Niagara-on-the-Lake has a thriving calendar of events happening year-round. In truth, you’ll find plenty to do, regardless of when you come, but we decided to put together a calendar with hand-selected events we love. Notice that we didn’t specify the year? These events happen annually, so you can plan your vacation whenever you choose.
JanuaryWinter Festival of Lights: Watch fireworks over Niagara Falls. Check out this link to find out when the displays are happening. Niagara Icewine Festival takes place over 3 weekends in January, with a combination of free and ticketed events at multiple locations throughout the region: FebruaryDays of Wine and Chocolate occurs every weekend in February at various wineries. With the purchase of a ticket, here is the enticing promise from the event organizers: “Explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing. Visit our wineries and taste over 20 VQA wines matched with chocolate-infused dishes – from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises. A romantic celebration for two or a great reason for a girls’ getaway weekend!” Fabulicious: a seasonal feast – 3-course specialty menu – that happens at various restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the end of February: MarchLooking for a getaway suitable for kids during March break? Your kids will find plenty do to in Niagara Falls on Clifton hill. Niagara-on-the-Lake also offers a variety of family-friendly events that run throughout March Break. AprilDig Our Roots is a weekend-long celebration of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region, complete with unique tours of many key locations, all centered around teaching you the rich history and ecosystem of NOTL. “Join us every April as our member wineries open their doors and offer unique and immersive experiences that showcase our wines, our winemakers and our terroir like never before.” Niagara’s Spring Sparkles Festival is the “Festival of Fizz” with over 30 participating wineries and many unique dining experiences, included in a Discovery Pass: MaySip and Sizzle is one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. You can purchase tickets for weekend afternoons in May, spent enjoying a barbeque, paired with excellent local wines. Check out the Annual Hydrangea Show in the Floral Showcase in Niagara to welcome the Spring. Starting in May, check out the Ghost tours at Fort George. JunePride in the Park: Niagara has its own Pride week festival that takes place in the first week of June, with events in the park featuring live music, family activities, food and artisan vendors, and more. | JulyPop-up Patio at the Shaw Festival Theatre, Thursdays in July and August after matinee performances but open to all. AugustPop-up Patio at the Shaw Festival Theatre, Thursdays in July and August after matinee performances but open to all. Shaw Acting camp for kids from 11-14: “Make new friends and create a new play! Kids 11-14 will have a great time strengthening their acting skills to create their own original play.” SeptemberInterested in something spooky? Ghost tours at Fort George are still happening all the way until the end of the month, as well as Theatrical Cemetery Tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake: “This ghastly walking tour concentrates on the goblins and ghouls surrounding St. Andrew’s Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Museum historians and actors will tell and show you all about the “saints and sinners” whose otherworldly footsteps may now haunt the church grounds you’re visiting. Niagara Grape and Wine Festival kicks off throughout September with a variety of indoor and outdoor events that celebrate local wines. With a Discovery Pass to visit many wineries, parades, and celebrations, prepare for “one of Canada’s all-time best wine festivals” OctoberDuring the month of Halloween, what better time to check out a Ghost tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake? NovemberShaw Festival winter productions open and continue through December. Visit the Shaw Festival website to book. Taste the Season is a celebration of local food harvests and wine pairings at a selection of wineries throughout NOTL. DecemberAnnual Christmas Flower show “featuring poinsettias, cyclamen, azaleas, Christmas cactus and paperwhite narcissus, and many other Christmas surprises”. Visit the Floral Showhouse throughout the year, too, to see floral displays that reflect the seasons. Christmas on Ice, presented by Fallsview Casino. When in doubt, enjoy downtown! |