Unforgettable Festivals and Community Gatherings Across St. Catharines, Thorold, Pelham, and Welland
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.
One of the biggest events is the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival, held in September, showcasing local wineries, live entertainment, and the iconic Grande Parade. In January, the Niagara Icewine Festival highlights the region’s world-famous icewines with tastings and gourmet experiences.
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.
Festivals and Community Events in St. Catharines and Surrounding Area
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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 6 - 8, 2026
SportFest, Festival of Sports™
Port Colborne
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 2026
2026 Garden City Comedy Festival
Downtown St. Catharines
www.gardencitycomedyfestival.com
The Garden City Comedy Festival returns in 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 .
May 2026
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 13th edition of the Spring Handmade Market 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 2026
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 13th edition of the Spring Handmade Market May 30-31 and June 6-7 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 2026
3th Street Winery Summer Kickoff Concert
13th Street Winery, 1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines
13thstreetwinery.com/booking
Celebrate the start of summer with an unforgettable live music concert featuring opener Paige Armstrong and headliner The Postmen Band. Guests are welcome to arrive early for open seating—lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged, as limited seating cannot be reserved. A specially curated Bistro concert menu and local wine by the glass will be available for purchase. This is a rain-or-shine event, and tickets are non-refundable. Enjoy great music, food, and wine in a relaxed outdoor setting as summer officially begins in style.
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 2 - 9, 2026
2026 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta
www.henleyregatta.ca
2026 will mark the 142nd 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.
LEARN MORE
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 2026
City of Port Colborne Annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival
www.canaldays.ca
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 2026
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 2026 | 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
2026 Super Walk | Niagara Region
Grantham Lions Park, 732 Niagara St, St. Catharine
In Support of Parkinson Canada
donate.parkinson.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=SW_2024_home
The 2026 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 2026 | 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 2026 | 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 2026 | 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
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 2026 | 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 2026
Cicada Music and Arts Festival
Henley Island Park, Henley Island Drive, St. Catharines
www.cicadafestival.ca
Set against the stunning backdrop of Henley Island in St. Catharines, the Cicada Music & Arts Festival 2025 brings together the vibrant spirit of Canadian music, local artistry, and Niagara’s rich cultural scene. This immersive, lakeside event features live performances from top Canadian talent, interactive art installations, and curated exhibits from regional creators. With food vendors showcasing Niagara flavours and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of summer, Cicada offers an unforgettable celebration of creativity and community. Whether you're a music lover, art enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique festival experience, Cicada is a must-visit event in the heart of wine country.Cicada Music and Arts Festival is St. Catharines’ premier indie music festival and an opportunity for all to exper
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 2026 | 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 2026 | 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.
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 2026 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Annual Mitten Tree Campaign Launch
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
https://events.stcatharines.ca/museum/
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 2026 | 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
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.
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