Late Summer in Niagara: The Best Festivals and Events

Reading Time:  7 minutes -

As the golden glow of August settles over Ontario’s wine country and the evenings start to hum with just a hint of September cool, the Niagara Region rolls out its most captivating stretch of late-summer festivals and events. Whether you’re chasing heritage parades, waterfront celebrations, or a glass of something chilled beneath the grapes, there’s still time to soak up the season—and Niagara’s cultural calendar is far from winding down.

Here’s your guide to the must-see events from August through September 2025—from the rowing lanes of Port Dalhousie to the peach stands of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and straight through to the wine-soaked harvest days in the local Niagara region.

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Royal Canadian Henley Regatta

August 5–10 | Port Dalhousie
One of the world’s most prestigious rowing competitions drops anchor in the laid-back lakeside town of Port Dalhousie, drawing international athletes and a vibrant crowd of fans to the Henley course. By day, catch high-stakes races and shoreline cheers; by night, stroll the boardwalk with local eats in hand as the city celebrates with fireworks and festival-style fun. Even if you don’t know a scull from a sweep, the electric atmosphere is reason enough to go.

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Niagara 5000: Automotive & Aviation Showcase

August 7–9 | Niagara Falls
Part exotic car rally, part private jet playground, and part family-friendly festival, the Niagara 5000 is one of the region’s flashiest additions this year. Expect luxury vehicles on parade, aviation displays, and a sleek blend of engineering and adrenaline that appeals to both gearheads and curious onlookers. Bring the kids—there are hands-on demos and food trucks, too.

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Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival

August 8–9 | Simcoe Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Few things taste more like summer than a Niagara peach at its peak. This annual orchard-to-park celebration is pure charm: think peach pies, peach ice cream, and fresh baskets under white tents in Simcoe Park. Local artisans, musicians, and families fill the tree-lined streets in what feels like an old-fashioned harvest fair. Come early before the best bakes sell out—and yes, the peach sangria flows.

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Niagara Falls Illumination & Fireworks

Nightly | Special fireworks: May 16–Oct 13, Dec 31
Every evening, the thundering Falls become a canvas of colour as lights dance across the mist. The nightly Falls Illumination bathes Niagara in ever-shifting hues, while fireworks displays light up the sky on select nights through the summer and fall. Key fireworks dates include Labour Day (Sept 1) and the grand finale on New Year’s Eve (Dec 31). Don’t miss the view from Queen Victoria Park for an unforgettable backdrop.

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Fife & Drum Muster & Soldiers’ Field Day

August 16–17 | Fort George National Historic Site
History comes alive at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake as costumed re-enactors gather for a military-style music muster. You’ll hear the stirring rhythms of fife and drum corps from across Canada and the U.S., punctuated by musket-firing demos and 19th-century pageantry. It’s loud, lively, and surprisingly immersive—even kids get into the spirit. Don’t miss the massed bands’ grand finale.

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Niagara Irish Festival

August 22–23 | Firemen’s Park, Niagara Falls
For a weekend of Celtic soul, green attire, and Guinness poured with flair, Firemen’s Park hosts a celebration of Irish heritage that’s equal parts music festival and community picnic. Expect spirited fiddling, step dancing, hearty fare, and a family area that makes this more than just a pub tent party. It’s a little slice of Dublin in the heart of Niagara.

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Niagara Grape & Wine Festival

September 5–28 | St. Catharines & Wine Country
This iconic harvest celebration spills across weekends in September and is a love letter to Ontario’s wine scene. Sample VQA wines with Discovery Passes, wander Montebello Park’s vendor markets, and catch live music or a tasting seminar under the shade of the vines. The highlight? The Grande Parade on September 27—a vibrant, family-friendly spectacle of floats, marching bands, and (of course) grapes. And don’t miss the Pied Piper Parade on September 28, a fun-filled tradition just for kids.

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Ontario Culture Days

September 19–October 12 | Niagara Region
Celebrating community, creativity, and connection, Ontario Culture Days is a province-wide festival spotlighting artists and storytellers in every medium. In Niagara, expect pop-up galleries, Indigenous art showcases, open studios, and performances across the region, particularly in downtown St. Catharines. It’s a perfect time to discover something unexpected—from poetry walks to pottery classes.

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Concerts, Comedy & Live Shows

August 7–Sept 30 | Fallsview Casino, NOTL, Seneca Niagara & more
Late summer is overflowing with headline entertainment across the region:

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Plan Your Visit

Late summer is an ideal time to explore Niagara, with warm days, cool evenings, and a full slate of things to do—whether you’re chasing thrills, sipping slowly, or simply enjoying the view. Just don’t forget to pack your appetite. And maybe a basket for peaches.