Sidelaunch Days 2026

Sidelaunch Days

August 7–9, 2026

Celebrate Collingwood’s rich maritime heritage and the breath-taking beauty of Southern Georgian Bay at Sidelaunch Days 2026. A vibrant, family-friendly harbourfront festival taking place August 8th, 9th & 10th.

From tall ship tours and live music to waterfront eats, paddle demos, and playful pop-ups, this annual celebration brings the community together to honour our shipbuilding legacy and love for life on —and around— the water.

Drop an anchor for the weekend — there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

About Sidelaunch Days

Why the name you might ask? The Sidelaunch Days Festival was named in honour of Collingwood’s shipbuilding heritage and the unique method of launching ships at The Collingwood Shipyards. Learn more by visiting the Collingwood Museum at 45 St. Paul Street.

Friday, August 7

Live & Original Waterfront Festival
Shipyards Amphitheatre

Boomerang — 6:00 PM

Toronto All Star Big Band — 7:00 PM
 

Saturday, August 8

Basketball

Bounce by the Bay

 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 Side Launch Way

Get in the game at the Bounce by the Bay Basketball Zone — where the energy is high, the competition is friendly, and every shot counts! As part of Sidelaunch Days, this pop-up court invites players of all ages and skill levels to shoot hoops, take part in quick challenges, or just show off their moves. It’s a great spot to gather, cheer each other on, and keep the festival vibe bouncing. Whether you're sinking three-pointers or trying for your first free throw, there's fun waiting on the court.

Blue Blocks

Mini-Makers' Playground

 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 Side Launch Way

Let imaginations soar at the Mini-Makers Playground — a hands-on wonderland where little builders dream big! Kids can climb, stack, and sculpt with the giant blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, then get crafty with a special activity hosted by the Collingwood Museum. From whimsical creations to creative keepsakes, there’s fun for every young explorer.

TS Playfair

All Aboard the Playfair!

 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 Launch Basin

Climb aboard the TS Playfair, a towering tall ship docked in Collingwood Harbour for Sidelaunch Days! Explore its hand-crafted decks, meet the Brigs crew, and step into the age of sail as you learn about life aboard this historic brigantine! An unforgettable experience for sea lovers of all ages.

Poetry by the Pier

Poetry on the Pier

 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 North Hurontario St.

Step into the world of words with Poetry on the Pier, a playful and inspiring activity curated by Collingwood’s Poet Laureate, Kate Russell. Whether you're drawing surprise poetry prompts from a jar or remixing well known verses, all you need is a spark of imagination to dive into the art of poetry.

Paddles down, hands up

Rhythm & Oars

 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 Promenade

Discover the thrill of being on the water with Collingwood’s Paddling and Rowing Clubs. Stop by for live demonstrations, program info, and a chance to connect with the vibrant local paddling community.

Sky Splash

Sky Splash!

 Launch Basin

Get ready for high-flying excitement! Sky Splash shows feature a thrilling mix of aerial stunts and synchronized movement above the water — all with active audience participation. Performances take place throughout the afternoon, so don’t miss the action!

 

Showtimes: 

 10:30 AM

 12:45 PM

   2:00 PM

   3:30 PM

 
SUP

SUP Races

 Launch Basin

The Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Races at Sidelaunch Days are a thrilling highlight of the festival’s waterfront fun. With the scenic harbour as the backdrop, paddlers of all levels take to the water to compete in exciting, fast-paced heats that showcase balance, speed, and strategy. Whether you’re cheering from the shore or joining the action on a board, the SUP races capture the energy and spirit of summer on the bay — friendly, competitive, and full of splashy excitement.

 

 11:00 AM — Technical & Recreational Races

   1:00 PM — Kids Races

   2:30 PM — Sprint Races

DJ Code Blue and DJ Andy

Turntables & Tides

 12:00 – 4:00 PM

 Huronic Charter Boat

Feel the rhythm roll in with DJ Andy H & DJ Code Blue as they transform the docked Huronic into a floating soundstage! From smooth daytime grooves to sunset party vibes, their live sets will bring the harbour to life with beats, bass, and pure summer energy.

Freedom Train

Live & Original Waterfront Festival

 Shipyards Amphitheatre

Strange Potatoes — 6:00 PM

 

Freedom Train — 7:00 PM

A powerhouse rock trio known for their tight musicianship and decades of shared musical chemistry. Featuring brothers Carl and Tim Jennings alongside guitarist Matt Gormley, the band blends experience, energy, and pure talent into a sound that keeps crowds coming back for more.

Sunday, August 10

SUP Day 2

SUP Races

 Launch Basin

The Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Races at Sidelaunch Days are a thrilling highlight of the festival’s waterfront fun. With the scenic harbour as the backdrop, paddlers of all levels take to the water to compete in exciting, fast-paced heats that showcase balance, speed, and strategy. Whether you’re cheering from the shore or joining the action on a board, the SUP races capture the energy and spirit of summer on the bay — friendly, competitive, and full of splashy excitement.

 

  9:00 AM — Distance Races

 12:30 PM — Award Ceremony

TS Playfair

All Aboard the Playfair!

 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 Launch Basin

Climb aboard the TS Playfair, a towering tall ship docked in Collingwood Harbour for Sidelaunch Days! Explore its hand-crafted decks, meet the Brigs crew, and step into the age of sail as you learn about life aboard this historic brigantine! An unforgettable experience for sea lovers of all ages.

Sponsors