Niagara Falls 
Thanksgiving weekend events & activities in Niagara Falls including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports, and exhibitions. A few weekday events are also listed.
- 25+ Bucket List Ideas for Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario
- Family Fun Activities in Niagara Falls
- Things to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Halloween in Niagara Falls Region – Haunted Attractions, Ghost Walks, Family & Adult Halloween Parties
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival
Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival will bring back many of your favourite features, including in-person craft and artisan vendors, delicious foods, craft beverages and wines, local farmers’ market vendors, live acoustic music and children’s entertainment, historical demonstrations, heritage tours and nature hikes.. Details
October 6 – 9, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln
$7 to $9+fees
Visit Happy Rolph’s
Experience a variety of animals, birds and plants, in a natural setting. Visitors can also enjoy quiet seating and viewing opportunities along Lake Ontario or adjacent to two ponds on site! Details
Daily, until Mid October | 10 AM to 7 PM
650 Read Rd., corner of Read Rd. and Northrup Cres., St Catharines
free
Brock’s Birthday Bash
You are cordially invited to Brock’s Birthday Bash, a special celebration marking Brock’s 254th birthday!
Join us at Brock’s Monument on October 6, as we celebrate the life of the hero of Upper Canada, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. This event will include special presentations highlighting the life of Brock, and birthday treats, which are being generously donated by one of our members. Details
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Brock’s Monument National Historic Site, Queenston Heights
Cost is $10 per person. Space is limited, so book your spot online
Fall Fun at Howell
Fall in love with our Fall festival attractions, with over 20 attractions, games and shows, you’re guaranteed to make memories that will last a lifetime! Details
Daily, until October 30, 2023
Howell Family Pumpkin Farm, 2878 Holland Rd, Pelham
$15 to $25
Haunt Manor – Hayrides & Haunted Houses
Haunt Manor is a theatrical hayride, cedar maze and 6 separately themed haunted houses and mazes. Each year the overall theme changes and the Haunted Houses and characters give you a new experience, so yearly you will get immersed in a whole new world of creepiness. All new Haunted Hayrides arrive this October. Introducing RedSaw Lab Haunted Hayrides and Haunted House, a completely new “experiment” awaits you this Halloween season deep in the woods. Details
Oct 6, 7, 8, 2023
9387 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
$51 & up
Boo at the Zoo
Join us for our family-friendly event Boo at the Zoo! Trick or treat your way through the park at this favourite family-friendly event! Join us all weekend long to enjoy local vendors, exhibits, activities and enter our costume contests for your chance to win great prizes! Details
October 6 to 9, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2821 Stevensville Road, Stevensville
$19.95 +HST for all ages all weekend long; FREE for children 12 & under, dressed in costumes
Chrysanthemum Show
The Floral Showhouse has once again transformed into a lush fall paradise as cascading chrysanthemum blooms adorn every corner of its showrooms. An Iconic favorite, the Chrysanthemum Show is Niagara Park’s longest running exhibit, reaching back to its first showing on November 4, 1946. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Floral Showhouse. Details
September 16 to November 12, 2023
Floral Showhouse, Niagara Falls
$5 to $8
Bird Kingdom
Bird Kingdom is the World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary. Discover hundreds of tropical birds as you explore the pathways throughout the multi-level rainforest. Details
Daily | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, with last admission at 5 PM
Bird Kingdom, 5651 River Road, Niagara Falls
Child $13.95 – $15.95; Adult $17.95 – $19.95
Falls Fireworks
Enjoy an unforgettable evening in Niagara Falls with a jaw-dropping fireworks displays against the backdrop of the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. For years, Falls Fireworks Series at Niagara Parks has dazzled visitors with over 100 spectacular fireworks displays each year. Details
Daily, until October 9, 2023 | 10:00 PM
Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls
Free
Falls Illumination
Every evening beginning at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into incredible, multi-coloured water and light masterpiece. Special lights are housed in the Illumination Tower, next to Queen Victoria Place; on the roof of Table Rock Centre, at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls; and deep in the Niagara Gorge, across from the American Falls. Together, these lights work to create a breathtaking view not to be missed. The falls are also lit in custom colours for short durations to mark significant dastes in support of charitable causes. Details
October 1 – 15, 2023 | 6:15 PM – 2 AM
Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls
Free
Pumpkin Patch
Belgian horse-drawn hayrides, Tractor hayrides, and a pumpkin patch with thousands of colorful gourds, pumpkins, and more. Details
Daily, Until October 31, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Warner Ranch Pumpkin Farm, 7705 Schisler Rd, Welland
petting zoo $2.00, corn maze /Belgian horse drawn hay rides (hay rides on weekends) $4 each, Tractor hayrides $4, Pony rides $6
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Corn Mazes in Ontario
Get lost at world-famous corn mazes or at the one nearest to you for a memorable experience with the family or your bestie. Most of these farms also have a whole bunch of other great activities so you can enjoy the entire day picking pumpkins, milking goats, cuddling bunnies and so much more! Details
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When Ontario comes alive with vibrant colours in autumn, cities, and towns across the province offer a unique environment, and distinct character for visitors and locals to truly explore.
