Doors Open Summer 2025 Event

On Saturday, August 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can travel through time by exploring several historic buildings in St. Marys. Fifteen historic locations will welcome visitors as part of Doors Open St. Marys. Doors Open is a province-wide event that encourages people to visit places off the beaten path and highlights Ontario’s unique architectural and natural treasures.

New to this year’s event is the Flour Mill, located at 6 Water St. S. In recent years, Tracey Pritchard, a former Toronto caterer, food writer, restaurateur and consultant has been revitalizing the space. It is now a destination for delicious food, gourmet shopping and cozy boutique accommodation. During Doors Open, explore the main floor retail space and an upper-floor private residence. While downtown, take in the many shops and dining options in the Heritage Conservation District.  

Riverside Bed and Breakfast, located at 96 Robinson St., is celebrating its 150^th birthday this year! This designated heritage property was the childhood home of the world-famous violinist, Nora Clench. Owners Marie and John Stevens have graciously planned to open their doors, as well as host a special 150^th birthday celebration with a variety of musical entertainers and artists on their front porch throughout the day.

The residents of Central School Manor look forward to welcoming visitors on August 9. Three private suites, as well as most common areas, will be open. 

Members of the congregations of four of the historic churches in St. Marys; St. James Anglican, St. Marys United, St. Marys Presbyterian, and Holy Name of Mary Catholic, will welcome visitors and explain the features that make the churches important to the architectural context of the town.

Also, located on Church St. are two popular museums. The St. Marys Museum showcases exhibit and information about local history. The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame commemorates great players, teams, and accomplishments of baseball in Canada. The Baseball Hall of Fame will offer free admission during the Doors Open event this year.

Several municipal buildings will also be open to the public. The Station Gallery, located in the historic train station on James St. N will welcome visitors to its exhibit, Leanne Davies: Pop Goes the World. The St. Marys Public Library will be open from 10:00am to 1:00pm as well as 14 Church St. N. During this event, members of the public can check out the renovation progress so far and learn more about plans for this building.

Broken Rail Brewing will open its doors as of 12:00 p.m. This train station, built by the Grand Trunk Railway, served the community for almost a century. A teenaged Thomas Edison may have worked here as a night telegraph operator from 1863-64. The station underwent renovations in 2020. End your Doors Open tour with a pint while the new owners proudly share the history of this space.

Information headquarters for Doors Open will be located at a tent in front of Town Hall. Maps will be available, as well as last-minute news about special “added-value” features planned for many of the sites. Council Chambers will be open, and visitors can view work underway on the stage of the auditorium as the St. Marys Community Players prepare for their fall production, Hilda’s Yard.

For more information about the event, visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/doorsopen

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Contact
Amy Cubberley | Cultural Services Manager
 519-284-2340, ext. 405 | acubberley@town.stmarys.on.ca 

For media inquiries:
Lauren Thomson | Marketing and Communications Specialist
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | lthomson@town.stmarys.on.ca