Family Day Weekend, Feb. 16-19, 2024
A warm hug on a cold weekend, filled with live music, local food, arts, crafts and community.
hibernate Festival Is Coming
hibernate with live music
Snuggle into some great venues in Downtown Port Hope and have your socks knocked off by some incredible performances in some mighty unique venues. Enjoy free live afternoons and ticketed shows in the evening. You'll find incredible, diverse Canadian music blended with some of our finest local artists too!
Arts, Crafts and Community
Free artistic programming throughout downtown Port Hope celebrating community in typical Cultivate fashion – with tonnes of fun! Everything from print making to candle making and you can even make some music while you're at it!
hibernate hunt
Facilitated by Lee at Fluke Craft with help from Mrs. Johnston's grade 5 class at Ganaraska Trail Public School, we’ve hid 30 Hibernating bears (our festival mascot designed by our own Luke Despatie) inside 25 different downtown Port Hope merchants. Can you find them all? Grab your Hibernate Hunt card at Furby House Books between Friday February 16th and Sunday the 18th and see what you can find.
Family Day Fun
Join us for some simple family fun in Downtown Port Hope on Monday afternoon. Live music at Ganaraska Brewing, a Story Hunt with comedian Cliff Meyers, Mask Making and a 360 Photo Booth, just to a name a few.
hibernate eats
Embark on a festival food journey! Born a local food festival, Cultivate will forever feature great food and drink created by independent makers in our community, celebrating our region’s agricultural abundance and taste-of-place!
Check out Ganaraska Brewing Co., Beamish House Pub, Thirsty Goose, Gusto and Milly's for cozy Hibernate insired items during Hibernate weekend!
concerts
Feb. 16th, 17th and 18th
Three shows over three days in historic Downtown Port Hope.
Friday
Aysanabee
Friday Feb. 16th
port hope united church
Mia Kelly
Friday Feb. 16th
port hope united church
Kicking off on the evening of Friday February 16th, Aysanabee will play the stunning Port Hope United Church. Aysanabee has enjoyed an incredible 18 months that saw him short-listed for the 2023 Polaris Prize, win three 2023 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards for Artistic Video, Pop/Alternative/Rock Album of the Year, and Rising Star, win of the 2023 Jim Beam Indie Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, and win of a 2023 Canadian Live Music Award for New Touring Artist of the Year. He will be supported by Mia Kelly, a singer-songwriter from Gatineau, Quebec who writes and performs in both French and English.
Saturday
Inn Echo
Saturday Feb. 17th
Ganaraska Brewing
Mimi O'Bonsawin
Saturday Feb. 17th
Ganaraska Brewing
Contemporary PEI trad band, Inn Echo, will sweep you off your feet with charm and vibe. Supported by Jordan Mowat, incorporating both traditional indigenous and contemporary music while sharing stories behind each song.
Sunday
Elliott Brood
Sunday Feb. 18th
Ganaraska Brewing
Nickola Magnolia
Sunday Feb. 18th
Ganaraska Brewing
Elliott BROOD bring their boot-stomping brand of alt folk to Hibernate Festival with a guarantee to get you out of your seat. In fact, there won't be many seats for this reason along! They'll be joined by local country artist and rising star, Nickola Magnolia.
Passes on Sale Now!
Kids 18 and under are free with a ticket holding adult.
Young adults are around half price.
weekend
pass
- 3 day pass to Cultivate Festival
day
passes
- Day passes to Friday, Saturday or Sunday
young adult
passes
- Day passes to Friday, Saturday or Sunday for young adults between 19 - 25.
kids
passes
- Kids 18 and under are free thanks to the generousity of our sponsor, Jacqueline Pennington
No questions asked
Cultivate Festival costs a lot to produce and we couldn't do it with out the support of ticket holders. Truly. We know, though, that it's not easy for everyone and we'd like to remove as many barriers as possible to the Cultivate experience. If you need a ticket and can't otherwise afford, click the link below and it's all yours. No questions asked.
free live music
SATURDAY Feb. 17th and Sunday Feb. 18th
SATURDay
Make your way back and forth between these two great venues and enjoy 6 hours of free entertainment throughtout the afternoon of Saturday February 17th.
