Family Day Weekend, February 13 - 16, 2026
Downtown Port Hope, ON
A warm hug on a cold weekend, filled with live music, local food, arts, crafts and community. Fun for the whole family!
hibernate Festival Is Coming
Free 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.
Hibernate: Under covers
Friday February 13th
Port Hope United Church
A Fundraiser for Cultivate Community
Familiar songs and familiar faces all in support of a weekend of FREE programming at Hibernate Festival.
Watch friends of Cultivate perform their favourite Canadian songs, reimagined in intimate, soulful covers.
This event will kick-off Hibernate Festival, contributing to a weekend of FREE programming Downtown Port Hope.
Performances by: The Hibernate House Band (Melissa Payne, Ian McKoewn and Kyler Tapscott) + Kerri Ough, Cale Crowe, lillydipper, Irish Millie, Alyson McNamara, Harry Hannah, Plainville United, Piner, Matt Bazinet, Rayleigh and more.
Family Day Fun Time
Family Day Fun Time is a joyful, all-ages finale to Hibernate Festival. Families are invited to dance, sing, move, and create together through a mix of live music, participatory activities, and hands-on fun.
The afternoon features a Family Dance Party with DJ Jasper, a Pop-Up Choir with S.O.N.G, folk dancing, live music from the West End Riverboat Band, plus crafts, games, sledding, s’mores, and more. Designed to be relaxed and welcoming, Family Day Fun Time invites everyone to join in at their own pace — no experience required.
Food and drink will be available with Smashed Patties in the house along with Latte Da Mobile Coffee. The bar is also open.
hibernate hunt
Embark on a fun, educational scavenger hunt through downtown Port Hope shops exploring the world of hibernating animals. Ontario hibernators are hidden throughout downtown... can you find them all? Perfect for all ages, this interactive adventure blends learning, play, and local discovery. Pick up your hunt card at Furby House Books, explore downtown, uncover winter wildlife facts, and support local businesses along the way. Prizes included.
Sponsored by:
Free live music
Saturday February 14th
Irish Millie
Saturday February 14th
1:15 - 2:00 p.m
Dwellissimo
Irish Millie is a 19-year-old Canadian fiddler, singer, and composer from Peterborough, Ontario. Blending East Coast drive, bluegrass energy, and contemporary folk grit, she has quickly become a standout young artist. A seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, Irish Millie was named Young Performer of the Year in 2025.
Harry Hannah
Saturday February 14th
2:45 - 3:15 p.m
Dwellissimo
Harry Hannah is a songwriter whose work sits at the intersection of troubadour storytelling and roots-driven grit. His songs balance heart and humour, drawing from lived-in characters and small-town scenes. A 2024 North Country Music Award nominee for Emerging Artist of the Year, Harry’s music feels honest, road-worn, and deeply human.
Piner
Saturday February 14th
4:15 - 5:00 p.m
Dwellissimo
Piner is a singer-songwriter from Katarokwi (Kingston, ON) whose music explores the stories of others and the complexities of the greater human experience. Her latest album, A Netherworld, is a project of nuance and perspective. Piner has shared stages with artists including Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mo Kenney, and Crash Test Dummies.
Cale Crowe
Saturday February 14th
2:00 - 2:45 p.m
Ganaraska Brewing Company
Cale Crowe is an Ojibwe singer-songwriter from Alderville First Nation in Canada. His performance uses a blend of acoustic guitar and electronic percussion along with a loop pedal to create his own accompaniment in songs about love, loss, regret, and hope.
lilydipper
Saturday February 14th
3:30 - 4:15 p.m
Ganaraska Brewing Company
lilydipper is a Toronto-based band weaving together a traditional folk sound with modern Canadiana storytelling.
Their arrangements balance raw acoustic textures with tight vocal harmonies, evoking campfire warmth and dive-bar singalongs.
lilydipper released their debut EP - a collection of songs about falling in love, breaking up, and everything in between.
Alyson McNamara
Saturday February 14th
5:00 - 5:45 p.m
Ganaraska Brewing Company
It’s been an exciting year for Alyson McNamara. She released her latest album Wake in 2025 on Birthday Cake Records and hit the festival circuit, performing at JUNOfest, Tiny Lights, and Cultivate. Her music has been featured regularly on SiriusXM’s The Verge, as well as CBC, college radio, and numerous playlists.
