Huntsville SnowFest 2026
Sparkling Lights & Frozen Fun: Celebrate SnowFest 2026 in Huntsville! Winter in Muskoka is a season defined by magic, especially when the community gathers under a canopy of sparkling lights. […]
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Cheers to the Cold: Embracing Craft Beer Festival Season in Huntsville, Muskoka
While Muskoka is famous for its shimmering summer lakes, locals and savvy travelers know that winter is when the region’s spirit truly warms up. In Huntsville, the months of February and March transform into a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. As the snow blankets the granite landscapes, the taps start flowing, creating a "festival season" that proves the best way to embrace the Canadian cold is with a pint of local ale in hand.
February: Tap Takeover Beerfest at Canvas Brewing Co.
The season kicks off at Canvas Brewing Co. with their annual Tap Takeover Beerfest. This isn't just a party; it’s a day full of beers, food, music, games, tours, and all-around fun!
Canvas transforms their space to feature 20 different beers from breweries across Ontario, served right from their very own taps. While you sample the guest brews, you can enjoy local musicians playing throughout the day, get competitive with "lawn games," or visit the cocktail and shots bar for something different. There is even a "Meet the Brewers" corner to stop and chat about all things hops and malt, along with delicious food vendors to keep you fueled. It’s an intimate, high-energy event that brings the community together to toast to the shortest month of the year.
March: Beerhurst-at-Deerhurst – Draft Weekend
As we move into March, the celebration heads lakeside to the iconic Deerhurst Resort from March 6–8, 2026, for Beerhurst-at-Deerhurst. This year, they are bringing the stadium energy to Muskoka with an official Draft Weekend theme. Ontario’s top craft breweries are hitting the road for a sports-themed, fan-fuelled edition where you’re encouraged to rep your favourite team jersey and rally your crew.
The weekend is packed with "game-day" energy and unique activities:
- Friday Night Welcome Party: Kick off the weekend with fan-zone energy and the first round of fun.
- Beer Skate: Lace up, sip up, and hit the ice! A Canadian classic with entertainment to set the energy.
- The Main Event (Saturday 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm): Sample the lineup from Ontario craft breweries and meet the makers. Every "MVP" even gets a souvenir beer sampling glass to take home.
- The Blue Stones Live in Concert: End the night with a high-energy performance from JUNO Award-nominated rock duo, The Blue Stones, taking the stage from 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm.
A Thriving Year-Round Scene
The success of these festivals is rooted in Huntsville’s own thriving daily craft beer scene. The town is anchored by two distinct pillars of brewing excellence: Canvas Brewing Co., known for its expansive taproom, vibrant community events, and crisp, creative ales; and the Huntsville Brewhouse, a Lake of Bays Brewing Co. outpost that offers a cozy, upscale pub atmosphere with a rotation of fresh, locally brewed experiments. Whether there is a festival happening or not, these spots serve as the town’s living rooms, keeping the craft colour alive 365 days a year.
Save the Date: The Summer Kickoff
We know you like your craft beer festivals, so while winter is for cozying up, make sure to mark your calendars for the unofficial kickoff to summer in Huntsville on Victoria Day long weekend. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival returns to downtown Huntsville!
More to Explore in Huntsville
The excitement doesn't stop at the brewery doors. From the start of February through March, Huntsville is buzzing with activity. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts continues its winter season with world-class performances, while culinary fans can head to Deerhurst for Fork & Flame on February 20-21, 2026, an exquisite culinary weekend hosted by Chef Michael Smith. Families will love the outdoor magic of Huntsville SnowFest, and for those looking for a mid-week thrill, the town's nightlife is alive with weekly trivia, karaoke nights, and local live music at favourites like On the Docks Pub, Smokin' Hot BBQ, Music on Main, and of course back at Canvas Brewing Co. and Huntsville Brewhouse.
Make It a Getaway
To fully experience craft beer festival season in Huntsville, booking an overnight stay is essential. Sampling the best of Ontario’s breweries is much more enjoyable when you don't have to worry about the drive home. Huntsville offers a wide array of excellent accommodation options, ranging from luxury resorts and charming boutique inns to convenient modern hotels. By staying over, you can enjoy the late-night music sets, indulge in a brunch the next morning, and truly soak in the hospitable Muskoka vibe that makes Huntsville the craft beer capital of the north.
Check out available accommodations and start planning your stay today!
