The Port Stanley Calipso Festival Inc. is a registered not-for-profit organization (OCN:1001185940) dedicated to celebrating community spirit, cultural enrichment, and environmental awareness in Port Stanley, Ontario and the surrounding region.
Calipso stands for Come And Live In Port Stanley, Ontario. And that name is not just an acronym—it is an open invitation.
Every August, on the Civic Holiday Weekend, we transform Port Stanley's waterfront, harbour, and streets into one of Ontario's most beloved summer celebrations, welcoming over 30,000 visitors from across the province and beyond.
Revived in 2019, the festival has grown into a regional landmark — a free, family-friendly, village-wide event that puts Port Stanley's people, culture, and Lake Erie shoreline at the centre of everything we do.
Each year, the Calipso festival transforms Port Stanley into a free, public programming celebration that unfolds across the village's waterfront, harbour, beaches, parks, and streets over the August Civic Holiday Weekend. Here is a taste of what the festival brings to life:
The Calipso Festival Corporation exists to foster community spirit, cultural enrichment, and environmental awareness in Port Stanley and surrounding areas through the organization of an annual summer festival that celebrates local heritage, supports local businesses, and promotes eco-tourism.
Calipso serves the residents of Port Stanley and the surrounding Elgin County region, as well as the tens of thousands of visitors who travel to Port Stanley each August from across Ontario and beyond. We serve families, local businesses, artists, environmental advocates, volunteers, and anyone who believes that a community is worth celebrating.
All commercial activities undertaken by the corporation serve our not-for-profit purposes. Every dollar generated is reinvested directly into the festival and its community objectives.
We celebrate and promote Port Stanley's rich cultural diversity through music, dance, art, and culinary experiences — providing a platform for local artists, performers, and artisans to share their talents with the world.
We create meaningful opportunities for volunteerism and participation, strengthening the bonds between residents and visitors and fostering a genuine sense of belonging in Port Stanley.
We conduct programs and activities that raise awareness about environmental conservation, sustainable living, and the importance of protecting Lake Erie's ecosystem — a resource that defines Port Stanley's identity and livelihood.
We support Port Stanley's local economy by attracting visitors, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses, and generating employment through festival activities.
We are committed to ensuring that Calipso is accessible and welcoming to everyone — including persons with disabilities, visible minorities and races, women, and the 2SLGBTQIA community.
Calipso is built by the community, for the community. There are many ways to be part of it:
Join our festival crew and help bring Calipso to life while creating memorable experiences.
Help preserve and grow a cherished community tradition for future generations to enjoy.
Have a question, a proposal, or just want to connect? We'd love to hear from you.
