After a 5 year hiatus, Arts for Peace will once again bring folks together for a peaceful summer afternoon of music, crafts, dance, storytelling, yoga, bubbles and community.
This will be the 36th gathering of its kind on the shores of Lake Couchiching.

Started by members of Project Ploughshares Orillia, a non-governmental organization that worked with churches, governments and civilian groups to prevent war and promote peace, the sunny festival on the grounds of the Stephen Leacock Museum has been honouring peacemakers from here and from around the world since 1983.

A cancellation due to weather, followed by the COVID pandemic, led to several years where Arts for Peace did not take place. Now, the next generation is getting involved by organizing and promoting a revival of this much loved local treasure with financial support from a City of Orillia grant.

Adults and children of all ages will be able to participate in a variety of activities featuring crafts, stories, music and movement including Maypole and circle dancing. Attendees will also enjoy performances by local artists such as Maeve O’Connor, Dan McCoy & Alex Rose, Steve Caston, Alex the folk band, Brandt Street sessions, Little Otter, Steve Porter, and more. Community information tables will display how we have planted the roots of peace in our community over the years. Light refreshments will also be available.

While the grassroots community music and arts festival is free to attend, to cover costs T-shirts will be sold at the event ($25) and donations will be gratefully accepted.

Follow Arts for Peace on Facebook & Instagram for updates!