Mardi Gras Extravaganza Fundraising Gala
2026-02-14 19:30 (America/Toronto) | Arnprior Public Library, 21 Madawaska St, Arnprior, ON, K7S 1R6, Canada
The Arnprior Public Library will be transformed into a magical Mardi Gras gala as you join us for an unforgettable night of food, live music, dancing, décor, and FUN right in the heart of Arnprior.
Dance the night away to Ball & Chain, Ottawa’s premier Mardi Gras band, bringing the energy and spirit of New Orleans straight to the dance floor. Enjoy a cash bar and a mouthwatering spread of NOLA-inspired dishes courtesy of Riley Catering.
Help shake away the winter blahs. Dress to impress and lean fully into the Mardi Gras spirit!
Tickets: $60 per personAll proceeds support adult library programming, including author visits, guest speakers, and more.
Let the good times roll!
REGISTER HERE through the Arnprior Public Libraries Website

Perth Multicultural Food Festival
2026-02-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Crystal Palace, 31 Basin Lane, Perth, Ontario, K7H 1J1, Canada
Come out to the Crystal Palace in Perth for the Perth Multicultural Food Fair! Delight in food samples from vendors from over 10 different cultures, and take part in a variety of cultural performances and workshops! Everyone is welcome to indulge in this spectacular free community event

2026 Frewfest Family Day Winter Carnival - Snowperson Building Activity
2026-02-15 12:00 - 16:00 | myFm Centre, 1 Ma Te Way Park Dr., Renfrew, ON, K7V 4J4, Canada
The Town of Renfrew invites you to celebrate Family Day weekend at the 2026 Frewfest Winter Carnival, a fun-filled event with free activities for all ages.
Visit the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) – Lanark & Renfrew team on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 PM and take part in our Snowperson Building Activity. Use your creativity to build a snowperson or snow sculpture – whether you’re showing off your snow-crafting skills or just giving it a try, everyone is welcome!
Materials will be provided, with indoor and outdoor options available depending on weather conditions. Crafting and fun available while supplies last.
‘Frewfest takes place over Sunday, February 15 and Monday, February 16, 2026, at the myFM Centre and Ma-te-Way Park (1 Ma-te-Way Park Dr., Renfrew). The weekend features a wide range of free, family-friendly activities, including a pancake breakfast hosted by the Renfrew District South Women’s Institute, horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatables, the Meet the Keepers animal show, a Wolves game, and more.’

No Fuss, Low Fuss Soups! Peruvian Cooking Demonstration - Virtual
2026-02-17 17:00 - 18:30 | ON
Comforting flavours, shared traditions, and a taste of Peru…
Join us online for a warm and welcoming virtual cooking demonstration with Monica and Edy, inspired by Peruvian home cooking and the rich flavours of Lima. From the comfort of your own kitchen, watch along as Monica and Edy prepares Sopa Criolla, a beloved Peruvian soup known for bringing families together around the table.
Sopa Criolla is a hearty, flavourful soup traditionally made with beef, vegetables, pasta or bread, milk, and warming spices.
As Monica and Edy prepare this dish, they will share cultural insights, and practical tips for perfecting this dish, creating a relaxed space for learning, connection, and cultural exchange.
This all-ages event is part of the Culture Connect series, presented by the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew, which brings communities together through food, storytelling, and shared experiences.
What to expect:

A live, watch-along virtual cooking demonstration
Cultural insights into Peruvian food traditions and the flavours of Lima
A digital recipe card and cooking instructions shared after the session
A welcoming, inclusive space for all ages

If you require accommodations to participate, please contactlocalimmigrationpartnership@algonquincollege.com
We would like to thank our partners from Latino Connection in the Ottawa Valley for their support in making this event possible.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE

Multicultural Games Night - Equator Coffee Almonte
2026-02-20 18:00 - 22:00 | Equator Coffee, 451 Ottawa Street, Almonte, Ontario, K0A 10A, Canada
Join us at Equator Coffee Almonte for an Around the World themed evening! Learn games from around the world, like Mancala, Senet, Scopa and more! Feel free to show off your own culture’s traditional attire, grab a themed drink or snack, and have a great time!
Equator Coffee – 451 Ottawa Street, Almonte, ON, KOA 1AO

