Doors Open Chatham-Kent
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Hours
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Doors Open Chatham-Kent (FREE Event)
Doors Open Chatham-Kent is an initiative through Doors Open Ontario, a province wide initiative that aims to get locals out and exploring their communities like never before – by opening doors typically closed to the public! Check out one of 13 sites participating across the Municipality. Each site is participating in their own unique way. From guided tours through natural and built heritage to cornhole at Red Barn Brewing Company, Doors Open Chatham-Kent has something for every resident!
For more information, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
Locations:
ARTspace
ARTspace is a community art initiative located in the heart of Chatham. It is dedicated to the promotion and development of Chatham-Kent artists. Check out the current exhibit For the Love of Bugs and join ARTSpace staff in a fun fall-themed activity October 3, 2026 from 12:00pm-4:00pm.
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
A visit to the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum provides a unique and enriching experience centering Canadian Black History. The Museum Site includes the Buxton Museum, S.S. #13 Raleigh (Buxton) Schoolhouse (1861), the Colbert/Henderson Cabin (1854), and the Shadd Barn (restoration completed in 2009). You will begin your learning journey with exhibits on the trans-atlantic slave trade followed by displays featuring life in enslavement, the underground railroad, the founding of the settlement as well as the struggles of segregation and discrimination. At the core of our site is the strength, determination and success of the community of Buxton that persevered through it all. We welcome you to join us in sharing our story and seeing for yourself the power of our community.
Join us on October 3rd at 10:30am and 1:00pm for a guided tour followed by a trivia-based bingo game and the chance to earn a prize! Please note this experience spans roughly two hours. Short on time? Stop in anytime between 10:00am and 4:00pm to check out our site at your own pace with an optional written guide. Be sure to leave behind a message of resilience and hope through our collage poetry activity in the 1861 Schoolhouse! This activity will be self-directed and available between 10:00am and 4:00pm. We welcome you to enjoy a complimentary cornbread muffin as a snack during your visit! These will be available beginning at 10:00am.
The Black Mecca Museum
The Black Mecca Museum houses many artifacts, pictures, and stories of the early Black Settlers of the Chatham area. For 30 years, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum have worked to preserve and share these stories for new generations to learn about their past.
Visit the Black Mecca Museum as part of Chatham-Kent’s Doors open program. On Saturday, October 3rd, we will be open to the public – no admission required! View the exhibits, artifacts and stories kept inside the museum, as well as information about the historic Black neighbourhoods in Chatham.
Bothwell Town Hall and Jim Kish Theatre
Bothwell Town Hall was built in 1915 by architect William Murray to replace the town’s original civic building. The Edwardian-style structure features classic red brick masonry and traditional detailing. Constructed as the focal point of the community, this hidden gem has supported a wide array of civic functions including a second-floor opera hall, now known as the Jim Kish Theatre. Featuring original seating for 170 patrons, raked floor, and renowned acoustics, the Jim Kish Theatre continues to serve the area with theatre performances, concerts, holiday activities, and monthly movie family nights.
On October 3, 2026, tours of the building will be offered on the half hour by volunteers from the Boomtown Players and Bothwell Community Boosters at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30 pm. A PowerPoint presentation with many past performances and historical information will be running on the film screen and community displays will be featured throughout the venue. The former Town of Bothwell has a proud history, embodied in this Ontario Heritage building, one which the community is excited to share with Chatham-Kent visitors and residents alike.
Chatham Capitol Theatre
See the Chatham Capitol Theatre like you’ve never seen it before! Join the theatre team during Doors Open Chatham-Kent on October 3, 2026 for a behind the scenes tour of this historic building! Guided tours will run at 10:00am, 11:00am & 12:00pm.
Chatham-Kent Museum
A collection of artifacts or archival materials is the foundation for every museum. The Chatham-Kent Museum collection includes approximately 12,000 three-dimensional objects, over 1,000 natural science specimens, and over 100,000 photographic images, documents, and correspondence as well as a substantial art collection. These artifacts and archival materials are the basis of museum exhibitions, research, and programming.
Curious to learn more about the Chatham-Kent Museum collection? Join CKM staff during Doors Open Chatham-Kent on October 3, 2026 to get an exclusive look at our Archive space. Tours will run at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm, and will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Interested parties should gather near the attendant desk 5 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
During your visit, be sure to explore our current exhibits CK in Full Colour and Out in the Open, as well as our interactive play space, the Imagination Station.
Glenlochie Lodge
Built circa 1883 in Dresden, Ontario, Glenlochie Lodge was the home of Alexander “Sandy” McVean, his wife Hettie, and their family. Named for Glenlochie, Scotland, the McVean family’s ancestral home, the house reflects its Scottish heritage through architectural and decorative details that remain today. Remarkably modern for its time, it was among Dresden’s early homes with indoor plumbing and electricity. Original features include its grand curved staircase, stained glass, working interior shutters and ornate woodwork. Carefully restored and preserved, Glenlochie Lodge offers a rare glimpse into Victorian family life and Dresden’s history.
