Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Niagara Region, the communities of St. Catharines, Thorold, Pelham, Welland, and their surrounding areas come alive year-round with a dynamic calendar of festivals and community events. From cultural celebrations and music festivals to seasonal markets and family-friendly fairs, this vibrant region offers something for everyone. Residents and visitors alike can explore a diverse mix of events that highlight local talent, culture, and heritage while fostering a strong sense of community.
Whether you’re savouring culinary delights at a food and wine festival, dancing to live music at a summer concert series, or enjoying the magic of holiday parades, the region’s events create unforgettable experiences. Community-driven and passionately organized, these festivals showcase the unique character of Niagara’s towns and cities, inviting all to celebrate and connect through shared traditions, creativity, and joy.
The following festivals are presented at various locations in St. Catharines and the surrounding area.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
December 7, 2024 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Annual Mitten Tree Campaign Launch
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
https://events.stcatharines.ca/museum/Detail/2024-12-07-1000-Annual-Mitten-Tree-Campaign-Launch
Help local families in need with donations of winter clothing to the Museum’s annual Mitten Tree Campaign. Bring a pair of mittens, hats, scarves, and other winter wear to decorate our Mitten Tree. This campaign benefits Out of the Cold and Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold.
December 14 and 21, 2024 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Winter at the Market
Market Square, 91 King St., corner of King and James streets
https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx#Winter-Holidays-at-the-Market
From December 14 and 21, 2024, the St. Catharines Farmers Market is set to transform into a festive winter wonderland, celebrating the season with “Winter at the Market.” Held at Market Square, located at 91 King Street (corner of King and James Streets), this special event will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening, offering a cozy and enchanting holiday experience for all ages.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
February 7 – 9, 2025
SportFest, Festival of Sports™
Port Colborne
https://www.portcolborne.ca/en/recreation-and-leisure/sportsfest.aspx
It is a city-wide, family-friendly, community SportFest, Festival of Sports™ event that attracts participants from across Niagara, with proceeds going to various charities. The Mayor’s Cup Hockey Tournament, indoor volleyball, family skating, ball hockey, trivia, and family skating are just some of the events that are traditionally offered to the public. Providing a sense of community pride and spirit with greater awareness of each community group and their contribution to the community, Sportsfest provides recreational activities for all ages, promotes a healthy lifestyle, an opportunity for organized fundraising, and promotes Port Colborne.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
May 2025
2025 Garden City Comedy Festival
Downtown St. Catharines
www.gardencitycomedyfestival.com
The Garden City Comedy Festival returns for its 6th annual festival May 22-25 at multiple venues in Downtown St. Catharines and is set to bloom with laughter, fun, and community spirit. Proudly presented by Ravenshead Homes, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of all things comedy in Niagara. With more than 20 performers from Niagara and beyond, the Garden City Comedy Festival will be highlighted by its Gala Night at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, May 25 headlined by one of Canada’s most beloved performers, Derek Edwards. The festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 22 with the Debut a showcase of the Grassroots Comedy Course and headliner Larry Smith at Mahtay Cafe and Lounge.
The Garden City Comedy Festival is excited to present a special performance by 27-time Guinness World Record holders The Monsters of Schlock on Thursday, May 23. You won’t want to miss hilarious headliner Keesha Brownie fresh off her performances at the Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame at the festival’s annual Comedy Fundraiser show for Birchway Niagara on Friday, May 24.
May 2025
No Man’s Land Music Festival
Downtown St. Catharine
nomanslandmusicfestival.com
No Man’s Land is a new alternative music festival taking place this spring in Downtown St. Catharines.
Produced by IndoorShoes Music – the creative minds behind Warehouse Concert Hall – who have helped create Cicada Music & Arts Festival, Quench Craft Beer Festival and other events across St. Catharines, No Man’s Land celebrates the Canadian punk, hardcore and alternative music scene Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. The No Man’s Land festival will feature 14 artists over two days, including some of Canada’s most celebrated alt-music exports: Protest the Hero, Moneen, Cancer Bats, the Flatliners and many more.
May 2025
The Spring Handmade Market
13th Street Winery, 1776 Fourth Ave
www.handmademarket.ca
Shop 1,000S of one-of-a-kind handcrafted items in the 12th edition of the Spring Handmade Market May 31 to June 1 and June 7-8 at 13th Street Winery in St. Catharines. The Handmade Market features 200 Canadian makers and artists over two weekends! Tickets must be pre-purchased online in advance.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
June 2025
The Spring Handmade Market
13th Street Winery, 1776 Fourth Ave
www.handmademarket.ca
Shop 1,000S of one-of-a-kind handcrafted items in the 12th edition of the Spring Handmade Market May 31 to June 1 and June 7-8 at 13th Street Winery in St. Catharines. The Handmade Market features 200 Canadian makers and artists over two weekends! Tickets must be pre-purchased online in advance.