Pride in Perth 2026
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-30 | ON
Pride in Perth 2026 is almost here, and Queer Connection Lanark is excited to celebrate a month full of community, joy, connection, and queer pride across Perth.
This year’s events include:
• Queer Trivia at Jazzy’s Brewhaus – June 3
• Pride Parade & Party – June 6
• Board Games at Perth Pie – June 13
• All Ages Dance at the Perth Legion – June 27
Whether you’re joining for the parade, showing off your trivia knowledge, making new friends over board games, or dancing the night away, there’s space for you here.
Pride is about celebration, visibility, safety, community, and creating spaces where people can show up fully as themselves. We’re grateful to everyone helping make Pride in Perth welcoming, joyful, and accessible for all.
Mark your calendars, invite your people, and come celebrate with us this June. More details to come!

Pembroke Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Pembroke Public Library, 237 Victoria Street, Pembroke, ON, K8A 1B3, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Pembroke Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Spill the Tea: Tea is a drink enjoyed around the globe. Stop by the Library to pick up your mystery take-and-make kit with a selection of teas to try and enjoy. Learn about different teas and cultural traditions using the resources in your kit.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours:Mon–Thurs 10 am–8 pmFri & Sat 10 am–5:30 pmSun – Closed

Killaloe & District Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Killaloe & District Public Library, 1 John Street, Killaloe, ON, K0J 2A0, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Killaloe & District Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Welcome Rock Painting: Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit and create a welcoming design to share with the community.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Language Learning Lab: Join the library for an interactive session exploring language and culture.
Date and Time: TBDRegistration is required.
Culture Connect Movie Night: Gather with the community for a film screening celebrating culture and storytelling.
Date and Time: date TBD, 6:30–8:30 pm.No registration required.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore global tea traditions.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Origami and Paper Folding Activity: Pick up an origami kit to discover the traditions and art of paper folding.
Language Carousel Storytime: A storytime experience exploring language and culture through storytelling.
Date and Time: May 8, 11:15–11:45 am.No registration required.
Library Hours:Tues 11 am–4 pmWed 11 am–4 pmThurs 1 pm–6 pmSat 11 am–4 pmSun, Mon, Fri – Closed

Renfrew Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Renfrew Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Welcome Rock Painting: Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit and create a welcoming design.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore different tea traditions.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours:Mon, Wed, Fri 9 am–5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-8 pmThurs 10 am–8 pmSat 9 am–3:30 pmSun & Tues – Closed

Petawawa Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Petawawa Public Library, 16 Civic Centre Road, Petawawa, Ontario, K8H 3H5, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Petawawa Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Welcome Rock Painting: Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit and create a welcoming design.
Take and Make Kits are available while supplies last.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore global tea traditions.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours:Mon–Thurs 10 am–8 pmFri 10 am–6 pmSat 10 am–5 pmSun – Closed

Deep River Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Deep River Public Library, 55 Rd Ridge, Deep River, Ontario, K0J 1P0, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Deep River Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Culture Connect Movie Night: Join the library for a film screening of Monsieur Lazhar celebrating culture and community.
Content Warning: Suicide mentions
Monsieur Lazhar is a 2011 Canadian French-language drama film directed by Philippe Falardeau and starring Mohamed Saïd Fellag, Sophie Nélisse and Danielle Proulx. Based on Bashir Lazhar, a one-character play by Évelyne de la Chenelière, it tells the story of an Algerian refugee in Montreal who steps in to teach at an elementary school after the former full-time teacher dies by suicide.
Date and Time: June 16 – 6:30pmNo registration required.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore tea traditions from around the world.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: Participate in a creative paper folding activity inspired by global traditions.
Available in-library.
Library Hours:Mon, Wed, Fri 10 am–5:30 pmTues & Thurs 10 am–8 pmSat 10 am–3 pmSun – Closed

Mississippi Mills Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Mississippi Mills Public Library, Almonte, 155 High St, Almonte, ON, K0A 1A0, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Mississippi Mills Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Welcome Rock Painting: Join the library in person to create your rock painting.
Dates: June 6 (Pakenham Branch) & June 13 (Almonte Branch).No registration required.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore tea traditions.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Origami and Paper Folding Activity: Pick up an origami kit to discover the traditions and art of paper folding.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours:Mon 10 am–5 pmTues 10 am–7 pmWed 10 am–5 pmThurs 10 am–7 pmFri 10 am–5 pmSat & Sun 10 am–2 pm

