Family Day Weekend, February 14 - 17, 2025
Downtown Port Hope, ON
A warm hug on a cold weekend, filled with live music, local food, arts, crafts and community.
hibernate Festival Is Coming
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 live music to letter writing.
Sponsored by:
Family Day Fun
Celebrate Family Day in style at Hibernate’s Family Day Extravaganza! Join us between 12 - 4 p.m at the Lions Centre in Port Hope for a day packed with fun and entertainment. Get down to the lively sounds of Trash Panda Brass, laugh along with the whimsical fun of the Paddling Puppeteer and cap off the day with joyful Balfolk Dancing for all ages. Enjoy delicious slices from Toller Pizza and indulge in soe delicious Ice Cream Sundaes. It’s a family-friendly celebration you won’t want to miss!
hibernate eats
Hibernate Eats is a festival food lover’s dream! Savor delicious eats and drinks from some of Port Hope’s finest downtown restaurants, including The Thirsty Goose, Beamish House Pub, Ganaraska Brewing Company, Olympus Burger, Frosted Flour, and Queenie’s Bake Shop. Whether you’re craving hearty pub fare, gourmet burgers, sweet treats, or locally crafted brews, Hibernate Eats has something to delight every palate. Come hungry and enjoy the best of local flavors!
Sponsored by:
hibernate hunt
Embark on a fun and educational scavenger hunt through downtown Port Hope shops as we explore the world of hibernating animals! We’ve hidden 40 Ontario hibernators throughout downtown and it’s up to you to find them! Perfect for all ages, this interactive adventure combines learning with local love, making it a delightful winter outing for families and friends.
Grab your card at Furby House Books, start your hunt, and uncover the secrets of winter wildlife while supporting downtown Port Hope and Cultivating Community! There are prizes, too!
Sponsored by:
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN music
Friday February 14th
Join us on Valentine's Day for a Pay-What-You-Can concert fetauring the Cultivate Festival All-Stars!
The All-Stars made their electrifying debut at the 2024 Cultivate Festival to overwhelming fanfare. Widely hailed as a festival highlight, this powerhouse group brings together four masters of their craft, each contributing original songs and effortlessly swapping instruments.
The band features Kyler Tapscott (Amanda Rheaume, Logan Staats), Melissa Payne (Matt Mays), Derek Downham (Broken Social Scene), Saskia Tomkins (Medusa, Sultans of String), Ian McKeown (Union Duke), and Nicholas Campbell—each a remarkable musician with deep connections to Port Hope and the rich history of Cultivate.
Get ready for an unforgettable performance!
Sponsored by:
free live music
Saturday February 15th
Make your way back and forth between these three great venues and enjoy hours of free entertainment throughtout the afternoon of Saturday February 15th.
Ganaraska Brewing Company
Doghouse Orchestra
Matthew Holtby
Beamish House Pub
Irish Millie
derek downham
The Thirsty Goose
Brian Bracken
Jakeb Daniel
Harry Hannah
Sponsored by:
the pairs and lotus wight
Saturday February 15th
Join us for this ticketed event in the Sculthorpe Theatre at The Capitol. A stunning concert featuring The Pairs, and Lotus Wight.
With three distinct lead singer/songwriters, the award winning folk trio, The Pairs, offer a unique blend of music with stories of life’s hope, hilarity, and hardship.
“Wight's original works defy the epoch. These songs could’ve been written at the turn-of-the-century and stand up to modern scrutiny. Lotus has transformed himself from a skilled revivalist/multi-instrumentalist into a highly credible songwriter of astounding originality. Not to be missed!” David Clayton Thomas
kaia kater and shannon & jakeb
Sunday February 16th
Join us for this ticketed event in at the Ganaraska Art and Framing featuring award winning americana artist, Kaia Kater and local folk pop duo, Shannon & Jakeb
Kaia Kater is a Montreal-born Grenadian-Canadian Kaia's jazz-fueled voice and deft songcraft have garnered acclaim from NPR's Tiny Desk, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and No Depression.
Through her artful banjo playing and lush songwriting, Kaia draws on influences rooted in Quebec, the Caribbean, and Appalachia, all of which reflect the diversity of her background; her ties to the Canadian folk music scene; her college years spent soaking up Appalachian music in West Virginia, her father’s experience growing up in Grenada, and her recent work in film composition.
Shannon and Jakeb are a folk-pop duo known for their dynamic vocal synergy and vibrant performance style. Characterized by percussive guitar and soaring harmonies, their songs are honest and vulnerable with a lighthearted spirit.
Shannon Linton is a classically trained singer whose love of singing harmonies found its perfect match with multi-instrumentalist and vocal powerhouse Jakeb Daniel. They are both proud to call Cobourg, Ontario their home, and to be part of its flourishing music community.
Arts crafts & community
Sunday Feb. 16th
Weave your way through downtown Port Hope and join in on tons of FREE programming for the whole family scattered about some remarkable storefronts.
Bunting with Kate Hunter
Feel Good Company - 12 - 4 p.m.
Join local artist, Kate Hunter, and get creative at our Bunting Workshop! Folks are invited will design a panel of bunting inspired by the theme of joy in winter. Your unique creation will contribute to the vibrant decor at upcoming events, spreading warmth and happiness for seasons to come. All ages and artistic abilities are welcome—let’s create something beautiful together!
Winter Songs and Stories with Pete Moss
Furby House - 3 - 4 p.m.
Experience the magic of Winter Songs & Stories, a delightful blend of music, education, and storytelling! Sing along to engaging songs about winter birds and animals, and enjoy a captivating "live-action" puppet story about creatures striving to survive the cold season. Perfect for curious minds and nature lovers of all ages, this interactive program brings the wonders of winter wildlife to life in a fun and memorable way!
