Program
2026 Midsummer program
Join us this June as we gather once again to welcome the summer solstice – where nature sets the rhythm and community brings it to life. The 2026 Midsummer Festival is an invitation to slow down, step outside, and share in the quiet magic of long days and lingering light.
From peaceful moments by the water to the steady pulse of drums and laughter rising around the fire, Midsummer Fest celebrates connection in its simplest form. Come to unwind, to share stories and songs, and to feel the warmth of belonging beneath open skies. Whether you arrive for reflection, revelry, or something in between, this is a place to be fully present – together.
Wednesday
Site opens at 3pm
Merry Meet!
Welcome to midsummer fest 2026
Get settled and we will see everyone for Opening Ritual down at the beach
Meet & mingle
4:00pm - 6:00pm
This is the heading
Settle in, set up and mingle around the site!
Opening Ritual
7:30pm - Revelry Fire
7:00pm - revlry fire
Join us for opening ritual where we will set the magic and purpose of Midsummer Fest 2026.
thursday
Herb walk
Laurie Benson
Tour this majestic site to get to know our plant allies and their edible, medicinal and magickal attributes. As foraging and wildcrafting are becoming more popular, it is important to know who is who in the plant world and to know how to harvest ethically. Each walk and talk will take a different route, keeping to roads and paths.
Ground Yourself: Somatic Breathwork
Sonia
Your breath is the oldest magic you carry. This somatic breathwork sessions uses slow, intentional breathing to shift your nervous system into calm - quieting mental noise, easing anxiety, and rooting you fully in your body and the earth beneath you. Whether you arrive at Midsummer buzzing with excitement or carrying the weight of the everyday world, this practice meets you exactly where you are. Leave rooted, steady, and fully present for the magic ahead.
Psychic Development (Part 1)
Kati
Psychic Development is a two-part workshop series designed to gently open and strengthen your intuitive gifts in a safe, grounded, and supportive environment. Part One lays the foundation — exploring the nature of psychic phenomena, learning to work with white light for protection, and discovering the rich landscape of divination practices available to you.
Make Your own blend
Kimi
Gather round and come create a unique or previously created essential oil blend. Use as a perfume, or concentrate to add scent to a base like bath salts, creams or body spray.keep the blend, and your recipe
the fourth female: Naming a modern feminine stage
Willow
For generations, the Feminine Trinity has shaped how many pagans and spiritual seekers understand feminine power and the cycles of womanhood.
Join us for a thoughtful fireside discussion exploring the origins of the Maiden, Mother, Crone symbolism, how it has evolved, and whether there may be room for a fourth face of the feminine.
This gathering welcomes many perspectives into the circle, including men and masculine-identifying participants, as we reflect together on balance, growth, and the changing nature of these archetypes.
Ritual Construction (Part 1)
Janice Cardie
Part One is an immersive seminar on crafting ritual from the ground up. We’ll examine every pivotal question—why ritual matters, what shapes it, and how time and place influence its impact. Participants will then collaborate in small groups to create individual components of a ritual, each contributing to a shared theme, culminating in a powerful exercise in collective creation.
Wander & Wonder
Alden
Continuing from Harvest, We will start to compile any information we have from our Harvest Fest hike, and using the map we can decipher new areas to explore to uncover new flora and fauna as we continue to create our local field guide.
Making a ritual cord
Castalia
Whether for empowering your rituals or doing cord magic, having a ritual cord can be very useful. In this workshop, we will use hand-knitting to make and charge up a ritual cord in the colour of your choice.
Shaping salix: weaving the willow woman of summer
Hajni
Help breathe life into Salix Sally, the willow spirit of summer, as we awaken her from her winter slumber and begin to shape her sacred form. With hands and hearts, we’ll gather natural materials—branches, bark, and vine—to weave her body anew. We will cleanse her with floral water, calling in the vibrant energies of the season. Come co-create this living effigy of joy, fertility, and summer’s wild magic in an act of community, creativity, and intention.
Yoga Nidra: a midsummer guided relaxation practice
Celeste Rose
This session will guide participants through Yoga Nidra, a traditional yogic sleep meditation practice designed to bring the body into deep rest while maintaining awareness.
This practice is rooted in yogic tradition (Yoga Nidra) and is highly effective for reducing stress, supporting healing, and restoring energy.
Participants will leave feeling deeply relaxed and with tools they can use for rest, sleep, and emotional balance.
