The festival runs on Friday from 7pm to 11pm, Saturday from 1 pm to 11pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 11pm.

This free festival, now in its sixteenth year, is patterned after European festivals whereby the day’s events are held on numerous outdoor stages in the town core. Traditional forms of folk music and dance are the festival’s theme with emphasis placed upon the various cultures present in Cambridge and surrounding area. Arts, crafts, and an excellent choice of food and refreshments are also available at the festival site and from the many fine eating establishments in downtown Cambridge. Local and internationally renowned performers, are selected each year to reflect a most diverse and entertaining mixture of musical cultures.

The streets are filled with the sounds of fiddles while toes defying restraint, must tap merrily to lively jigs, reels and hornpipes. Colourfully costumed dancers will also be on the streets and you will have the opportunity on Sunday afternoon to try learning some traditional folk dances.

Workshops and Sessions. (Learn more)  For those with specific musical interests there will be informative work-shops utilizing a variety of performers and instruments peculiar to traditional music, ie. harps, flutes, bagpipes accordions and many lesser known unique instruments.  Informal sessions at local pubs and restaurants will provide the opportunity for you to play along with the performers. Sessions at Cafe 13 are also featured, so bring your voice or your instrument.

For the children, we have a specially reserved area with its own unique program of music, dance, clowns, crafts and other fun stuff!!

The Mill Race Festival is held in the historic downtown Galt portion of Cambridge, amidst nineteenth century heritage architecture. Weather permitting, the main events will be held in the outdoor theatre at Mill Race Park which is wonderfully reminiscent of an amphitheatre naturally created among the ruins of an old mill on the banks of the Grand River – hence our name "Mill Race" Festival - and at 6 other venues within walking distance.  If the weather is inclement, events will be held in a variety of indoor locations within walking distance. Admission is free to this physically accessible event.

Festival events begin on  Friday at 7 pm with a series of concerts in the Mill Race Amphitheatre, featuring some of the festival's most exciting acts.  Informal jam sessions will be held in the Golden Kiwi Pub.  These will carry on throughout the weekend, and both amateur and professional musicians alike are invited to join in. Just ask the band hosting the session!  

Concerts and workshops continue on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings.

Bring your family and friends
and help us celebrate out musical heritage!
Mill Race Festival 2010: July 30 - Aug 1, 2010

The Mill Race Festival depends on its members and volunteers!! Please visit the Contact page for information on becoming a member, a volunteer, or other associate of the Mill Race Folk Society.  See the concerts page for other activities.

WINNER OF THE VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU AWARD
FOR BEST FESTIVAL/EVENT 1997, 1998 AND 1999.

For inquiries, call Cambridge Tourism (519) 622-2336; 1-800-749-7560 or email Brad at mill_race@yahoo.com  or call 519-621-7135.

2009: Jean Mills and Angie Stock