts Centre 2016 Pricedex Summer Series

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Every summer the Brockville Arts Centre hosts a summer series of tribute artists who emulate some of the greatest musical performers of our time.
This year’s series line-up includes:
Legends of Las Vegas: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin
featuring the Vegas North Orchestra
June 29 at 8pm
June 30 at 2pm & 8pm
The Highwaymen Tribute: Willie, Waylon & Johnny
July 13 at 8pm
July 14 at 2pm & 8pm
Night Fever: The Bee Gees Show
July 27 at 8pm
July 28 at 2pm & 8pm
Wichita Lineman: The Music of Glen Campbell
August 10 at 8pm
August 11 at 2pm & 8pm
Simply Queen: A Tribute to Queen
August 24 at 8pm & August 25 at 2pm & 8pm
Honky Tonk Gal: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn
September 14 at 8pm
September 15 at 2pm & 8pm

Ticket Prices:

Single Ticket $31.50+HST
3 Show Pack $88.50+HST
4 Show Pack $108.50+HST
5 Show Pack $128.50+HST
6 Show Pack $148.50+HST

Box Office:

Brockville Arts Centre 613-342-7122 or 1-877-342-7122
brockvilleartscentre.com
Order online at bactickets.ca

About the venue:

Located in the world famous 1000 Islands region, the Brockville Arts Centre presents some of the best Live Theatre and Live Entertainment concerts in Eastern Ontario and the 1000 Islands. This beautifully restored heritage theatre is well known for its comfort, friendly staff and fine acoustics. The venue is fully accessible, licensed by the LLBO and has plenty of free parking.

Canada Day 2016 in Brockville

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Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day Celebrations (and other activities on July 1st)

Brockville

8:00 amCanada Day Run – 1K Kids Run – Blockhouse Islandfree
9:00 amCanada Day Run – 5K – Blockhouse Island
Contact: 613-342-5893 swift@ripnet.com		$10-$20
11:00 am-11:00 pmStrawBEARy Festival – Hardy Park
Enjoy bbqs, cotton candy, strawberry shortcake, fresh strawberry smoothies, fresh berries and much more. Food and craft vendors, entertainment, Teddy Bear Parade and other children’s activities.
Contact: 613-498-1803 anniefrancois4@gmail.com		free
11:45 amCanada Day Parade – down King Street free
12 noonSinging of the National Anthem and Cake Cutting Ceremony – on Court House Green free
2:00 pm & 6:30 pmRockstar Milot Land Tour – Freestyle Motocross – Water Street Parking Lot
Limited capacity, tickets available online. Enjoy a 35 minute free style motocross stunt show. Live bands all day and into the evening plus a free kids zone. One $15 festival weekend pass gives you access to all 1000 Islands Regatta events (including Kim Mitchell June 30th)
www.1000islandsregatta.com		 $15 weekend pass
3:00 pm & 7:00 pmBrockville’s Criminal Past Historical Walking Tour – Brockville Museum
For those that dare, hear the story of one of Canada’s largest bank heists, the twisted tale of the last man hanged in Brockville, the frightening account of a mass shooting and discover exactly what happened to John Simpson’s skin.
www.brockvillemuseum.com		 $6
10:00 pm
(approx.)		Fireworks – After dark over the waterfront (close to Blockhouse Island) free

 Prescott

10:00 am – 4:00 pmCanada Day Celebration – Fort Wellington National Historic Site
Discover and celebrate why you are Canadian at Fort Wellington with a traditional cannon firing and loads of family fun. Join in for children’s activities, historic demonstrations and refreshments.
Contact: 613-925-2896 ont-wellington@pc.gc.ca
www.pc.gc.ca/wellington		free

Mallorytown Landing

11:00 am – 4:00 pmCanada Day Celebration – Thousand Islands National Park
Visitors can enjoy cake, Canada-themed airbrush tattoos, games, and crafts along the scenic shore of the St. Lawrence River.
www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pnnp/on/lawren/activ/even_activ.aspx		free

 
  
 
 

Summer 2016 Kick-Off Weekend

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With sunny days approaching, Brockville is getting ready to welcome Summer with a number of kick-off events signalling the start of what should be a busy tourism season. The Brockville Farmers’ Market is having their grand opening this weekend, which is a great sign of warmer weather and summer approaching. After two months of being open to the public and receiving feedback from their captive audience, the Aquatarium is also having their grand opening, and will be celebrating with special events throughout their grounds all weekend long. Join in the summer fun with all of these great events happening this weekend:

Aquatarium Grand Opening Weekend

Help celebrate the grand opening of Brockville’s newest waterfront attraction, the Aquatarium.

