We went out and about in Muskoka to find out where to have fun when the sun goes down. Here are our top five spots to visit during your summer trip up north!
1. Decades at Deerhurst Resort
If you love to sing, dance, and be entertained, you’ve got to make Decades a top priority this summer. Get involved with the fun as an dynamic cast of supremely talented singers, musicians and dancers perform the greatest hits from the 50s right up to today’s chart toppers.
The jaw-droppingly energetic opening time-travel medleys set the benchmark for what’s to come as Etta James meets Flo-Rida, 60s duo Mickey & Slyvia fast forward to Pitbull, and Michael Jackson blends with Rihanna. Decades of music intertwine to keep you dancing in your seat from the first beat until the last.
Decades now performs in the new Waterhouse Show Room in the resort’s main Pavilion, under the same roof as lounges, restaurants and main building accommodation. Fully kitted out with new customized lighting, a top quality sound system and a larger stage, this year’s show at the Deerhurst Resort is better than ever.
Shows perform at 8pm and tickets are $37.95 per adult, half-price for 17 & under, and children aged four and under go free. Book up soon, you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t include this musical extravaganza in your summer plans
2. The Kee to Bala
Known simply as The Kee, this concert venue and bar sits proudly out over the water of Lake Muskoka.
In its early days, The Kee, was known for hosting Big Bands and played host to some legendary performers, including Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. When Dunn sold the venue in 1963, it became more of a rock and blues bar, with younger crowds coming out to see the likes of Kim Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, Lighthouse, Rush, Gordon Lightfoot, Rough Trade, Burton Cummings, the Ramones, David Wilcox, Colin James, and Blue Rodeo.
Managing to maintain intimacy, yet draw big crowds, visitng this Muskoka nightspot should be at the top of your summer.
3. Muskoka Sound Festival
Inspired by world-renowned festivals like Glastonbury, Coachella, and Bonaroo, Muskoka Sound is a 3-day and night outdoor live-music festival that’s set against the picturesque backdrop of its Lions Field location.
Festival goers have the luxury of choosing between pitching a tent at a local campground, or sleeping in a comfy bed at a local resort or bed and breakfast.
The festival will be filled with scrumptious foods and drinks for you to feast on, all ethically sourced and provided by local businesses.
The festival is taking place between the 12th and 14th of September and passes are now available for purchase. Combining the serenity of its stunning location with an electrifying festival atmosphere, Muskoka Sound Festival is a music lover’s paradise.
4. Peter’s Players
Hosting intimate jazz and blues concerts, Peter Swanek’s venue is a reflection of his undying passion for music. Built as an extension onto Peter’s home on Muskoka Road South, the concert hall has hosted some of the biggest names in blues, including the legendary James Cotton.
Built by Peter — it took him a year-and-a-half — and open since April 2008, Peter’s Players provides music lovers the intimacy that you just don’t get at big, corporate venues. It’s the sort of venue that reconnects musicians with music lovers; so don’t be surprised to share a beer or some barbequed wings with the band during the intermission.
With its great acoustics, superb lighting, and tiered seating, Peter’s Players is a must-visit this summer.
5. Huntsville Festival of the Arts
Founded in 1993 by Toronto residents Attila Glatz and Susan Alberghini, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts covers a wide range of classical and contemporary music events.
By aiming to “promote the public’s appreciation of the arts,” organizers have made the festival a hotspot on the Muskoka entertainment scene, and it has become one of Canada’s most highly-acclaimed arts festivals.
Check out Nuit Blanche North at the festival this year. Artists take over the streets of downtown Huntsville for a free evening of artistic activities, events, and exhibits, all taking place in unique and wonderful locations. Featuring an explosive fire show and the Midnight ‘No Man’s Land’ Cabaret show, Nuit Blanche North is not to be missed.
