TugFest Georgian Bay

TugFest Georgian Bay is back at the Midland Town Dock again in 2024. Tugfest brings a matchless family experience that featues a host of both historical and distinctive work boats and recreational tug-style vessels.

In 2024, TugFest will offer visitors a full lineup of marine and family entertainment activities which will include the spectacular tugboat parade of lights on Saturday nightnight, tug parade and demonstration on Sunday.

TugFest will pride a full weekend of entertainment for the family inclding RibFest, musuical group, kids activiries and mini carnival.

Boat arrive Friday and the event lineup starts on Saturday. Watch for the full schedule to come

Georgian Bay Tugboat Festival Midland
Have you ever wondered, why a person of sound mind would take a rusty old tugboat, the hull of a boat, and turn it into a work of art restored to it’s original state? Well come on down to the Midland Town dock on Aug 16-17, for Georgian Bay TugFest. Walk around the dock and speak with the Captains and hear their stories of the history of these fine vessels. Some of these tugs date back to the 1930’s.

Tugs have played an important role in the development of the Great Lakes ports and communities like Penatanguishene and Midland. Pulling log booms, pushing barges, placing Aids to Navigation and helping larger ships to berth are part of the long list of accomplishments. Some of these vessels were once powered by steam and later changed to diesel. The Precotont and Cambrian are examples of this. As one captain put it “there is nothing better than the smell of coffee and diesel in the morning. It gives you a sense of purpose”.

The captains of these tugs have a passion for history and the tugs they own. They relish getting together with other likeminded people and discussing ideas. TugFest gives them the opportunity to speak with the other captains and to exchange ideas and accomplishments.

Today there are newer versions of tugs that are crafted from modern day materials. They are used as pleasure vessels, but the captains are just as passionate about them.

Come down to Midland Harbour and see all the different shapes and sizes. Watch the light parade, see the tug runs and the tug challenges. Speak with the captains and crew and enjoy tours on some of the tugs. All starting Friday afternoon.