A Bluegrass Valentines
Saturday February 14th
8:00 - 10:00 p.m
Ganaraska Brewing Company
A Bluegrass Valentine’s is a celebration of great songs and even better players. Featuring an all-star lineup of Ian McKeown (Union Duke, Samantha Martin, Brooks & Bowskill), Kyler Tapscott (Amanda Rheaume, Logan Staats), Aaron Hoffman (Ptarmigan), and the electrifying Mike T Kerr, this is bluegrass rooted in tradition but played with joy, fire, and heart. Expect tight harmonies, virtuosic picking, and the kind of musical chemistry that only comes from musicians who truly love to play together. With two full sets and the bar open, it’s the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day — warm, lively, and full of feeling.
free live music
Sunday February 15th
Rayleigh
Sunday February 15th
1:15 - 2:00 p.m
Dwellissimo
Rayleigh is an independent singer/songwriter from Cobourg, Ontario. Working with a diverse blend of genres but centring around an indie/pop sound, Rayleigh creates songs that are introspective and reflect the vivid landscape of her inner world. With a versatile sound Rayleigh is able to embody a variety of musical styles and takes inspiration from artists such as RAYE, Lola Young and Billie Eilish.
Darrren Roy Clarke
Sunday February 15th
2:45 - 3:15 p.m
Dwellissimo
“Darren is a force…a wonderful songwriter.” -Kevin Drew, Broken Social Scene
Warkworth, ON, singer-songwriter Darren Roy Clarke writes songs that map the highways of his heart. Blending delicate roots, confessional country, and heartbreak folk, his music reveals a road-worn journey of the soul.
Mike T. Kerr
Sunday February 15th
4:15 - 5:00 p.m
Dwellissimo
Mike T. Kerr is a wild guitar player and ambitious songwriter living in downtown Toronto. His mesmerizing playing combines the boisterous Ragtime of the Reverend Gary Davis, the Country class of Chet Atkins, and the explosive energy of Django Reinhardt. His new Jazz guitar album 'Late Night Libretto' comes out February 28th
Clan Hannigan's Kitchen Party
Sunday February 15th
2 - 2:45 p.m
3:30 - 4:15 p.m
5:00 - 5:45 p.m.
Ganaraska Brewing Company
Clan Hannigan’s Kitchen Party brings the heart of an old-fashioned kitchen gathering to Hibernate Festival. Featuring Saskia Tompkins, Stefan Hannigan, and Ciarán Hannigan, this family band blends Irish and folk traditions with warmth, humour, and infectious energy. Expect multiple sets filled with singing, storytelling, and the kind of music that turns strangers into neighbours.
pete moss
Sunday February 15th
2 - 2:45 p.m
Furby House Books
A Cultivate Festival favourite, Pete Moss brings his award-winning, family-friendly songs to the cozy confines of Furby House Books as part of Hibernate. Inspired by birds, plants, and the everyday wonders of the natural world, Pete’s joyful music invites kids and caregivers alike to sing along, listen closely, and build a deeper sense of care for the living things around us. This intimate performance is perfect for young listeners and curious grown-ups. Space is limited, so arrive early to settle in.
Evan Redsky and Nickola Magnolia
Sunday February 16th
8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Ganaraska Brewing Company
Evan Redsky
Raised on the First Nations Reserve of Mississaugas of the Credit, Evan Redsky now lives and works in Toronto. His songwriting explores themes of language, resilience, and healing. A Polaris Prize long-lister, Redsky tells deeply personal stories of trauma, belonging, and everyday fulfilment through rich, roots-driven songs.
Nickola Magnolia
Nickola Magnolia describes herself as the “Dark Dolly” of her rock-and-roll aesthetic. Her voice is both warm and fearless, blending gritty rock influences with country storytelling. Her debut album 2026 chronicles the wreckage and beauty of relationships, viewed through the lens of self-reflection.
arts, crafts and community
Saturday February 14th
Family-Friendly Yoga with Ryanne McGee
Saturday February 14th
Feel Good Company
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Start your Saturday morning with a gentle, restorative yoga class at Feel Good Company, led by Ryanne McGee. This family-friendly practice focuses on releasing tension, improving flexibility, and supporting physical, mental, and soulful well-being. Designed to work with every level of fitness, the class invites participants to move, breathe, and stretch together. Bring your mat, water bottle, and all the good vibes. Advance sign-up required.
Micro Heritage Tours with the A.C.O.
Saturday February 14th
Farini Park
11:00 – 11:30 AM
Step outside for a pair of free, family-friendly heritage walks led by local author and ACO board member Tom Cruickshank. These 30-minute micro-walks offer a shortened, accessible version of the ACO’s popular tours, featuring engaging stories and local history as you explore Walton Street. Designed to be easygoing and approachable, these walks are perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
Old-Time Guitar Off: Mike T. Kerr & Nicholas Campbell
Saturday February 14th
On Second Thought Upcycling
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Pull up a chair for a joyful, song-for-song guitar showdown with two of the kindest (and most dazzling) players around. Mike T. Kerr and Nicholas Campbell go head-to-head in this old-time guitar workshop, trading tunes, styles, stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. Drawing from rockabilly, western swing, ragtime, country, and jazz traditions, this charming, high-energy session is as much about connection and curiosity as it is about virtuosity. Space is limited, so arrive early and get ready for a whole lot of fun.
