2024 Events

NFOTA is a 100% volunteer-run not-for-profit arts group, so donations are always welcome. If you would like to donate to any of the free events, click the donation link.

All venues accessible unless noted.

Promotion sponsors: SMMLaw, Simple Desk Solutions and Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund.

13
Sept 2024


Opening Reception Starting NFOTA off with a bang, we welcome as keynote speaker, Hamlin Grange, Order of Canada for his pioneering work in diversity and inclusion and as an agent for social justice. Hamlin is also a powerful supporter of the arts – through directorship, philanthropy, volunteerism, and consultancy, and we are delighted to have his support.

You’ll also meet the faces behind NFOTA, mix and mingle with artists and event organizers, while listening to the delicate strains of Angelica Ottewill on harp . Cash bar and catering.

The Art Gallery of Northumberland will host a private viewing of Traverses and Tempus Fugit between the reception and the concert.

If you have a discount code, please follow the ticket process and enter your code at checkout.

Harpist sponsored by Ontario Arts Council
5pmVictoria Hall, Cobourg
accessible


13
Sept 2024



Together We Can II: Music Across the GenerationsLocal musician and singer/songwriter, Shannon Linton, returns to produce a new show  for NFOTA 2024. This inter-generational concert will highlight the original music of seven Canadian singer-songwriters.

In advance of the concert, established mentors, Melissa Payne, Shannon and Jakeb and Cale Crowe will guide emerging youth singer/songwriters Kira Gelineau, Rayleigh Zimmerman and Ryan Scott with co-writing, career advice, and community building events. The final performance will feature original music from both the mentors and the youth artists.

Children under 12 free.
If you have a discount code, follow the ticket process and enter it at checkout.

Event sponsored by the Ontario Arts Council
7pmVictoria Hall, Cobourg
accessible

14
Sept 2024


Works in Progress – An Artists’ Demo DayEver wondered what goes into making a sculpture, pottery or other piece of art? Drop in and watch artists & artisans at work creating textile art, sculpting, working in metal, and more.

Learn something new, enjoy the displays and even take home a piece of art for yourself. PWYC (pay what you can) donation at the door.


For Map location click here
This event is sponsored by Trent Hills Public Library
11am to 4pmWarkworth Town Hall, Centre for the Arts Main Street

steps and no accessible washroom
14
Sept 2024








NFOTA Fringe FestA twist on the Fringe festival model, “NFOTA Fringe Fest” gives you seven 10-minute plays. Each play is written, cast, directed and performed by a separate company, all coming together to show you what this region has to offer on the drama scene. The playwrights and teams come from Port Hope to Cobourg to Belleville and Peterborough. Dave Carley will co-ordinate this production and Marcia Johnson will emcee.
 
The plays are a mix of comedy and drama, history and even a mini-musical, and are aimed at a general audience, family friendly – suitable for teens and up. There will be two performances – a matinee and an evening performance on Saturday September 14, 2024, at the Premier Dance Theatre in Cobourg.
 

Host/Emcee – Marcia Johnson
Actress and playwright, Marcia’s drama “Serving Elizabeth” was produced at the Stratford, and her radio plays have been aired on CBC.


The Plays! (more details on the booking page)
Like A Blueberry Goldfish – Dave Carley (Peterborough, Comedy)
Get Out Of Jail Free – Marcia Johnson (Toronto, Comedy-drama.)
Luke 25 – Celia McBride (Port Hope) with Thomas Patfield (Cobourg)  (Drama)
Go Fish – Sean Carthew (Port Hope, Humorous)
Knitting with Spaghetti – Anne Page (Cobourg, Comedy)
Tick Talk – D’Arcy Jenish (Peterborough, Comedy-drama)
The Plans – Peter Paylor (Belleville, Comedy)

This event is sponsored by a Private Donor and the Ontario Arts Council
2pm and 7pmPremier Dance Theatre, Cobourg
accessible

15
Sept 2024


Tipi Gathering: Preserving Survivor StoriesHosted by the Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre, you are invited to join Marsha Smoke and Elders of Alderville First Nation around the tipi fire to hear about the work that is being done to preserve survivor stories and other indigenous oral history.

The Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre reminds us “Telling stories is one of the most powerful means to influence, teach, transit, and inspire. When it comes to our nations, our communities, and our families, we understand instinctively that the stories we hold in common are an important part of what makes us who we are and who we will be.

Alderville artists and artisans will be displaying and selling their creations around the tipi. Orange t-shirts, and red t-shirts will also be available for purchase.


This event is sponsored by Moccasin Trails, Engineered Road Access Matting Solutions.

For map location click here
10:30am – 12pmDibaajimowin Cultural Centre, Alderville First Nation
rough ground, no accessible washroom




15
Sept 2024
Literary LunchPrior to WOW! Words on a Wire, join out-of-town and local poets for lunch at Arthur’s Pub at the Best Western, Cobourg.

Chat about writing, reading and listening to poetry, about hopes and dreams or just every-day life with people who love the written word, and poetry in particular.

Free to attend, but BYOL (buy your own lunch)
Please register so we can make reservations
Lunch begins at Noon.
12:00 – 1:30 Arthur’s Pub, Best Western, Cobourg
accessible


15
Sept 2024







WOW! Words on a WireWords on a Wire! … Poets on a Stage! … a multi-media poetry performance featuring readings from local and regional poets, video poems and poetry sculptures, as well as a display of “The Ekphrastic Project”, a series of poems inspired by the paintings of local artist members of the Cobourg Art Club.

Join us as we embrace the lyric, massage the metaphor, and suffuse the surreal with jaw-dropping virtuosity. Whether you’re a lover of language or a fan of the broken line, come find out for yourself how words are worth a thousand pics.

Poets include: Banoo Zan, Gavin Barrett, Abigail Grimes, Bruce Kauffman and more.

Books will be for sale, and poets will be available after the performance to sign their books. Doors open at 1:30, event begins at 2pm.


Students admitted free.

Sponsored by a Private Donor, Spirit of the Hills, Cobourg Art Club and Schmidt Law Legal Services
2pm -4:30Ballroom , Best Western, Cobourg
accessible

15 & 21
Sept 2024






The Ekphrastic ProjectLocal artists from the Cobourg Art Club team up with poets and writers from the Spirit of the Hills Writers Group to produce ekphrastic art – one art form takes inspiration from another art form.

The resulting matched writings and paintings will be on display at the Wow! Words on a Wire Poetry Event on Sunday Sept 15, and again at the Hill Spirits VI Anthology Launch on Saturday Sept 21.
See this unique project when you buy a ticket for either of those events.

This collaboration is sponsored by the Cobourg Art Club, the Spirit of the Hills Arts Association and Schmidt Law Legal Services.

2-4pmCobourg

To see this project display, please purchase a ticket for either

WOW! poetry event on Sept 15

or

Hill Spirits VI Anthology Launch on Sept 21
15
Sept 2024


Concert in the Country with Royce RichDid you know CBC Music named Royce Rich one of the Top 30 Hot Musicians in Canada? Enjoy a violin and accompaniment recital by Royce. Set in a fabulous private country venue in the Northumberland Hills, this memorable concert will feature:

 – Porgy and Bess Suite by George Gershwin
– Carmen Fantasy by Franz Waxman 
– Caprice No. 24 by Niccolò Paganini (solo violin) 
– Paganiniana Variations by Nathan Milstein (solo violin) 

Rich is currently Principal Second Violinist of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, Rich performed as guest soloist in Soulpepper Theatre Company’s production of Sympathy For the Devil.

This event is sponsored by Friends of Music, Port Hope.
Don’t miss it. Only forty tickets are available.
3-5pmPrivate Home, Baltimore





15
Sept 2024


Blue Denim Press LaunchJoin Blue Denim Press authors Shane Joseph, Susan Statham, and Janice Barrett for their book launch at the Best Western Cobourg, Main Ballroom. The authors will discuss their books and read excerpts from them. They will later join in a discussion and Q&A with the audience about their writing journey and challenges faced.

Bar and Restaurant facilities available at Arthur’s Pub downstairs. Signed copies of the books for sale at the event. Reservations are advised as capacity is limited. Click here to register.
7-9pmBest Western, Cobourg
accessible



16
Sept 2024
A Gentle Introduction to AI for Artists

Dennis Layton will provide a gentle, non-technical introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for writers, visual artists, and musicians. This workshop will focus on generative AI’s capabilities to create text (including poetry, stories, and insights), images, and music.