June 2025
In The Soil
Downtown St. Catharines
suitcaseinpoint.com/in-the-soil-arts-festival
In the Soil Arts Festival brings Niagara artists from a range of disciplines together to provide unique audience experiences. The festival nurtures the creation of new work, showcases talent, encourages innovation, offers learning opportunities for youth, and provides intimate and uncommon platforms for audiences to experience work by contemporary performing and literary artists, musicians, and media artists. In the Soil is Niagara’s homegrown arts festival and is working to make a Niagara that is self-determining and culturally distinct. The St. Catharines Downtown Association is proud to be a sponsor of this festival.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
July 2025
The Foster Festival’s 2025 Season
Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, 2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines
www.fosterfestival.com
The Foster Festival celebrates the witty and heartwarming plays of Canada’s beloved playwright, Norm Foster. Held in Niagara, the festival features performances that bring laughter, connection, and insight into the human experience. It’s a must-see for lovers of Canadian theatre and storytelling.
July 2025
2025 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta
www.henleyregatta.ca
2025 will mark the 139th annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Come and join in the celebrations, and be a part of Henley tradition. Since the “Henley” settled in St. Catharines in 1903, it has grown to become the largest of its kind in North America.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
August 2025
City of Port Colborne Annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival
www.portcolborne.ca/en/recreation-and-leisure/canal-days.aspx
Port Colborne’s signature event kicks summer into high gear with the transformation of downtown into festival grounds. With ship cruises, Boat Parade of Lights, Fireworks display over the canal, car shows, a concert series and a kite festival, Canal Days® caters to your quest for summer adventure.
August 29 – September 1, 2025
Greek Festival
St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church, 585 Niagara Street
niagaragreekfestival.com
Come visit the Niagara Greek Festival for authentic Greek food, pastries, drinks, dancing, entertainment and music. See our entertainment schedule for more details. Visit the Children’s area for plenty of family fun.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
September 2025 | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Movie Night
Rennie Park, 60 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines
Come out to a free movie night at Rennie Park at sunset on September 6th. Brought to you by the Clean City Task Force, before the movie begins, learn about the City’s Fall Shoreline Cleanup happening on September 21 and then enjoy watching Over the Hedge (2006).
September 2025 | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Rock On The Lock Concert Series at Port’s Old Lock 1 Stage
45 Lockport Road, St. Catharines
The Port Dalhousie Beautification & Works Committee presents Folk Night at Port’s Old Lock 1 (outdoor) Stage in Port Dalhousie featuring “Sandy”, “Tony & Veronica”, and “A Sea of Gold & Burgundy”. This is a rescheduled concert that had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Please join us for great music in a gorgeous location, and try out some of our local vendors while you’re there.
September 2025| 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
2025 Super Walk | Niagara Region
Grantham Lions Park, 732 Niagara St, St. Catharine
In Support of Parkinson Canada
https://donate.parkinson.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=SW_2024_home
The 2024 Parkinson Canada SuperWalk will take place on September 7th or 8th in 30 locations across Canada. We will also continue to offer a virtual option for those who would like to participate at home. You can support the event by registering to become a SuperWalker, donating to a participant, or volunteering on the day of the event.
September 2025 | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Making a Garden Box Cover Workshop
1317 Pelham Rd., St. Catharines
www.thebrownhomestead.ca/grow-at-the-homestead
Randan Redekop will instruct participants on building a raised garden bed cover to extend the growing season. Participants will build covers for The Brown Homestead’s raised gardens and be given a supply list and detailed instructions to make one at home. Join us from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
September 2025 | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
The St Catharines Terry Fox Run
Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie
run.terryfox.ca/55951
The annual Terry Fox Run has become a fall tradition in Canada, with more than 650 communities, big and small, urban and rural, English and French, fundraising for cancer research. This year, you can register and participate on Sunday, September 15!
September 2025 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Grande Parade
1 St Paul St., St. Catharines
www.niagarawinefestival.com/event-calendar-1
Enjoy the annual Grape & Wine Grande Parade which brings the community together on the streets of downtown St. Catharines. Live entertainment, marching bands, floats with music, walking groups and more will parade through the streets sharing their enthusiasm for the Grape & Wine Festival and the Niagara community.
September 2025 | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Down Syndrome Niagara’s Friendship
Grantham Lions Park, St. Catharines
https://www.downsyndromeniagara.ca/?page_id=744
Down Syndrome Niagara’s Friendship Walk is a family-focused event that raises awareness of the Down syndrome Community in the Niagara Region. We also raise money to fund activities, therapies, and programs that will improve the quality of life for persons with Down Syndrome and their families.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
October 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Guided Tours at The Brown Homestead
1317 Pelham Road St. Catharines
www.thebrownhomestead.ca
Explore the 220+-year-old building on our site, learn about heritage conservation techniques, discover stories of rural farming families and connect with Niagara’s rich history on a highly engaging tour led by our passionate staff and volunteers! Tours are about 70 minutes and start every hour on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors are welcome to drop in for a tour or sign up so we know what to expect from your group. Admission by donation.
