The debut Tart & Soul Butter Tart Festival brought thousands of visitors to Sons of Kent Brewing Co. on Saturday, June 28, with more than 3,000 attendees descending on downtown Chatham for a celebration of butter tarts, local talent, and live music.
Visitors travelled from across Ontario, including Windsor and Toronto, to take part in the inaugural event, which featured dozens of butter tart vendors, artisan makers, and live soul music. Organizers say the turnout exceeded expectations.
Festival founder Doug Robbins said the day highlighted the region’s love for butter tarts and its ability to draw in a crowd. “We had folks drive in from hours away just to get a taste,” Robbins said. “Chatham really showed up—and so did the rest of Ontario.”
The free-admission festival featured a marketplace of both “Tartisans” and Artisans, inviting guests to explore traditional and inventive butter tart recipes while supporting local small businesses. Live performances on the Soul Stage played throughout the day, adding a festive soundtrack to the sweet-themed event.
The festival also hosted a butter tart competition with both public voting and blind judging. Welland-based Bomb Bish Bakery swept all major categories, including People’s Choice, Best Judged Traditional Butter Tart, and Best Specialty Butter Tart. Other winners included Buxton National Historic Site & Museum for Home Baker’s Best and Bent Tin Bakery of Thamesville as runner-up in the People’s Choice category.
Organizers credited the success of the festival to the efforts of sponsors, volunteers, and participating vendors. Plans are already underway for a return in 2026, with hopes of expanding the event’s footprint and offerings next summer.
More information about the festival and upcoming announcements can be found at www.tartandsoulfest.ca.
