Annually on the 2nd Weekend in August

Gristmill Park, Highway 117, Baysville, ON

For over three decades, our town has made a home for a beloved tradition that has woven itself into the fabric of our community.

The Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival, founded by local artist Richard Robinson and his wife Marlene in 1987, has grown from a modest collection of six presenters to a buzz that fills our park to capacity.

Each year, artisans from around the province arrive on the banks of the Muskoka River. The festival's juried admission is how we curate a considerate and relevant collection of handcrafted wares made by painters, soap-makers, potters, illustrators, woodworkers, and textile manufacturers who make the cut.

If there is just one weekend to pull away from the cottage, this is it. 

Artists and makers pay particular attention to the qualities of a material and find ways to embody it with ideas or in a unique manner. So take your time, and slow your pace as you wander a crooked path through the eighty booths on offer. Remember that all of these designs are created one project at a time. When you feel moved by something or some abstract pattern stop and ask – about maybe commissioning an original work of art, for your home, office or the legacy of your cottage.

Visitors will be treated to live music and a barbecue hosted by the Lions Club. The scenic path along the river offers an easy feeling, leading to the Baysville Dam and beyond. With over 2,000 attendees expected, the festival has become a significant contributor to our local economy, with proceeds supporting community organizations and bursary projects.

Consider extending your visit to explore Baysville merchants, like Miss Nelles for an ice cream or coffee, Yummies in a Jar for artisanal preserves, Tacos and Guac for an authentic Mexican flavour, and the Lake of Bays Brewery for a cold refreshment.

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