Niagara Beyond The Falls: Autumn / Fall Festivals & Wine Events (September – October)

Fall in Niagara, swaps summer’s heat for crisp air, colourful leaves and some of the region’s best events. We’ve lived here forever and still get giddy for harvest season – think ribs, wine and cozy festivals. The entire Niagara Region is renowned for its vibrant wine festivals that celebrate the area’s rich wine culture and stunning landscapes.

Here’s a detailed guide to some of the top wine festivals in the Niagara region, including key events, prices, parking, and tips on how to make the most of your visit.

** NOTE: For a region that prides itself on its wineries and festivals, Niagara does a very poor job of getting information to the average tourist. We scoured various websites for hours to give our readers a comprehensive one-stop information article and sadly it was a waste of time. Tourism Niagara must be spending way too much time sniffing the fumes of wine if they think they are doing anything of value to the people that visit they region!! (Rant over)

September

Burlington – Canada’s Largest Ribfest (First weekend in September)

Although not actually in the Niagara Region, you have to drive through Burlington to get there. Labour Day weekend (first weekend in September) brings this meat-lover’s dream to Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park – right on the lake.

Canada’s Largest Ribfest has been around since 1996, so NO “Beyond Meat” products or veggie options here! Enjoy world-class BBQ ribs and chicken, but mostly ribs – from the best in the business. Live music and a Midway keep the party going, with VIP tickets ($25) offering shade, wine, and shorter lines. We’ve gorged here – it’s worth the $2 entry.

Need to Know:
When: First weekend in September, Friday–Sunday (2pm–11pm), Monday (2pm–7pm).
Where: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON (What3Words: ///cocktail.causes.adjust).
Cost: $2 entry (kids 12 and under free); VIP $25.
More Info: canadaslargestribfest.com

Niagara Grape & Wine Festival (Last weekend in September)
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival, drawing wine lovers from across the country to celebrate the best of Niagara’s wine and culinary scene. Held every September, this festival features over 100 VQA wines, gourmet food pairings, live music and local eats, with a range of events that celebrate the vibrant culture and history of Niagara’s wine country. A Discovery Pass unlocks curated tastings and special features – definitely worth the cost and convenience.

Festival Overview:
The festival kicks off with the Montebello Park Experience, where you can enjoy wine tastings, live music, artisan ven-dors, and family-friendly activities. The highlight of the festival is the Grande Parade, showcasing themed floats, marching bands, and a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of Niagara.

Montebello Park Experience: Montebello Park serves as the heart of the festival, offering a diverse range of wines from local wineries. Visitors can purchase tokens for tastings and explore food pairings from local restaurants.

The Grande Parade:
The parade is a must-see event, winding through downtown St. Catharines with vibrant floats, performers, and local community groups. Arrive early to secure a good spot along the route, and bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the show comfortably.

Tips for Attending:
Parking can be a challenge, so consider using public transit or shuttle services provided during the festival weekends. For accommodations, book early as nearby hotels fill up quickly. Whether you prefer a cozy B&B or a luxury hotel, there are plenty of options within a short distance from the festival grounds. Here’s a link to accommodation partners – https://niagarawinefestival.com/accommodation-partners

Need to Know:
When: Last weekend in September, Fridays (6pm–11pm), Saturdays (12pm–11pm), Sundays (12pm–5pm).
Where: Various locations across the Niagara region, including the main event at Montebello Park in St. Catharines
What3Words: ///offices.expired.sizing
Cost: Free entry; Discovery Pass extra
Parking: Free parking is available at Montebello Park and other designated areas. Street parking is also available around event locations, but arrive early as spots fill up quickly.

More Info: Niagara Grape & Wine Festival or To Do Canada or NiagaraWine Festival

** A key feature of the festival is the Discovery Pass, which offers a self-guided wine tour across 28 wineries with six unique wine and culinary experiences. There are also events like the Event in the Tent, concerts, and the Grande Parade. Ticket options:

Discovery Pass: Access to 6 wine and culinary pairings. Prices start at $55
Driver’s Pass: A non-alcoholic version for designated drivers
Concert Tickets: Prices vary, with add-ons for pre-show parties

Alternative To You Doing The Driving…

If you don’t want to drive, but want a great experience, try Niagara Wine Tours. Tours operate year-round allowing you to experience Niagara wine at your leisure – pick up is anywhere in Niagara!! https://niagarafuntours.com/

West Niagara Fair

The weekend after Labour Day, Grimsby / West Lincoln / Grassie’s fairgrounds buzz with rural charm. Agricultural displays & demonstrations; Livestock Shows; Vendor Marketplace; Food Fair; Demolition Derbies; Antique Tractor Pull & Show; Midway; Kids Zone & Petting Zoo; Donut Eating Contest; Wine Garden; a beer tent and many other events to entertain you.

Need to Know:
When: Weekend after Labour Day, Friday (4pm–late), Saturday–Sunday (all day).
Where: West Niagara Fairgrounds, 7402 Mud St, Grassie, ON (What3Words: ///organs.upside.crackling).

The public entrance is off Grimsby Rd / Hwy 12 – NOT Mud St

Cost: Free Parking. Admission (cash only): Adults $10, kids 6–12 $5, under 5 free; free after 6pm Saturday.
Website: https://www.westniagarafair.ca/site/home

October

Thanksgiving Festival at Balls Falls (Thanksgiving weekend)

Since 1974, this Lincoln gem has drawn 30,000+ visitors over Thanksgiving weekend (second Monday in October). Artisans, food trucks, live music, and heritage tours fill the conservation area. Admission’s cheap ($8.50), and the fall colors are unreal – bring cash for the vendors!

Need to Know:
When: Thanksgiving weekend, Friday–Monday, 10am–5pm.
Where: Balls Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, ON (What3Words: ///price.herbs.develops).
What3Words: price.herbs.develops // https://w3w.co/price.herbs.develops
Cost: No Parking fee. General Admission: $8.50 // Seniors (65+): $6.50 // Children (3 – 11): $6.50
More Info: npca.ca.

Autumn / Fall’s Niagara Magic
From wine-soaked September to October’s harvest vibes, fall shows off Niagara’s range. Missed summer’s peaches? You’ve still got time to taste the region’s bounty – check out Top Summer Festivals Guide (Link Below). And stay tuned for winter’s icy wonders in Niagara Winter Events You Can’t Miss! (November – February) part 3 in our Niagara Beyond The Falls series!

Disclaimer: Opinions are our own. No goods or services were received for this article

Copyright © 2025 TravelBloggers.ca / Iain & Gail Shankland
All rights reserved.
Text: Iain Shankland | Photography: Iain & Gail Shankland, Peninsula Ridge Winery, Niagara Grape & Wine Festival, Canada’s Largest Ribfest

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on X
…or sign up for our blog via email so you don’t miss future articles!

X: @TravelBloggerz
FB: @TravelBloggers.ca
YouTube: youtube.com/@TravelBloggers

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 **