Summer in Niagara-on-the-Lake is pure magic. With historic charm, picture-perfect scenery and a calendar jam-packed with summer festivals for every fancy in Niagara-on-the-Lake, there’s no better time to visit this vibrant town than during the sunny months of July and August.
Whether you’re into toe-tapping jazz, classical symphonies, theatrical masterpieces or fruit-inspired celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And it all kicks off with a patriotic bang!
Canada Day: July 1st Fun for Everyone
What better way to start the summer than with a full day of Canada Day festivities?
The heart of the action is Simcoe Park, where the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts a BBQ lunch and live music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a picnic blanket and tap your toes to some great local talent as you soak in the festive vibe.
Just steps away, history comes alive at Fort George National Historic Site. Enjoy free admission all day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and watch lively military drills, musket demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment. As the sun sets, fireworks light up the sky at 10 p.m.
But wait, there’s more! At 3 p.m., join the whimsical Cake Parade along Queen Street and follow it to Simcoe Park where, you guessed it, free cake is served at 3:30 p.m.
A history buff? Then head over to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In celebration of its 130th Anniversary this year, the museum’s collection of more than 50,000 significant items echoes the Town’s history. Admission is free all day on July 1.
Meanwhile, classic car lovers will be delighted by the show at Simcoe Park, and art enthusiasts can stroll through Artistry by the Lake at Queen’s Royal Park, featuring 60 Canadian artists showcasing stunning works in painting, jewellery, fashion and more.
And, just up the road on King Street, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Legion is hosting a Canada Day BBQ and musical entertainment from noon to 8 p.m. All are welcome!
Shaw Festival: World-Class Theatre All Summer Long
The Shaw Festival is the cultural heartbeat of Niagara-on-the-Lake, running from spring through fall. But summer is prime time to experience world-class theatre in its full glory. With multiple stages and a repertoire ranging from Shaw classics to contemporary gems, the festival offers something for every taste. Enjoy a matinee and then stroll the town’s charming streets or dine al fresco at one of many delightful restaurants.
Music Niagara: Classical to Contemporary
Music lovers, rejoice! Music Niagara delivers an eclectic mix of performances, from chamber ensembles and soloists to jazz bands and emerging artists. Concerts are held at various venues throughout town, offering an intimate and immersive musical experience. It’s a feast for the ears, set against one of Ontario’s most scenic backdrops.
TD Niagara Jazz Festival: Smooth Sounds in a Sweet Setting
If jazz is more your jam, the TD Niagara Jazz Festival brings groovy rhythms and soulful sounds to town. Expect both ticketed and free events, featuring local and international talent. From sultry vocals to upbeat brass ensembles, the jazz festival adds a lively pulse to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s summer soundtrack.
Jackson-Triggs Concert Series: Music Under the Stars
For an unforgettable evening, grab tickets to the Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series. Held in the winery’s intimate outdoor amphitheatre, this series features top Canadian artists performing under the stars. Bring a cozy wrap, sip some local wine, and let the music move you.
Cherry Festival: July 5
July brings a sweet celebration with the annual Cherry Festival on July 5th. Hosted by St. Mark’s Church, this beloved community event features homemade cherry pies, preserves, and baked goods, plus local artisans, music and children’s activities. Come early—the pies go quickly!
Peach Festival: August 8 & 9
August is all about the peach! The Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival takes place August 8 and 9 and is a juicy delight for the senses. Queen Street transforms into a peachy paradise with fresh peaches, peach pies, peach ice cream and even peach-themed crafts. There’s live music, street performers and a festive atmosphere that captures the very spirit of summer.
Make it a Getaway to Remember
With so many events packed into July and August, why not make it a much-deserved getaway?
STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake member bed and breakfasts offer warm hospitality, gourmet breakfasts and a perfect home base to experience the best of the town. Or perhaps, you prefer to rent a villa or cottage where your family or friends can unwind on a charming porch or stroll to Lake Ontario at sunset. It doesn’t get much better than this.
So pack your bags, grab your sun hat, and get ready to celebrate summer in Niagara-on-the-Lake—where every day feels like a festival!
A FUN-FILLED SUMMER CALENDAR
With so much happening, is it any wonder Niagara-on-the-Lake is a summertime favourite? (This list grows day by day, so be sure to check back often for updates.)
April 9–December 21: Shaw Festival 2025
Until mid-August: Music Niagara 2025
Until September 25: Jackson-Triggs 2025 Summer Concert Series
Through October: Summer BBQ Series, Lakeview Wine Co.
Every Thursday in July & August: Trius Sparkling Presents: Movie Night in the Vineyard
Daily: Walking Tours of Old Town
July 5: St. Mark’s Cherry Festival
July 12: Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society’s Gardener’s Garden Tour
Until July 14: Visiting Artist Program, Queenston Pottery
July 14-18: Kid Curator Camp, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
July 17-20: The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration
July 23: Triviaverse, The Brewery Exchange
August 4: The Past is Present Festival
August 8 & 9: Peach Festival
August 10: Shades of Summer – details to come
September 12: Heritage Garden Party
September 13: Pow wow and Lacrosse Charity Tournament at Butler’s Barracks
October 18: Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake
December 5: Candlelight Stroll – details to come
HELPFUL TIPS
Lost & Found: Did you lose something while you were in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Contact the lost and found centre at the NOTL Chamber of Commerce located at 26 Queen Street in the lower level of the building. Or call 1-905-468-1950 or email tourism@niagaraonthelake.com for more information.
Summer Bus Service: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle connects to the Niagara Falls WEGO bus service from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bus service departs every hour on the half hour from the Floral Clock in Queenston and every hour on the hour from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. All-day passes ($25/adult 13+ years, $15/child 3-12 years) can be purchased in person at the Floral Clock stop or at Fort George.
Living in or visiting Toronto? From June 26 through November 2, seasonal Flixbus service connects Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town and Toronto Union Station’s Bus Terminal. Flixbus offers two trips per day, six days a week, Wednesdays excluded. Visitors have about eight hours to explore, dine and shop in Old Town between pick up and drop off.
Drive Safely: As part of Niagara Region’s Vision Zero program, automated speed enforcement cameras have been installed in school zones. Please pay attention to the speed limits posted throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake as more cameras are planned.
Metered Parking: General information on metered parking in Niagara-on-the-Lake is found here. Your STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts feature complimentary on-site parking for guests and are happy to advise you on where to park for free in and around Old Town. (Remember, parking is free in Old Town during the month of December!)
Accessible Parking: Several accessible parking spaces are located throughout the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, both on the street and in municipal parking lots.
All vehicles parking in the accessible zone must display an original and current accessible permit. Any vehicle found parked in an accessible zone without the valid accessible permit will be ticketed. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has approved the use of accessible parking permits in the following areas only:
- Designated accessible zones/spaces; and
- At any meter free of charge, including municipal lots governed by pay-and-display parking meters. In these locations, a pay-and-display permit is not required if the vehicle is displaying a valid accessible permit.