For the first time, visitors are invited to step inside Glenlochie Lodge and experience the story of this remarkable 1883 home through a free guided tour of the main floor on October 3, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm. Guests will discover original architectural details, hear stories of the McVean family who built and lived here, and glimpse Victorian life in Dresden. From its Scottish roots and early history to its careful restoration and preservation today, Glenlochie Lodge invites visitors to do more than tour an historic house — to step into the story.
Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
Take a guided tour through the museum gallery, historical buildings and cemeteries on October 3, 2026 from 10:00am – 4:00pm ( last tour at 3:25pm). At the top of each hour, visitors are invited to examine three rarely seen artifacts and uncover the stories behind them with a museum guide. Visitors can also cast a vote to help select an artifact from storage for museum staff to prepare for a future exhibit!
Red Barn Brewing Company
It all started with a stubby bottle Co-Owner Denny found in the fridge that once belonged to his Pepe. That little bottle sparked a dream of owning a brewery and set everything in motion. Built from the ground up by family, friends and neighbours, construction began in 2018. Red Barn Brewing officially opened July 1, 2020, during an unprecedented time for businesses and our community. Our local community lined up around the barn to purchase beer through the garage door, helping us bring our motto to life: Family. Farm. Beer. Six years later, we’ve created a place where memories are made, beer is cold, and everyone feels like family.
Visitors can enjoy complimentary cornhole onsite while exploring our unique farm-based venue. Open hours on October 3, 2026 are 12:00pm-9:00pm. With the iconic red barn, open farm fields, and plenty to see, Red Barn Brewing is a sightseeing stop that’s hard to miss!
SheepDog Animation
SheepDog Animation is an internationally recognized youth studio. Awarded three times as a top-three international animation studio by The Walt Disney TAFI, their students have also won “Best Student Film” three times at the same festival alongside numerous global prizes. Their rich curriculum bridges traditional art history and cutting-edge technology, including game design, script coding, robotics, digital painting & animation, stop-motion, Blender 3D modeling with animation and 3D printing, CNC programming, and traditional art.
They offer after-school, weekend, or camp programs, deeply embedding ourselves in local education by hosting engaging in-studio field trips and bringing hands-on workshops directly into schools. Experience the magic of film-making at SheepDog Animation!
On October 3, 2026 from 12:00-4:00pm, visitors can dive into hands-on creativity with our stop-motion animation stations. They offer tailored, age-appropriate activities ranging from fun colouring pages for young children to advanced 3D sculpting for older teens. Guests can also explore our digital gallery showcasing award-winning student work and interact directly with the next generation of tech by playing video games completely designed and coded by their talented students.
Sycamore Woods (Wallaceburg)
Wallaceburg Sycamore Woods is stewarded by NatureCK in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, which owns the property. This property is land-locked, and can only be accessed with permission from adjacent landowners and under the supervision of NatureCK guides. Open hours October 3, 2026 are 10:00am-3:00pm. Join expert NatureCK naturalists for a guided tour through this well-preserved tract of Carolinian forest at 10:00am & 1:00pm. Registration is required in advance. Register here !
Thames Art Gallery
The Thames Art Gallery (TAG) is more than an art gallery—it’s a vibrant community gathering place where creativity, culture, and connection come together in the heart of Chatham. Through inspiring exhibitions, hands-on workshops, educational programs, and community-driven initiatives, the Gallery invites visitors of all ages to explore new ideas, discover diverse perspectives, and celebrate the power of the arts.
Curious to learn more about the Thames Art Gallery Permanent Collection? Join TAG staff during Doors Open Chatham-Kent on October 3, 2026 to get an exclusive look at our collection storage space. Tours will run at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm, and will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Interested parties should gather near the attendant desk 5 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
During your visit, be sure to explore our current exhibit Cultivation Blues, as well as our interactive play space ArtSpark!
Thamesville Old Town Museum
The Thamesville Old Town Hall Museum, located in the village’s most iconic building, the former town hall, is a charming repository of the history of Thamesville and area. Built in 1911 the building has served as a school, library, fire station, police station, council chambers and clerk’s office, often simultaneously. The museum, located on the second floor, is named the Shirley Bain Room honouring the late Thamesville historian who helped established the museum in the 1990’s. In addition to artifacts and information the museum is pleased to display a 4 by 8 foot model of the village circa 1942 and a Loyalist land deed dated 1796.
On October 3, 2026 the museum is open from 10:00am-2:00pm. Not wheelchair accessible.
