Lightfoot Days Festival returning to Orillia this fall
Tickets now on sale for Oct. 30 kickoff concert featuring Lightfoot Band
Get ready to celebrate the enduring legacy of Canada’s legendary singer-songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot, at the Lightfoot Days Festival of Orillia, running from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2025.
This four-day extravaganza promises a dynamic mix of live music, interactive workshops, captivating art, and heartfelt community events — all in tribute to the iconic Gordon Lightfoot, whose songs continue to resonate across generations.
Festival schedule of events
Thursday, Oct. 30:
7:30 p.m.: Kick off the festivities with a soul-stirring performance by the Lightfoot Band — Gordon Lightfoot’s original band who worked and performed with him for over five decades — at the historic Orillia Opera House, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend. Tickets are now on sale here.
Friday, Oct. 31:
1 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Dive into intimate, interactive conversations and music with the Lightfoot Band and special guest John U. Bacon, acclaimed author, at Creative Nomad Studios.
7 to 9 p.m.: Relive the magic at Memories of Gordon Lightfoot, an evening of storytelling and music at Creative Nomad Studios.
9 p.m.: Keep the night alive with the Music Folk Crawl, featuring live performances at venues across downtown Orillia and beyond.
Saturday, Nov. 1:
11 a.m.: Join us for the mayor’s proclamation of Gordon Lightfoot Day, with a special musical tribute by Steve Porter in front of the Orillia Opera House.
12 to 10 p.m.: Explore the Folk Crawl, showcasing talent at downtown venues and other local hotspots.
1 to 4 p.m.: Catch a screening of Lightheaded: A Gordon Lightfoot State of Mind, followed by a Q&A and live music with John Corcoran and family, at Creative Nomad Studios.
Sunday, Nov. 2:
10:30 a.m.: Reflect at a special church service at St. Paul’s Centre.
12:30 p.m.: Gather for the closing ceremonies at Mariposa Market, a heartfelt farewell to the weekend.
3 to 5 p.m.: Toast the festival’s finale at a location to be confirmed.
Special events
Memorial event: Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11 a.m., join us at Tudhope Park by the Lightfoot monument to honour Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away on May 1, 2023.
Gordon’s birthday celebration: Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at 1 p.m., celebrate Gordon Lightfoot’s birthday with a special event — location to be confirmed.
For more details, contact Daphne Mainprize, vice-president, Lightfoot Days Festival, at daphnemainprize@yahoo.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Lightfoot Days Festival, and visit our website at www.lightfootdaysfestival.ca.
By MidlandToday Staff
