The arrival of August always offers a gentle reminder that the long days of summer are slipping away. Luckily, there is still plenty of time to soak up this glorious season. With even more of our local experiences now available to enjoy, finding ways to create cherished summer memories is simple. Get re-acquainted with friends and family at your favourite restaurant. Re-discover the sounds and spontaneity of a live performance. Remind yourself that off-screen entertainment options do exist. As we seize the season's remaining days, we invite you to ask yourself how you want to remember this summer. And then, to make it happen here in Orangeville.  
The soundtrack to your summer

Eager ears rejoice! Live music is back and those long-awaited sounds may be just what you need to get back into the swing of things. Here is a list of local live experiences to add to your summer bucket list.
 
Patio vibes
The team at Taphouse Craft Beer + Kitchen is saying so long to streaming and hello to live music all summer long. The stage is set, the patio is open, and local musicians are ready to perform. Tickets for Friday and Saturday evening concerts are $60 per table with proceeds going directly to the musicians. Free matinee performances on weekend afternoons round out the schedule. Follow along online for more details and to purchase tickets.

Head to The Hatter Gastropub on Thursday evenings to enjoy live music on the extended patio. The tunes start at 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Connect on Facebook or Instagram to learn about the line-up each week.
Photo: Supercrescent performs at Taphouse Craft Beer + Kitchen
Saturday sounds
Downtown Orangeville is bringing live music to main street every Saturday until August 28. The mini-concert series runs weekly from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in front of Town Hall at 87 Broadway. Performances by local, professional musicians will add a little pizzazz to your stroll along Broadway. Find the schedule online. 

Performances in the park
The Town of Orangeville’s drive-in Summer Concert Series returns to Rotary Park in August and showcases a schedule of talented musicians performing across a variety of genres. Laila Biali and Ryan Grist kick off the series on August 20 followed by Jordan John and Larry Kurtz & the Lawbreakers on August 21. Bring the family to see TEAM T&J and Craig the Comic Juggler on August 25. More local talent comes to the stage on August 26 as Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band perform Opry Gold, followed by crowd favourites The Campfire Poets on August 27. The series wraps up with a country themed show on August 28 featuring the Rob Watts Band and The Beresfords. The audience can expect a quality concert experience with a 24-foot stage, video displays and in-car FM stereo sound. Tickets are $25 per vehicle and are now available online.
 
Back on stage
Live music isn’t the only way to experience in-person entertainment this summer. Theatre Orangeville is back on stage with two live performances. Catch Chase the Ace from August 11 to 22 and Josiah from September 8 to 19. Both shows will be hosted outdoors at Mount Alverno Luxury Resorts, just a short jaunt from Orangeville. Find tickets and protocols online.
Have you discovered Driftscape?
You can now experience Orangeville in a whole new way using Driftscape. The free mobile app acts as a modern-day method to highlight the Town's activities, sites and stories. The app showcases the public art, historic landmarks, and recreational activities that can be found in Orangeville. This same information is also available on Driftscape’s web-based app. You can discover attractions from the comfort of home and use Driftscape as a planning tool before your visit. 

The Driftscape app makes it easy to find over 70 pieces of public art including tree sculptures, utility boxes, statues, and monuments. Follow three self-guided walking tours to explore historic buildings and landmarks. Use the augmented reality option to enhance your experience and discover even more attractions as you walk around Orangeville. Driftscape gives both locals and visitors a chance to tour a variety of attractions in a new and interactive way.

Driftscape is available for free download from the App Store or Google Play.
Vote for your favourite public art by July 30

To celebrate Orangeville's growing collection of public art, we are compiling a list of the top ten pieces. Whether it's their size, scale, or story that makes them special, tell us which ones top your list.

