TinyTRA Exclusive: A Look Behind the Scenes at the Growing Georgian Bay Festival
TinyTRA sat down with Don Stubbs, organizer of the Georgian Bay Festival, to discuss its steady growth since 2018, resilience through COVID-19, and exciting additions like the Tonight Show stage — one of only four in North America. Focused on slow, sustainable growth, Stubbs hopes to draw an evergrowing number of attendees next year and urges the community to come out, buy tickets, and support local vendors. With a strong community spirit and a world-class setup, the festival promises a memorable experience celebrating music and local connections.
TinyTRA
6/1/20252 min read
TinyTRA had the chance to sit down with Don Stubbs, the passionate owner and organizer behind the Georgian Bay Festival, to talk about the roots, evolution, and exciting future of this community-driven event.
Founded in 2018, the Georgian Bay Festival has carved out a name for itself in the local scene. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Stubbs and his team never gave up — they kept the festival alive, adapting and persevering. Don recalls memorable years, like when they brought in an Elvis act and the Good Brothers, offering audiences both nostalgia and top-tier entertainment.
At its heart, this festival isn’t just about the music; it’s about supporting the community. As Stubbs explains, many vendors set up shop at the festival, and even attendees who don’t stay for the evening shows are encouraged to come by, browse, and support local makers and businesses.
One of the festival’s standout features this year is its Tonight Show stage — one of only four of its kind in North America. Purchased by Paul Sadlon Jr. from Las Vegas Productions, this mobile, modular stage offers major appeal for artists who might otherwise skip smaller events. Unlike some festivals that build fixed, multi-million-dollar stages they can’t move, Georgian Bay’s flexible setup allows them to scale up safely without being tied down to one site.
Looking ahead, Stubbs hopes for slow but steady growth, growing on the 2000+ attendees during COVID. He emphasizes that the festival is learning year by year, focusing on incremental improvements rather than rushing into large expansions.
Stubbs’ closing message? Come and experience it for yourself. Whether you buy a ticket for the music or just drop by to support local vendors (free entry until 5:30pm), your presence helps keep this festival vibrant and growing. Parking costs $5 (unless you have a show ticket), and those funds go directly toward practical needs, like the Georgian Bay Search and Rescue team helping run operations.
As TinyTRA wraps up the conversation, we’re left feeling energized about what’s ahead. This year’s Georgian Bay Festival promises great music, a world-class stage, and a chance to celebrate the spirit of a community that keeps lifting itself up, one festival at a time.
We look forward to seeing you there!