Staying up-to-date on AI allows artists to explore ethical questions, collaborate with technologists, and find new sources of inspiration. As AI continues to advance, understanding its potential helps artists innovate and thrive in the evolving digital landscape.

About the Presenter: Dennis Layton is a retired senior IT architect and thought leader in digital transformation. He is a passionate advocate for the safe and responsible adoption of AI technology, focusing on its applications not only for business but also for the arts.
6:00 – 8:00pmCobourg Library
accessible

17
Sept 2024



People Migration – Looking Back,
Looking Forward
The migration of people is a global challenge and a necessity. So too, it is in Northumberland County. The Cobourg Museum Foundation invites you to a wine and cheese evening discussion on this timely and important issue in a moderated panel format.

Panelists will share their journeys to Northumberland County or their community’s move to this area. They will describe their circumstances, challenges, and barriers, as well as
successes. Each will take a look forward at themselves, their community, and their place in Canada.

Q&A session following the presentations.

Panelists:
Patricia Orantes (El Salvador) is a former lawyer, and immigration advocate, and is the current Executive Director of The Help Centre in Cobourg.

Shane Joseph (from Sri Lanka) is a retired business owner, author, publisher of Blue Denim Press, and avid arts promoter in Northumberland County.

Dave Mowat is the former Chief of Alderville First Nation, a historian, and an accomplished blues musician.


Event sponsored by The Cobourg and Area Museum
7:30pmThe Cobourg & Area Museum, 141 Orr Street, Cobourg
accessible

18
Sept 2024


Memoir: A Gift in Words & PicturesCome ready to roll up your sleeves, learn the elements of memoir-writing through practical exercises from author and memoirist Cynthia Reyes and Carol Shaw. Doing practical exercises, exploring examples and your own life as inspiration, you will gain ideas and tools to produce your memoir. Whether it’s a literary memoir or storytelling with words and pictures, you’ll find empowerment and helpful tips.

Your presenters:
Cynthia Reyes has written several bestselling books, including A Good Home, An Honest House, and the richly illustrated Twigs in My Hair, A Gardening Memoir. Cynthia is also a former journalist, producer-director, trainer and executive producer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and winner of The Children’s Broadcast Institute Award , The Trailblazer Award and The Crystal Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film and Television.

Carol Shaw has retired from two careers – one as an elementary school teacher, and the other as an administrator in long term care for seniors. Carol has published articles on seniors’ issues and stories in the Trent Hills Tribune. COVID gave her the chance to finally write the memoir that she had envisioned, enabling her to share her memories with her family.

Refreshments supplied; please bring writing materials or a laptop
9:30 – 12 30amVenture 13 – NSSL Seminar Room,
739 D’Arcy St.
Cobourg

Accessible Venue

18
Sept 2024
Copy Editing Demystified: Tricks of the TradeWhat exactly is a copy edit? (Or should that be copy-edit? Or copyedit?) How is a copy edit different from a line or substantive edit? In this workshop, professional copy editor Marie-Lynn Hammond will answer these questions, plus many of yours. Whether you’re a beginner writer or a pro, you’ll learn about editing tools and common copy-editing errors, and you’ll discover how you can pre-edit your work to save money on your next copy-editing bill.

Your presenter, Marie-Lynn Hammond:
Alongside a music career, Marie-Lynn Hammond has worked as an editor for thirty years. With a BA in English, she’s copy-edited everything from a UN report to a Giller-Prize winner. She’s also taught copy editing at York University and given seminars for Editors Canada, of which she’s a member emerita.
6:30 -8:30pmVenture 13 – NSSL Seminar Room,
739 D’Arcy St.
Cobourg

Accessible venue

18 & 19
Sept 2024



Body & SoulSix incredible singer/songwriters will light up the night with their original music. We invite you to lose yourself in their soulful sounds while you relax in the Tasting Lounge.

