August is a wonderful time to visit Prince Edward County. The flower fields are lush and fragrant, the farmers' stands and markets are abundantly full of nature’s best and the water is warm at all the beautiful Ontario beaches. In the summer, Prince Edward County's wineries offer a picturesque backdrop for enjoying The County's delicious food and drink.
Prince Edward County: Music and arts festivals and events
Cultural destination, Base31 in Picton, has tons of great talent and different music genres to experience this month, including Tom Cochrane, Glorious Sons, Trooper, Honeymoon Suite and many more. They’ve also expanded their entertainment, cocktail and food offerings this year with the addition of the new Commissary area.
Two big music festivals will delight locals and visitors alike this month. Prince Edward County Jazz Festival is on August 13–18 and The Biglake Arts Music Festival runs August 23–31.
The P.E.C. Jazz Festival takes place at various venues around the island. I’m thrilled I purchased tickets to see Toronto's Big Smoke Brass at the Huff Estates Winery as soon as they went on sale, because they sold out immediately (but I’m always open to negotiation). You can still discover other musical acts around town, like Hannah Barstow and Duncan Hopkins in the beautiful garden of The Royal Hotel on the evening of August 15.
Pop/jazz great Molly Johnson is performing at the historical Regent Theatre on August 17. At the beautiful Grange of Prince Edward winery, Acabana salsa band will be turning up the heat on the afternoon of August 18. Indie jazz-blues musician Denielle Bassels is delivering an afternoon concert at Sandbanks Winery and there’s so much more.
Finishing off August with a bang is The Biglake Arts Festival. Co-founded by partners in love and life Johannes Debus, music director for The Canadian Opera Company, and renowned violinist Elissa Lee, the dynamic cultural event will bring elevated musical experiences to different locations in The County, with a focus on the Wellington area. From the Musical and Edible Promenade through the streets of Wellington to marathons of Beethoven and strings by candlelight in a designated heritage location, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and expand their cultural horizons.
Prince Edward County: What’s new and interesting
Adorably named after owner Craig Alexander’s grandmothers, the gorgeous Sybil Frank Gallery has added a beautifully curated selection of antiquities and collectables. Check them out in the sweet hamlet of Wellington, where there’s a lot happening this month.
Trendy cocktail bar The Russ & Co. has opened a sister location in Wellington: The Duchess.
And there’s a cool new kid opening in Picton this August. Bar-stroke-pub Hank’s Lonesome is the second location from ‘the Darlings’ of Bloomfield, Jesse Fader and Duncan MacNeill. Their original spot Darlings is having a special event of its own on August 31 — The Darlings Stampede, with food, live music, games, prizes, bull rides and more.
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Both the Drake Devonshire Inn and Wander the Resort have created walk-in beach bar areas so that even non-guests can get a taste of their fabulous style. Meanwhile, the gorgeous Lakeside Motel in Wellington offers day passes to enjoy their action-packed pool with a fabulous lakeside deck serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Theia, a homey restaurant from the Toronto chef who was behind Crosley's, has just turned one. Now with a new patio, they continue to gain accolades for their fresh, original dinner options that showcase Ontario ingredients. Bocado in Picton also continues to thrive with its delicious Spanish fare and always evolving menus.
Come visit, and fall under the spell of the magic of Prince Edward County.