II. Live Music
An Evening with Blue Rodeo
Friday, October 6th 2023 | 8:00pm
OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls
Varies
Emo Night with Wade MacNeil
We’re bringing back all your favourite sad songs for a throwback EMO NIGHT at Warehouse Concert Hall, with a DJ set by Wade MacNeil of Alexisonfire! Tunes from Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco, New Found Glory, Yellowcard and many, many more. Got some requests from your old CD-R binder? Shoot them our way and we’ll work em into the mix. Details
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 9:00 PM
Warehouse Concert Hall, 11 Geneva Street, St. Catharines
$10 to $15
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and Samantha Fish
Twenty-five years into his recording career Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to create genre-defining blues-infused rock n’ roll. Shepherd has built an enviable resume as an accomplished recording artist, a riveting live performer and one of the most talented and distinctive guitarists of his generation. The Louisiana born axeman and songsmith has received five GRAMMY® nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, a pair of Orville H. Gibson awards, and has sold millions of albums while throwing singles into the Top 10. Details
Saturday, October 7th 2023 | 8:00pm
OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls
Varies
Otherwives
Otherwives is an energetic punk rock band from Welland. Our unique sound has been captivating audiences since we formed in 2018. With talented musicians, great live performances, and an infectious positive energy, Otherwives is a band you won’t want to miss. We strive to create a connection with our fans and to provide an unforgettable experience each time we perform. We are friends, and that’s what makes us Otherwives. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Warehouse Concert Hall, 11 Geneva Street, St. Catharines
$20
Legends of Motown
Legends of Motown is a 16-piece cast of singers and musicians performing live look-a-like/sound-a-like tributes to The Supremes, the Four Tops, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jackson 5, Martha and the Vandellas and more and features all your favourite songs of the Motown era. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 7:30 PM
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines
$48 – $68
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Relive the Music 50s & 60s Show
A one of a kind show that takes the audience through Music History, Trivia & memories of the 50s & 60s. You will learn many things you never knew about these artists. You will see an energetic band, amazing frontline singers and dancers transforming and re-living through two decades of music, costumes, trends and dancing along with informative video imagery in the background. Details
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 7:00 PM
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines
$59 to $69
ShawFest 2023
Discover Niagara-on-the-Lake theatre with productions from the Shaw Festival Theatre. 13 plays on 3 stages, plus Fairground & Shawground, A Short History of Niagara, concerts & events.
Plays this weekend include: Prince Caspian, The Amen Corner, Game of Love and Chance, Blithe Spirit , On the Razzle,Mother, Daughter, The Shadow of a Doubt, Playboy of Western World, Gypsy, The Apple Cart, The Clearing and more! Details
October 6 to 8, 2023
Various locations in Niagara-on-the Lake
Varies
WONDERS FEATURING RYAN JOYCE
Ryan Joyce has won critical acclaim with audiences worldwide, from Las Vegas, Hong Kong, New Zealand, India, the Middle East, and more. He appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Canada Got Talent and has over ten million views on social media. With over 5000 global performances, Ryan Joyces unique style and commanding voice are a hit for audiences around the world. Details
October 6 – 8, 2023 | 6:15 Dinner; Show 7:30 PM
Greg Frewin Theatre, 5781 Ellen Ave, Niagara Falls
$22.95 – $54.95
IV. Sports
Crystal Beach 5K
Join for the annual Crystal Beach 5K Run and 1k Kids Fun Run. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Kids run | 10:15 AM
5K | 11:00 AM
Sneakers, 4020 Erie Rd, Crystal Beach
$10 to $40
The MAN-a-MILE relay
The MAN-a-MILE relay takes place from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake to Oakes Park in Niagara Falls each Canadian Thanksgiving morning, covering 14 miles of beautiful scenery. The MAN-a-MILE relay features a staggered start with multiple groups of runners starting the first leg of the relay at different times to help faster and slower teams finish closer together. Specific start times will be provided to each team leader with race kits to share with the team prior to day of event. Relay points are located at each mile (1.6 Km) along the scenic Niagara parkway, until the last relay which finishes on the track at Oakes Park in Niagara Falls.
