Collingwood, ON [18 July 2025] The waves are calling, and the excitement is building as Sidelaunch Days returns for its 10th anniversary celebration!
The festival is scheduled for August 8–10, 2025, in and around Collingwood Harbour and the Shipyards Amphitheatre. All events and activities are family-friendly and free for everyone to enjoy!
This year’s festival promises more action, artistry, and adventure than ever before, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Collingwood’s proud maritime heritage through interactive events on land and water. Come experience the joy of being in, on, and around the water.
Friday, August 8, 6:00 p.m.
Kick off the festivities with a free concert at the Shipyards Amphitheatre, featuring the Carly Thomas Band, and returning favourites, Fiddlestix, who will bring high-energy performances that will set the tone for a thrilling weekend.
Saturday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Dance to beats spun by the DJ Collective from the deck of the Huronic Charter Boat in Collingwood harbour
• Witness gravity-defying thrills from Ontario Jetpacks as they splash the sky with aerial stunts above the water.
• Test your skills at Bounce by the Bay basketball zone
• Get creative in the Mini-Makers Playground and with Collingwood Museum’s craft station
• Interact with lively pirates along the promenade
• Discover poetic inspiration with Collingwood’s new Poet Laureate
• Celebrate BMFA’s 50th anniversary at Brushstrokes by the Bay and preview select works from Harbour Reflections
• Cheer on, or compete in, the Ontario SUP Series and SUP Nationals, a qualifying event for the ISA World SUP Championships, hosted in partnership with Blu Wave
• Tour the iconic TS Playfair and meet its crew
• Book a ride on the Ranger Tug, supported by Maple Leaf Yacht Sales
• Visit the community info zone to learn about pet water safety, environmental awareness, and active play programs.
• Enjoy a drink with Side Launch Brewery dockside or a meal with Bedward Jerkhouse, Bodega Collingwood, Collingwood Charter Ice Cream, and more.
Saturday evening, the stage lights up again with performances by the Bernadette Connors Band at 6:00 p.m. and crowd favourite, Freedom Train, at 7:00 p.m., all taking place at the Shipyards Amphitheatre.
Sunday, August 10
The weekend wraps with a thrilling SUP distance race, capping off Sidelaunch Days in high gear.
Whether you’re a land-lover, wave-rider, or cultural explorer, Sidelaunch Days 2025 offers something for everyone, in celebration of Collingwood’s dynamic waterfront spirit. For race registration, event updates, and more, visit collingwood.ca/events and click on Sidelaunch Days or follow the Town of Collingwood on social media at @ExperienceCollingwood and @TownofCollingwood.
Sidelaunch Days is proudly sponsored by FRAM + Slokker, Collingwood Quay Condos, Living Water Retirement Residence, Blu Wave, and Side Launch Brewery, with support from Canadian Tire and community partners.
To learn more, visit www.collingwood.ca/events
About Sidelaunch Days
Sidelaunch Days is an annual festival in Collingwood, Ontario, celebrating the shipbuilding heritage and historical waterfront. Sidelaunch honours the unique method of launching ships used at the Collingwood Shipyards. Learn more by visiting the Collingwood Museum at 45 St. Paul Street. The event offers free activities and entertainment for all ages, encouraging community engagement and celebrating the beauty of South Georgian Bay.
