Looking for an easy weeknight dinner? Join us on Sept 5th for a BBQ and FREE Concert in the Arts Centre yard! On Thurs, Sept 5, from 6-9 pm, we’re hosting “The Art of Possibility” Community Kick-Off BBQ, and everyone’s invited! ⭐ FREE admission ⭐ Enjoy a FREE concert by Harry Lee Follon (part of our Pavilion Summer Concert Series), plus a cash bar, games, prizes and more! ⭐ For just $20, enjoy a BBQ chicken dinner with ALL the fixings (vegan, gluten-free and takeout options available) ⭐ Be there for the official launch of “The Art of Possibility” — our public fundraising campaign to support our exciting expansion! Pre-purchase your  dinner by FRIDAY, AUGUST 30th at 3 pm!!

Our final concert in the pavilion as part of our Summer Concert Series!  You won't want to miss the classic sound and memorable melodies of Harry Lee Follon on the stage!  And who doesn't love a fiddle and pedal steel!? With his thick grey beard and ubiquitous wide-brimmed hat, Harry Lee Follon looks like a man transplanted from a previous century. But that timeless image is the ideal reflection of his music—pure, honest songs that are as emotionally resonant in 2024 as they would have been in 1924.  His new album 'Uncle's Lament' was just released in June!  "The overall feeling while listening to Uncle's Lament is something close to sitting in a front parlour enjoying good friends playing music together" - Canadian Beats Follon's music is inspired by the likes of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt, although he says that he's also inspired by younger artists working in that tradition such as Jeffery Martin and Joe Pug, as well as fellow Canadians Spencer Burton and Zachary Lucky. And lucky you, this concert is also part of a BBQ Picnic at the Arts Centre - but you have to order meals ahead here.  Otherwise, just come and enjoy this free concert featuring the amazing Harry Lee Follon!

Opening Gala Reception: Thursday September 19, 2024  |   7 – 9 PM in the gallery at Elora Centre for the Arts

Meet and mingle with the artists of the Elora Fergus Studio Tour and members of our creative community – and get a sneak peak of their work on display in the gallery before the tour begins!  Refreshments and catered food will be served.

Free admission.  Everyone is welcome!

For more information about participating artists, please click here.

The Creativity Connection: How Art Contributes to Meaningful and Healthy Futures for Children with Disabilities and Developmental Differences Featuring Julia Hanigsberg, president & CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital — part of our new Vibrant Visions Speaker Series  Join us as we kick off a brand new speaker series, Vibrant Visions: Bridging Arts, Community & Wellness, in partnership with Aboyne Rural Hospice. This three-part series shines a light on creativity and the arts in health and wellness spaces — from enriching the lives of children with disabilities and caregivers to innovative approaches to end-of-life care.  Parents, educators, caregivers, clinicians, wellness professionals, youth and young adults with lived experience, and anyone interested in learning more about the power of art are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2024 EVENT! - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Riverfest Elora and Team Addy present:  A Concert with Addy-tude!

Join us for a special evening as Riverfest and Team Addy come together to present A Concert with Addy-tude—a fundraiser honoring the life and spirit of Addison (Addy) Hill. All proceeds will go to support sarcoma research at SickKids Hospital.

Addy’s journey, marked by her infectious positivity, sense of humor, resilience, and boundless heart, touched everyone who knew her. Although she lost her battle with Angiosarcoma on July 10, 2022, her legacy lives on through the dedication of Team Addy. Together, we’re turning our grief into a powerful and positive force, committed to continuing Addy’s fight against Sarcoma.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024 (doors open at 3PM, Show runs 4:15 - 11PM)
Venue: MacDonald Pavilion, Elora Centre for the Arts
Address: 74 Melville St., Elora, ON

Come visit the gallery and meet Lakshmi Venkataraman, a local artist who will be demonstrating a captivating and interactive dance experience that weaves together Indian dance, stunning visual art, and expressive vocals followed by the enchanting art of henna!  Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebration of culture and creativity! This is a free event, and part of Culture Days throughout the region.

Join us in the gallery to meet and mingle with clay artist Annette Hansen and textile artist Gitte Hansen, as they launch their new exhibition in the gallery!  'Clay & Cloth' is a collaboration between the sisters as they explore and incorporate elements of the forest, both on land and under water, and demonstrate how these interconnected creative elements can remind us of the very things that sustain life. Refreshments will be provided.  Free admission.  No registration required.

 

You are invited to Moonlight at the Mill -   presented and sponsored by the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa. This fundraiser for the Elora Centre for the Arts is not to be missed!

Guests will enjoy world class cuisine and hospitality with cocktails and a 3-course meal with wine, served in the beautiful Granary Building at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa.  The festivities will include a live auction, a silent auction and dancing to live music by Lauren Roy and The Boutique Collective.

Let the 2024 adventure begin - what’s new for 2024!? Following on from last year’s incredible success with 100% sold out screenings, the Elora Adventure Film Festival folks are gearing up for an expanded festival in 2024!

In this speaker series event, Ian Evans will recount the fun and lessons learned from his expeditions around the globe. The event is approximately 1 hour, including Q&A. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here.  THIS EVENT IS A FUNDRAISER FOR THE ELORA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS.  The speaker is donating 100% of proceeds to the Arts Centre. Location: in the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville Street, Elora

As part of the Elora Adventure Film Festival activities this year, they are offering an Adventure Speaker Series that you can sign up for in addition to film festival packages.  Be inspired by the experiences and passions of other Adventurers in this interactive speaker series.  There will be opportunities for Q&A, and engagement with others who share your interest in exploring, pushing boundaries, and living live to the fullest.

The Adventure Speaker Series will take place on Saturday November 9th, in the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts (75 Melville Street in downtown Elora).  The location is walkable from the Gorge Cinema where the films are being presented.  There are 3 speaking sessions to choose from, with dynamic presenters - pick one, two, or all three!  Tickets are $12 per session.  

Here's the line-up!  Register today (links below):

In this speaker series event, Scott Kress will talk about his incredible expedition to climb Mount Everest.

The event is approximately 1 hour, including Q&A.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here.

Location: in the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville Street, Elora

In this speaker series event, Adam will share stories and photos from his expeditions, and discuss his most recent book Where the Falcon Flies: A 3,400 km Odyssey from My Doorstep to the Arctic. The event is approximately 1 hour, including Q&A. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here. Location: in the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville Street, Elora

Mark your calendars for our annual OPEN HOUSE!  All of our artist studios in the building will be open to the public for you to wander and shop for creative Christmas finds at affordable prices!

35 participating artists  |  4 studios  |  Hundreds of gift ideas!

Admission is free!

The artisan shop will also be open!