Ganaraska Brewing
Saturday February 17th
Mattie Leon
3:45 - 4:30
Charlotte Ann Band
2:15 - 3:00
Maple Leaf Champions Jug Band
12:45 - 1:30
Beamish House Pub
Saturday February 17th
kitchen party with Melissa payne
4:30 - 6:00
Benj Rowland
3:00 - 3:45
Irish Millie
1:30 - 2:15
Sunday
Tuck into the beautiful gallery that is Ganaraska Art and Framing for this unique show featuring retro pop and low twang/cinematic guitar throwback.
Fearuring Good Fortune (Kelsey McNulty - Great Lake Swimmers)and Champagne James Robertson (Dwyane Gretzky, MOONRIIVER). Masters of their craft, these two will put on a show you won't want to miss.
Pay what you can.
Ganaraska art and framing
Sunday February 18th
Champagne James Robertson
5:15 - 6:00
Good Fortune
4:30 - 5:15
Ganaraska Brewing Company
Sunday February 18th
Moskitto Bar
Live Performance and Balfolk Dance
1:30 - 3:00
In the afternoon head to Ganaraska Brewing Company and raise a glass to Moskitto Bar and their fresh and unique sound created in the multi-cultural hub of Toronto.
“It is not only about the music. In a deeper way it is about the connection between cultures…” Tangi Ropars, leader of Moskitto Bar.
Moskitto Bar is a fresh and unique sound created in the multi-cultural hub of Toronto, Canada. Their sound combines a beautiful and original mix of Ukrainian, Balkan, Iraqi Middle-Eastern and French Celtic music.
Arts crafts & community
Sunday Feb. 18th
Weave your way through downtown Port Hope and join in on tons of FREE programming for the whole family scattered about some remarkable storefronts.
House of Poetry
Capitol Theatre
12 - 4pm
Don’t think you can be poetic? You’re wrong! Come hang out with the Green Wood Coalition crew for some entertaining, collaborative and engaging poetry workshops.
Shadow Puppet Theatre
Schmidt Law
12 - 4pm
Make your own moving picture show, combining ancient arts of paper cutting and shadow puppetry, and then put on a performance in our illuminated theatre. Different tools and material options make this a fun and immersive experience for both the very young and the young at heart.
Sponsored by:
Young Artist Showcase
Poho Boho
12 - 4pm
Come check out 4 amazing youngs artists in one great space, including Ladybird, IMK Mitch, Hadley Peacock and the Colton Sisters.
Songwriter's Circle
Dwellissimo
12 - 4pm
If you have something to share, this is the place! Your host Shannon Linton will facilitate this circle ensuring everyone has space to play.
Storytelling and Songs by Ted Staunton
Furby House Books
2 - 3pm
Local children’s author and songwriter, Ted Staunton is turning Sunday into Funday! Join Ted for some interactive stories, songs and sing-alongs.
Sponsored by:
Temporary Tattoos
Schmidt Law
1 - 2pm
The grown ups get their tats from Nickola across the road at her shop, but today is all about the kids! Come get some temporary ink and live like the adults in your life for a day.
Sponsored by:
print making
Mad World
12 - 4pm
Make your own Hibernate bear tote, or lino print with fine folks of Mad World. Learn the process of screen printing and lino cutting while you’re at it.
A Night at the Museum
Presented by Two Blue Shirts
The Capitol Theare
6-8pm
Cozy up in the Sculthorpe Theatre (in the Capitol) and catch a Night at the Museum! Fun for the whole family, you can expect the popcorn to be poppin'. Don't forget your comfy cozies! Doors at 5:30 p.m. and show starts at 6:00 p.m.
Candle Making with Bee Works
Capitol Theatre
12 - 4pm
Get wax ecstatic with Bee Works and make some roll candles and super cool luminaries. You’ll learn a bit about beekeeping while you’re at it!
Live Painting
Ganaraska Art and Framing
12 - 4pm
Come check out two great local painters do their work in the nicest gallery around! Cultivate’s very own graphic designer, Luke Despatie and Ganaraska Art and Framing's own, Murray Sagar will be on-site sharing their beautiful work and their process in this unique experience.