Sample some of the fine cheeses, meats and accoutrements that Northumberland Fine Foods is famous for (additional charge of $15 per charcuterie board), paired with a glass of your favourite beverage from our licensed bar. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:00 and runs for approximately 2 ½ hours. A treat for body and soul
.

Join Stephen Rapos, Tyler Ellis, The Colton Sisters, Jonah McLean, Bruce Cudmore and Melodi Ryan

Book early, seats are limited.

This event is sponsored by Coles Timber Mart , Northumberland Fine Foods, and the Ontario Arts Council.
6:30-9:30pmThe Tasting Lounge. Brighton
accessible


THURDSAY SHOW
ONLY




WEDNESDAY SHOW



20
Sept 2024
How do you do that?Have you ever wondered how an abstract painting is created? Or questioned the “meaning” of abstract art? Now’s your chance to find out. Observe part of the process Pamela Tate uses to create her non-representational mixed media pieces. Learn what inspires her, what the thought process is behind her current work and see some of the tools of her trade in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Besides a demonstration, there will be lots of opportunity to ask questions. 

Pamela Tate started out as a dancer and her love of movement is evident in the visual art she now creates. Using a variety of tools and inspired by many different experiences, her work is typically energetic and bold. Her curious nature and love of a good challenge informs all of her work.
6:30 – 8pmThe Tate Gallery
4599 Massey Rd
Port Hope

21
Sept 2024




Sounding the Drum & Raising Our VoicesElder Melody Crowe will speak to the importance of the Indigenous voice of storytelling, the importance of her ancestral language, and how the gift of art plays an integral role in the process of reclamation and reconciliation.

She will share some of her own personal writings and stories and engage participants in the discussion. She works from the place of honouring her ancestors and honouring the importance of Indigenous peoples and ways of knowing.

Crowe is a Michi-Saagiig Anishinaabe Woman from Alderville First Nation. She has dedicated her life to creating a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nation culture, knowledge, language, and history, and has more than 25 years of teaching the Ojibway language to children, youth, adults, and Elders.


Venue for this event is sponsored by Cramahe Township and Ontario Arts Council
10:30 – 12 noonCastleton Town Hall
steps. no accessible washroom

21
Sept 2024




Hill Spirits VI Anthology LaunchSpirit of the Hills Arts Association and Blue Denim Press present the launch of the 6th anthology in the Hill Spirits Series, showcasing local and regional writers and poets from Northumberland, Durham, Peterborough, Hastings and Prince Edward County. 

The inspiring theme for this edition is “Change”. We all experience change. It may be planned or unexpected, personal or world-wide but it can not be avoided. Change gives impetus to a wide range of fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

Be entertained with selected readings, and mix and mingle with the writers. Ticket purchase price includes a copy of the book and a viewing of the “Ekphrastic Project”. Reserve your place early, capacity is limited.

2-4pmCobourg Library
accessible

21
Sept 2024









Les AMIS Concerts Presents TAKEFIVEThree members of the TakeFive Ensemble welcome two guest artists for an evening of Robert Schuman (1810-1856), and Johannes Brahms(1833-1897).

Lynn Kuo, Violin
Csaba Koczó, Violin
Shoshana Telner, Piano


Guest Artists
Carolyn Blackwell, Viola
Leana Rutt, Cello

Program
Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44
Johannes Brahms:  Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34




This event is sponsored by Les AMIS Concerts and The Government of Canada
7-9pmTrinity United Church, Cobourg
accessible


Tickets also available at Victoria Hall box office 905-372-2260
22
Sept 2024



Star Catchers ShowcaseFresh from success in this season’s dance competitions and performances, Premiere Dance Cobourg offers a showcase of dancers from Northumberland. Choreographed by professionals from Cirque de Soleil, Toronto Dance Theatre, and the National Ballet, spectacular Acrobatics, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip-hop and more are performed in a family-friendly, fast-moving show. 

Premiere Dance Cobourg with a branch in Brighton has been performing, teaching and serving Northumberland County since 2005, inspiring the passion for dance in our community.

Premiere Dance is delighted to offer our facility as a venue for Northumberland Festival of the Arts.

Proceeds of our performances go to the Premiere Dance Scholarship Fund.

