🌞 Hello Norfolk!

The Friendship Festival is back—and it’s so big, it needed its own section in the Insider. 🎉 From live music to food trucks to a full-on downtown takeover, this long weekend tradition is pure Norfolk magic. If you're looking for the heart of summer, you'll find it right here.

And while we're on the topic of local legends in the making… remember that berry-packed mixed drink you helped create? 🍓🍇 It’s nearly ready for its big debut. All that’s left is to choose the garnish and give it a name.

Scroll down to cast your vote and get the full scoop👇

-Brad

DRINK PROJECT

🥤 Norfolk’s Official Drink: Time to Bring It Home

You’ve stirred, shaken, and voted your way through every round—and we’re nearly there.

First, you chose the style: A refreshing mixed drink, perfect for patios, parties, and post-beach lounging.

Then, you picked the flavour: A bold and juicy blend of strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry—bursting with Norfolk’s berry-picking pride.

Now, it's time to finish what we started. Our official county cocktail needs two final touches:

🍃 1. The Garnish

No great drink goes out naked. Should we crown it with a mint sprig? Skewer a trio of berries? Dust the rim with berry sugar?
👉 Cast your vote for the perfect garnish.

🏷️ 2. The Name

This isn’t just a drink—it’s Norfolk’s liquid legend.

👉 Pick the name that captures its local spirit.

This is it, folks.
The final pour.
Let’s make it count.

FRIENDSHIP FEST

🎉 Norfolk’s Favourite Long Weekend Tradition Is Back!

The Simcoe Heritage Music & Art Friendship Festival is rolling into downtown Simcoe this Civic Holiday weekend — and it’s bringing the energy! 🎶🎨🍔

There’s so much happening, we had to give it its own section in the Insider. From live music and food trucks to artisan vendors, classic cars, movie night under the stars, and a jam-packed kids’ zone — this festival turns our parks into a buzzing celebration of all things Norfolk. 🌟

🎤 Live music all weekend
🧁 Local food & sweet treats
🎈 Family fun & activities
🖼️ Art, culture, and community
🚗 Classic car show

Attendance is free, it’s all local, and it’s all happening across Wellington, Clifton, and Grant Anderson Parks. This isn’t just an event — it’s a Norfolk tradition.

📍 Downtown Simcoe | August 1–4
Don’t miss it!

HAPPENINGS

Thursday July 31st

🎱 Music Bingo | Port Dover Community Centre | 7pm | No music knowledge required | Win prizes | $5 entry for non-members | $10 per card

🐟️ Bass Tournament | Collins Harbour Marina | 5pm | Fish and win | More

Friday August 1st

⛳️ Blind Golf Championships | Greens at Renton | Aug 1-8 | Blind Golf Provincial, Canadian and World Championships | Volunteer or cheer! | More

🤡 Downtown Friday Night | Argyle Street Simcoe | 5:30pm | Andy the Balloon Guy | Face painting | Bouncy castle | Live music | Snacks | More

🧢 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Jersey Giveaway | Boston Pizza | 7pm | Watch the game and have a chance to win | More

🎤 Karaoke | Turkey Point Hotel | 9:30pm | Drink and sing - or sing then drink | More

Saturday August 2nd

🎤 Karaoke | Delhi Legion | 7pm | Food, friends, laughter | More

🐟️ Weekend Fish, Chips, Chicken | Simcoe Army Navy Airforce Club | 3pm - 6pm | More 

🧔 Frisky Mingle | Frisky Beaver | Free admission, live music, social bingo | More

🐶 Sighthound Dog Meetup | Hounds of Erie Winery | 12pm | Chase your tail and enjoy some wine | Tickets

🎨Live Art Display Experience | Capitol Arts Market | 10am - 4pm | Glass art and Mixed Media | More

🚚Food Truck Festival | 129 Queensway East | 11am - 8pm | Vendors, food trucks, family fun | Training Station Grand Opening | More

Sunday August 3rd

🍖Meat Draw | Delhi Legion | 2pm | Bring your change, take home dinner | More

🌽Corn Roast Matinee | Waterford Legion | 4pm - 8pm | Music and BBQ

🐕️ Lyric & Piper's Annual Golden Party | 984 McDowell Road East | Golden Retriever Get Together | Bring your dog and have fun | More

🛶 Sunday Safari Paddles | Newfie Nautical Tours | 9:30am | Discover wildlife on Black Creek | Tickets

🐶 Pointer Dog Meetup | Hounds of Erie Winery | 12pm | Fetch wine and unleash yourself | More

🎨Live Art Display Experience | Capitol Arts Market | 11am - 4pm | Susan Bennett - Painter | More

🚚Food Truck Festival | 129 Queensway East | 11am - 6pm | Vendors, food trucks, family fun | Training Station Grand Opening | More

Monday August 4th

🦆 Duck Race | Clifton Park | Win big prizes | Get your tickets fast | More

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Free Family Day Camp | Homegrown Hideaway | 3pm - 7pm | Lawn games, crafts, river floating, campfire, singalong | Bring your own food | Hot dogs provided | More

🛶 Free Summer Social Paddles | Newfie Nautical Tours | 6pm | Make friends and waves | More

🐕‍🦺 Humane Society Reading Buddy Program | 24 Grigg Drive Simcoe | 12pm | Read to our furry friends | Bring your own books | More 

🎨Live Art Display Experience | Capitol Arts Market | 11am - 4pm | Joseph Panacci - Clay sculpture | More

Tuesday August 5th

Stay in - "The best adventures sometimes happen under your own roof."

Wednesday August 6th

🍷 Sip and Paint | Gibbled Goose | 6pm | Learn watercolour | Make 5 cards | Tickets

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday July 31st

🎶 Boston Pizza | Jay Davis | 7:30pm
🎶 Waterford Old Town Hall | Mac Buchwald, Hannah Dolson | 7pm

Friday August 1st

🎶 Frisky Beaver | Acoustic Makeover | 7pm
🎶 Sandbar on the Beach | Jeffery Harding | 6pm
🎶 Dover Links | Jayne Laidlaw | 4pm
🎶 David’s | Blankenship | 6pm
🎶 211 Main | Dan Walsh | 8pm

Saturday August 2nd

🎶 Frisky Beaver | Steven Murphy | 6:30pm
🎶 Hoover’s Marina | Coast 2 Coast | 7pm
🎶 Lion’s Park Port Rowan | DAVID WILCOX | 8:30pm | Tickets
🎶 Tipsy Pirate | Rewind | 8pm
🎶 Dover Links | Albatross | 3pm
🎶 211 Main | Shari & Jonny | 7:30pm

Sunday August 3rd

🎶 Waterford Legion | Atkinsons | 4pm
🎶 Powell Park | Mark Wilson and The Way It Is | 6:30pm
🎶 Frisky Beaver | Brian Frid | 1pm
🎶 Dover Legion | Coast 2 Coast | 2pm
🎶 Nonnie’s | E. Brousseau | 2pm

Monday August 4th

🎶 Dover Legion | Allan Bros & Co. | 2pm

Tuesday August 5th

🎶 Dover Legion | Jasmine T Band | 6pm
🎶 Lounge 33 | Felicia McMinn | 7pm

Wednesday August 6th

🎶 Homegrown Hideaway | Come Together | 7pm
🎶 211 Main | Felicia McMinn | 8pm

WEATHER

Thursday High 22°C 🌡️ Low 16°C 🌦️ 
Friday High 23°C 🌡️ Low 14°C ☀️ 
🌡️ View current weather HERE 
🚗 Check out local gas prices HERE

Like what you see?
Don’t Like what you see?
Just want to say hi?
Reach out to me HERE