S.O.N.G Drum Circle
Dwellissimo
12 - 1pm
Come one, come all. No drums needed. No talent required! Connect through the rhythm of the beat.
Sponsored by:
hibernate hunt
Downtown Port Hope
All Weekend
Facilitated by Lee at Fluke Craft with help from Mrs. Johnston's grade 5 class at Ganaraska Trail Public School, we’ve hid 30 Hibernating bears (our festival mascot designed by our own Luke Despatie) inside 25 different downtown Port Hope merchants. Can you find them all? Grab your Hibernate Hunt card at Furby House Books between Friday February 16th and Sunday the 18th and see what you can find.
Performative Tours
Tall Birches
12-4pm
Critical Mass presents former artists-in residence – the artist collective Nothing Else Left to Read (NEL2R) – who will perform artist tours at Tall Birches that tell imagined and not-so-imagined stories. In these short tours, we will discover the secrets hidden within the walls, the whispers from the cracks in the floors and learn of the tales objects wish to speak. Join us as we attend to the nooks and crannies between stories and seams that compose one of the most beloved shops of Port Hope.
Family Fun Day
Monday February 19th
Come hang out with Hibernate! Join us at Ganaraska Brewing or head out for a Story Hunt. We've got some simple, feel-good fun for the whole family.
Shania Twink
Ganaraska Brewing
2:30 - 4pm
Celebrate Family Day with the all queer, six piece Shania Twain cover band featuring prominent Canadian musicians Lydia Persaud, Christine Bougie and Dani Nash. This performance will be, at the absolute worst, a TON OF FUN!
In partnership with Northumberland Pride
360 Photo Booth
Ganaraska Brewing
12 - 4 p.m.
Grab a bear mask and hit the 360 photo booth stage! All participants will be sent a video of their crew on stage.
Andrew Queen and The Campfire Crew
Ganaraska Brewing
12 - 1 p.m.
Andrew Queen and the Campfire Crew are a family folk band that sing their hearts out and craft interactive musical storytelling performances that kindle the magic and memories of summer camp. They strive to bring old campfire favourites back to life and create original kids' music that inspires silliness and singing.
Story Hunt with Cliff Meyers
Ganaraska Brewing
2 - 3pm
A captivating annual program for families and children. Embark on an interactive adventure to uncover 'The Magic Salmon Quest' by searching for three hidden story scrolls across Old Port Hope. Each scroll, representing the Beginning, Middle, and End, will engage participants in a thematic narrative. Share the complete tale in the Story Cave and receive a fun reward.
Sponsored by:
Pop-Up Choir
Ganaraska Brewing
1- 2 p.m.
Our friend and SONG Artistic Director, Lucas Marchand, knows a thing or two about singing - he sang with an international touring acapella group! He’s convinced (and we trust him) that you can join a choir. So why not! Pop over and learn a song with your family and friends!
Bear Mask Making with Fluke Craft
Ganaraska Brewing
12 - 4pm
Turn our Hibernating Bear mascot into a mask with this fun and simple craft with Lee Higginson of Fluke Craft.
Sponsored by:
the schedule
february 16 - 19th, 2024
Don't miss a thing at Hibernate! Anything listed that doesn't say (Ticketed) is FREE! Yay!