This event is sponsored by Premier Dance Cobourg & Brighton
1-2pmPremier Dance Theatre
accessible

22
Sept 2024




Yo y My Shadow!After a sold-out concert at the last festival, singer/musician Fabian Arciniegas and his piano accompanist Claire Harris present another musical story, this time exploring inner conflicts through storytelling and music that you had no idea you liked.

A versatile Colombian-Canadian singer-actor (tenor) and an intuitive, knowledgeable voice coach, Fabián Arciniegas has a passion for new composers, rhythms and voices and has successfully toured in Canada and internationally featuring Latin American, European and North American composers.

Claire is a Toronto based collaborative pianist, specializing in opera and art song. Claire is an Associate Musical Director for Toronto Opera by Request and a Repetiteur with Opera Connections Europe.


This event is sponsored by the Northumberland Hispanic Culture Club and the Ontario Arts Council
3-4:30pmPremier Dance Theatre
accessible

14-22
Sept 2024
Hidden Gems Art Treasure HuntDuring Business Hours from Saturday Sept 14 to Sunday Sept 22, 2024. Walton Street, Port Hope, pick up a Treasure Map and ballot from a participating venue.

See how many treasure-hunt clues you can find hidden in the participating art galleries and boutique stores on Walton Street, Port Hope. Return your completed entry by Sunday 22 for a chance to win a cash gift certificate prize. The draw will take place on Monday 23 Sept 2024.

Maps and ballots can be picked up and dropped off at participating venues: Queenies, Tall Birches, Edward Jones, On Second Thought, All Things Beautiful, Jason Schmidt Law, Ganaraska Art & Framing

For Map location click here
10am to 4pmWalton Street, Port Hope
outside, rough ground

14-22
Sept 2024

Spirit of the Hills Square Foot ShowThroughout the festival during Library Hours, visit a fun show put on by the artists of the Spirit of the Hills Arts Association. All original works measure 1 square foot and include photography, painting, drawing, textiles, glass, collage, mixed media, and low relief modelling, and they are all for sale for just $125 each!

For Map location click here

This event is sponsored by Spirit of the Hills Arts Association
Library HoursWarkworth Library
accessible

14/15 & 21/22
Sept 2024

Immigration: Our Stories – Our CommunityVisit the Cobourg & Area Museum to see their wonderful video presentation that features stories of immigration to our Northumberland County. You will hear from neighbours who came here from places as varied as Syria, Estonia and the United States and find out a little of their journeys, struggles and successes.

For Map location click here

This event is sponsored by Cobourg & Area Museum and can be enjoyed during regular museum hours.
Museum HoursCobourg & Area Museum
accessible
13-22
Sept 2024
TraversesThe Art Gallery of Northumberland is showcasing a sculptural work from the Gallery’s permanent collection to celebrate the Festival.

Traverses by David Partridge is one of the Gallery’s most beloved pieces and is a striking example of his signature use of nails to create fascinating and intricate patterns and reflective surfaces.  

This piece is one of a number of “naillies” the artist created. Although this one is moderately sized, Partridge’s piece Metropolis greets people at the entrance of Toronto’s city hall with con-centric circles made up of 100,000 nails.
Gallery HoursArt Gallery of Northumberland, Victoria Hall, Cobourg

Accessible venue
12-22
Sept 2024
Northumberland Heights Show & Spa PackageNFOTA has partnered with Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa to offer you a get-away to remember. Get 25% off your accommodation, spa service, dinner for two, and tickets to a show of your choice at NFOTA,

Details:  $300 (weekend ) or $250 (weekday), plus tax per night per double room (usually $366 and $314 respectively)
 25% off spa service
 25% off dinner for two
 25% off two tickets for an NFOTA event

To book your accommodation and event tickets, call Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa
289-797-3020
22
Sept 2024

Double Fudge SundayEnjoy TWO shows on a Sunday Afternoon and get a discount on each.

Come for “Star Catchers Showcase” at 1pm and stay for “Yo y My Shadow” at 3pm (Coffee, water and cookies available in the break) Both shows at the same venue.

Sponsored by Premier Dance Theatre and Northumberland Hispanic culture Club

Go to either show for tickets and choose the “Double Fudge Sunday” option.

1-4pmPremier Dance Theatre
accessible