Select your favourite public art pieces using this simple online form. You can choose up to ten pieces. Based on the results, a tour of the most popular public art pieces will be curated and shared for everyone to experience through the Driftscape app.
Celebrate Your Awesome
Saturday, August 7
7 p.m.
View on Facebook

Celebrate Your Awesome 2021 is a virtual celebration that recognizes diversity and pride in Dufferin County. Presented in collaboration with Theatre Orangeville, the online event will bring all of the entertainment that you would expect from the in-person experience right to your own home. Join the celebration by visiting the Facebook page and accessing the link at 7 p.m. on August 7.
Awesome Human Library
August 3, 4, and 5
7 to 8:30 p.m. each evening
Via Microsoft Teams

In partnership with Celebrate Your Awesome, the Orangeville Public Library is hosting three engaging conversations with human books. All will share their life stories and wisdom through pre-recorded one-to-one conversations. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to speak live with the guests. Find full details and register online.
Orangeville Farmers' Market
Every Saturday until October 23
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
90 Broadway, across from Town Hall
Picnic Perfect
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Order in advance from participating downtown restaurants and cafes
Theatre Orangeville's online summer line-up

Although Theatre Orangeville is coming back to the stage with live performances, it’s not leaving its virtual audiences behind. Three online shows will be streamed for your at-home enjoyment.

The Third Life of Eddie Mann – streaming July 30 to August 17
Eddie's story is about life, death, baseball, watches, and Oreo cookies. As a teacher, he loved his first life. After 31 years, he retired and became a financial adviser. That was his second and current life, one which he hates. Freshly fired by his only client, we find Eddie contemplating what life will look like next, when he is interrupted by a quirky visitor. And so starts The Third Life of Eddie Mann.

Chase the Act – streaming August 18 to September 7
When big city radio host Charlie King is forced to take a job managing a small town station, he has no idea what’s in store. Not only does a pandemic begin his first week in Port Belette, but he quickly finds himself chasing a story of municipal corruption. This one-man comedy is about a down-on-his-luck DJ, a local lottery, and the search for truth in these unprecedented times. The show is written and performed by Mark Crawford and directed by Miles Potter. 

Josiah – streaming September 15 to October 5
This new Canadian play is about the life of Josiah Henson, the "real" Uncle Tom. One man and a bucket brings one incredible story to life. This one-person show engages audiences with a mix of drama, dance, and movement to reveal the first chapter of Josiah Henson's life from slavery to freedom. The show is written and directed by Charles Robertson and performed by Cassel Miles. 
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Arts and Culture Awards
The Town of Orangeville is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Arts and Culture Awards. The annual awards celebrate the creative talent and cultural richness of the local community. Contributions made by businesses, organizations and individuals in Dufferin County are recognized every year.

Over 80 award winners and hundreds of nominees have been celebrated since the awards were introduced in 2010. “The longevity of the awards as well as the calibre of nominations that we continue to see every year demonstrate the strength of the region’s creative sector,” says Councillor Lisa Post, Chair of the Cultural Plan Task Force. “The awards offer a unique opportunity to recognize the immense talent of local artists and honour the vital contributions of educators, volunteers, businesses, and organizations.”

An award nomination can have a meaningful impact for those who are recognized. Individual artists gain an opportunity to introduce their work to new audiences and boost their credentials, a particularly important benefit for students. The awards offer a unique way to express gratitude for the tireless work of volunteers and educators and provide organizations, businesses, and events with new ways to promote their efforts. For all nominees, the recognition strengthens their connection with the community and reinforces the importance of their work.

Submitting a nomination is a simple process. A description of the nominees’ contributions is the only requirement. Anyone wanting to recognize an individual, business, or organization is invited to review the award criteria and complete the online nomination. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, August 12 at 4 p.m. 
Free business coaching for the local tourism sector

Local tourism businesses can now access free, personalized coaching from the experienced consultants at BC Hughes Inc. This unique opportunity is available to businesses in Dufferin County that are looking to attract tourists with new experiences, expanded offerings, or enhanced marketing. Each participant will gain a fresh perspective based on their specific needs and opportunities. The program includes two one-to-one virtual meetings and a complete action plan outlining next steps to start building better visitor experiences. This program is offered by the Orangeville & Area SBEC and is available on a first-come, first-served basis until September 2021. Contact us to learn more and get started.
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