Ontario Culture Days in Haliburton County
All About Culture Days
Ontario Culture Days is a province-wide festival of free arts, culture and heritage experiences, taking place September 18 to October 4, 2026.
​
Haliburton County has been chosen as a spotlight destination in Ontario and the local festival events are being organized by the Arts Council~Haliburton Highlands.
​
Artists, performers, cultural organizations, community groups, libraries, municipalities, and others across the County are inviting the public to discover the fun and unique arts & culture of the Haliburton Highlands. Visit various venues and studios during the Culture Days festival and experience some wonderful activities.
​
​
​
​
Looking for Something to Do?
​
Explore free, participatory performances, exhibitions, workshops, art studios, literary readings, and other events happening in communities across the County for all ages, between September 18 - October 4.
​
Plan your Culture Days with the festival event calendar. A listing of all events is at www.onculturedays.ca/festival-hubs/haliburton-2026/
​
Background on the Festival:
Culture Days is Canada’s largest collaborative celebration of arts, culture and heritage - a festival of Arts, Culture, & Creativity.
​
For over 15 years, this national initiative encourages communities across the country to provide free, interactive arts and cultural experiences that inspire participation, creativity and community engagement. In Ontario, Culture Days is supported through Ontario Culture Days, which works with municipalities, organizations, artists and volunteers to celebrate the important role that arts, culture and heritage play in our communities.
​
This year, the Haliburton Highlands has been selected as one of only a limited number of Provincial Festival Hubs, recognizing the strength of our local arts and cultural sector and the collaborative efforts of organizations throughout the County. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Arts Council~Haliburton Highlands, with support from numerous community partners, artists, cultural organizations and volunteers across the region.
​
Being designated as a Provincial Hub provides an opportunity to showcase the exceptional arts, culture and heritage experiences that exist throughout the Haliburton Highlands.
​
Want to Host an Event?
​
As a Culture Days Provincial Hub, we encourage everyone to join in the celebration and list free activities, events, and programs that celebrate arts, culture, and creativity on the Culture Days website (culturedays.ca).
​
All it takes is the offer of one free or pay-what-you-may activity, plus a dash of audience participation and you can include your event or program in this nation-wide festival. You can add a free creative twist by adding a free component to your ticketed programs too!
​
Please note that all events MUST be uploaded to the Culture Days site by September 4th to be included.
In April, we held two Community Information Sessions to let folks in the county know about Ontario Culture Days and to get some ideas flowing about how you can get involved. You can watch those sessions on YouTube.
Host an activity in your own space
​
Culture Days events aren’t limited to Arts Council-run events or venues. Anyone in Haliburton County can host an activity in their own location—whether it’s a studio, shop, community space, or outdoor area. If you have a creative idea to share, your space can become part of the celebration.
​
How to participate
​
Register your Culture Days event occurring between Sept. 18 - Oct. 4, 2026.
​
The online registration is open now and events can be registered until Sept. 4, 2026.
​
If you need assistance registering your event, members of the Arts Council Culture Days Committee would be happy to help. Email us at haliburtonarts@haliburtonarts.on.ca
​
Step-by-Step Guide to Event Registration
Register your events at the Culture Days website: www.culturedays.ca/dashboard
​
Dashboard -> Events Table (located in the left-hand menu of your Dashboard) -> New Event
​
-
Choose an event name
-
Select an event format
-
Write an event description
-
Enter event language(s)
-
Upload 1 to 4 images (JPEG or PNG)
-
Enter the date(s) and time(s)
-
Enter the event location (Pick a spot on the map and add the address)
-
Enter the event organizer’s name, description, and type
-
Add any additional contact information (email and phone)
-
Add relevant URL links
-
Enter relevant social media profiles
-
(Optional) Add event partners
-
(Optional) Select event tags - If your event takes place on September 30th and/or uses the Truth and Reconciliation tag, you will be asked a few additional questions
-
Select relevant accessibility details
-
(Optional) Enter target audience
-
Select Free or Pay What You May
-
Submit Your Event
After submitting, your event will be queued for a maximum of 48 hours to be reviewed before it is published.
​
Frequently Asked Questions
​
We recommend that you begin by downloading the official step-by-step guide on creating an event.
​
Who can organize an event?
​
Anyone in Canada can participate as an event organizer! Culture Days is an opt-in event with a low barrier for participation. If you want to host a free or Pay-What-You-May arts and cultural program or event, simply register (for free!) on the Culture Days website.
​
How do I sign up to organize an event?
​
Before registering events, you’ll need to create an Account on the Culture Days website. After signing up, you’ll be able to access all the features and manage your events through your Dashboard.
​
How do I create an event?
​
To create an event, visit your Dashboard, click on “Events,” and follow the prompts. For detailed instructions, download the step-by-step guide on creating an event.
​
More questions? Check the full FAQ page.
​
Host an activity as part of a larger program
​
Interested in offering a free performance or interactive activity as part of one of our larger Culture Days Festival events? We are seeking contributors interested in offering free, community‑focused performances, pop-ups, programs and activities that celebrate creativity and cultural expression.
Send your idea, offer or request to participate by completing this form by May 2.
Requests will be reviewed and selected based on the submission, feasibility and connection to the Culture Days mandate. Requests received after the deadline will be supported first-come, first-served as space allows. Priority will be given to Haliburton-based artists and community groups.
​
Join the celebration and help showcase Haliburton County’s vibrant cultural community.