August 8, 2026

MUSKOKA CHAUTAUQUA KICKS OFF 10-DAY ARTS, CULTURE FESTIVAL, WHICH MAKES TINY WINDERMERE VILLAGE THE CULTURAL EPICENTRE OF THE LAKES AUG. 7-16

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WINDERMERE — From the ‘’30s and ’40s to the ’80s to today, Muskoka Chautauqua is back for another exciting 10 days of arts and culture, music and summer entertainment as the cultural hub of Muskoka from Aug. 7-16.

See list of events here.

After last night’s opening kick-off it’s on to the big event tonight featuring, “by popular demand” Choir! Choir! Choir!, said organizer Gayle Dempsey the lead partner and founder of the festival with husband Gary Froude.

Muskoka Chautauqua is a not-for-profit organization fostering arts and culture, culminating in a summer festival in the historic village of Windermere.

Muskoka Chautauqua is a community for the curious and creative.

Springing from a tradition that started 100 years ago, when the village of Windermere attracted North America’s leading thinkers to its shores, Muskoka Chautauqua is one of the longest-running and more iconic cultural institutions in the region.

Muskoka Author Patrick Boyer spoke this afternon at Chautauqua, after recently releasing ‘Muskoka Heritage Nuggets Vol. III’ in his Modern History of Muskoka Series, as Wahta knowledge and story-keeper Chris Stock smiles as his animated talk at the Bracebridge Library. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

Tonight it’s the epicentre for Epics ’80s Sing-Along featuring the biggest 80s hits of the decade in this fun, interactive live music experience.

Audience sing-along participation mandatory. No training required.

Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns the audience into performers.

So get ready to laugh, dance and sing your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you.

It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time, and you’re invited.

So grab a friend (or ten), and join them by come out ready to “give it all you’ve got.
All voices welcome, no experience necessary. They teach you to sing. So everyone wins.

When it comes to pop, many say nothing beats the 1980s.

From Prince, Madonna and George Michael, to Bon Jovi, Whitney, and Journey, this acid-washed decade had it all

So dust off those leg warmers, fluff up those shoulder pads, and get ready for the best night you’ve had in 40 years.

That’s just one amazing night for starters.

The whole week is jam-packed with talks, walks, concerts, art workshops and hands-on clinics for all ages.

An annual highlight, Monday night, is the Toronto All-Star Big Band, a powerhouse of young musicians fronted by six incredible singers who make the show.

They’ve been a Chautauqua hit for 30 years and can’t be missed.

They rocked the boat on the Wenonah II in July where they created waves of laughter with sounds reminiscent of Dunn’s Pavilion in Bala.