Niagara Falls Calendar of Events
Your guide to the major festivities of the Niagara Region
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Niagara Icewine Festival.   (Mid January - Niagara wine region, ON) - For ten days in January the Niagara region is transformed into a wintry wonderland, celebrating one of Canada's most cherished products, Ontario Icewine. From Gala evening toasts to chestnut roasts, ornate ice bars and winery tours, the 14th Niagara Icewine Festival offers plenty for every taste.
http://www.grapeandwine.com

Niagara Woodcarvers Show and Competition.   (Late March - Niagara Falls, ON) - Woodcrafting competitions and demonstrations.
http://www.niagarawoodcarvers.ca

Shaw Festival.   (Runs April through November - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) - This summer theater festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake features over 300 performances across three theaters all dedicated to the works of George Bernard Shaw.
http://www.shawfest.com

Lewiston Smelt Festival.   (Early May - Lewiston, NY) - Celebrate smelt dipping season with battered and fried smelt, chowder and other smelt creations. Live music and lots of food.
http://www.northofthefalls.com/visitors/festivals.shtml

Wine Trail Blossoms.   (Early May - Niagara Wine Trail in NY) - Celebrate spring with Mom on the Niagara Wine Trail - an annual favorite event! Your $20 ticket includes a wine tasting at each winery, a commemorative wine glass and a different special potted herb plant at each winery on the trail. Be sure to visit each winery to collect your potted herb.
http://www.niagarawinetrail.org

Fireworks at the Falls. /  (Starts Mid-May - Niagara Falls) - Fireworks displays start in May and run to September. For 2009, additional shows have been added stretching the run to October. They are visible from both sides, but only the Canadian side has free concerts beforehand. Check the official schedule for exact dates and times.
http://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara_falls_events/fireworks/

Niagara Folk Arts Festival.   (Late May - St. Catherines, ON) - 16 days of music, food and dance celebrating world culture and cuisine. Admission is free for the numerous stage performances.
http://www.folk-arts.ca

Fireworks at the Falls. /  (Starts Mid-May - Niagara Falls) - Fireworks displays start in May and run to September. For 2009, additional shows have been added stretching the run to October. They are visible from both sides, but only the Canadian side has free concerts beforehand. Check the official schedule for exact dates and times.
http://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara_falls_events/fireworks/

Niagara Besieged.   (Mid June through August - Fort Erie, Youngstown, NY) - Artillery firings, musket demonstrations, interactive skills programs, and a wealth of historical characters bring the French and Indian War to life on a daily basis. Programs run from 10 am to 4 pm daily.
https://oldfortniagara.org

First Niagara Tuesday in the Park.   (June through August - Artpark State Park, Lewiston, NY) - Western NY's hottest free concert series runs all summer long.
http://www.artpark.net/content/pages/tuesday-in-the-park

Wednesdays in the Gorge.   (July through August - Artpark State Park, Lewiston, NY) - Free concerts at the park and activities for kids from July through August.
http://www.artpark.net/content/pages/tuesday-in-the-park

Welland Rose Festival.   (Mid June - Welland, ON) - A large community festival in the "Rose City" featuring a parade, food and craft vendors, coronation ball and numerous events throughout its run.
http://www.wellandrosefestival.on.ca 

Positively Main Street.   (Late June - Niagara Falls, CA) - Main St between Pine and Cedar transforms into a family-friendly food, music and art festival.
http://www.mainstreetniagara.com

Canada Day.   (July 1 - Niagara Falls, ON) - The City of Niagara Falls celebrates everything Canada with a parade, and a full day of activities. Head to the falls for a holiday fireworks display.
http://www.niagarafalls.ca/city_hall/departments/parks_recreation_and_culture/canada_day/index.asp

French & Indian War Encampment.   (Early July - Fort Erie, Youngstown, NY) - 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the historic siege of Niagara, and Old Fort Niagara plans a large-scale commemoration of the event. Old Fort Niagara will host a gigantic Living History encampment that will re-create the siege with over 2300 re-enactors portraying British and French forces and Native American warriors.  
https://oldfortniagara.org

