Cultivate Festival is rolling out a full slate of summer activities as organizers prepare for this year’s festival while expanding opportunities for residents to take part.
The organization has launched a new weekly community update highlighting upcoming concerts, volunteer opportunities, fundraising initiatives and youth programming.
This week’s Road to Cultivate concert takes place Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Port Hope. Canadian nine-piece band Tell It To Sweeney will headline the free performance, while SONG (Sounds of the Next Generation) will kick off the evening with a community drum circle open to all ages and experience levels.
Organizers are also encouraging residents to reserve tickets for this year’s Cultivate Festival, where Saturday and Sunday programming will operate on a Pay What You Can model for the first time. The goal is to make live music, art and community events accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
Volunteer recruitment is underway, along with ticket sales for a $5,000 fundraising raffle, with proceeds supporting free concerts, youth initiatives and community programming.
Another new initiative, Growing Stages, is now accepting applications from young Northumberland musicians. Developed in partnership with SONG, the program will select one local artist or group to perform at this September’s festival while receiving mentorship, professional promotional support and photo and video content.
Registration has also opened for the inaugural Walk the Road to Cultivate fundraiser, while the Cultivate Community Garden continues to host Monday evening gardening sessions and potluck dinners.
Organizers say the growing list of programs reflects Cultivate’s mission of building community through access, belonging and connection.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