Design and Print Making
Mad World - 12 - 3 p.m.
Make your own Hibernate festival merch!
Bear totes, t-shirts, or lino print with fine folks of Mad World. Learn the process of screen printing and lino cutting while you’re at it. Party on!
Songwriter’s Circle with Shannon Linton
2 - 4 p.m.
Dwellissimo
Join acclaimed singer-songwriter Shannon Linton for an inspiring Songwriters' Circle! This intimate gathering in Dwellissimo offers a chance to share your songs, hear from fellow musicians, and gain insights into the craft of songwriting. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting out, this welcoming space is the perfect place to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. Bring your songs, your stories, and your curiosity!
Letter Writing and Greeting Card Design
12 - 4 p.m.
Feel Good Company
Send Some Love! Join our letter-writing activity and create a heartfelt greeting card for someone special. Let your creativity shine as you design and write a message to brighten their day—we’ll even cover the postage! Whether it’s a simple “hello” or a message of appreciation, your card is sure to make someone smile. All ages welcome!
Stories and songs with Ted Staunton
1 - 2 p.m.
Furby House
Join beloved Port Hope author and musician Ted Staunton for an engaging session of stories and songs! Ted brings his signature wit, charm, and storytelling magic to life, weaving tales and tunes that captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, this is a delightful opportunity to be inspired and entertained by one of the community's treasured talents.
Artist Talk & Reception with Raechel Wastesicoot
12 - 2 p.m.
Town Hall
áhsire: ceremony is where you are is a quilted blanket and public art project by mixed Kanyen'kehà:ka artist Raechel Wastesicoot. The blanket was crafted over 9 months during an artist residency with Critical Mass and STEPS Public Art. It incorporates intricate beadwork, textiles and quilting to depict shared memories and moments of personal and traditional ceremony. The blanket and its accompanying poem explore the idea of place, and what makes something, somewhere, or someone feel like home – including special sentiments from the lives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. áhsire currently hangs inside Port Hope Town Hall.
Micro Heritage Tours by ACO Port Hope Branch
see below for times
Farini Gardens
Young Artists Showcase
12 - 3 p.m
On 2nd Thought Upcycling
Celebrate emerging talent at the Third Annual Young Artists Showcase! Featuring incredible performances by Ryan Scott, Rayleigh, Chelsea Collins, and the Colton Sisters, this event highlights the creativity and skill of our community’s rising stars. Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of fresh voices and vibrant artistry.
Open Fire and S’mores
1 - 4 p.m
Linger Zone on John St.
Live music presented by the H.BI.A
12 - 4 p.m.
Multiple Venues
Head across downtown Port Hope to see some of the area's best up and coming artists, including Matthew Holtby, Harry Hannah, Rayleigh, The Colton Sisters, Chelsea Collins, Ladybird, Jakeb Daniel and more!. Particapating venues include Tall Birches, Ganaraska Art and Framing and Milly's!
Sponsored by:
Family Fun Day
Monday February 17th
Come hang out with Hibernate! Join us at the Lion's Centre We've got some simple, feel-good fun for the whole family.
trash panda brass
Only having hit the streets in June 2022, Trash Panda Brass is a new and exciting voice in the Toronto brass band scene. Having quickly gained a large following, Trash Panda Brass has appeared on the cover of the Whole Note magazine; performed at TD Jazz Fest, and Small World Festival; and recorded their first EP, all within the first year of conception. Their home however, will always be on the streets where they are “retooling the art of busking into a kindof amazing outdoor ambush” - The Whole Note
In an effort to bring music and joy to as wide an audience as possible, they regularly play at community events, festivals and educational workshops and can still be seen playing on the streets of Toronto. With all arranging done by members of the band, Trash Panda is known for their upbeat and fun loving tunes, paying homage to quintessential queer hits and icons. Trash Panda Brass is proud to be here and queer!
Balfolk Dancing
Join renowned local musicians Saskia Tompkins and Steafan Hannigan for an enchanting Balfolk Dance experience for the whole family! Enjoy an afternoon of lively European folk music and simple, joyful group dances. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this event promises to get everyone moving, laughing, and making memories together. No experience required—just bring your energy and enthusiasm!
PAddling Puppeteer
Plug in to nature with a live music and puppet show, celebrating all the good things that come from caring for and connecting to our local environment. Peterborough-based singer-songwriter, puppeteer, and nature educator Glen Caradus brings ecological entertainment for the whole family to the Hibernate stage!
Sponsored by:
what it's all about
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 those 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.
Hibernate Kick Off Concert
you can!
- Kick-Off Concert at The Capitol Theatre featuring the Cultivate Festival All-Stars. Tickets are general admission and seaeting is first come, first served.
Saturday Night Concert
$19
- Passes to Saturday night concert at The Sculthorpe Theatre inside the Capitol Theatre featuring award winning folk trio The Pairs and Lotus Wight. Only 80 tickets available.
Sunday Night Concert
$19
- Passes to Sunday night concert at Ganaraska Art and Framing featuring award winning artist Kaia Kater and Shannon & Jakeb. Only 60 tickets available.
Family Day
Extravaganza
you can!
- A pass to our Hibernate Festival variety show on Family Day at The Lion's Centre. Live music, toller pizza, dancing, singing and so much more!
No questions asked
Cultivate events cost 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, choose your ticket through the link below and enter the promo code NOQUESTIONSASKED and it's all yours. No questions asked.
Funding Partners
Sponsors
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