Whether you’re new to Niagara or a lifelong local, the Civic Holiday weekend offers an exciting mix of heritage, concerts, family fun, and meaningful community events. Dive into what’s happening across our region.
Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival – Port Colborne
August 1–4, 2025 | Port Colborne Waterfront & H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park
This iconic celebration features tall ship tours, heritage displays, a kid zone, rides, food trucks, fireworks, and big-name concerts each night.
Main Stage Concerts (H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park):
Fri, Aug 1: Small Town Strip Club (6:00 PM), Feral Minks (6:35 PM), Sloan (7:45 PM), Big Sugar (9:45 PM)
Sat, Aug 2: Boston Levi (6:30 PM), Finger Eleven (7:45 PM), The Trews (9:45 PM)
Sun, Aug 3: Desire (5:00 PM), followed by Main Event Music (8:30 PM) during the Boat Parade of Lights (~9:15 PM) and fireworks (~10:00 PM)
Plus, enjoy roaming live music on West Street all weekend—featuring local acts like South River Slim, Jonesy, The Mandevilles, and Electric Hounds.
St. Catharines Rotary Ribfest – Montebello Park
August 1–4, 2025 | 64 Ontario St., St. Catharines
Join over 30,000 visitors for award-winning BBQ, kid zones, artisan vendors, and 35+ hours of live music, all for free admission (donations appreciated).
Main Stage Music Schedule – Montebello Park:
Fri, Aug 1: 5:00–7:30 PM – Broken Cadence; 8:00–11:00 PM – Jonesy
Sat, Aug 2: 2:00–4:30 PM – Brant Parker Blues Band; 5:00–7:30 PM – Back In The Daze; 8:00–11:00 PM – Vinyl Flux
Sun, Aug 3: 1:00–3:30 PM – Soul Jam; 4:00–6:30 PM – The Caverners; 7:00–10:00 PM – Lost Boys
Mon, Aug 4 (Family Day): 1:00–3:00 PM – Marty Allen Band; 3:30–6:00 PM – LMT Connection
Great for all ages—bring your appetite and lawn chair!
Royal Canadian Henley Regatta – Port Dalhousie
August 3–11, 2025 | Martindale Pond
This prestigious international rowing competition kicks off this weekend. Even if you're not a rower, the festive waterfront scene is worth the visit—grab lunch, stroll the park, and soak up the excitement.
Asian Water Lantern Festival – Welland (Chippawa Park Pond)
Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 7:00–9:00 PM (Dusk)
Rain date: August 3, 2025
Location: Chippawa Park Pond, 90 First Ave, Welland
Join this serene, reflective evening event blending cultural art, community, and compassion:
Enjoy live traditional and modern Chinese music, vocalists, dancers, and interactive workshops
Decorate biodegradable lanterns with local artists and release them on the water at dusk
Family- and accessibility-friendly with free admission; enhanced Water Lantern Kits available for purchase on site (cash only)
Why This Weekend Shines in Niagara
Big concerts at both Canal Days and Ribfest bring headline talent and local favourites to our long weekend.
Family-friendly experiences like the lantern festival, regatta, and multiple venue concerts cater to every age.
Reflective and festive moments—from heritage celebrations to community lantern releases—show off Niagara’s spirited, inclusive culture.
Whether you’re considering a move or looking to explore neighbourhoods in your backyard, this weekend’s events showcase Niagara’s unique warmth and vibrancy. I’d be happy to help tailor this content into email newsletters or social media posts for your real estate branding—just say the word!