Programs and Events

Contest Opens April 2, 2021

Submission deadline: June 30th, 11:50PM EST

Entry Fee: Adults $10/poem | $25 for 3; Children and Students are FREE

Winners to be announced August 6th, 2021

The Leacock Museum proudly presents the 6th annual Connor Poetry Prize. Established by the late Harry Connor in memory of his wife K. Valerie Connor, the prize honours poets in the Adult, Student, and Elementary categories. “Val”, as she was known to friends, was a dedicated teacher, lover of the arts, and tireless volunteer who endeavoured to make her community a better place. For full details, please consult the Rules and Regulations. 

Adult Submission Form Student Submission Form Elementary Submission Form

Mariposa Book Club 

The Mariposa Book Club is a new, free program offered by The Leacock Museum in partnership with Manticore Books.

Join us every six weeks to discuss a new book, available at Manticore Books in beautiful downtown Orillia. Currently, the club is meeting virtually as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. However, meetings are typically held at the Museum in Swanmore Hall.

To sign up, contact Jenny Martynyshyn at jmartynyshyn@orillia.ca or call 705-329-1908.

 The Museum is home to a wide variety of themed-programming. Below are some other favourites just waiting to be planned once COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Greater Than Gatsby 

Postponed until further notice

Celebrate the home of the 20s!

Roar into the 20s with the Leacock Museum! Join us for the event of the season. Bring your own picnic or purchase food from one of our onsite vendors. There’ll be lawn games, dancing, live entertainment, and even a Speakeasy to get your Giggle Water. Darling, it wouldn’t be a party without you!

Off the Shelf: Into the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia

Postponed until further notice

Welcome sons of Adam and daughters of Eve! Step through the wardrobe into the land of Narnia where you will meet your favourite C.S. Lewis characters. Following with Off the Shelf tradition, children will get to participate in numerous activities ranging from crafts, games and much more. Come in costume and pose in front of one of the many photo areas.

Shakespeare in the Park

Postponed until 2021, or beyond

The next rendition of Shakespeare in the Park brings King Henry Five to the Museum. Driftwood Theatre returns to Old Brewery Bay with their latest outdoor production, King Henry Five. Picnics are encouraged. Light refreshments available. Recommended admission is $25 each. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy this magical show under the stars.

Eating Their Words: Chronicles of Narnia

Postponed until further notice

A full course meal is served with Narnia themes in a magical setting with door prizes, contests and entertainment. Come in costume. Cash Bar.