Time well spent
Coldwater Museum Event Schedule for 2026
Your generous donations pay for the following events and ensure our doors stay open to serve the community, we are a not-for-profit charity and are 100% volunteer run, new volunteers are always welcome.
Print Shop Open House
Open weekends throughout the summer
Meet the printer, ask him questions, listen to him make stuff up. Get your ink on. Print something and take it home, the cost of printed souvenirs are covered by your entry donation to the museum. 100% of proceeds go back into the running costs of the print shop and the museum in general.
Blacksmith Shop Open House
Open by chance and by appointment
Stop by, chat to our Master Smith, he is an amiable fellow who doesn’t bite. See how physical and essential this shop was to homestead living long before the days of mass production. From horse shoes, railings, gates, cart rims, to the ubiquitous nail, the Smithy forged them all.
Fenian Raids Reenactment
Saturday & Sunday – 16 & 17 May 2026
10:00am until 4:00pm
The 35th Battalion Simcoe Foresters Reenactors will be recreating the Fenian Invasion of Canada in 1866. Expect authentic looking uniforms, tented encampments, military discipline, musket fire, war cries, and skirmishes. It’s a family friendly fun event that runs the entire weekend. Battle commences around noon on both days. Admission by donation.
Anglo-Boer War Weekend
Saturday & Sunday – 6 & 7 June 2026
10:00am until 4:00pm
Come and relive Canada’s involvement in The South African War 1899-1902
featuring The 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment of infantry.
This family friendly event will run all weekend and features firing demonstrations, period encampments, drill, cooking demonstrations and The Battle of Paardeburg reenacted with Boer skirmish. Admission by donation.
Midsummer Nights Drum
Saturday – 10 June 2026
5:00pm until dusk
This is an all ages, all levels, all comers event, don’t worry if you’re a rubbish drummer you’ll be in good company, bring your drums or (borrow ours), we welcome guitars, noise makers and voices for a celebration of midsummer and the longest day of the year (technically that’s Sunday but whose counting) . Raise some energy, have a laugh and give thanks for how great we have it in Canada. Admission by donation.
Images Studio Tour
Saturday & Sunday – 20 & 21 June 2026
10:00am until 4:00pm
This county wide annual event allows local artists and artisans to showcase their talents and display their original works of art for all to enjoy. During this two day event visitors will get the opportunity to explore the Coldwater Museum and also enjoy its 6.5 acres manicured grounds and fast flowing river. The perfect spot for a picnic.
Steampunk Event Parking
Friday to Sunday – 26 / 27 / 28 June 2026
10:00am until dusk
Here’s your chance to visit the museum, securely park your vehicle ($10 suggested donation) and take the short walk into what will be a very crowded downtown Coldwater. The show features retro-futuristic costumes, live entertainment, juggling, artisan markets and of course people watching.
Family Farm Day
Saturday – 18 July 2026
10:00am until 4:00pm
Our biggest event of the year and a celebration of community, farm life and an opportunity to learn about how tough life really was back in the 1840’s. For Woodrow family members this is a special day to meet and greet your kin and be amazed at how strong the family resemblances are to Archibald and Catherine more that 185 years later. Its a super fun time filled with tractors and music and demonstrations. Bring the whole family and don’t forget your camera. Admission by donation.
A Day of Knights
Saturday – 15 August 2026
10:00am until 4:00pm
This is a must see event for the entire community of Coldwater, how often do you get to see knights and medieval reeinactors battle it out right in front of you. Performing twice on the day once at noon and again at 2pm the ‘Duelling Weapons Academy of Renaissance Fencing’ get to display their practised skills, period costumes, tented encampment and share their knowledge of weaponry and life way back when with visitors. This will be a great photo opportunity and a chance for everyone to shout support for their chosen combatant. Admission by donation.
Open Doors Simcoe County
Saturday 19 September, 2026
10:00 until 4:00
Coldwater Museum provides free access to its historical site for the day in support of the heritage and cultural tourism program.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on at the homestead now’s your chance to find out.