Doors Open Chatham-Kent (FREE Event)
Doors Open Chatham-Kent is an initiative through Doors Open Ontario, a province wide initiative that aims to get locals out and exploring their communities like never before – by opening doors typically closed to the public! Check out one of 13 sites participating across the Municipality. Each site is participating in their own unique way. From guided tours through natural and built heritage to cornhole at Red Barn Brewing Company, Doors Open Chatham-Kent has something for every resident!
For more information, visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
Locations:
ARTspace
ARTspace is a community art initiative located in the heart of Chatham. It is dedicated to the promotion and development of Chatham-Kent artists. Check out the current exhibit For the Love of Bugs and join ARTSpace staff in a fun fall-themed activity October 3, 2026 from 12:00pm-4:00pm.
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
A visit to the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum provides a unique and enriching experience centering Canadian Black History. The Museum Site includes the Buxton Museum, S.S. #13 Raleigh (Buxton) Schoolhouse (1861), the Colbert/Henderson Cabin (1854), and the Shadd Barn (restoration completed in 2009). You will begin your learning journey with exhibits on the trans-atlantic slave trade followed by displays featuring life in enslavement, the underground railroad, the founding of the settlement as well as the struggles of segregation and discrimination. At the core of our site is the strength, determination and success of the community of Buxton that persevered through it all. We welcome you to join us in sharing our story and seeing for yourself the power of our community.
Join us on October 3rd at 10:30am and 1:00pm for a guided tour followed by a trivia-based bingo game and the chance to earn a prize! Please note this experience spans roughly two hours. Short on time? Stop in anytime between 10:00am and 4:00pm to check out our site at your own pace with an optional written guide. Be sure to leave behind a message of resilience and hope through our collage poetry activity in the 1861 Schoolhouse! This activity will be self-directed and available between 10:00am and 4:00pm. We welcome you to enjoy a complimentary cornbread muffin as a snack during your visit! These will be available beginning at 10:00am.
The Black Mecca Museum
The Black Mecca Museum houses many artifacts, pictures, and stories of the early Black Settlers of the Chatham area. For 30 years, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum have worked to preserve and share these stories for new generations to learn about their past.
Visit the Black Mecca Museum as part of Chatham-Kent’s Doors open program. On Saturday, October 3rd, we will be open to the public – no admission required! View the exhibits, artifacts and stories kept inside the museum, as well as information about the historic Black neighbourhoods in Chatham.
Bothwell Town Hall and Jim Kish Theatre
Bothwell Town Hall was built in 1915 by architect William Murray to replace the town’s original civic building. The Edwardian-style structure features classic red brick masonry and traditional detailing. Constructed as the focal point of the community, this hidden gem has supported a wide array of civic functions including a second-floor opera hall, now known as the Jim Kish Theatre. Featuring original seating for 170 patrons, raked floor, and renowned acoustics, the Jim Kish Theatre continues to serve the area with theatre performances, concerts, holiday activities, and monthly movie family nights.
On October 3, 2026, tours of the building will be offered on the half hour by volunteers from the Boomtown Players and Bothwell Community Boosters at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30 pm. A PowerPoint presentation with many past performances and historical information will be running on the film screen and community displays will be featured throughout the venue. The former Town of Bothwell has a proud history, embodied in this Ontario Heritage building, one which the community is excited to share with Chatham-Kent visitors and residents alike.
Chatham Capitol Theatre
See the Chatham Capitol Theatre like you’ve never seen it before! Join the theatre team during Doors Open Chatham-Kent on October 3, 2026 for a behind the scenes tour of this historic building! Guided tours will run at 10:00am, 11:00am & 12:00pm.
Chatham-Kent Museum
A collection of artifacts or archival materials is the foundation for every museum. The Chatham-Kent Museum collection includes approximately 12,000 three-dimensional objects, over 1,000 natural science specimens, and over 100,000 photographic images, documents, and correspondence as well as a substantial art collection. These artifacts and archival materials are the basis of museum exhibitions, research, and programming.
Curious to learn more about the Chatham-Kent Museum collection? Join CKM staff during Doors Open Chatham-Kent on October 3, 2026 to get an exclusive look at our Archive space. Tours will run at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm, and will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Interested parties should gather near the attendant desk 5 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
During your visit, be sure to explore our current exhibits CK in Full Colour and Out in the Open, as well as our interactive play space, the Imagination Station.
Glenlochie Lodge
Built circa 1883 in Dresden, Ontario, Glenlochie Lodge was the home of Alexander “Sandy” McVean, his wife Hettie, and their family. Named for Glenlochie, Scotland, the McVean family’s ancestral home, the house reflects its Scottish heritage through architectural and decorative details that remain today. Remarkably modern for its time, it was among Dresden’s early homes with indoor plumbing and electricity. Original features include its grand curved staircase, stained glass, working interior shutters and ornate woodwork. Carefully restored and preserved, Glenlochie Lodge offers a rare glimpse into Victorian family life and Dresden’s history.