Carleton Place Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Carleton Place Public Library, 101 Beckwith St, Carleton Place, ON, K7C 2T3, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Carleton Place Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Welcome Rock Painting: Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore global tea traditions.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours:Mon-Thurs: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
Fri-Sat: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Sun: Closed

Greater Madawaska Public Library Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Greater Madawaska Public Library, 12629 Lanark Rd K0J 1H0, Calabogie, ON, K0J 1H0, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Greater Madawaska Public Library has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Welcome Rock Painting: Stop by the Library to pick up your take-and-make kit.
Kits are available while supplies last.
Language Learning Lab: Join an interactive session exploring language and culture.
Date and Time: June 12 at 10 am.Registration is required.
Culture Connect Movie Night: Join the library for a community film screening.
Date and Time: June 10 at 2 pm.No registration required.
Origami and Paper Folding Activity: Pick up an origami kit to discover the traditions and art of paper folding.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore global tea traditions.
Kits are available for pick-up. No registration required.Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours:Tues & Wed 9 am–6 pmThurs & Fri 9 am–1 pmSat 9 am–2 pmSun & Mon – Closed

Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre Engagement Activities
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-21 | Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, ON, Canada
From the 8th to the 21st of June, the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre has lots activities for the community to engage in as part of the 2026 summer edition of Culture Connect:
Make & Take Kits
Welcome Rock Painting: Join the library in person to create your rock painting.
Spill the Tea: Pick up a tea kit and explore global tea traditions.
Origami or Paper Folding Activity: Participate in a creative paper folding activity inspired by global traditions.
Available in-library.
Kits are available while supplies last.
Library Hours:Mon–Fri 10 am–4 pmSat 1 pm–4 pm

Chilean Cooking Demo
2026-06-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Alma Sweets Pembroke, 74 Pembroke St W, Pembroke, Ontario, K8A 5M6
A welcoming Chilean cooking demonstration featuring traditional empanadas at Alma Sweets.

Join us for a delicious and hands-on Chilean Cooking Demo featuring one of Chile’s most loved comfort foods: Empanadas
Hosted at Alma Sweets, this special gathering will introduce participants to the flavours, traditions, and cultural connections behind this beloved dish while learning how empanadas are prepared and enjoyed across generations.
This is a warm and welcoming opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate culture through food alongside community members from across the Valley.
⚠️ Limited spots available registration is required.
This event is presented in partnership with Latino Connections in the Ottawa Valley as part of the Culture Connect series.

Drop-in Games Day
2026-06-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
This all-ages drop-in program invites kids, teens, tweens, families, and community members to explore and play games enjoyed across different cultures and countries. From classic favourites to games you may be trying for the very first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Come by for a little while or stay and play all day, no experience needed, just drop in, connect, and have fun!

Perth Multicultural Bites
2026-06-12 16:00 - 18:00 | The Table Community Food Centre, 190 Gore St E, Perth, ON, K7H 1K3, Canada
You’re invited to The Table on Friday June 12 from 4–6 PM for Multicultural Bites!
A celebration of food, culture, and community, rain or shine.
Join Local Immigration Partnership’s Culture Connect and The Table’s Cultural Celebrations Project, with grant support from the Perth & District Community Foundation (PDCF), as we celebrate the many diverse cultures and celebrations highlighted throughout the month of June.
Local cultural ambassadors are coming together to offer food and presentations honouring:
Indigenous Peoples
Italy
Portugal
Philippines
Queer Communities

Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow
2026-06-13 - 2026-06-14 | Smith Falls, Smith Falls, Ontario
Save the Date – 2026 Spirit of the Drum Pow WowSpirit of the Drum Pow Wow will be returning to Smiths Falls in 2026!Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details as we prepare to once again welcome this vibrant celebration of culture, community, music, and tradition.We look forward to gathering together for this meaningful and memorable event. More information coming soon!