Friday May 6
9:30amRibbon Cutting CeremonyOutside
11:20amSmudging CeremonyOtter Habitat
11:30amOtter Feeding TimeOtter Habitat

Read the full weekend line-up on our earlier post devoted to the opening

Brockville Farmers’ Market Grand Opening

The Brockville Farmers’ Market vendor list is completely full for the 2016 season. Join them for our 184th season in Beautiful Downtown Brockville on Saturday May 7th from 8am-1pm. Dignitaries will be on hand to cut the ribbon and declare the market open. Lots of vendors! Come see what’s new this year at the Market! The Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May to October.
Read more about the Brockville Farmers’ Market

Brockville Multicultural Festival

Join this community festival at the Brockville Memorial Centre for their 35th anniversary of this event on Friday May 6th from 5pm to 10pm and Saturday May 6th from 11am to 10pm. Join booths representing the following participating countries: Canada, Philippines, Turkey, Czech Republic, India, Netherlands, China, France, Belgium, Lebanon, Costa Rica, Ireland, Peru, Ukraine, Greece, and Caribbean. Also enjoy non-stop entertainment on the main stage with dance and music from around the world.

Jane’s Walk

Get to know your neighbourhood a little bit better by participating in Jane’s Walk for Brockville. This year’s theme is The Urban Zoo: Discover the various animals that frequent the habitat along Buell’s creek between Brock and St. Paul’s streets. We will observe life from the small to the complex, from insects to large mammals and birds. Walkers will note focal points along the trail for observing fauna during all seasons of the year. Meet at 2pm at the Elm Street bridge along the Brock Trail.

LiveHistory at Fulford Place Museum

During each hour-long show, audiences will step into a suspense-filled story, finding clues and unraveling mysteries as they tour this magnificent 20,000-square-foot Edwardian mansion.In Mary’s Odyssey, the audience will help a maid solve a mystery and uncover a long-hidden treasure.Catherine’s Creed calls on spectators to set Catherine free by piecing together a puzzle left by a recently deceased public figure. If you missed the shows two weeks ago when they first came to Brockville, you have a final chance this weekend.
Enjoy a few behind the scenes photos over on our facebook page

Rick Mercer at the Brockville Arts Centre

My Adventures in Canadian Television: An Evening with Rick Mercer: Rick Mercer’s top-rated, award-winning CBC show, The Rick Mercer Report—which routinely tramples even its American competitors in the ratings—features his trademark rants, hilarious (and informative) fake newscasts, commercial parodies, and comic encounters with famous Canadians, talking about Canada. There are only a few single seats left on the main level – grab your tickets while you can!
Buy your tickets online
 
 

Aquatarium Grand Opening

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Please join us in Brockville starting on Friday, May 6th to help celebrate the grand opening of Brockville’s newest waterfront attraction, The Aquatarium.
Grand opening weekend calendar of events:

Friday May 6

9:30amRibbon Cutting CeremonyOutside
11:20amSmudging CeremonyOtter Habitat
11:30amOtter Feeding TimeOtter Habitat
4:00pmEarly Closing

Saturday May 7

11:30amOtter Snack TimeOtter Habitat
1:00pmFeed the Fish TalkLighthouse Theatre
1:00pmRope Tying DemonstrationHMS Ontario Upper Deck
1:30pmIan Coristine Book SigningDockside Living
2:00pmThe Iroquoise ProjectLighthouse Theatre
3:30pmSomething’s Fishy About the St. Lawrence RiverLighthouse Theatre

Sunday May 8

Mother’s Day – First 200 Moms get a flower
11:30amOtter Feeding TimeOtter Habitat
2:00pmSonshine and Broccoli Children’s Music ShowLighthouse Theatre

The Aquatarium is located at 6 Broad Street in Brockville. Find out more information about their amazing, interactive exhibits on our earlier post or visit their website at www.aquatarium.ca

