Sidelaunch Days 2026

Friday, August 7

Lisa Hutchison Band

6:00 PM

Shipyards Amphitheatre

Delivering a powerhouse blend of blues, soul, and gritty, heartfelt vocals that leave a lasting mark on every room they play. Led by Lisa’s unmistakable voice—equal parts raw, sweet, and fiercely expressive—the band brings a dynamic, crowd‑connecting energy to festivals, clubs, and concert stages alike. With seasoned musicianship and a deep love for the blues, they create performances that feel both timeless and electric, earning praise from audiences and festival organizers across Ontario and beyond.

Toronto All-Star Big Band

7:00 PM

Shipyards Amphitheatre

The Toronto All‑Star Big Band brings the golden age of swing roaring back to life with the power and precision of one of Canada’s premier youth ensembles. Celebrating 30 years in 2026, this 20‑plus‑piece band showcases exceptional young musicians (ages 15–22) who channel the timeless energy of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and the great vocal harmony groups of the era. Under the direction of Zygmunt Jedrzejek, TABB delivers high‑impact performances across Ontario and the U.S., featuring the signature TABB 5 vocal group and collaborations with renowned artists. With a long‑standing presence in Ontario’s music scene—including a beloved two‑decade tradition in Muskoka—the band continues to captivate audiences with classics like “In the Mood,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Sing, Sing, Sing,” performed with youthful spirit and professional polish.

Saturday, August 8

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.

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.

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 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.

Rhythm & Oars

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Promenade

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

Sky Splash!

Various Times

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!

SUP Races

11:00 AM — Technical & Recreational Races; 1:00 PM — Kids Races; 2:30 PM — Sprint 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.

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.

Strange Potatoes 

6:00 PM

Shipyards Amphitheatre

Strange Potatoes are a South Georgian Bay favourite—an acoustic party band known for high‑energy shows, sharp musicianship, and a signature sense of humour that keeps audiences fully in the mix. For more than 25 years, Derek McLean and John Eaton have built a reputation for turning any room into a flannel‑blanket‑of‑fun, blending Celtic, folk, and rock influences with a wildly interactive, all‑request approach. Often joined by powerhouse drummers and vocalists like Jenna Applewhaite (“Sweet Potato”), the band puts a fresh acoustic twist on crowd‑pleasing hits and delivers the kind of spirited, good‑natured chaos that keeps dance floors packed. With decades of performances across Ontario and a long list of glowing testimonials, Strange Potatoes remain one of the region’s most entertaining and reliably unforgettable live acts.

Freedom Train

7:00 PM

Shipyards Amphitheatre

Bringing the greatest songs of all time to life with the intensity, precision, and spirit of true live performance — no backing tracks, no autotune, just three seasoned musicians delivering classics exactly as they were meant to be heard. Performing more than 150 shows a year, the band has taken their high‑energy sound to Massey Hall, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, festivals, theatres, clubs, casinos, and events across Canada and the U.S. Led by vocalist and bassist Carl Jennings, alongside dynamic drummer/vocalist Tim Jennings and in‑demand guitarist Matt Gormley, Freedom Train channels decades of experience into every set. Whether they’re sparking memories of iconic musical eras or igniting a dance floor, Freedom Train keeps timeless songs alive with faithful musicianship and undeniable chemistry.

Sunday, August 10

SUP & Harbour Clean-up

TBD

Launch Basin

Join the action as Blu Wave Board Co. leads the charge on cleaning-up the harbour, inviting you to a hands-on SUP opportunity to get out on the water and make a positive difference.

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.

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.