For the first time, visitors are invited to step inside Glenlochie Lodge and experience the story of this remarkable 1883 home through a free guided tour of the main floor on October 3, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm. Guests will discover original architectural details, hear stories of the McVean family who built and lived here, and glimpse Victorian life in Dresden. From its Scottish roots and early history to its careful restoration and preservation today, Glenlochie Lodge invites visitors to do more than tour an historic house — to step into the story.
Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
Take a guided tour through the museum gallery, historical buildings and cemeteries on October 3, 2026 from 10:00am – 4:00pm ( last tour at 3:25pm). At the top of each hour, visitors are invited to examine three rarely seen artifacts and uncover the stories behind them with a museum guide. Visitors can also cast a vote to help select an artifact from storage for museum staff to prepare for a future exhibit!
Red Barn Brewing Company
It all started with a stubby bottle Co-Owner Denny found in the fridge that once belonged to his Pepe. That little bottle sparked a dream of owning a brewery and set everything in motion. Built from the ground up by family, friends and neighbours, construction began in 2018. Red Barn Brewing officially opened July 1, 2020, during an unprecedented time for businesses and our community. Our local community lined up around the barn to purchase beer through the garage door, helping us bring our motto to life: Family. Farm. Beer. Six years later, we’ve created a place where memories are made, beer is cold, and everyone feels like family.
Visitors can enjoy complimentary cornhole onsite while exploring our unique farm-based venue. Open hours on October 3, 2026 are 12:00pm-9:00pm. With the iconic red barn, open farm fields, and plenty to see, Red Barn Brewing is a sightseeing stop that’s hard to miss!
SheepDog Animation
SheepDog Animation is an internationally recognized youth studio. Awarded three times as a top-three international animation studio by The Walt Disney TAFI, their students have also won “Best Student Film” three times at the same festival alongside numerous global prizes. Their rich curriculum bridges traditional art history and cutting-edge technology, including game design, script coding, robotics, digital painting & animation, stop-motion, Blender 3D modeling with animation and 3D printing, CNC programming, and traditional art.
They offer after-school, weekend, or camp programs, deeply embedding ourselves in local education by hosting engaging in-studio field trips and bringing hands-on workshops directly into schools. Experience the magic of film-making at SheepDog Animation!
On October 3, 2026 from 12:00-4:00pm, visitors can dive into hands-on creativity with our stop-motion animation stations. They offer tailored, age-appropriate activities ranging from fun colouring pages for young children to advanced 3D sculpting for older teens. Guests can also explore our digital gallery showcasing award-winning student work and interact directly with the next generation of tech by playing video games completely designed and coded by their talented students.
Sycamore Woods (Wallaceburg)
Wallaceburg Sycamore Woods is stewarded by NatureCK in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, which owns the property. This property is land-locked, and can only be accessed with permission from adjacent landowners and under the supervision of NatureCK guides. Open hours October 3, 2026 are 10:00am-3:00pm. Join expert NatureCK naturalists for a guided tour through this well-preserved tract of Carolinian forest at 10:00am & 1:00pm. Registration is required in advance. Register here !
Thames Art Gallery
The Thames Art Gallery (TAG) is more than an art gallery—it’s a vibrant community gathering place where creativity, culture, and connection come together in the heart of Chatham. Through inspiring exhibitions, hands-on workshops, educational programs, and community-driven initiatives, the Gallery invites visitors of all ages to explore new ideas, discover diverse perspectives, and celebrate the power of the arts.
Curious to learn more about the Thames Art Gallery Permanent Collection? Join TAG staff during Doors Open Chatham-Kent on October 3, 2026 to get an exclusive look at our collection storage space. Tours will run at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm, and will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Interested parties should gather near the attendant desk 5 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
During your visit, be sure to explore our current exhibit Cultivation Blues, as well as our interactive play space ArtSpark!
Thamesville Old Town Museum
The Thamesville Old Town Hall Museum, located in the village’s most iconic building, the former town hall, is a charming repository of the history of Thamesville and area. Built in 1911 the building has served as a school, library, fire station, police station, council chambers and clerk’s office, often simultaneously. The museum, located on the second floor, is named the Shirley Bain Room honouring the late Thamesville historian who helped established the museum in the 1990’s. In addition to artifacts and information the museum is pleased to display a 4 by 8 foot model of the village circa 1942 and a Loyalist land deed dated 1796.
On October 3, 2026 the museum is open from 10:00am-2:00pm. Not wheelchair accessible.