Lightfoot days festival 2025
 

NEWS RELEASE
LIGHTFOOT DAYS FESTIVAL - ORILLIA, Ont.
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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