Friendship Festival. /  (Early July - Fort Erie, ON / Buffalo, NY) - A celebration of friendship between Canada and the United States takes place on both sides of the border. Live music, carnival rides and games and plenty of food.
http://www.friendshipfestival.com

Niagara International Chamber Music Festival.   (Late July through mid Aug - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) - Numerous chamber concerts span this month-long celebration of music.
http://www.niagaramusicfest.com

Dragon Boat Festival.   (Late July - St. Catherines, ON) - Local and international teams of rowers compete to raise money for the St. Catherines Museum and other charities.
http://www.stcatharinesdragonboat.org

Youngstown Level Regatta.   (Late July - Youngstown, NY) - One of the largest fresh-water regattas in the world.
http://www.yyc.org/levelregatta/level_home.html

Canal Days.   (Early August - Port Colborne, ON) - The Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival offers activities and attractions that will enliven the senses. The Tall Ships gather in Port Colborne each August holiday weekend for a four-day celebration of history and heritage. Explore the decks, try your hand at the wheel, or feel the spray as you cruise a Tall Ship on Lake Erie.
http://www.canaldays.ca/page/canal_days

Artful Weekend.   (Early August- Niagara Wine Trail in NY) -Browse and enjoy the work of local artists and craftsman at each winery on the trail. Your $20 ticket includes a wine tasting at each winery and a commemorative wine glass.
http://www.niagarawinetrail.org

Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.   (Early August - St. Catherines, ON) - Since the "Henley" settled in St. Catharines in 1903, it has grown to become the largest of its kind in North America. In 2007, over 2,700 men and women from over 150 rowing clubs competed for Henley Gold.
http://www.henleyregatta.ca

Siege Weekend at Old Fort Erie.   (Early August - Fort Erie, ON) - A weekend of historic siege battle reenactments and demonstrations at the Old Fort Erie historic site.
http://www.oldforterie.com 

Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival.   (Late August - Lewiston, NY) - Jazz musicians will perform throughout the village of Lewiston, NY in numerous restaurants and lounges -- as well as at a variety of outdoor sites along Center Street. Also featured: jewelry show and vintage car show.
http://www.lewistonjazz.com

Niagara International Kite Festival.   (Late September - Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, NY) - Champion Kite flying, demonstrations and family fun.
http://www.niagarakite.com

Wildlife Festival.   (Late September - Lewiston, NY) - Lectures, exhibits, demonstrations and exhibitors pertaining to wildlife conservation in New York State.
http://www.nypa.gov/vc/calendar.asp

Lewiston Harvest Festival and Craft Show.   (Late September - Lewiston, NY) -More than 100 craft vendors, food and wine sellers and entertainment.
http://www.northofthefalls.com

Niagara Falls International Marathon.   (Late October - Niagara Falls) - The only marathon in the world that starts in one country and ends in another.
http://www.niagarafallsmarathon.com

All Hallow’s Eve at Old Fort Erie.   (Late October - Fort Erie, ON) - Venture out to Old Fort Erie to experience the traditions of Hallowe’en, brought to life through the Ghosts of the Old Fort. This event sells out quickly! Reservations required. For information call (905) 871-0540.
http://www.oldforterie.com

The Haunted Fortress at Old Fort Niagara.   (Late October - Youngstown, NY) - Storytelling by the fire and tours of the historic cemetery are also available. Tickets are $10.00 per person and available by advance sale only. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
https://oldfortniagara.org

Winter Festival of Lights.   (Starts in Early Nov. - Niagara Falls, ON) - The City of Niagara Falls, CA lights up for this holiday celebration of lights. Special fireworks and falls illumination displays are also scheduled. Over 125 animated lighting displays and 3 million sparkling tree and ground lights which can be seen within the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland. http://www.wfol.com

Lower Niagara Steelhead Derby.   (Early Dec. - Queenston, ON) - Boat and shore fisherman are welcome to compete in this one-day fishing event.  http://www.straitlineanglers.com/NiagaraRiverSteelheadDerby.htm