After seven years without its signature outdoor New Year’s Eve concert, Niagara Falls is bringing back live music to the brink of the Falls. Country music star Riley Green will headline a free concert at Queen Victoria Park on December 31, 2026, joined by Canadian favourites The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha.
- Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Concert 2026: What We Know
- Riley Green Returns to Niagara Falls for New Year’s Eve
- Meet the Canadian Artists Joining Riley Green
- A Beloved Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Tradition Returns
- What Else Can You Do in Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve?
- Explore Clifton Hill Before the Countdown
- Experience the Winter Festival of Lights
- Watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Is the Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Concert Free?
- How to Watch the Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Concert at Home
- Planning Your New Year’s Eve Visit to Niagara Falls
- A Big Night Ahead for Niagara Falls
- Frequently Asked Questions
The announcement marks the return of a beloved Niagara Falls tradition, one that has drawn tens of thousands of visitors to the waterfront for live music, fireworks and a midnight countdown.
This year’s celebration will also bring Niagara Falls back to national television for the first time since 2014, with a live country music special airing on CP24 and streaming on Crave.
Produced by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), in partnership with Niagara Parks and the City of Niagara Falls, the event gives visitors another reason to celebrate the arrival of 2027 in one of Canada’s most recognizable destinations.
Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Concert 2026: What We Know
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, December 31, 2026 |
| Location | Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario |
| Admission | Free |
| Headliner | Riley Green |
| Featured performers | The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha |
| Live entertainment | Expected to begin between 8 and 8:30 p.m. |
| Television broadcast | Begins at 10:30 p.m. ET |
| Where to watch | CP24 and Crave |
| Organizers | CCMA, Niagara Parks and City of Niagara Falls |
The concert is expected to continue through the midnight countdown, with additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.
Riley Green Returns to Niagara Falls for New Year’s Eve
For country fans who attended the inaugural Misty City Music Festival in 2025, Riley Green will be a familiar face.
The Alabama-born singer was among the festival’s co-headliners, making his upcoming New Year’s Eve performance a high-profile return to Niagara Falls.
Green has become one of contemporary country music’s most recognizable voices, combining traditional storytelling with the energy of modern Nashville.
Fans know him for songs including There Was This Girl, I Wish Grandpas Never Died, Different ‘Round Here and you look like you love me, his popular collaboration with Ella Langley.
His fourth studio album, That’s Just Me, arrived September 18, 2026, adding new material to a catalogue that includes seven No. 1 songs. Green has also collected five Academy of Country Music Awards and four Country Music Association Awards.
His Niagara Falls appearance comes during a busy period that also includes a scheduled performance at the 2026 Grey Cup halftime show in Calgary on November 15.
Unlike an arena concert, this celebration will unfold outdoors, with the illuminated waterfalls and winter scenery providing a memorable backdrop.
Meet the Canadian Artists Joining Riley Green
The supporting lineup brings together three Canadian country acts with different musical styles and growing international recognition.
The Reklaws
Ontario siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker are known for their lively performances and crowd-friendly songs. Hits such as Long Live the Night and What the Truck have helped make The Reklaws popular fixtures in Canadian country music.
Their collaboration with Sacha on What the Truck became the fastest Canadian country song to reach platinum certification in the streaming era. With both acts appearing on New Year’s Eve, fans will have the opportunity to see two artists connected by one of Canadian country’s biggest crossover hits.
Tenille Townes
Alberta-born singer-songwriter Tenille Townes brings a more reflective side of country music to the lineup.
Known for songs such as Somebody’s Daughter and Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking), Townes has earned two JUNO Awards and 19 Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
Her latest project, The Acrobat, marks a new independent chapter in her career, with an expanded edition, The Acrobat: A Place to Land, scheduled for November 6, 2026.
Sacha
Canadian artist Sacha adds another distinctive voice to the concert. Alongside her successful collaboration with The Reklaws, she has built a growing reputation through songs including Hey Mom I Made It and appearances at major country music festivals.
Her 2025 Grand Ole Opry debut marked an important career milestone, while her recent EP, The Wild Hearts Series, continues to introduce her music to new audiences.
A Beloved Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Tradition Returns
For decades, Niagara Falls was home to one of Canada’s most recognizable New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Past concerts featured major performers including Blue Rodeo, Barenaked Ladies, Demi Lovato, Keith Urban and Bryan Adams, with thousands gathering at Queen Victoria Park to celebrate beneath the illuminated Falls.
The last nationally televised concert took place in 2014, headlined by Keith Urban, although the outdoor celebration continued for several more years.
In 2019, Bryan Adams performed before an estimated 50,000 people, marking the last major New Year’s Eve concert at the Falls.
The tradition was interrupted by the pandemic, with celebrations cancelled in 2020 and 2021, and the large-scale concert did not return in subsequent years.
Mayor Jim Diodati welcomed the concert’s return, emphasizing the importance of bringing the free New Year’s Eve celebration back to the Falls after a seven-year absence. In his announcement, he also confirmed that more performers will be revealed in the weeks leading up to December 31, adding to an already impressive country music lineup.
Historically, the outdoor concerts typically attracted between 20,000 and 30,000 spectators, making them an important part of Niagara Falls’ winter tourism calendar.