Explore Brockville and the 1000 Islands Region Like Never Before

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Over 140 thousand units of the 2016 Brockville Visitor Guides and Maps arrived earlier today at a warehouse in Brockville ready for full distribution. Just in time for the 2016 Ottawa National Women’s Show, thousands of copies of the guides will be handed out by Brockville and 1000 Islands Tourism staff in one of Brockville’s key target markets.
In keeping with this year’s theme, Brockville’s new anchor attraction, The Aquatarium, is featured on the guide’s front cover. At the Aquatarium, a variety of interactive adventures and experiences inspire critical thinking through storytelling and play while cultivating an appreciation of the unique history, culture and ecosystems of the 1000 Islands region.
Also in the 2016 Brockville Visitor Guide is a comprehensive listing of festivals and events as well as a guide to the region’s historic sites, national parks, wildlife areas, trails and things to do in and around the 1000 Islands.
Tourism staff will be delivering Visitor Guides and Maps to businesses throughout the region over the coming weeks. You can pick up copies at Brockville and 1000 Islands Tourism, 10 Market Street West, Brockville, Ontario.
You can also view a digital copy on our website

Aquatarium Opening March 1st

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The much anticipated new Brockville attraction, the Aquatarium, announced today that they will be opening on March 1st, 2016. Hot on the heels of a video released yesterday showing the “stars” of the Aquatarium, the river otters, making themselves at home in their new habitat, this announcement shows that all of the final pieces have come together to launch this amazing new attraction.
The Aquatarium is Brockville’s newest waterfront attraction that looks out over the Brockville Harbour and into the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands. With a variety of interactive experiences and adventures that inspire critical thinking through storytelling and play, you will discover the diverse wildlife of the islands, explore the area’s unique history and culture, learn about the economics of the St. Lawrence River, and get your body moving in their recreational experiences.
From their press release earlier today:
We are extremely excited to announce that Eastern Ontario’s newest year-round attraction will be open to the public on Tuesday March 1st, 2016 at 10:00 am. All the details can be found on our website at www.aquatarium.ca
“I am so pleased that we are able to make this announcement today.” said Bill Rogerson, Executive Director of the Aquatarium. “It has been a log time coming and I am excited for visitors to be able to share in all the interactive experiences, hear amazing stories about the 1000 Islands region, and see all the things there are to do in this very special place. We couldn’t have reached this point without the great support of all our partners in the region, our dedicated volunteers and devoted staff.”
A Grand Opening ceremony is being planned for early May to align with the busy tourism season. 
We were lucky enough to get invited to take part in a photo shoot before the doors officially opened and got to capture the reactions of a group of kids exploring this new attraction for the first time. Below is a sneak peak of some of what you will find behind the Aquatarium’s doors. (click on a photo to enlarge it)

Level 1:

Granite Sphere – Explore great shipping ports all over the globe as you trace paths of international commerce forged with the help of the mighty St. Lawrence River.
Kelpie – Explore the Kelpie, a sailboat with an original 1000 Islands-made engine!
Sir Robert Peel – Explore the remains of the St. Lawrence River shipwreck the Sir Robert Peel, a steamboat that was seized and burned by real-life pirate Bill Johnston.
Rotary Bathysphere – Rise up from the depths as you enter the Aquatarium

Level 2:

Dive Tank – Visit our underwater shipwreck!
Water Lab – Bring your class or club to lean about aquatic science.
Activity Room – Book our room for your meeting, birthday party or special event.

Level 3:

Aquaria – Dive into the aquatic world of the St. Lawrence River from a “fish eye view”.
Biosphere Hall – Explore this region and the globe.
Creation – Discover a world from more than 10,000 years ago, right in our own backyard!
Green Screen – Cherish the magic moments you create with the cutting edge technology of our Aquatarium Green Screen experience.
HMS Ontario – Travel back in time to a forgotten era of battles, forts and shipwrecks.
Otter Habitat – Learn about our river otters, a vital animal in the St. Lawrence River ecosystem.
Ropes Course – Experience climbing through the rigging of a tall ships on our one-of-a-king ropes course.
SS Kingston – Discover the steam ship SS Kingston, once a popular ferry for travel down teh St. Lawrence River.
Discovery Hall – Immerse yourselves in the shipping history of the St. Lawrence River, from the age of sail to the age of steam, while you watch intrepid explorers climbing the ropes course above your heads.
Power of Water – Lean how the waters of the St. Lawrence River have shaped the world around us.
The Lighthouse Theatre – Explore a stunning range of possibilities in and around the St. Lawrence River with video footage that whisks you away with the wonder of nature.
Boat House and Skiff House – Experience first-hand the adventure, challenges and thrill of life on the St. Lawrence River.
Magedoma – Gently glide back in time in the famous yacht Magedoma as you embark on a recreated tour through the 1000 Islands.
Singer Castle Library – Step into a world of mystery at the Castle Library, where the walls have eyes, and secret passageways are waiting to be discovered. A room of stories, secrets and activities for kids.
Frontenac Post Office – Step inside our island post office and learn about this region’s history and culture.
Herpetology – Lean about invasive species, the Americl Eel, and reptiles and amphibians in the 1000 islands region.

