The 2025 Stonetown Heritage Festival is almost here
- St. Marys Independent Staff
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
By St. Marys Independent Staff
The highly anticipated Stonetown Heritage Festival will take to the streets of St. Marys bringing the community together through creativity, culture, entertainment and flavour.
Kicking off the weekend festivities will be a complimentary outdoor movie (Minecraft) at Cadzow Park starting at dusk, hosted by The Friends of the St. Marys Public Library.
Saturday (July 12) begins with seasonal local goodies at the Farmers’ Market at Milt Dunnell Field, just a short stroll from all the action downtown on Queen Street. Free horse-and-wagon rides will be available at Milt Dunnell Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The downtown Vendor Village is packed with something for everyone! In addition to inflatables, face painting, Bex in Motion (a hula hoop and comedy artist), magician stilt walker and an array of vendors, be sure to check out the performances at Queen Street and Water Street throughout the day. Downtown restaurants, eateries and food trucks will also be open for delicious dining and takeaway.
Learn about and experience the culture, heritage and history of the town. Discover the history of our waterways through a guided river walking tour (departing from Mill Race Island at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.), walk the town and learn about the past (tour departing from Victoria Bridge at 11 a.m. and town hall at 1 p.m.), or enjoy an educational bus tour (departing from town hall between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and each tour is a 45-minute round trip). Due to the popularity of these tours, please contact the St. Marys Museum by calling 519-284-3556 to reserve a spot.
Open for your discovery are various opportunities to experience the amazing art and artists of St. Marys. Visit the Art Exhibit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the building on the corner of Water Street North and Queen Street (95 Queen St. E), Mill Race Island ‘Art Island’ from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the St. Marys Station Gallery from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Following the vendor marketplace downtown, enjoy live music at the street dance. Local acts, Grace San Andres (jazz), Frank St-Germain and Friends (rock band), MeganBrady (duo) and headlining performer Max Smith (country) will be sure to keep the crowds dancing and entertained.
Organizers remind those attending the event to bring a reusable water bottle and that the festival is a rain or shine event. Queen Street will be closed between Church Street and Thomas Street from 7 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, as will Water Street North to the parking lot, and Water Street South to Jones Street East. A section of Wellington Street North and Wellington Street South will also be closed on Saturday from 7 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m.
The trestle (Sarnia bridge) will be closed to pedestrian traffic on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. for the fireworks show taking place at dusk. Those viewing the show are reminded to watch from a safe distance of at least 200 metres, including from water.
On Sunday, July 13, the weekend closes out with the St. Marys Horticultural Society’s Garden Tour from 1-5 p.m. Tour maps will be sold for $10 at town hall on Sunday, July 13 from 12:45-3 p.m.
Stay up to date with the Stonetown Heritage Festival through social media! Discover all of the town’s social media accounts at www.townofstmarys.com/stayintouch. For a full schedule of events, visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/festival.
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