The living altar: energy, polarity, and sacred space
Hajni
The altar is more than the table itself — it is the living energy created by the elements placed upon it and the intention behind them. In this workshop, we will explore how the altar reflects both the inner self and the wider universe, becoming a sacred space for transformation, focus, and connection. Discover how working with the flow of energy through the altar can help align will, spirit, and ritual purpose.
whispers & stories
Tucked away from the festival’s wildest rhythms, The Ember Hearth offers a quieter fire for those who seek connection through story, song, and thoughtful conversation. Come sit beneath the stars, share tales of tunes, or simply listen as the flames dance and voices weave gentle magic. This is a space for kindred spirits, soft laughter, and the warmth of words.
fire & drumming
Featuring The PATAKIN Drum Group and our resident community drummers
As night falls, gather with us around the sacred fire—the heart of our festival and a beacon for joy, rhythm, and connection. All are welcome to drum and dance and share in the magic of community beneath the stars.
Whether you’re meeting old friends or kindling new bonds, this is a space to let your spirit move and your heartbeat sync with the rhythm of the circle. Stay for a moment or until the sun rises—this fire will burn through the night, fed by laughter, music, and wild, sacred joy.
Bring your drum, your voice, your feet—or simply your presence.
nelson dennis live in concert
Multiinstrumentalist & DJ
Meet Nelson Denis entertainer and multi-instrumentalist, and one-man musical experience. With the ability to play 20+ instruments across countless genres and eras, Nelson brings unforgettable energy to every event, from intimate campfire singalongs to full-scale celebrations. Nelson Denis started performing at the age of 13. Decades later this multi-instrumentalist plays upwards of 30 instruments. Coming close to a world record for 500+ shows a year for 5 years straight between live music, DJ, karaoke and Light & Sound Technician engagements.
He can take you from atmospheric cocktail & dinner music, to showmanship & humor, to singalongs & Dancing the night away!
Friday
Herb walk
Laurie Benson
Tour this majestic site to get to know our plant allies and their edible, medicinal and magickal attributes. As foraging and wildcrafting are becoming more popular, it is important to know who is who in the plant world and to know how to harvest ethically. Each walk and talk will take a different route, keeping to roads and paths.
kraken kafe
Melia
Kraken Kafe would like to invite you to a special afternoon tea party!
You can sit and relax, chatting with friends while we dish out dainty snacks, confectionery and tea at your pleasure!
Kids and adults, anyone is welcome to come for some tea, treats, music and company
There is a small fee of $25 to help us cover the cost of ingredients
There will be 3 time slots, with 5 people per slot.
Sign up is required! You can sign up now, or on site!
Sign up Link
Tapping into sacred Surrender and the magic of allowing
Diana
Magic doesn't happen in the future; it happens in the breath you are taking now. Yet, so often, our energy leaks into the future as we fret over how our desires will manifest or cling to a rigid vision of how things must be. The attachment acts like a kink in a garden hose, slowing the flow of the Divine to a trickle.
In this EFT Tapping journey, we return to the power of the present moment. By surrendering our blueprints and our "shoulds" in this very moment, we stop blocking the view and become wide-open vessels for the magic that is already trying to reach us.
Laughter Yoga
Celeste Rose
We will learn the history of Laughter yoga and how it came to be. We will learn the physiological benefits of laughter yoga. Participants will learn a few ways that the mind works in relation to the body and how the techniques of using the breathe and laughter, and how it cultivates resilience, a child like sense of wonder, pain relief, stress relief and more.
The Art of Swordplay
Ronin
Our boffer workshop is geared towards children, but open to all ages ~Even youngsters can begin learning swordsmanship, here we offer a space to practice and immerse yourself in simple but fun sword-swinging games and duels.
Ritual Movement and sacred rhythm
Willow & Rikki LaCoste
Ritual is something we feel as much as we speak. In this experiential workshop we explore how movement, rhythm, and intention shape the energy of a circle. Participants will practice working with ritual tools, moving with a partner, and pacing larger circular movements supported by drumming and spoken word. Drawing from practices such as elemental purifications and ritual sweeps, we will learn how the body can help guide and focus ritual space.
The european witch hysteria - popular history, paganism and the truth (part 1)
James Carter
Join us as we examine the underlying causes of the European witch hysteria (commonly called by some pagan authors 'the Burning Times'), what actually happened, why it happened, and how it became an international tragedy. We will be looking at pre-Christian attitudes towards witchcraft, the development of the myth of the Witches' Sabbath, the attempts to connect witchcraft with heresy, what the Inquisition did and didn't do, the anatomy of a witch trial, notable texts, and what happened in Salem.