There’s already a visible reminder of what’s ahead: the large countdown clock overlooking the Falls at Table Rock, originally installed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is now counting down to December 31.
For those who remember gathering along the Niagara Parkway with friends and family, the familiar combination of outdoor music, winter lights and a midnight countdown will be particularly welcome.
What Else Can You Do in Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve?
The concert may be the main attraction, but December 31 offers plenty of reasons to arrive in Niagara Falls earlier in the day.
Explore Clifton Hill Before the Countdown
Just a short walk from Queen Victoria Park, Clifton Hill offers restaurants, attractions and indoor entertainment that can make a winter visit more comfortable.
The Niagara SkyWheel provides sweeping views of the surrounding tourism district and Niagara Falls from enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. It’s an especially memorable experience after sunset, when the city lights begin to glow.
Families and groups can also spend time at the Great Canadian Midway, explore Movieland Wax Museum, challenge one another at Wizards Golf or enjoy interactive attractions such as Ghost Blasters and Creepy Castle.
For dinner, Boston Pizza and Kelsey’s offer convenient options in the heart of the entertainment district.
With live music expected to begin around 8 p.m., visitors may want to enjoy Clifton Hill’s attractions and restaurants earlier in the evening before walking toward Queen Victoria Park.
Experience the Winter Festival of Lights
The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights adds another dimension to New Year’s Eve.
Running from November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027, the festival features illuminated displays throughout the tourism district, including Queen Victoria Park and surrounding areas.
Visitors can enjoy the lights before heading toward the concert or make them part of a longer evening walk.
The illuminated Falls themselves remain a highlight, particularly during the winter months when mist and changing weather can create dramatic nighttime scenery.
Watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Niagara Falls is also planning special fireworks displays on December 31, with shows scheduled for 8 p.m. and midnight, according to the published Winter Festival of Lights schedule.
The earlier display offers an option for families and visitors who may not stay until midnight, while the later fireworks welcome 2027 over the Falls.
Visitors should check official updates for any adjustments to the fireworks schedule or designated viewing areas.
Is the Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Concert Free?
Yes. The December 31, 2026 concert at Queen Victoria Park has been announced as a free public event.
Visitors can enjoy live country music in the heart of the Niagara Falls tourism district without purchasing a concert ticket.
Outdoor entertainment is expected to begin between 8 and 8:30 p.m., followed by the nationally televised portion at 10:30 p.m.
With previous celebrations drawing crowds numbering in the tens of thousands, visitors should expect a busy waterfront and allow plenty of time to reach the park.
Specific information about crowd management, pedestrian routes and any designated viewing areas is expected closer to the event.
Official event information: https://ccma.org/nye-special/
How to Watch the Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Concert at Home
Those unable to attend can still experience the celebration through a live national broadcast.
The 90-minute CCMA New Year’s Eve Special is scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m. ET on December 31, airing on CP24 and streaming on Crave.
The CCMA has announced viewing through eligible Crave subscription plans and a free Bell Media account, with additional coverage through iHeartRadio Canada and PURE Country.
The special will also be available on demand through Crave after the live broadcast.
Planning Your New Year’s Eve Visit to Niagara Falls
If you’re considering spending December 31 in Niagara Falls, a little advance planning will make the evening easier.
Arrive early. With a free outdoor concert, holiday fireworks and winter tourism activities taking place, the area around Queen Victoria Park is expected to be busy. Allow extra time for travel, parking and walking between attractions.
Prepare for winter weather. December evenings near the Niagara River can feel particularly cold because of wind and moisture. Warm layers, insulated footwear, gloves and a hat are sensible choices for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Check road closures and transportation information. Special events near the Niagara Parkway can affect traffic patterns and pedestrian access. Confirm updated arrangements through Niagara Parks and the City of Niagara Falls before travelling.
Plan indoor breaks. Restaurants and attractions around Clifton Hill provide opportunities to warm up before returning outdoors for the evening’s celebrations.
Choose your viewing location early. Queen Victoria Park offers views toward the Falls, but expect the busiest areas to fill as the televised concert and midnight countdown approach.
A Big Night Ahead for Niagara Falls
The return of the outdoor New Year’s Eve concert gives Niagara Falls something it has been missing since 2019: a major live musical celebration with the Falls as its stage.
With Riley Green leading a lineup of Canadian country performers, free admission to Queen Victoria Park, a nationally televised special, winter illuminations and fireworks, December 31 is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest celebrations of the year.
Whether you’re travelling to Niagara Falls for the music, spending the evening exploring Clifton Hill or watching the countdown from home, the arrival of 2027 promises to put Niagara Falls back in the national spotlight.
For confirmed announcements and event updates, visit the official CCMA New Year’s Eve website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve 2026?
Riley Green, The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha.
When does the concert start?
December 31, around 8–8:30 p.m. The TV broadcast begins at 10:30 p.m.
Where is the concert taking place?
Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Is the New Year’s Eve concert free?
Yes, admission is free.
When was the last New Year’s Eve concert in Niagara Falls?
Bryan Adams headlined the last outdoor concert in 2019.
Will there be fireworks on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, fireworks are scheduled for 8 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting.
Where can I watch the concert on TV?
Live on CP24 and Crave starting at 10:30 p.m. ET.