Arts Culture and Heritage

Arts, culture and heritage merge seamlessly in Owen Sound, underpinning the city's identity. A former Cultural Capital of Canada, we are a mecca for artists in the Grey-Bruce area.

Explore our galleries and museums, including the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, the Owen Sound Artists' Co-op, Billy Bishop Home and Museum, Grey Roots Museum and the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre. We have numerous public art installations and murals as well, and are a thriving centre for music, live theatre and film.

Many of our festivals and events celebrate our cultural richness. These include the Summerfolk Music & Craft Festival, the Emancipation Festival, Chinese New Year celebrations, the Scenic City Film Festival, the Lupercalia Multi-Arts Festival and many more. 

Owen Sound's black history, as the northernmost station on the Underground Railroad, is highlighted at the black history cairn in Harrison Park and in a new exhibit at Grey Roots.

Our heritage is further explored in various self-guided tours, heritage plaques and the annual Doors Open celebration in June.