Initiatory covencraft (cass & friends)
Castalia
This form of practice has been foundational in the development of our modern pagan movement. Nowadays, it tends to be somewhat discreet, hidden and even secretive. Finding reliable information about it can be challenging unless one knows where to look. Come listen to practitioners as they share what they love about their Craft. Hear about topics such as initiation, tradition, and the seeking process.
psychic development (Part 2)
Kati
Guiding you through a third eye meditation, an introduction to Neuro-Linguistic Programming and its role in psychic work, and hands-on exploration of spirit guide communication, remote viewing, and psychometry. Bring objects or photographs you feel drawn to work with — the most surprising discoveries often come through what we hold in our hands.
Awaken Your creative magic
Willow
Together we will explore how creative expression can nourish our spiritual lives, inspire ritual, and bring joy to the everyday acts of making things with our hands and hearts. We will gently challenge the modern belief that creativity must be perfect, profitable, or impressive to be worthwhile.
Through reflection, playful exploration, and shared experience, participants will rediscover the creative spark that already lives within them. Come ready to experiment, to release expectations, and to discover just how creative you truly are.
Mead making
Hanna
Step into the ancient art of mead-making in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners and curious creatives alike. You’ll learn the fundamentals of fermenting honey into delicious, personalized mead. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a beverage lover, this class offers a fun and flavorful introduction to one of the world’s oldest fermented beverages.
12 ways to ecology
Brendan Myers
We are, among other things, an environmentally informed spiritual community. So it behooves us to know how ecosystems work. Brendan’s Twelve Ways is a short talk on the principles of ecology as a science, and the implications of those principles for guiding our spiritual lives. Based on (and expanded from) a chapter in his book The Circle Of Life Is Broken.
chakra alchemy: a reiki journey of clearing & protection
Chantelle
Step into a sacred space and awaken the subtle energies within. In this intimate, Reiki-infused workshop, you will be gently guided through a deeply personal energetic experience designed to realign, cleanse, and protect your chakras.
Through intuitive practice and mindful ritual, we will learn to read the whispers of our energy centers, clear what no longer serves, and weave protective boundaries that support our spiritual and emotional well-being. Expect a blend of grounding guidance, quiet reflection, and a touch of the mystical as you reconnect with your inner power.
Adorning Salix sally: Dressing the spirit of summer
Hajni
Salix Sally awakens once more…
After resting through the seasons, our beloved willow woman is ready to be adorned again for Midsummer magic.
Help us refresh her ribbons, flowers, charms, and blessings as we prepare her for the celebrations to come.
Bring your creativity, your laughter, and a little midsummer enchantment to weave into her branches. Every ribbon tied and flower placed becomes part of the living magic of the festival.
Come help Sally bloom again beneath the summer sky
ritual
Janice Cardie
In this open ritual, participants come together to bring the rituals created in Part 1 to life. Guided by the group, attendees will collectively shape and perform a shared ritual.
Open to all—no prior experience needed—this workshop invites creativity, collaboration, and reflection as we explore the power of ritual in community.
bardic competition
Do you carry a song in your heart, a tale on your tongue, or magick at your fingertips?
We invite you to step into the sacred circle and share your gifts at our Bardic Competition—a celebration of creativity, expression, and the old ways of weaving wonder through word, rhythm, and performance.
Whether you sing or strum, chant or charm, speak truth through poetry or laughter through storytelling, this is your stage. All forms of performance are welcome.
All ages and skill levels welcome. Sign up at registration. Bring your courage—your voice is needed.
aurorah live in concert!
A classical pianist, vocalist, percussionist and composer,
Aurorah weaves sonic tapestries using threads of piano, powerful vocals, live synthesizer & percussion layering, and electronic production : each song a work of art.
A versatile performer with original music, reimagined covers, and interdisciplinary collaborations, providing deep and tangibly moving.
saturday
Herb walk
Laurie Benson
Tour this majestic site to get to know our plant allies and their edible, medicinal and magickal attributes. As foraging and wildcrafting are becoming more popular, it is important to know who is who in the plant world and to know how to harvest ethically. Each walk and talk will take a different route, keeping to roads and paths.
Salix Sally Ritual: A Celebration of summer's spirit
A Celebration of Summer’s Spirit
Step into a living, evolving ritual that honours Salix Sally—our willow woman and sacred embodiment of summer’s feminine energy.
From flower-blessed awakenings to her gentle rest in the fields, Sally receives your prayers, offerings, and dreams. She is adorned with nature’s gifts and celebrated in joyful procession, surrounded by song, intention, and community magick.
