If you’re looking for what’s happening right now in Prince Edward County this summer (August), there is a mix of festivals, live music, theatre, art exhibitions, outdoor activities, food-and-wine experiences, and family events taking place across Picton, Wellington, Bloomfield, Hillier, and surrounding areas.
Live Music & Festivals
- Base31 Summer Concert Series continues throughout August with performances at the former military base in Picton, one of PEC’s premier entertainment venues.
- PEC Jazz Festival is scheduled for August 2026, featuring jazz performances across the County.
- BIGLAKE Festival CLASSICS runs in late August, showcasing classical music performances in unique County venues.
- Regular live music events are happening at wineries, breweries, The Lakeside Motel, and other venues throughout the County.
Theatre & Performing Arts
- County Stage Company’s Summer Season runs through mid-August with productions including:
- First Date: A Musical Comedy
- Pinocchio
- Mouthpiece
- Scripts & Sips theatre-and-winery experiences
- Special performances at The Regent Theatre and Mount Tabor Playhouse.
Art Exhibitions & Galleries
Current exhibitions include:
- SCENIC DETOURS at Oeno Gallery’s sculpture gardens in Bloomfield.
- Water at County Arts Lab in Picton.
- Quilted: The Progression of Our Rights, Queer Elders Speak at County Arts Lab.
- Portal to the Cosmos in Bloomfield.
- Summer by Andrew King at Mad Dog Gallery.
- Numerous artist studio tours, gallery openings, and artisan exhibits around the County.
Wineries, Breweries & Culinary Experiences
Summer remains peak season for:
- Wine tasting at nearly 40 County wineries.
- Craft brewery and cidery tours.
- Farm-to-table dinners and garden dining experiences.
- Winery dinners, pop-up culinary events, and local food festivals.
- Farmers’ markets and artisan food markets throughout the week.
Outdoor & Wellness Activities
- Swimming and beach days at Sandbanks Provincial Park, North Beach, and Wellington Rotary Beach.
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing around West Lake, Wellington Harbour, and South Bay.
- Cycling on the County’s rural roads and wine routes.
- Wellness Wednesdays, yoga sessions, cold plunges, sauna socials, and wellness retreats.
- Running clubs in Picton and Bloomfield.
Seasonal Summer Attractions
- Sunflower Walks at Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe.
- Farm stands overflowing with seasonal produce, especially tomatoes, berries, peaches, and fresh vegetables.
- Lavender, winery, and countryside experiences throughout Hillier and surrounding areas.
Markets & Shopping
- Weekly farmers’ markets.
- Artisan fairs and maker markets.
- Antique shops and local boutiques in Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington.
For a resident like you in Belleville, I’d particularly recommend this week:
- A Base31 concert,
- Oeno Gallery’s SCENIC DETOURS exhibition,
- A sunset at Sandbanks,
- A winery patio in Hillier,
- The PEC Jazz Festival events as they begin next week.
Free Summer Events and Activities
Free Art & Cultural Events
- SCENIC DETOURS Summer Group Show at Oeno Gallery, Bloomfield (free admission). Features indoor exhibits and a large outdoor sculpture garden.
- Portal to the Cosmos exhibition in Bloomfield.
- Summer by Andrew King at Mad Dog Gallery.
- Many galleries across Picton, Wellington, and Bloomfield have free admission during regular hours.
Free Outdoor Activities
- Sunflower Walks at Sunflower Fields Ice Cream Shoppe are listed as an ongoing attraction (the event listings do not specify an admission fee, so check directly before travelling).
- Explore Wellington Rotary Beach, waterfront trails, and numerous County parks.
- Cycling routes throughout Hillier, Bloomfield, Wellington, and the County countryside.
Free Wellness & Community Events
- Monday Run Club PEC in Picton is specifically listed as a Free Group Run.
- Community run clubs and some outdoor wellness gatherings occur regularly through the summer.
Free Live Music
- Monday Music by the Lake at The Lakeside Motel in Wellington appears as a recurring community music event. The source lists the event but does not specify ticket pricing.
- Many wineries and breweries host live music on patios where admission is often free with food or beverage purchase, though pricing varies by venue.
Free Markets & Browsing
- Farmers’ markets and artisan markets are held throughout the County and are generally free to attend.
- Browse shops and galleries in:
- Picton
- Bloomfield
- Wellington
Best Free Day Trip From Belleville
For a no-cost day out, I’d recommend:
- Oeno Gallery Sculpture Garden (Bloomfield)
- Walk downtown Bloomfield and Picton
- Wellington waterfront and beach
- A farmers’ market stop
- Sunset at Wellington Harbour
That gives you a full summer County day for little or no cost other than gas.
