Beyond The Falls: Niagara’s Top Summer Festival Guide

Think Niagara is just about the Falls? Think again – it’s a year-round playground and summer kicks things off with a bang! From Burlington’s free music extravaganza to St. Catharines’ rib-packed party, the region buzzes with events worth the drive.

We’ve lived here most of our lives, and trust us – the Falls are just the beginning. We’ve danced at free concerts and stuffed ourselves at rib fests, and we’re here to tell you: the Falls are just the warm-up act.

Here’s your guide to Niagara’s summer festival scene…

Note: We’ll use What3Words to pinpoint every stop – download it free for your trip! It will give you exact locations, use it on your phone or desktop/laptop

Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival
Although not actually in the Niagara Region, you have to drive through Burlington to get there. Canada’s largest free music festival kicks off mid-June along Lake Ontario’s edge in Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park and downtown streets transform into a musical wonderland, with four stages hosting big names and local talent. We’ve tapped our toes to High Valley, Crash Test Dummies, Honeymoon Suite and Men Without Hats in past years – it’s always a blast. A parade on Saturday signals the start of a midway, food stalls, and non-stop vibes. Entry is free, but parking’s a challenge – arrive early!

Need To Know:
When: Mid-June (e.g., June 16–19), Thursday–Sunday, all day till 11pm.
Where: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON
What3Words: ///cocktail.causes.adjust
Cost: Free entry; parking $5–$15
Website / Instagram / Facebook

The Happening in Grimsby
Mid-June brings this three-day fest to Grimsby’s downtown, closing Main Street for live music, vendors, and tasty eats. It’s free, family-friendly, and showcases what Niagara’s smaller towns have to offer. Think of it as a warm-up for the region’s bigger summer bashes.

Need To Know:
When: Mid-June, Thursday (12pm–8pm), Friday (4pm–10pm), Saturday (9am–10pm)
Where: Downtown Grimsby
What3Words: ///devout.sprinklers.cubed
Cost: Free entry; free parking nearby
Website / Instagram / Facebook

St. Catharines Rotary RibFest
Come the first weekend of August (Civic Holiday), Montebello Park in St. Catharines turns into rib heaven. Ribbers from across the U.S. and Canada sling thousands of pounds of BBQ, while local bands like Jonesy and Soul Jam keep the vibe alive. We’ve been multiple times – it’s messy, loud, and unforgettable. Kids’ activities and craft vendors round out the fun, all for free admission. Don’t forget to check out the live bands – our favourites are Jonesy and Soul Jam

Need To Know:
When: First weekend in August, Friday–Sunday (11:30am–11pm), Monday (11:30am–8pm)
Where: Montebello Park, 64 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON
What3Words: ///offices.expired.sizing
Cost: Free entry; parking varies (some free)

Website / Instagram / Facebook

The Winona Peach Festival
Late August means peaches, and Winona’s festival (third weekend) delivers. Since 1967, this huge event has drawn crowds with free entertainment, craft stalls, and a midway (free rides Saturday 10–11am). The food court’s a highlight – peach pies, sundaes, and crepes galore. It’s a sweet way to cap off summer in Niagara

Need To Know:
When: Third weekend in August (e.g., Aug 23–25, 2024), Friday (5pm–11pm), Saturday (10am–11pm), Sunday (10am–6pm)
Where: Winona Park, 1328 Barton St, Winona, ON
What3Words: ///price.herbs.develops
Cost: Free entry; parking $10–$15
Website / Instagram / Facebook

Why Summer in Niagara Rocks
These festivals prove Niagara’s got soul beyond the Falls. Whether you’re westbound from Toronto or east from Buffalo, you’ll pass through this stretch of fun. We only hit the highlights here – many wineries also offer live music.

Loved summer? Wait till you sip your way through Niagara’s fall wine scene – check out Part 2 (Fall Festivals & Wine Events) of our series coming soon!

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About TravelBloggers…
Iain & Gail started blogging in order to inspire and motivate people to travel the world from their perspective – specializing in having the most fun while using the least amount of money…travelling on the cheap without sacrificing comfort.

** In the end you will only regret the things you didn’t do **