3rd Annual Renfrew Colour Fun Run/Walk/Roll!
2026-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Town of Renfrew, 1 Ma-te-Way Park Dr, Renfrew, ON
Get ready to add some colour to your day. Join us for a community event hosted by the Town of Renfrew and Renfrew Public Library, in partnership with the Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 13Registration: 10:00 AMIn front of the side entrance of the myFM Centre (parking lot entrance closest to the splash pad and tennis courts)Address: 1 Ma-te-Way Park Dr., Renfrew
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Route
Ma-te-Way Park
Millennium Trail
Lisgar Ave / Highway 132
Algonquin Trail
Railway Avenue (finish line celebration)
What to Expect

3.5 km untimed fun run, walk, or roll
Five colour stations along the route
Food-grade cornstarch powder (easy cleanup)
Wear white for best colour effect
Eye protection (glasses/goggles) and a dust mask or bandana are recommended

Please note: Dogs are not recommended to participate.
After the Event
Join Renfrew Pride at Low Square for a Pride Picnic celebration.
Participants will need to arrange their own transportation back to Ma-te-Way Park if their vehicle is parked there.
Registration
$20 pre-registration$30 day-of registration
Pre-registration is encouraged to help organizers prepare the appropriate amount of colour powder.
Register here
Additional Information
The event runs rain or shine.Proceeds support Renfrew Pride and Renfrew Public Library.Volunteers and sponsors are welcome.
Contact
Programs Teamprograms@renfrew.ca613-432-3131

Drop-in: Spinning and Weaving Demo
2026-06-13 13:30 - 15:00 | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
Join us for a fascinating Spinning & Weaving Demonstration exploring two of the world’s oldest textile arts and the important role they’ve played across cultures and generations.

Long before modern factories and clothing production, spinning and weaving were essential everyday skills used to create fabric for clothing, blankets, household goods, and trade. Spinning is the process of twisting fibres such as wool into yarn using tools like drop spindles or spinning wheels, while weaving transforms those threads into fabric on a loom through carefully interlaced patterns and techniques.
During this demonstration, participants will learn about the history, tools, and traditions behind these timeless crafts while seeing the process in action. Discover how textile arts connected communities, preserved cultural practices, and continue to inspire makers today through creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship.

Perfect for curious learners, history lovers, artists, and anyone interested in traditional skills and handmade arts.

Craft & Connect Mosaic Frames & Pictures for Kids
2026-06-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Renfrew Public Library, 13 Railway Ave., Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3A9, Canada
A fun and creative Craft & Connect: Mosaic Program!

This hands-on workshop invites kids and families to explore the vibrant art of mosaics, blending creativity, colour, and cultural inspiration drawn from Portuguese design traditions. Participants will design their own colourful mosaic frames and pictures using a variety of shapes, textures, and materials, learning simple mosaic techniques in a playful and accessible way.

This is a welcoming, drop-in style creative space where imagination and connection come together. Everyone will leave with their own unique masterpiece to take home, along with a deeper appreciation for mosaic art and cultural expression.

Perfect for young artists (and the young at heart) who love crafting, exploring colour, and making art in community, no experience needed, just come ready to create, learn, and connect!
Registration Required

Weaving Tradition: Portuguese Textiles Through Time
2026-06-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, 3 Rosamond Street East, Almonte, ON, K0A1A0, Canada
A cultural presentation exploring Portuguese textile traditions from a historical and cultural lens, highlighting decorative motifs, traditional patterns, and the social significance of textiles in Portuguese heritage, followed by a short Q&A session.

Weaving Tradition: Portuguese Textiles Through Time - Virtual Session
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | ON
With: Joana Isabel Ribeiro Sequeira, Lab2PT/In2Past with the University of Minho, Portugal

Title: Weaving Tradition: Portuguese Textiles Through Time.
With: Joana Isabel Ribeiro Sequeira, Lab2PT/In2Past with the University of Minho, Portugal
Time: Saturday June 20th, 10am-11am EST
Virtual via Zoom – Registration required.
A cultural presentation exploring Portuguese textile traditions from a historical and cultural lens, highlighting decorative motifs, traditional patterns, and the social significance of textiles in Portuguese heritage, followed by a short Q&A session.