October 5 – 6, 2024
Cicada Music and Arts Festival
Henley Island Park, Henley Island Drive, St. Catharines
www.cicadafestival.ca
The Cicada Music and Arts Festival is St. Catharines’ premier indie music festival and an opportunity for all to experience and celebrate Canadian music live on Henley Island in Port Dalhousie as well as arts and culture, craft beer, fine wine, and good food. Musicians and artists of local and national acclaim have graced the stages at the Cicada Festival. Whether you prefer folk, indie, roots or singer-songwriter there is something for every ear.
The 2024 Ontario Music Festival is set for Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 – check out this year’s lineup.
October 2025 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Barktoberfest
Burgoyne Woods, 70 Edgedale Rd, St. Catharines
www.hsgn.ca/events
This year, Barktoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 am to 3 pm at Burgoyne Woods in south St. Catharines. There will be a walkathon (1km or 5km), tons of activities, a 50/50 draw, raffles, dog massages, fall-themed photo opportunities, and lots of other exciting things going on. Some of our adoptable dogs will also drop by to say hello! This is a great event to share with the whole family, dogs included, so we hope to see you all there!
October 8, 2024 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Guided Tour – Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial
1932 Welland Canals Parkway
https://events.stcatharines.ca/museum/Detail/2024-10-08-1830-Guided-Tour-Welland-Canal-Fallen-Workers-Memorial
Learn about the worksite of the Welland Ship Canal, constructed between 1913 and 1932, through the lives of the 138 men who died during its construction. This guided tour is led by our volunteers and admission is by donation. Look for your guide and meet in the Museum Lobby. The tour is approximately 45-60 minutes. No registration is required.
October 2025 – 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Community Walk – Victoria Lawn Cemetery
1932 Welland Canals Parkway
https://events.stcatharines.ca/museum
Trails of Truth In the late 1920s, Jenny O’Hara Pincock held several seances in St. Catharines with famous medium William Carthuser and published her book Trails of Truth. This walk explores the stories of Jenny and some of the participants of those seances. The walk is approximately 90 minutes in length.
October 20254 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Port Dalhousie BWC Hallowe’en Stroll
50 Lakeport Road, Port Dalhousie
Parents, grandparents, and kids get your costumes on and join your Port Dalhousie Beautification & Works Committee for our 5th annual, fun-filled stroll through the downtown Port community where local businesses & residents hand out treats. Our hospitality tent at the end of the Stroll will have coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, music, and balloon animals! Selfie-spot for great photos, too. All are free to the wonderful community courtesy of the BWC.
The Stroll begins out front of Captain’s Cabin Cafe at 11:00 a.m. sharp, rain or shine.
Open Year-Round St. Catharines Farmers Market
Year-round: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February through December: Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Market Square, 91 King St., St. Catharines
www.stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/farmers-market-events.aspx
Come experience the City of St. Catharines crowd-pleasing Farmers Market to find everything Niagara grows, bakes, and makes in our community! Since the early 1860s, the market has been a vibrant scene that offers fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Visitors enjoy connecting and learning from the local vendors who grow and produce meats, fruits, veggies, and baked goods. It’s a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t want to miss!
November 2025 | 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Community Walk – Port and a Pint Walking Tour of Port Dalhousie
1932 Welland Canals Parkway
https://events.stcatharines.ca/museum
The walk is approximately 90 minutes in length. Good walking or hiking shoes are recommended, especially if it’s wet. Helmets are mandatory for bicycle tours. Please arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to the start time listed. This tour is 19+. Leashed dogs are welcome and are subject to Bylaws. Sample tasting is included in the fee.
November 2025 | 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Community Walk – Victoria Lawn Cemetery
1932 Welland Canals Parkway
https://events.stcatharines.ca/museum
Tragedy Join a walk to hear stories from St. Catharines’ past that reveal the spookier side of Victoria Lawn Cemetery with tales of sudden loss and tragedy from the city’s history. The walk is approximately 90 minutes in length. Meet-up details and further information are sent to participants at registration.
November 9, 2024 | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Welland Canal Bicentennial Travelling Lecture Series
Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum, 280 King St.
https://events.stcatharines.ca/museum/Detail/2024-11-09-1300-Welland-Canal-Bicentennial-Travelling-Lecture-Seri2
Presented in partnership with the Thorold Museum, Welland Museum, and Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum, this travelling lecture series explores the rich history of the canal and its communities on the 200th anniversary of its sod-turning.
“The Question of the Canal’s Southern Terminus: Gravelly Bay and the Beginning of Port Colborne” presented by Michelle Vosburgh, Ph.D, Archivist. Michelle will present a look at the discussions and debates regarding locations and routes for the canal south of Port Robinson and the Welland River.
