Belleville Arts Festival Launches This November: A Month-Long Celebration of Art, History, and Community

This November, the Quinte Arts Council invites residents and visitors to experience the city’s
rich artistic and historical landscape through the first-ever Belleville Arts Festival, running
various dates between November 1–22, 2025.

The festival’s inaugural theme, Susanna Moodie: Life and Times (1840–1879), celebrates one of Belleville’s most intriguing historical figures through a month of diverse programming in literature, visual art, theatre, film, and community engagement. From historical presentations, film, and live theatre to contemporary literary discussions, the festival connects Belleville’s 19th century roots to its vibrant modern identity.

The festivities begin on Saturday, November 1, with a special launch event at the Belleville Public Library. The afternoon features period music by Mark Bond and a keynote by acclaimed historian Charlotte Gray, author of Sisters in the Wilderness, who will discuss the enduring influence of Moodie and her sister Catharine Parr Traill.

Film enthusiasts will enjoy the Film Mixer on November 7 at The Landing, featuring Patrick Crowe’s documentary The Enduring Enigma of Susanna Moodie, starring Margaret Atwood. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker.

Writers are invited to the “Bring Your Story to Life” workshop on November 8, led by local authors Linda Bond and Joy Lynn Goddard at the Belleville Public Library.

Throughout November, the Parrott Gallery, Community Archives, and Glanmore National Historic Site present a collaborative exhibition exploring Moodie’s Ontario through art, artifacts, and archival materials. A citywide Art Crawl connects venues including the QAC Cultural Hub, Gallery 121, Parrott Gallery and the Belleville Art Association, complete with a “passport” prize draw.

The River & Main Theatre Company hosts the City of Belleville Playwriting Competition, culminating in staged readings of winning plays at Theatre in the Wings from November 14–16. On November 15, Pinnacle Playhouse presents dramatic readings from Roughing It in the Bush, introduced by playwright Marianne Ackerman.

Visitors can also tour the historic Susanna Moodie House on November 16, and attend a historical presentation on November 18 hosted by the Hastings County Historical Society.

The festival concludes with a Closing Reception on Saturday, November 22 at the Pinnacle Playhouse Lounge.

This festival is supported by the City of Belleville.

For full event details, tickets, and volunteer opportunities, visit
quinteartscouncil.org/bellevilleartsfestival.