Programs and Events

Mariposa Book Club (NEW!)

September 20 - June 26 (every six weeks) | 6:30 p.m.

Beginning September 20 at 6:30 p.m., The Mariposa Book Club is a new, free program offered by The Leacock Museum in partnership with Manticore Books.

Join us every six weeks at Swanmore Hall at the Leacock Museum to discuss a new book, available at Manticore Books in beautiful downtown Orillia.

Light refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available. To sign up, contact Jenny Martynyshyn at jmartynyshyn@orillia.ca or call 705-329-1908.

Leacock Medal for Humour Weekend - Cancelled

Presented by Orillia’s very own Stephen Leacock Associates, the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour is one of Canada’s oldest literary prizes. Each year, the Associates host a Meet the Authors night, followed by a Gala Dinner at which the $15,000 winner is announced. This year, due to Covid-19, the gala has been cancelled but the medal will still be awarded. The long list has been announced and can be found on the Leacock Associates website at Leacock.ca

K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration - Submission deadline extended

Submissions  deadline: June 30^th

Adult Entry Fee: $10/poem | $25 for 3

NEW! Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the in-person Awards Ceremony has been cancelled but the Award Winners will still be announced August 29^th 

The Leacock Museum proudly presents the 5^th 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. The prize amounts for 2020 are:

Adult Submission Form Student Submission Form Elementary Submission Form

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

Saturday, July 25th | 1 - 4 pm

Admission: $5 at the door

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 - Cancelled

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 | 6:30 pm

Driftwood Theatre returns to Old Brewery Bay with their latest outdoor production (TBA March 2020). Picnics are encouraged. Light refreshments available. Recommended admission is $25 each. Bring a lawnchair or blanket and enjoy this magical show under the stars.

Halloween Extrava-goon-za!

Saturday, October 24, 2020 | 1 - 4 p.m.

Admission: $5/child

Join us at our annual Children's Halloween Party for costumes, games, pumpkin carving, snacks and general spooky stuff! Fun for all ages.

Eating Their Words: Chronicles of Narnia

Friday, November 20, 2020 | 6:00 p.m.

Tickets: $75 + HST

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