Haliburton County runs on community. Through all four seasons, residents and visitors gather for events that range from world-class concerts to neighbourhood potlucks, from charity half-marathons to quiet gallery openings. This page is your calendar of what's on in the Haliburton Highlands.
Arts and Culture Events
The Haliburton arts scene punches well above its weight. The annual Haliburton County Studio Tour, held each autumn over two weekends, brings together more than 150 artists opening their studios to the public. Sculptors, painters, potters, textile artists, jewellers, and printmakers welcome visitors into their working spaces across the county. It's one of the largest studio tours in Canada and an unmissable autumn tradition.
The Haliburton Concert Series brings professional musicians to the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion for a season of classical and contemporary concerts. Past seasons have featured trumpet virtuosos, violinists, pianists who debuted with the Toronto Symphony, and multi-instrumentalists playing everything from Brahms to Gershwin. Subscriptions and single tickets are available — see the County of Haliburton website for current programming.
The Haliburton Highlands Music Festival is an annual competitive festival for young musicians, attracting adjudicators from across Canada. Local choral groups, school ensembles, and individual performers take the stage each spring in a celebration of musical education and community pride.
Outdoor and Sporting Events
Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to test themselves in Haliburton County. The annual triathlon draws competitors from across Ontario to swim, bike, and run through the Highlands landscape. The popular 5K and 10K trail run follows the Haliburton Rail Trail — fast, flat, and family-friendly, with a stroller and wheelchair-accessible option. Chip timing, medals, and a Lions Club barbecue make it a community celebration as much as a race.
In winter, the Minden Hills Winter Carnival features ice racing, snowmobile events, and outdoor activities for all ages. Cross-country ski races at Haliburton Nordic attract club racers from the region. The annual Wilderness Photography Workshop invites photographers of all skill levels into the winter landscape for guided sessions in snow-covered forest and ice-covered lakes.
Community Fundraisers and Charity Events
Haliburton County's community spirit shines brightest at its fundraisers. The annual Terry Fox Run gathers participants in Haliburton and Minden each September, raising funds for cancer research. Local charity dances, bingos, and auctions support everything from the Haliburton Food Bank to community support services for seniors.
The FEEL Native Plant Sale — organized by the Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning — is a beloved spring institution that fundraises for environmental education while supplying native plants for cottage shorelines, gardens, and wildlife habitat restoration. Plants sell quickly, so early ordering is advised.
Seasonal Highlights
Maple syrup festivals, snowmobile rallies, the Minden Hills Winter Carnival, community Christmas concerts, and New Year's celebrations.
The FEEL native plant sale, trout fishing openers, birdwatching walks, the Music Festival, and the return of farmers' markets.
Farmers' markets, outdoor concerts, Canada Day celebrations, art shows, the triathlon, and community festivals every weekend.
The Studio Tour, Thanksgiving gatherings, fall colour tours, the Terry Fox Run, and the quiet return to county life.
Submit Your Event
FYI Haliburton welcomes event listings from community organizations, businesses, and individuals. Whether you're organizing a charity run, a community potluck, a gallery opening, or a farmers' market, this is the place to share it. Use the contact form to submit your event details.