Clothespin People with Green Wood Coalition
Saturday February 14th
Feel Good Company
12:00 – 4:00 PM
In the spirit of Hibernate, GWC invites you to slow down, gather close, and create! At this family-friendly art station use wooden clothespins, markers, fabric, and yarn to design and dress your own little characters. Will they be cozy? Colourful? Wild? Give them a story and take home your new companions.
All Ages Printmaking Studio
Saturday February 14th
Schmidt Law
12:00 – 3:00 PM
Drop in for a playful, hands-on printmaking studio with multiple ways to create. Younger artists can print their own “song” using stamps, ink pads, and a musical staff template, while older kids and adults can make their own stamps using foam or upcycled materials. Everyone is invited to contribute to a collaborative community song banner, adding marks, colours, and musical ideas along the way. Come and go at your own pace — all materials provided.
Music Studio Portrait Pop-Up
Saturday February 14th
Gooseberry Studios
12:00 – 3:00 PM
Join Laura Benn of Gooseberry Studios in her bright downtown Port Hope studio for a musical portrait pop-up! Sign up in advance for a 10–15 minute session and have your portraits taken solo, with friends, or with family. All participants receive digital copies of professionally shot photos to print and treasure. Sign up now and don't miss out!
I Grew Up Here: A Songwriter’s Circle (Part 1)
Saturday February 14th
On Second Thought Upcycling
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Three songwriters. One shared sense of place. The first edition of I Grew Up Here brings together Harry Hannah, Matt Bazinet, and Alyson McNamara for an intimate songwriter’s circle rooted in hometown stories, memory, and belonging. Hosted by Cultivate Co-Founder Jeff Bray (who also grew up here) this relaxed, conversational performance invites audiences to listen closely as songs are shared alongside the stories behind them. Expect honesty, warmth, and a deep connection to the places that shape us.
Screen Printing with Mad World
Saturday February 14th
Mad World
12:00 – 4:00 PM
Discover the art of screen printing with Mad World, Port Hope’s only screen printer, located right downtown. Screen printing is a hands-on process that layers ink through stencils to create bold, graphic prints — each one slightly unique. Participants can print on paper to take home, or choose to print their own merch for an additional cost. A great chance to learn a classic printmaking technique and see how everyday designs come to life.
Vintage Film Festival Matinee: The Incredibles
Saturday February 14th
Port Hope Library
2:30 PM
Settle in for a cozy afternoon at the Port Hope Library as Vintage Film Festival brings Pixar’s The Incredibles to Hibernate. This action-packed, family-friendly favourite is perfect for kids, parents, and caregivers alike. Advance booking is required and space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
RESONANCE
Saturday February 14th
Ganaraska Art and Framing
12:00 – 4:00 PM
RESONANCE is a participatory, all-ages experience exploring connection, perception, and shared presence. Surrounded by abstract artworks by Nora Camps, participants are invited to reflect, respond, and create — using their own voices and simple sonic expressions as part of a guided, collective improvisation. Led by mother–daughter duo cellist Cheryl Ockrant and singer Emma Thornton-Ockrant, this gentle workshop encourages curiosity, listening, and co-creation in a supportive social setting. No experience is needed — just an openness to explore what happens when we create together.
arts, crafts and community
Sunday February 15th
I Grew Up Here: A Songwriter’s Circle (Part 2)
Sunday February 15th
On Second Thought Upcycling
12:00 – 12:45 PM
This edition of I Grew Up Here features Shannon Linton, Rayleigh, and Cale Crowe — three artists sharing songs shaped by hometown roots, lived experience, and a deep sense of place. Hosted by Cultivate Co-Founder Jeff Bray, this intimate songwriter’s circle blends performance and conversation, inviting audiences into the stories behind the songs. Expect reflective moments, familiar feelings, and the quiet magic that comes from artists returning to where it all began.
Micro Heritage Tours with the A.C.O.
Sunday February 15th
Farini Park
11:00 – 11:30 AM
Step outside for a pair of free, family-friendly heritage walks led by local author and ACO board member Tom Cruickshank. These 30-minute micro-walks offer a shortened, accessible version of the ACO’s popular tours, featuring engaging stories and local history as you explore Walton Street. Designed to be easygoing and approachable, these walks are perfect for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
All Ages Printmaking Studio
Sunday February 15th
Schmidt Law
12:00 – 3:00 PM
Drop in for a playful, hands-on printmaking studio with multiple ways to create. Younger artists can print their own “song” using stamps, ink pads, and a musical staff template, while older kids and adults can make their own stamps using foam or upcycled materials. Everyone is invited to contribute to a collaborative community song banner, adding marks, colours, and musical ideas along the way. Come and go at your own pace — all materials provided.
