This September, music lovers from across Ontario and beyond are invited to the shores of Georgian Bay for six extraordinary days of world-class performances, community events, and creative connection. The SweetWater Music Festival 2025 returns September 16–21 with Dreamscapes — a bold and inspiring program blending classical masterworks, contemporary premieres, Cuban jazz, and global folk traditions.
Led by celebrated violinist Edwin Huizinga and featuring visionary cellist-composer India Gailey as this year’s Composer-in-Residence, SweetWater 2025 brings an international roster of top musicians into intimate venues in Owen Sound, Leith, and Meaford. Audiences will experience music up close — from the beauty of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante to the soulful songs of Moira Smiley and the exhilarating rhythms of the Hilario Durán Trio.
- Tuesday, September 16 – SweetWater Mini Documentary Premiere & Artist Meet-and-Greet (free) at the Roxy Theatre, celebrating the festival’s 20-year history through film, live music, and conversation.
- Wednesday, September 17 – Exclusive Pass Holders’ Concert at Meaford Hall Gallery — a special thank you to Festival Pass holders.
- Thursday, September 18 – Folk virtuoso Moira Smiley and The Rhizome Quartet bring soaring harmonies to the Harmony Centre.
- Friday, September 19 – Chamber Music Under a Starry Night at Historic Leith Church, featuring Mozart’s G minor Viola Quintet, the world premiere of India Gailey’s Bristlecone, and Vaughan Williams’s lush Piano Quintet.
- Saturday, September 20 – A full day of music for all ages, from Yoga & Guitar at sunrise to the family-friendly Music for Munchkins, free guitar recital with Brendan Evans, instrument makers’ exhibit, and Classical & Choral Jam Sessions. Evening concerts include Castle in the Sky, blending Holst, Caroline Shaw, and Elgar, followed by Late Night Jazz with Hilario Durán Trio.
- Sunday, September 21 – Soul Care Sunday (free), the Next Wave Showcase of emerging talent, and the grand finale concert at Meaford United Church featuring Vivaldi, Golijov, and Mozart’s radiant Sinfonia Concertante with Huizinga and violist Keith Hamm.
Festival Passes ($200) include all concerts plus the exclusive Pass Holders’ event. Individual tickets are available via the Roxy Theatre Box Office (519-371-2833, boxoffice@roxytheatre.ca) and online at sweetwatermusicfestival.ca. Many events, including workshops, artist talks, and community jams, are free.
