The Town of Smiths Falls support public arts events and experiences, including Busker Performances. Those wishing to offer live performances must obtain an permit.
Arts & Culture
Arts + Culture
Smiths Falls is home to a vibrant art, music, theatre and performing community that includes world-famous photographers, live theatre, museums, public art, festivals, carvers, and crafters. Many juried artists and artisans have made Smiths Falls their home and the community is working to develop and enhance the Town’s creative capacity and economy together.
Smiths Falls Public Arts Advisory Committee
The Town of Smiths Falls developed a Public Arts Master Plan and Policy in 2024 to help guide the commissioning, installation and maintenance of public art in Smiths Falls. The Public Arts Advisory Committee is tasked with the implementation of the Public Arts Plan and will develop initiatives and recommendations for Council Approval of art installation and activations.
Smiths Falls Municipal Cultural Plan
The Smiths Falls Cultural Plan 2021-2025 is a guiding document used by the Town of Smiths Falls to guide the strategic and integrated planning of cultural resources in urban and community development.
The Town of Smiths Falls in 2024 developed a Public ArtsMaster Plan and Policy to help guide the commissioning, installation and maintenance of public art in Smiths Falls. The Public Art Committee is tasked with the implementation of the Public Arts Plan and will develop initiatives and recommendations for Council Approval of art installation and activations.
A jewel in the cultural community of Smiths Falls is the Station Theatre. Located in a former Canadian Pacific Railway station which when faced with the possibility of demolition had the community’s resourcefulness come to its aid and save the building. Year round live community theatre, including a summer musical, Christmas pantomime, International Film Nights, a world renowned illusionist, and other entertainment is offered at this 140 seat theatre. Discover more about this one of a kind theatre on their website.
Live Music
Smiths Falls is your destination for live music in Lanark County. From the finest in local, hometown acts, to the best touring and travelling musicians in Canada, you can find it all here on stage every weekend. Whether down at the local pub, on stage at the theatre, or featured at one of many special events across town, there is always something to keep your toes tapping in Smiths Falls!
Established in 2019, Bowie's is a great place to catch a show in Smiths Falls. A modern neighbourhood bar that offers regional craft beers, cocktails, and espresso, with sandwiches and snacks until 1am. Featuring high quality touring acts from across Ontario, if you're a music lover, their weekend shows are can't-miss!
Open Wednesday - Saturday and every 3rd Sunday for listening room concerts. To make a reservation or book an event, contact bowiesbar@gmail.com. They don't have a phone, but they encourage you to reach out to them on their social media accounts.
Bowie's Music Club
20 Russell Street East
Rob Roy's, in addition to having one of the best patios in town, is a great spot to catch live, local music or try your hand at some karaoke. Check their Facebook page to see what entertainment is scheduled for the month.
Rob Roy's Pub & Restaurant
33 Centre Street
613-283-9093
With a patio that overlooks the falls of the spillway at the Wood's Mill Complex and an awesome old school wooden bar, the Taphouse is one of the best hangouts in town. While they don't host music every weekend, it is a great spot to catch local acts, especially during the summer. Check their Facebook to see the scheduled acts.
The Lockmaster's Taphouse
32 Beckwith Street South
613-205-0448
Looking for that classic hometown bar experience? Union Street is the perfect destination for comfort food in a relaxed, friendly setting. Featuring live, local music, Karaoke and the occasional dance party, on Friday and Saturday nights, check their Facebook page to see what is happening this week.
Union Street Bar & Grill
7 Union Street
613-205-1632
The Taproom, located at the 4 Degrees Brewing & Distilling's brewery, is always worth a visit. Whether you're sampling their latest beers & spirits, catching up with friends, watching sports, or catching a show at the weekend, the Taproom has something for everyone. Visit their website, under the Specials & Events tab, to see what they have scheduled each week.
The Taproom
275 Brockville Street
613-222-8691
Housed in the former CPR Railway Station, The Station Theatre opened in April 2010 after more than 11 years of planning, fundraising and construction. The 140-seat facility has become a focus for the performing arts in Smiths Falls as well as a sought-after venue for meetings and receptions.
The Station Theatre brings the opportunity to enjoy live theatre, concerts and movies and to have the thrill of appearing on stage in local productions.