Beeswax Luminary with Dancing Bee
Sunday February 15th
Feel Good Company
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Join Dancing Bee Equipment and create your very own 100% Beeswax Luminary. These luminaries add a gorgeous ambiance to any dinner, and when you add one of our pure beeswax tealights the glow is divine. Nothing beats the sweet scent of beeswax mixed with good company. They make great teacher gifts, and gifts for friends and family!
Cultivate Kids Podcast
Sunday February 15th
Location TBD
1:30 – 4:00 PM
Be part of something new! The Cultivate Kids Podcast, hosted by Cultivate’s Jeff Bray, is gathering its very first stories. Cultivate Kids are invited to sign up for their timeslot on the day and become the first guests, sharing their thoughts on music, art, and community through short, friendly interviews. Anyone is welcome to participate. Please note that recordings will be collected for future use by Cultivate Community as podcast episodes and related content.
Downtown Nature Walk with Pete Moss
Sunday February 15th
Furby House Books
3:00 - 3:45 PM
Bundle up and step outside with Cultivate favourite Pete Moss for a family-friendly nature walk through Downtown Port Hope. This guided stroll explores the Ganaraska River, nearby parks, and local trails, inviting participants of all ages to slow down, notice the winter landscape, and connect with the living world around them. Part walk, part listening exercise, this outdoor experience encourages curiosity, care, and wonder — dress warmly and be ready to explore.
Family Day
Fun Time
Port Hope Lion's Centre - 29 Thomas St, Port Hope
Family Day Fun Time is a joyful, all-ages finale to Hibernate Festival. Families are invited to dance, sing, move, and create together through a mix of live music, participatory activities, and hands-on fun. The afternoon features a Family Dance Party with DJ Jasper, a Pop-Up Choir with S.O.N.G, folk dancing, live music from the West End Riverboat Band, plus crafts, games, sledding, s’mores, and more. Designed to be relaxed and welcoming, Family Day Fun Time invites everyone to join in at their own pace — no experience required.
Family Dance Party with DJ Jasper
Monday February 16th
Port Hope Lion's Centre
12:00 – 12:45 PM
DJ Jasper brings infectious energy and an intuitive sense of fun to the dance floor. Known for creating welcoming, all-ages dance experiences, DJ Jasper curates sets that get families moving together, making him a perfect fit for Hibernate’s Family Day celebration.
Pop Up Choir with S.O.N.G
Monday February 16th
Port Hope Lion's Centre
1:00 – 1:45 PM
Join S.O.N.G (Sounds of the Next Generation) for a welcoming Pop-Up Choir where voices of all ages come together. No experience needed - just show up, learn a song, and sing it together. This joyful, low-pressure choir is about connection, confidence, and the simple thrill of making music as a group.
Folk Dancing
Monday February 16th
Port Hope Lion's Centre
2:00 – 2:45 PM
Get ready to stomp, spin, and laugh together at our Family Day Folk Dance — a high-energy, come-as-you-are celebration for all ages. Led by an incredible group of musicians including Saskia Tompkins, Oisin Hannigan, and Mike T Kerr, with caller Martha Cooper, this joyful dance blends old-time folk traditions with playful, modern flair. Simple steps, lots of encouragement, and plenty of room to make it your own.
West End riverboat band
Monday February 16th
Port Hope Lion's Centre
3:00 – 4:00 PM
West End Riverboat Band blends musicianship and roots-driven joy, drawing from New Orleans jazz, traditional folk, and early rock traditions. Their high-energy performances invite movement and participation, making them a perfect fit for all-ages celebrations and community dance floors.
Smashed Patties
Monday February 16th
Port Hope Lion's Centre
All Day
Grab a delicious bite from Smashed Patties at our Family Day event! This local food vendor will be on site with their signature smashed-style burgers and more — perfect for refueling between activities. Food will be available for purchase throughout the day, so come hungry and enjoy some seriously good eats with family and friends.
Latte Da Mobile Cafe
Monday February 16th
Port Hope Lion's Centre
All Day
Warm up and refuel with a visit to Latte Da Mobile Café! This cozy mobile café will be serving up espresso drinks, hot chocolate, and tasty treats throughout the day. Swing by for a warm drink, a sweet bite, and a little extra fuel while you enjoy Family Day. Food and drinks will be available for purchase
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?
Wann host an arts workshop? Volunteer with our team? Become a part of the team that creates the whole thing? We'd love to hear from you.
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