Keeping some of the traditions alive is what makes the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival unique. For many who make the journey each year, it’s an opportunity to honour ancestors, celebrate Emancipation Day, and make lasting memories with family, friends and community. It’s a time for fellowship, reflection and sharing experiences through storytelling, music, art, dance and poetry.

We hope you will join us at the 162nd Emancipation Festival, the longest and continuous emancipation event in North America! Come out and enjoy amazing speakers, performers and other activities planned for this signature summer event. Whether you are visiting Owen Sound for the day or the weekend, there are lots of great things to do and places to stay in beautiful Harrison Park, Owen Sound and other scenic sites in Grey County.

What`s new

The Emancipation Festival board of directors were thrilled to receive an arts, culture and volunteer award this spring, in the outstanding event category and recognized for contributing to Owen Sound’s local cultural strength and diversity. We are also grateful for our partnership and successful Black History Month fundraiser with the Owen Sound Attack. Last month, we gathered for the launch of the Northern Terminus: The African Canadian History Journal (available at the Grey Roots Museum & Archives). It was heartwarming to come together with representatives from many groups and organizations in Grey County who share our passion to raise awareness, preserve a legacy for future generations, and celebrate Black history in Grey County.

Event highlights

Speaker’s Corner, Grey Roots Museum & Archives, Friday, August 2, 6 – 9 p.m.: Engage with thought-provoking educators, historians and descendants of freedom seekers focused on the “ties that bind” our heritage, emancipation, history, and social justice. Presentation by Dr. Cyrus Sundar Singh’s “Following the Notes: The Journey of a Messenger from Africville to Emancipation to the Door of No Return”; artists` renditions of Mary “Granny“ Taylor; storytelling; entertainment by Brooke Blackburn and a performance by The Rise Dance Group; $25 admission in advance. Space is limited, so don`t delay – get your tickets today!

Looking for something else to do Friday night? Dance the night away to live entertainment by the Band of People. Tickets are $10 online or in person. Special thanks to the Rumpus Room for their generosity hosting this “fun-raising” event!

Emancipation Festival & Picnic, Harrison Park, Saturday, August 3, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Join us all day long in beautiful Harrison Park! Festivities include a light breakfast ($); the Crier of the Emancipation`s ringing in ceremony; blessings and remarks; 20th anniversary Black History Cairn talk; community photo; and amazing entertainment by Kaiya Cade Smith Blackburn, Joel Morelli and the Blackburn Brothers! Visit display and information booths, food vendors, silent auction, robotics demonstration, races and more. Event is free (donations appreciated).

Join the Afterparty Saturday night! Come out and get your groove on with live entertainment by Juno and Maple Blues Award nominees, the Blackburn Brothers at the fantastic Heartwood Hall in the heart of downtown Owen Sound! Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Special thanks to the band and venue host for their generosity.

Gospel Sunday, Moreston Heritage Village (outdoor stage), August 6, noon – 3 p.m.: In partnership with Grey Roots Museum & Archives, come out and enjoy gospel and blues music on these beautiful grounds! Blessings and remarks; entertainment by David Sereda (singer-songwriter and song circle leader) & Community Choir, and Liberty Silver (multiple Juno and Grammy collaboration winner artist); suggested donation of $10 is welcome and appreciated. Be sure to visit and support the Grey Roots Museum & Archives` exhibits and gift store. They are integral to preserving local history! (Note: No dogs are allowed at the gospel or on the grounds of the museum with the exception of service dogs. Thank you for your understanding.)

With sincere gratitude

The Emancipation Festival, a not-for-profit organization, is grateful for the support from the government, community groups, businesses, individuals and volunteers. We are also proud to be an affiliate member of the Ontario Historical Society who works tirelessly all year round to protect, preserve and promote our collective history.

If you appreciate the festival and share our passion, consider making a donation to help us achieve our fundraising target. No matter how big or small, it will help a lot!

More information about the Emancipation Festival and up-to-date event details is available on the website. You are also welcome to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram, share your stories and photos, and help us spread the word!