Frequently Asked Questions
About Downtown Events
What is the admission rate?
FREE! There is no admission fee or tickets required to attend festivals in Historic Downtown Bowmanville.
Where can I park?
There are several municipal parking lots close to the festival area that offer FREE parking on Saturdays. You can also park on local side streets, just be aware of any signage prohibiting parking. Please do not park on private property or block any property access routes.
Free shuttle service is also offered at Maplefest & Applefest. Park for free at Clarington Fields (2375 Baseline Road, Bowmanville) located just north of Highway 401 and a shuttle bus will drop you off at the festival and return you to the parking when you're done. Shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes. Be advised that shuttles are not accessible.
Where is the accessible parking?
Accessible parking spaces are designated in each of the municipal parking lots, as well as on Church Street near the Municipal Administrative Centre and Clarington Library.
Can I bring my dog with me?
Well-mannered dogs are welcome at our festivals but must be on a leash and owners are expected to ensure that dogs behave appropriately. Please keep in mind that our festivals draw very large crowds and this can be a trigger for some animals.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
The festival takes place on the roadways in downtown Bowmanville so all vendor areas are accessible, but not all businesses are. The buildings in our town are over 100 years old and many have one or more stairs/steps at the entry.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
All events are rain-or-shine and because the festivals are one-day only poor weather does not deter the crowds.
Where can I find a washroom?
Portable washroom facilities are available at both the west and east end of the festival area. Watch for the large signs directing to the lot off Silver St and lot off Division St. Facilities are accessible. Washroom facilities are also available inside some downtown businesses and at the Clarington Library on Church Street.
Is there an ATM on-site?
Downtown Bowmanville is home to both BMO and CIBC branches located in the centre of the festival area at King and Temperance Street. There is also a TD bank ATM located on Temperance St inside the lobby of the Royal LePage Real Estate building.
Are there many food options?
There are a variety of food vendors at our festivals, in addition to the many restaurants and cafes located within Historic Downtown Bowmanville.
Who organizes these events?
All events and festivals in Historic Downtown Bowmanville are organized, hosted, and paid for by the businesses in the Historic Downtown Bowmanville BIA.
