THE LIST: Things to do in Cornwall in August
August 1, 2024
Summer is in full swing, and so is the fun in Cornwall!
A visit to Cornwall in August offers plenty of fun festivals, events and experiences to enjoy. From foodie fun to live music, a night market and fun attractions, there’s certainly something for everyone.
Check out our list of activities and experiences below and start planning your visit – see you soon!
Events
Poutine Feast
Enjoy award-winning poutines at Canada’s largest touring poutine festival, Poutine Feast! The touring food festival will touch down in Cornwall’s Lamoureux Park from Thursday, August 1st to Sunday, August 4th. From traditional poutine with crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, and savory gravy to gourmet variations like pulled pork or butter chicken poutine, there is something for every taste bud.
Cornwall Waterfest
On Saturday, August 10th, make sure to check out Cornwall Waterfest, a day of family fun located along the Cornwall Canal! With dragon boat racing, a vendor market, and live DJ entertainment, this is a day you can’t miss. This annual event celebrates its twelfth year of bringing family fun to the Cornwall area. Food and drink will be available onsite, as well as local artisan vendors.
Cornwall Night Market
The Cornwall Night Market returns for its third year this on Friday, August 16th! Over 50 vendors will be setting up at the market near the corner of Pitt and First streets in Downtown Cornwall to sell a wide variety of wares. Downtown shops and restaurants will be posting extended hours, so feel free to stop by for a quick shop or snack! Not to be missed, a live DJ will be spinning tunes for the entire night.
Doors Open Cornwall SDG Counties
Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most unique and historic buildings and places in Cornwall and SDG Counties during Doors Open! During the weekend of Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th, participating locations will be opening their doors free of charge for residents and visitors to explore and discover the stories inside. Over 20 sites are taking part, make a weekend of it and explore everything Cornwall and SDG Counties has to offer!
Cornwall Chaos
Rock out in the Benson Centre during Cornwall Chaos on Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th .This two-day event hosts bands from all over, including many local acts. Featuring rock, punk, grunge and heavy metal acts, this event also brings a licensed adult lounge, food and drink, and local vendors. Half of the proceeds will be donated towards Hospice Cornwall.
Poutine Love
Come enjoy a foodie feast where local restaurants put their unique spin on the classic poutine! From Wednesday, August 21st to Friday, August 30th, participating restaurants will be offering up special poutine creations and vying for the Judge’s and People’s Choice awards. Get ready to feast!
Cornwall Triathlon
Lace up your running shoes for this exciting event on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th! The Cornwall Triathlon is filled with competitions and activities for all ages, including an entire day dedicated to kids events! For the children’s events on August 24th, there will be a Duathlon of varying distances for those 14 and under, and a Triathlon and pool swim for those ages 7-14. Adult events on Sunday include a 5km run, Try-A-Tri, Sprint and Olympic Triathlon distances and a Sprint Duathlon. All events are located in the city centre, with traffic-free courses.
Ongoing events
The fun doesn’t stop there. There’s a bunch of other fun ongoing events worth checking out too! Don’t miss the Pitt Street Beer Garden on select Saturdays in Downtown Cornwall and the popular Kinsmen Cornwall Farmers’ Market on Sundays at St. Lawrence College. There’s also free concerts in Lamoureux Park as part of the Arts in the Park program, weekly Sunday night racing at Cornwall Motor Speedway and the People Pop exhibit running on select dates until the end of August at Cline House Gallery!
Make sure to check out our Event Calendar for more info on these and many other upcoming events!
Things to do
Get rolling!
Cornwall is one of eastern Ontario’s prime cycling destinations for a reason! Located along the scenic St. Lawrence River, Cornwall’s Riverside Trail takes full advantage of the beautiful views offered. The trail stretches across the Cornwall waterfront and continues west through the majestic Long Sault Parkway an then on to Upper Canada Village – a distance of some 40 kilometres. Cornwall’s cycling network also contains an urban loop with most of the bike path running separate from the road. Cornwall is also proud to offer many rest stops, water stations, and washrooms along the path.
Archie’s Family Golf Centre
Grab the family and the clubs for a great day at Archie’s! For the young or young at heart, their 18-hole mini putting course is not to be missed. With themed holes, the mini putt is a big hit! Archie’s offers a driving range too! For a sweet treat, check out their Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Shop.
Cornwall Motor Speedway
For some exciting fun, check out the Cornwall Motor Speedway! With scheduled events, races, tracks, and more the speedway has been a local favourite for years. In the regular season, races are held nearly every Sunday night. Cheer on your favourite car as they speed across the finish line!
Historic SDG Jail
For a spooky experience, check out the Historic SDG Jail! With tours offered, learn about the history of this 191-year-old jail and all the inmates it housed over the years. Explore the courthouse, cell blocks, the surveillance room, the exercise yard, the gallows and more! Tours are offered throughout the summer, and the jail also hosts special events such as their Movie Night at the Jail.
Head Downtown
Located in the heart of Cornwall, Downtown Cornwall is the perfect destination for a local shopping experience. With a plethora of shops, boutiques, and pop-ups lined up and down the street, there is sure to be something to capture anyone’s attention! Pitt Street is home to many shops, restaurants, bistros, bakeries, and more! Along the south end of the street lies Lamoureux Park, a stunning park that offers Cornwall merch, cool treats, and great views.
We’re here to help
Got questions? Need recommendations? We’re here to help!
Stop by our visitor information centre right in front of the Cornwall Civic Complex and the entrance to Lamoureux Park. We’re open seven days a week, from 9 am to 5 pm. Pick up a visitor guide, maps and information on other things to see and do in Cornwall. We also have souvenirs for sale!
You can also call or text us at 613-938-4748 or email us at tourism@cornwall.ca and we’ll be pleased to help you with any questions you may have!
Also make sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more great reasons to visit Cornwall!
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