The 2020 Dockside Festival has been cancelled.
The Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce officially announced the cancellation of the 29th annual Dockside Festival of the Arts on Thursday, even though it was set to take place on the weekend of August 14-16 at the Muskoka Wharf.
In a press release, Executive Director for the Chamber Sandy Lockhart says it’s an unfortunate loss.
“It’s heartbreaking for us because we know how much this means to the community and to our vendors,” Lockhart said. “With reduced services and amenities available in the park, and our responsibility to the health and safety of our vendors, we simply had no choice but to cancel the 2020 event.”
The Festival always runs the third weekend in August, typically drawing in more than 100 vendors and 7,500 guests.
The weekend’s festivities include live music, food trucks and children’s entertainment.
Marketing and sponsorship lead for the Chamber Chris Hammar notes that the cancellation this year does not mean the end of Dockside.
“We’re going to use this pause to re-tool and refine the Dockside experience,” Hammar said. “When we return next summer, we expect to have an even bigger and better show for all of our patrons and vendors.”
The Chamber adds the 2021 Dockside Festival of the Arts will return to the Muskoka Wharf on August 20-22.