Since 1919, Grand Bend’s Main Beach has been a popular venue for live music. First with the Lakeview Casino, which operated for five decades until 1969, then with Canada Day Celebration events and now with the addition of Summer Sunset Sounds and Familiar Favourites Concerts. 

Summer Sunset Sounds (Photo: J. Baillie)
Summer Sunset Sounds (Photo: J. Baillie)

Summer Sunset Sounds (Grand Bend): Popular and up-and-coming Canadian performers take the stage at 7pm every Sunday or holiday Monday. The series features original music in a variety of genres, including rock, folk, celtic, jazz and blues. Each concert features an opening act followed by a headliner performance. FREE event – donations welcome.  summersunsetsounds.ca, 519-238-1472. 2022 Season features: July 4 – Shewolves of London, July 10 – Mackenzie Blues Band and C.J. Lee, July 17 – Red Hill Valley and Deni Gautier, July 24 – Angelique Francis and Carly Thomas, August 7 – Mudmen and Brothers Wilde, August 14 – Lyndon John X and Holly Classius, August 21 – Valdy and The Wanted, August 28 – Stell City Rovers and Twin Fin.

Canada Day Celebrations & Fireworks (Grand Bend): Enjoy live music from the Rotary Community Stage on Grand Bend’s main beach, followed by fireworks at 10pm. FREE event – donations welcome. canadadaygrandbend.ca, 519-238-2001. Always held on July 1 (rain/wind date July 2).

Familiar Favourites (Grand Bend):  Concerts feature well-loved cover songs performed by area musicians every other Wednesday night in July and August. facebook.com/wed.familiarfavourites. 2022 Season features: July 6 – The McCartney Years by Yuri Poole, July 20 – Leave Those Kids Alone, August 3 – Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind “Rock the Night Away”, August 17 – Better Dayz Band, August 31 – Monday @ Mikes.

Jam Sessions, Open Mics & Other Musical Offerings

Patio dining while enjoying live musical performances is a popular summertime activity. Local venues make great use of Facebook to announce events, follow FB @grandbendtourism.

Grand Bend

Look for performance announcements posted on flyers and signs around town and plan to attend: Midori Sushi (midorigrandbend.squarespace.com), Oakwood Resort (oakwoodresort.ca), Pinery Market (pinerymarket.com), The Lake Hound (thelakehound.ca), and The White Squirrel Golf Club (whitesquirrelgolfclub.com).

Bayfield

Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro (Photo: J. Baillie)
Black Dog Village Pub & Bistro (Photo: J. Baillie)

Bayfield’s charming town hall (bayfieldtownhall.com) is the venue for many a concert and performance. Concert organizers announce dates on Facebook (@BayfieldTownHall) and their website thebayfieldconcertseries.com. Tickets available through ticketscene.ca.

Look for performance announcements from ZAZ Bistro Lobby Bar & Patio (theashwood.com), Black Dog Pub & Bistro (blackdogpubbistro.ca) and Hub at the Docks Restaurant (docksrestaurantbar.com).

Exeter

One of the area’s finest restaurants now combines food with music on the patio during summer months. Check Eddington’s (eddingtons.ca ; @Eddingtonsofexeter) website for events and dates. Eddington’s even has an outdoor dog-run for patrons’ pooches.