Programming, Events & Special Projects
In addition to the museum tour offerings, Culture Summerside has an extensive heritage, arts, and culture programming schedule throughout the calendar year. The programs that occur yearly are listed below. But it is not the extent of what happens at Culture Summerside. Some years bring special anniversaries that are celebrated through public events and publications. Talks and workshops are often scheduled, and offsite programming happens with requests from various groups and organizations. Year round there is always something happening at Culture Summerside.
Select one from our programs, events and special projects to learn more
Sixty Days of Fame Exhibits
Through the Sixty Days of Fame series, Culture Summerside offers local artists the opportunity of a two month exhibit in the Culture Summerside gallery. Artists can be professional or amateur. It is all about bringing awareness to the arts in our community. Exhibits can be viewed Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. Anyone wishing to secure an exhibit spot should contact the programming office of Culture Summerside at 902-432-1298.
National Flag of Canada Day
February 15th is the birthday of the National Flag of Canada, which is more commonly known as the Maple Leaf. Canada did not adopt its own flag until February 15th, 1965, even though the country was formed in 1867. Each year Culture Summerside joins with an area school to celebrate Flag Day, and bring to life the story of the National Flag of Canada. .
International Museum Day
May 18th is International Museum Day. Organized by the International Council of Museums, the day is about “raising awareness about the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among people.” Culture Summerside takes different approaches to the day. Depending on the year it may be an onsite event or a virtual experience through our social media platforms.
Mayor’s Heritage Tea
Canada celebrates National Heritage Week in the third week of February. The City of Summerside joins in the celebration with the Mayor’s Heritage Tea, held in the beautiful Council Chambers of historic City Hall. The focal point of the tea is the presentation of the Summerside Heritage and Culture Awards given in recognition of heritage and cultural activities, carried out in the city, by individuals and organizations. A nomination call is put out in early January with a committee selecting award recipients. A heritage or cultural dramatic vignette is part of the program, and as the celebration is a tea, delicious food and flavorful tea is served. Culture Summerside is honored to organize the Mayor’s Heritage Tea for the Mayor and Council, who extend an invitation to all to attend.
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Olde Fashioned Carnival
On carnival day the lawns of the historic Wyatt Heritage Properties are transformed into the grounds of a Victorian style carnival. There are five cent carnival games, a ten cent tea tent, tea leaf readers, miniature horse rides, clowns and street performers, petting farm, exotic animals, reading tent, live music, carnival food and more. There is truly something for every age and interest. There is no admission to the three hour carnival. Be sure to bring nickels for the games, and dimes for the tea tent. Carnival food offerings are sold for a dollar per item. The carnival is a wonderful day of community. Plan to meet old friends and make new ones.
Concerts in the Garden
On Wednesday evenings, throughout the months of July and August, Concerts in the Garden are presented on the outdoor stage of Wyatt Heritage Properties. Local musicians and bands perform on the stage covered with the canopy of early 20th century trees. While the music varies, Maritime, country, bluegrass, gospel, and local compositions are the favorites. Seating is limited so guests are invited to bring their own lawn chair or blanket. Wyatt’s homemade ice cream is sold during the break.
Admission is by donation.
Summerside Lobster Carnival
The Summerside Lobster Carnival celebrates three of Prince Edward Island’s passions: lobster, harness racing and great entertainment. Serving as Summerside’s primary festival since 1956, the culinary and cultural festival celebrates the Island way. Come discover delicious Island lobster harvested through a wild substantial industry, enjoy cheering on the horses at the Summerside Raceway, and delight in the offerings of the entertainment tent and midway. There is something for all ages and all budgets. Admission to the grounds is free. For the yearly July dates, and full program schedule go to www.summersidelobstercarnival.website.
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Summerside Arts Festival
The Summerside Arts Festival celebrates the vibrant arts and cultural community of Summerside and Prince Edward Island. We are proud to display and share our creative side with you. The festival offers street artist/artisan demonstrations, and musical performances, Drive-Thru Art exhibit, Refresh Sculpture exhibit, workshops, etc. Participants will no doubt discover a connection to their inner creative self.
The Summerside Arts Festival is presented by Wyatt Heritage Properties Inc. in partnership with community cultural associates through funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, the province of Prince Edward Island, and the City of Summerside. Fees apply to workshops. Donations are requested at some activities. For the yearly July dates, full program schedule and activity locations go to www.wyattheritagepropertiesinc.com
Historic Ghostwalk
Historic Ghostwalk is an annual event of Culture Summerside/Wyatt Heritage Properties. The one night walk through the historic district brings to light the stories of Halloween, and the darker side of Summerside/ Island history. True stories, researched through the MacNaught History Centre and Archives, are written into vignettes, which are then brought to life by volunteer actors portraying the main character. New stories are presented each year, which keeps archival staff busy digging to unearth that darker side. The vignettes, when possible, are presented at the location of their happening, but to keep the route manageable for most walkers, liberty is taken with locations.
On the night of the walk, guided tours leave the MacNaught History Centre and Archives, 75 Spring Street, every ten minutes starting at 6:30 pm through to 8 pm. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time to secure tour space. Please call MacNaught at 902-432-1332 for ticket purchases. Tickets are ten dollars, with children under six free. Due to the popularity of the program, tickets are not refunded, so remember before you buy that the walk goes under numerous weather conditions and participants are expected to dress accordingly. Only once in Ghostwalk history (2019) has the date changed due to a special weather statement.
Ghostwalk is an entertaining way to consume history and celebrate Halloween with that raise-the hair-on your neck feel minus the screaming fright factor.
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2022 Ghostwalk date: Thursday, October 20th
Christmas at Wyatt Heritage Properties
Since its inception in 2000, Wyatt Heritage Properties has offered onsite programming to Island schools in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Over the years a variety of topics have been covered to delight students in their visit to the three historic houses. The program is now growing to include the public with onsite Christmas viewings and activities. Dates and list of happenings are released in November.