Be part of this sacred honoring of life in full bloom.
somatic witchcraft
Sonia
Somatic Witchcraft blends body-based healing with intuitive and ritual practices. Rooted in nervous system awareness, breathwork, and embodied wisdom, this work invites people to reconnect with their intuition, release stored trauma, and access their natural magic. Through somatic practices, ritual, and energetic awareness, Sonia will guide others back into their bodies where healing, clarity, and personal power live. This path honors the body as an oracle and transformation as an embodied experience.
Elder's Tea
Laurie Benson
Following a tradition established by Kaleidoscope Gathering you are welcome to join a select panel of Elders for tea (herbal or traditional) and treats to hear the stories of the past Festivals and perhaps to learn from our mistakes. Feel free to ask questions and receive dubious answers as we all seek to find our paths in this community. Bring offerings for the group if you wish and be prepared for hilarity.
Modern Pagan Historiography of the witch hysteria (Part 2)
James Carter
We will discuss how the myth of the Burning Times developed, from Enlightenment historians trying to understand the cause of the hysteria to Victorian folklorists inventing reasons for it, then look at how and why modern pagans embraced this myth before accepting a more historical understanding and finally closing with how we still see this kind of social hysteria today.
A 2 Hour Journey Through the History, Magic & Art of Perfumery
Nick Morcenick from The Scented Path
For thousands of years, perfume has been more than just a pleasant fragrance. It has been a tool of priests and pharaohs, a weapon of merchants and seducers, and a pathway to the deepest parts of the human brain.
Join us for an immersive 2-hour class led by Nick Faunus who will open their personal collection of essential oils—gathered over more than 50 years—for a rare, hands-on olfactory experience.
Toilet bombs!!!
Kimi
Back by popular demand these little balls of super cleaning power are great for cleaning toilets, sinks and even great as a shower streamer! Come make some with me and take some home yourself!
bonfire dancing
Cherica
Fire up your footwork and frolic with the flames. This workshop will focus on skills, moves, and dance concepts that will translate directly to dancing around the fire, so you'll be ready to bust a move on the beach.
Adornment, Feast and Iron
Chantelle
This workshop is an invitation to reconnect with your feminine energy through simple, sacred acts; sharing food, braiding hair, and adorning the body with henna. These timeless traditions invite softness, creativity, and presence, while fostering deep connection with yourself and children.
Set intentionally beside the forge, we honour the balance of energies within us all. The warmth, strength, and fire of the masculine meets the intuitive, flowing, and nurturing essence of the feminine.
Come as you are.
Leave feeling connected, grounded, and a little more whole.
community drum circle
Drum Dr.
A nearly continuous hour of playing various percussion. Session begins and ends with open jam. Please be on time and bring your drum and alternate percussion (shakers, singing bowls, bells, etc, if available).
Sandwitched in the middle will be a short lessons in structure, tempo and dynamic.
Using rhythms, we can discover voices and perform community building magic.
Drama Workshop
Laurie Benson
Do you want to become more involved in the main rituals but are worried about your performance abilities? Laurie is a long time professional theatre and voice actor and teaches young performers stage acting. Anyone can have a big voice and "presence" and you don't need to memorize a script if you know the basics of what you are presenting. Let's have fun embodying the elements, exploring deity types and finding our strengths through humour, character and storytelling! And yes, all ages and abilities can participate!
Witches & wizards ball ft. Aphrodite Unbound & Chris Devlin
The moon is high, the magick is buzzing, and it’s time to don your finest robes, cloaks, sparkles, and glam!
Join us this evening for a night of magic, mischief, and merry-making at the Witches & Wizards Ball — with a very special performance of high-energy rhythms featuring two sets of entertainment…Aphrodite Unbound followed by Chris Devlin!
Expect music, movement, and maybe even a little moonlit mayhem. Whether you’re here for the dancefloor or the dazzling costumes, this is one revel you don’t want to miss.
Aphrodite Unbound: JAYE MARSH and RIKKI LACOSTE are the founding leaders of Aphrodite Unbound, an eclectic ensemble performing their own music, covers, and planned and improvised soundscapes that marry ancient beats, as if Dead Can Dance flirted with Björk and went to dance around a bonfire to 100 wild drummers.
Chris Devlin: Chris Devlin is an award-winning Singer & Musician from Cobourg, On. He is a fixture of Northumberland's Music Scene, performing Solo or with Madman's Window, The Concert Band of Cobourg and more. Chris has entertained audiences from Toronto to St. John's.
sunday
closing ritual and travel blessing
The circle closes at 3 PM on Sunday, so gather your gear, say your goodbyes, and slip away before the goblins put you to work.
Merry Meet,
Merry Part,
and Merry Meet Again!
Wiccan Fest
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WiccanFest recognises the land where we host our event is part of the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to use this land, and by doing so, give our respect to its first inhabitants.