As a small town just East of Toronto, Bowmanville has that warm charm that you often only find on episodes of Gilmore Girls.
Many wave hello in the streets, and visitors are left wondering how everyone seems to know everybody else.
One thing that Bowmanville does to create a sense of community is hold frequent festivals that would bring members together, get them out enjoying what the town has to offer, and drive money back into the local businesses.
These efforts have been so successful that people now come from out of town to enjoy these small events!
Luckily for you, the townsfolk are always welcoming and extend their invite to all who want to come.
If you’re in the area, come and check out these 8 Epic Festivals in Bowmanville, Ontario.
Butter Tart Fest
Originally an add-on idea to celebrate the end of Winter, the first Butter Tart Festival was held in an arena. It is debatable whether it was a giant flop or a raging success: lineups were a block long out the door and they were sold out of everything by 11am.
Since then, they have reevaluated the space required but still have not come across a better solution. Oh well, better hop in that line early next year!
Psst…if you’re looking for amazing treats in Bowmanville I would recommend the Skor butter tarts from The Toasted Almond. Delicious!
Maplefest
The first festival of the summer always draws large crowds that are eager to get out of their homes and enjoy the nice weather.
Maple goodness abounds and you can find candies, donuts, fudge and other goodies available at this event. Craft and farm stalls can be found among the vendors downtown.
Make sure to come in the morning for the Hot Pancake Breakfast with real maple syrup!
Bluesberry Festival
Yes, the Blues-berry festival it is as cheesy as it sounds, but it is also super awesome, so who is really winning here?
There is no better combination than fresh summer berries and music, both of which are front and center at this festivals in Bowmanville.
If the jazz music is too lame for you, come to get a kick out of the pie-eating contest and squeal at the adorable kids participating in the bicycle parade.
With consistent picture-perfect weather, this mid-summer event is a family favourite activity.
Applefest
Applefest is the Original, and the festival that started it all.
A perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy those last warm September days, Applefest brings vendors from all over to the main street.
This is the most popular festivals in Bowmanville, and the one that draws the biggest crowds.
Ribsfest
After the introduction of its ‘craft beer tasting’ section in 2016, Ribsfest moved locations. This huge event gets bigger and bigger every year, and they just needed more space.
This festivals in Bowmanville is unique because it does not take place on the main street like the others; now, its new location is Clarington Fields.
Summerfest
Summerfest happens when it is not quite summer, but worth celebrating nonetheless. It is the second longest festivals in Bowmanville, happening over three days in mid-June.
A favourite of Summerfest is Food Truck Friday. As always, the downtown is closed to cars and pedestrians shop the sidewalk sales and sample various cuisines right in Downtown Bowmanville.
If you can’t make it in time to taste the goodness from the Food Trucks, come on the Saturday for some family fun. With vendors, music, and classic cards on display, this festival will satisfy the young and old alike.
Girl’s Night Out
Yes, they have a festivals in Bowmanville just for women, but luckily, everyone benefits despite the title.
Santa Claus Parade
A familiar tradition is the Santa Claus Parade, which happen in towns all over the world.
While some prefer the Toronto parade with its flashing lights at night time, Bowmanville takes a family-friendly twist on the old classic.
The Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade begins in late morning, and while it includes key floats such as marching bands and Santa, it also includes thoughtful touches such as the participation of schools and small groups in town.
Kids will absolutely love coming to this Santa Claus Parade, as it is not usually too cold in November and Tim’s Party Rental makes it fun by selling popcorn for $1.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
In case you thought the Santa Claus Parade was the last one for the year, surprise! There is one more still to come.
Mid-December marks the end of that year’s festivals with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Crowds gather downtown to sing carols, wander through a few vendors and tell stories at Christmastime.
Thankfully, it is dark enough outside at this time of year to have a relatively early Lighting time.
Hot chocolate is sold for $1 and candy canes are available to give it a festive twist.
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