Level 4:

Wind Wall – Sail your own miniature sailboat the the Aquatarium Wind Wall.
Pilot House – Enjoy the spectacular view, practice your navigational skills at our boat simulator or learn about the solar system in or planetarium presentations.

Hours:

The Aquatarium will be open year round, 7 days a week from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission:

Adult $19.99
Senior (65+) $14.99
Youth (13-17) $14.99
Child (4-12) $9.99
Child (3 and under) free
For more information, click here to visit the Aquatarium’s website

Discover Brockville's Star Attractions

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Plan your perfect 1000 Islands getaway by exploring the many attractions, festivals and events that will make your visit to Brockville one to remember. One of the most picturesque areas in the world, the 1000 Islands is world famous for its beauty, rich landscape, compelling history, and its many waterfront attractions and events. Crystal clear waters and famous sunken ships make the 1000 Islands one of the best fresh water scuba diving sites in the world.
Brockville is rich in culture and heritage and is proud to have numerous museums and attractions to showcase the wonders of our magical region. Be sure to take time to learn about the history of Brockville; appeal to your senses and incorporate an arts, culture or history experience into your visit; take in a live theatre performance, or attend one of the many festivals and events in the region.
Enjoy the serenity of the 1000 Islands with its hidden island coves, granite cliffs and scenic sunrises.  Explore miles of scenic trails as you get closer to nature or practice your golf swing.  The 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River is a playground for both the young and the young at heart.
The Brockville & 1000 Islands Star Attractions include:
The Aquatarium (opening in 2015!)
The Aquatarium will inspire all ages to further explore the 1000 Islands region. The 26,000 square-foot Discovery Hall contains ever-changing family activities that make every visit different. For example, during a showcase film in the interactive theatre, you will discover, through live video feed, a diver exploring a shipwreck. You will be able to ask questions and share in the underwater experience.
The 1000 Islands
The ‘1000 Islands’ is actually made up of 1,864 islands that straddle the Canada-U.S. border in the St. Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 80 km downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The 1,864 islands range in size from over 100 km2 to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks that are only home to migratory waterfowl.
Islands in the 1000 Islands are owned by a number of different parties – some are privately owed by both Canadian and American residents, 29 are owed by the City of Brockville for day use, picnicing, docking and overnight camping, and some are National Park Islands managed by Parks Canada. Experience the islands yourself by personal watercraft or by taking a 1000 Islands Cruise to tour the waterfront.
Some masonry “castles” remain as international landmarks. The most famous extant examples are “The Towers” on Dark Island, now called Singer Castle, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island (these castles can be visited during the summer months by boat or by boat cruise).
Boat Cruises
Discover the 1000 Islands and Brockville’s waterfront with a cruise. Enjoy a 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, or full day cruise to explore the region, admire the properties and cottages on the islands and riverfront, and learn about the history and beauty of the islands. With many different cruise lines to choose from, you can find the perfect cruise for you and your family to enjoy.
Historic Sites
In a city steeped in history, Brockville is home to Fulford Place National Historic Site and the downtown core boasts historic buildings, both businesses and private homes. Just 20 minutes down the road in Prescott is Fort Wellington National Historic Site where you can explore what it would be like to live in a real fort from the War of 1812.
Outdoor Beauty
The scenery in the region is picturesque and completely unique. From outdoor trails, paved walking and cycling paths, paddling routes, island camping, golf courses, cross country skiing and snowshoe trails, to world-famous fresh water scuba diving, there is something to impress any outdoor enthusiast. No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, Brockville has something to offer.
Live Theatre
Located in the heart of historic downtown Brockville, the Brockville Arts Centre is recognized as one of the finest medium sized historic theatres in Canada. Hosting live theatre, musical headline acts, and cinema, there is something to see year round.
Nearby in Prescott, the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare outdoors on the banks of the St. Lawrence River annually during the summer months.