Friday
7:30 p.m. - Aysanabee and Mia Kelly - Port Hope United Church (Ticketed)
Saturday
Ganaraska Brewing
12:45 - 1:30 - Maple Leaf Champions Jug Band
2:15 - 3:00 - Charlotte Ann Band
3:45 - 4:30 - Mattie Leon
Beamish House
1:30 - 2:15 - Irish Millie
3:00 - 3:45 - Benj Rowland
4:30 6:00 - Kitchen Party with Melissa Payne
Ganaraska Brewing
7:30 p.m. - Inn Echo with Mimi O'Bonsawin - Ganaraska Brewing (Ticketed)
Sunday
All Day - Hibernate Hunt Bingo - Downtown Port Hope
12 - 1 p.m- S.O.N.G Drum Circle - Dwellissimo
12 - 4 p.m - Performative Tours with NEL2R and Critical Mass - Tall Birches
12 - 4 p.m - Young Artists Showcase - POHO Boho
12 - 4 p.m - Cultivate Kids - Shadow Puppet Theatre - Schmidt Law
12 - 4 p.m - DIY Festival Merch - Mad World
12 - 4 p.m - Candle Making with Bee Works - Capitol Theatre
12 - 4 p.m - Live Art - Ganaraska Art and Framing
12 - 4 p.m - Green Wood House of Poetry - Capitol Theatre
1 - 4 p.m - Songwrinter's Circle with Shannon Linton - Dwellissimo
1:30 - 3 p.m. - Moskitto Bar - Live performance and Balfolk Dance
2 - 3 p.m - Cultivate Kids - Storytelling and Songs by Ted Staunton - Furby House Books
2:15 - 2:45 p.m - Hibernate Collaborate with Holly Akimow - Dwellissimo
3 - 4 p.m - Cultivate Kids - Nick's Temporary Tattoos - Schmidt Law
4:30 - 6pm - Good Fortune and Champagne James Robertson - Ganaraska Art and Framing
6 - 8 p.m. - Movie Night with Two Blue Shirts - Capitol Theatre
7:30 p.m. Elliott BROOD and Nickola Magnolia - Ganaraska Brewing (Ticketed)
Monday
12 - 4 p.m. - 360 Photo Booth - Ganaraska Brewing Co.
12 - 4 p.m. - Hibernating Bear Masks with Fluke Craft - Ganaraska Brewing Co.
1 - 2 p.m. - Pop Up Choir with Lucas Marchand - Ganaraska Brewing Co.
1 - 4 p.m. - Story Hunt with Cliff Meyers - Downtown Port Hope
2:30 - 4 p.m. - Shania Twink - Ganaraska Brewing Co
Community
Hibernate is all about bringing people together! Stroll the streets, spark up a conversation and snuggle into a venue with someone you love or even just met. We'll get you in places you may have never been before, exposing you to the remarkable people and places of Port Hope.
Inclusivity
Cultivate sembraces inclusivity at its core, creating a vibrant space where diverse voices and perspectives flourish. With a celebration of art, music, and culture, it fosters a welcoming environment that promotes unity, acceptance, and the power of shared experiences. We are also committed to access for all - if you’d like a free ticket send us an email to info@cultivatefestival.ca and we’ll send you some with no questions asked.
Free Programming
Hibernate is a hybrid festival with free and paid events, but mostly they are free. With thos free events comes a commitment to accessibility. Attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural experience, enjoying diverse performances, workshops, and interactive artistic programming, all without any cost barriers. If you’d like a free ticket to a paid event, you can simply send us an email to info@cultivatefestival.ca and we would be happy to help as a part of our No Questions Asked policy.
downtown port hope
Beautiful, historic downtown Port Hope. Everything you could ever need in a 500 meter radius. Come see for yourself!
How else can you participate?
Help us create an unforgettable experience or showcase your local products!
Passes on Sale Now!
Kids 18 and under are free with a ticket holding adult.
Young adults are around half price.
weekend
pass
- 3 day pass to Cultivate Festival
day
passes
- Day passes to Friday, Saturday or Sunday
young adult
passes
- Day passes to Friday, Saturday or Sunday for young adults between 19 - 25.
kids
passes
- Kids 18 and under are free thanks to the generousity of our sponsor, Jacqueline Pennington
No questions asked
Cultivate Festival costs a lot to produce and we couldn't do it with out the support of ticket holders. Truly. We know, though, that it's not easy for everyone and we'd like to remove as many barriers as possible to the Cultivate experience. If you need a ticket and can't otherwise afford, click the link below and it's all yours. No questions asked.
Programming Partners
These community organizations are as dedicated to building healthy and vibrant communities as much as we are and we couldn’t be more proud to have them presenting unique, collaborative art experiences that strengthen the Cultivate Community.
SONG
Green Wood Coalition
Funding Partners
Sponsors
TD
Cameco
Port Hope Rotary
Quantrill Motors
Copeland Realty
Ganaraska Financial
Ste. Anne's Spa
Battlefield
Lauria
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