For more information on shows and events visit their website to view the upcoming schedule.
The Station Theatre
53 Victoria Avenue
613-283-0300 (Leave a Message)
https://smithsfallstheatre.com/
Throughout the year, Smiths Falls is home to a number of special events that feature live music. This year's Downtown Music Festival promises to be premier live music festival in town, featuring yet-to-be-announced special headliner... Stay tuned!
Check out the following confirmed dates for 2026:
Bike Nights on Beckwith - 1st Wednesday of each month (June-September)
Ribfest – August 28 - 30
Downtown Music Festival - September 12
Fall Weekend (Includes Skele-Bration & Mystic Market) - October 24 - 25
CPKC Holiday Train – November 26 (TBD)
A Brief History Of Smiths Falls
The Town’s name is derived from the original owner of the land, Thomas Smyth, and the once-magnificent falls that were diverted in order to create the Rideau Canal and the three lock stations.
The history of Smiths Falls dates back to the American Revolutionary War between the Americans and the British when land grants were issued to United Empire Loyalists who lost the lands they owned in the United States as punishment for supporting the crown. The area now known as Smiths Falls was granted to Lieutenant Thomas Smyth in 1786, a total of 400 acres. Rights to his land and mill were contested in 1824, and Smyth lost his land for having defaulted on mortgage payments. The area was then purchased by Abel Russell Ward, a self-proclaimed United Empire Loyalist, in 1825.
When Lieutenant-Colonel John By, a member of the Royal Engineering Corp., was charged with constructing a navigable canal linking Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River; he included the Rideau River running through Smiths Falls. The opening of the canal in 1832 is seen as a milestone for the area since it allowed for economic growth.
The true economic boom came after 1884 when the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed part of its line through the area. This provided a direct trade route to Montreal and its shipping lines. The population of the region increased rapidly.
Due to those early ventures, Smiths Falls has a diverse history of important industries, such as the Frost and Wood Co. Ltd., Coca-Cola, RCA Victor Ltd., and Hershey’s Canada Inc.
Click An Image To View The Digital Tour
Smiths Falls Heritage Walking Tour
The rich history of the Smiths Falls waterway dates back to 1826 when Lieutenant-Colonel, John By, was tasked with the construction of the Rideau Canal. In a remarkable feat of engineering, the over 200km long Canal was built in just six years. Fast forward to 2007, the Rideau Canal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; the first of its kind in Ontario. Being located in the heart of the Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls continues to play an important part in the preservation and celebration of this beautiful waterway.
The Rideau Canal is the best preserved slack water canal in the world, and the only one from the 19th century that still operates along its original watercourse, with its original structures intact. This engineering marvel illustrates a globally important stage in human history – the clash for control of British North America. Smiths Falls encourages everyone to experience this unique historical site!
Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum
Located on the Rideau Canal waterway, the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum is a community museum and cultural centre, depicting the upper middle-class life of the Smiths Falls families circa 1865-1875. It also includes a permanent collection of Smiths Falls artifacts, as well as travelling exhibits and art shows. Tours are available both indoors and outdoors by appointment.
Lanark County Genealogical Society - Reference Library
LCGS Genealogy Resource Centre is located at the Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum 11 Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls.
Avaried and interesting collection of genealogical resource materials, family trees, family histories, scrapbooks and other publications illustrating local history and community events are available to the public.
TheResource Centre operates on a self-help basis with a volunteer Librarian on-site at various times or byappointment.
A$5.00 Researcher Passwill be required by the day or $25 for the year to access the resources.
Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
While visiting the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, you’ll find rail heritage comes alive at this National Historic Site. Visitors can climb up into the cupola of a caboose, enjoy a dental car, a gorgeous 1880's CN dining car or inspect the track in a Speeder Car. Enjoy the glamping experience of staying overnight in a vintage caboose. New exhibits take place all season. Please contact the museum directly for more information.
Smiths Falls Heritage Walking Tour
To truly appreciate the town's rich heritage, embark on self-guided walking tour through Downtown Smiths Falls. Wander through its charming streets and explore the architecturally significant buildings that stand as a testament to the town's past.
Contact Us
Town of Smiths Falls
77 Beckwith Street North
Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 2B8
Phone: 613.283.4124
Toll free: 1.888.983.4124
info@smithsfalls.ca