Museum Events and Programs
From literary talks and cultural celebrations to workshops, performances, and family‑friendly activities, the museum offers meaningful ways to explore the life and legacy of one of Canada’s most beloved humorists. Discover unique experiences that connect history, culture, and community at this iconic Orillia landmark. The Leacock Museum offers a welcoming destination for events, programs, and special gatherings, request to rent the space.
Crown and Princess Hat Craft Day
Exhibit Opening Event for Kids
Offered August 22, 2026 | 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Inviting all little princesses and princes! The Leacock Museum is opening "Spellbound" a magical fairytale exhibit and would like you to help us celebrate by creating crowns and princess hats!
Materials are all provided. Children will get to decide between a crown and a princess hat.
Pre-registration is mandatory. One parent is permitted free entry per child ticket purchased! Children 5+ recommended.
The Whole Story: House and Boathouse Guided Tour
Offered May 16 until August 30, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Get the full story! An in-depth tour of the Leacock home and boathouse will be led by an experienced tour guide twice daily. Guests will learn more about the Leacock family and Old Brewery Bay than on a regular self-guided experience!
Pirate Day at the Leacock Museum
In association with the Port of Orillia's Pirate Party Event
Offered September 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (pirates attack between 10:30 to 11 a.m.!)
Arrrr! The Port of Orillia's Pirate Party is upon us and this year, Old Brewery Bay is under threat of attack! The "Pirates of the Orillian Sea" have set their eyes on the Leacock Museum and are headed our way! We are asking for the help of the community to work on boat-building crafts and to try to solve the museum's treasure hunt! The crafts and treasure hunt are available all day long. Guests just have to visit the museum's giftshop to get their supplies (please note: these activities were created for kids, but those who are children at heart can participate also)!
We have gotten word that the pirates are attacking Old Brewery Bay at the Museum, so when cannons fire, make sure to let us know! The waterfront and the boathouse dock are both great spots to get a good view of the pirates and their ships!
Paint by the Lake - Fall Edition
NEW DATES ADDED:
September 6, 2026 | 12 p.m.
September 11, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. (sunset session)
October 4, 2026 | 12 p.m.
October 11, 2026 | 12 p.m.
You are invited to join us for an outdoor (or indoor, in the case of inclement weather) painting experience at the Leacock Museum! Participants will be guided through basic colour theory for mixing colours. Our paint instructor, M Nowick, will start with teaching some techniques for composing a landscape. A focus will be on creative expression for completing the scene.
Inspiration will be taken from autumnal nature surrounding the Leacock Museum. Space is very limited for these workshops.
Autumn Tea
Offered September 13 and 20, 2026 | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Leacock Museum is hosting an warm and cozy autumn-themed high tea this September!
Guests are invited to enjoy a three-tiered treat selection prepared by Krew Catering with unlimited tea while seated in the decorated and historic living room, dining room, and sunroom of the Leacock Museum. Tickets to the Autumn Tea also include a self-guided tour of the museum.
Doors Open Simcoe County 2026
Offered September 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate Doors Open 2026 at the Leacock Museum and Boathouse! For one day only, the Leacock Museum will open all its doors to the public and provide FREE access to everyone!
No advance tickets needed.
Shop by the Lake - Fall
Offered September 27, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Escape to a charming pop-up farmers' market nestled among the gardens of the historic Leacock Museum!
Stroll through lush greenery, discover local artisans, and soak in the beauty of this iconic waterfront estate. A perfect day of history, nature, and unique finds awaits!
Admission to the market is free, self-guided tours of the museum will be offered throughout the day.
Orillia’s Bay Street: Growing up in the Mariposa Belle
Author Talk: Jamie Lamb
Offered September 27, 2026 | 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Immediately following Shop by the Lake
Jamie Lamb, author of Christmas in Mariposa, grew up in a house on Orillia’s Bay Street that was a canoe club built from the bones of the lake steamer Geneva. He’ll speak about the history of this unique house, how locals of the day knew the Geneva was the model for Leacock’s legendary Mariposa Belle, and what today’s well-to-do Orillia street was like for a kid in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Admission is by donation, no advanced sign-up required.
If You Could Read My Mind… Poetry & Music Lawn Night
Offered Saturday October 3, 2026 | 5 to 7 p.m.
The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) and the Leacock Museum invite you to an evening of poetry, music, storytelling, and community connection.
Inspired by the cultural and literary traditions that continue to shape our region, this collaborative outdoor event celebrates local voices and artistic expression in a relaxed lakeside setting.
Bring your own lawn chair and settle in for an evening of live performances surrounded by the historic grounds of the Leacock Museum.
Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds
Offered October 28, 29, 30 & 31, 2026 | 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.
The Leacock Museum is back with our wildly popular Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds! Join us for our biggest year yet with surprise guests, treats, and haunted happenings on historical Old Brewery Bay that will leave you with goosebumps, including a jaunt into the haunted basement!
Refreshments will be served after the tour!
Rent the Grounds
Enjoy your next get together on this stunning property featuring gardens and waterfront views.
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