Monday, October 9, 2023 | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Fort George, NOTL to Oakes Park, Niagara Falls
$425/team or, $30.35 (each for teams of 14).
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
Parks and pathways, Provincial parks, and conservation reserves are open for people to enjoy some time with nature.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- 25 Hikes to Enjoy Fall Colours in Ontario
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- Must-Visit Nature Attractions & Hiking Trails in the Niagara Falls Region
V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
CAT VIDEO FEST
2023 CatVideoFest is an all-new compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area. The 70-minute-reel of cat videos is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by anyone. Details
Sat., October 7, 2023 | 3:00 PM
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines
$9.50
Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed
Experience the remarkable Niagara Parks Power Station in a whole new way with Currents, an epic sight and sound night show inside the heart of the plant.
Featuring immersive, interactive storytelling, this one-of-a-kind event offers an incredible sensory experience amongst the turbines of the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Flow through this historic space and explore the incredible transformation of water to power. Details
Friday, October 6 | 7 PM
Saturday, October 7 | 7 PM
Sunday, October 8 | 7 PM
6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
$19.50 – $30
Ontario Culture Days
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. At the end of each September, millions of people attend thousands of participatory arts and culture events across the country. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Details
Until October 15, 2023
Across Ontario
Free
Voices of Freedom Walking Tour
Learn about Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Black History with the new mobile walking tour. Voices of Freedom is an experiential art installation designed to engage, educate, and challenge visitors about this most important aspect of our history. Voices from the past will tell their stories, enriching visitors’ understanding of how they shaped our town and nation.
The Voices of Freedom was awarded the 2020 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Conservation. Details
At any time
244 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Self-Guided Tour
Niagara on the Lake Ghost Walks
The Ghost Walk of “Canada’s Most Haunted Town”. Featuring stories at the Olde Angel Inn, iconic Courthouse and Prince of Wales Hotel. With North America’s oldest legend, a mystery at the Apothecary, the theatre ghost scaring audiences and a mansion that makes cameras go crazy. Details
Daily, October 2023 | 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
126 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
$12 to $16
Explore Fort George National Historic Site
There is always something new happening at the fort! Catch the flash of fire and hear the blast of a Brown Bess musket fired by soldiers of the 41st Regiment. Or, sit down at one of our Featured Presentations with one of our expert staff who will cover fascinating topics from an era where our country’s very existence hung in the balance. Details
Wednesday to Sunday, September – October 2023 | 10:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Fort George National Historic Site – 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Regular Admission
Mark Crofton Bell: The Mom Project
With The Mom Project, artist Mark Bell brings a series of portraits of his mother, painted from observation during the final years of her life. What began as an activity to pursue while visiting his mother in long-term care developed into a sustained exercise in looking. The subtle changes over time are recorded in the small oil on board portraits. Details
September 23, 2023 – January 27, 2024
RiverBrink Art Museum, 116 Queenston Street, Queenston
Admission by donation
Farmers Markets
- Niagara Falls Farmers Market: Saturdays | 7 AM – 1 PM @ MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Road. Details
- St. Catharines Farmers Market: Thursdays | 8 AM – 2 PM & Saturdays | 7 AM – 1 PM @ Market Square, 91 King St., corner of King and James streets, St. Catharines. Details
- Welland Farmers’ Market: Saturdays | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM @ 70 Young Street (between Young and Division Streets), Welland. Details
- Port Colborne Farmers’ Market: Fridays | 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM @ Market Square, located directly in front of City Hall, downtown Port Colborne. Details
VI. Thanksgiving Dinner/Events
Dining with a View:
Dine with a view and feast your senses by reserving a table at these restaurants overlooking the three falls that make up the mighty Niagara Falls.
Thanksgiving Dinner Dine-In Options
- Table Rock House Restaurant on October 6 – 9
- Noble Restaurant on October 8 to 9
- Tiara Restaurant on October 7 to 9
- The Cannery on October 8 to 9
- Inn On The Twenty Restaurant on October 7 to 9
More Dine-In Options
- Old Stone Inn Hotel
- Queenston Heights Restaurant
- Doc Magilligan’s Restaurant & Irish Pub
- Sheraton Fallsview Restaurant
- Betty’s Restaurant
- Sandstone GrillHouse
- Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant
- Open Table listing
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.