Georgian Bay Tugboat Festival
The 2024 Georgian Bay Tugboat Festival was held at the Midland Town Harbour 10am-4pm August 17, 2024 with free admission to the festival.
This family friendly event had lots of fun activities, including a tug race, tug demonstrations, and a tug push contest. Hundreds of visitors joined us for live music, buskers, face painting, and vendors! Select tugboats were open for tours Saturday afternoon. The tugboat parade of lights to be held on Friday August 16 at dusk.
While you are here, we hope you didn’t miss the Northern Heat Rib Series Midland Rib and Beer Fest in Harbourside Park August 16th - 18th with live music and carnival food favourites.
Please be advised that the Tall Ships Festival will be taking place in August 2025 in lieu of the Georgian Bay Tugboat Festival.
| Time | Activity | Harbour Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00pm | Tugboats Dress for Light Parade | Midland Town Dock Pier |
| 3:00pm - 9:00pm | Artisans and Vendors | David Onley Park |
| 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Neema Choir | Midland Town Dock |
| 6:00pm - 9:00pm | 93 North Band | Midland Town Dock |
| Dusk | Parade of Lights | Midland Harbour |
| Time | Activity | Harbour Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00am | Artisans and Vendors | David Onley Park |
| 10:00am - 5:00pm | Facepainting | Midland Town Dock Pier |
| 10:30am - 4:30pm | Busker Performances | Midland Town Dock |
| 11:00 | Tug Races | Midland Harbour |
| 12:30pm | Tug Push Contest | Midland Harbour |
| 12:30pm | Tug Demonstrations | Midland Harbour |
| 2:30pm - 5:00pm | Tug Rodeo | Midland Harbour |
| 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Select Tugs Open for Tours | Midland Town Dock Pier |
Tugboat Competition Winners:
| 2024 Winners: |
|
Best Dressed: Glen G Most Traditional: Bulldog Best Engine Room: Cambrian Most Impressive: Prescotont Best Craftsmanship: Miss Emily Novelty Tug: Heave Ho Most Congenial Captain: Knotty Too Best First Mate: Pascol First Place Low Power Race: Fishtail First Place High Power Race: Prescotont First Place Medium Power Race: Puckasaw |
| 2023 Winners: |
|
Best Dressed: Cambrian Most Traditional: Mink Isle Best Engine Room: Prescotont Most Impressive: Pascol Best Craftsmanship: Dawn Light Novelty Tug: Heave-Ho Most Congenial Captain: Glen G |
Vendor Application
The vendor applications closed on Friday July 26, 2024 at 4:00pm. Selected vendors will be notified of acceptance via email.
Please be advised, we will never solicit payments over social media. All communication regarding the festival will be done by the Town of Midland staff either by phone, verified email, or through our booking platform Perfect Mind. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and any other social media platform are not secure for payments. Anyone requesting payment via Paypal or e-transfer should be assumed fraudulent and reported to festival staff immediately via email.
PLEASE NOTE: Attending this festival entails inherent risks of injury. All safety precautions should be taken including the use of safety equipment such as lifejackets or other safety equipment. The Town will not be responsible for the provision of such equipment and attendance and/or participation is done at your own risk. All risks involved shall be assumed by the attendees and/or participants.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available.
Please contact us via email to discuss the opportunities available.
Northern Heat Rib Series Midland Rib and Beer Fest
Visit Northern Heat Rib Series website for more information.
Happening alongside Georgian Bay Tugboat Festival was the Northern Heat Rib Series and Beer Fest, as well as a Midway Carnival with fun amusement rides!
| Date | Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday August 16, 2024 | 4:00pm - 11:00pm | |
| Saturday August 17, 2024 | 11:00am - 11:00pm | |
| Sunday August 18, 2024 | 11:00am - 7:00pm | |
