Niagara Falls 
Events Description
2026 celebrates the 48th Annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, offering activities and attractions for the whole family. Join us every Civic Holiday weekend for a four-day celebration of the history and heritage along the Welland Canal.
Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival encompasses the entire community. The Vale Health & Wellness Centre hosts Ontario’s largest outdoor Classic Car Show and an indoor Craft Show. Seaway Park hosts our kids’ zone with plenty of games, entertainment, and activities.
At the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum the history of the Welland Canal is on display, and heritage artisans can be seen working their trade. Historic West Street is home to many of our local businesses, festival food and shopping kiosks, our Patio on West, the Empire Sandy Tall Ship, other vessels, and our recreation zone.
The Canal Days Concert series is located at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park and features top-notch entertainment nightly.
Main stage concerts
This year’s mainstage will be located at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, featuring two nights of live Canadian music and entertainment. The City is proud to unveil the following performers for 2026:
Friday, July 31, proudly presented by 97.7 HTZ-FM
- Opening the festival are Toronto rockers Bleeker, known for their high-energy live performances and modern rock sound. With chart-topping singles like “Highway” and “Where’s Your Money,” the JUNO-nominated band has built a strong following across Canada and beyond.
- Next up is powerhouse Canadian singer-songwriter JJ Wilde, whose gritty vocals and fearless rock sound have made her one of Canada’s breakout artists. Best known for hits like “The Rush” and “Best Boy,” Wilde became the first female artist to win Rock Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards in more than 25 years.
- Headlining Friday night is iconic Canadian rock band Big Wreck. Led by acclaimed vocalist and guitarist Ian Thornley, the band has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most respected rock acts with powerhouse songs including “The Oaf,” “Albatross,” and “That Song.” Known for their incredible musicianship and explosive live shows, Big Wreck promises an unforgettable opening night at Canal Days.
Saturday, August 1, proudly presented by Dream 105.7
- Kicking off night two is Niagara’s own Street Pharmacy, bringing their energetic blend of alternative rock, reggae and punk influences to the Canal Days stage. The local favourites have become known for their crowd-pleasing live performances and strong roots in the Niagara music scene.
- Then, acclaimed Canadian reggae-rock band Bedouin Soundclash takes the stage with their unmistakable fusion of rock, ska, reggae and world music influences. The JUNO Award-winning group rose to international fame with songs like “When The Night Feels My Song” and “Walls Fall Down,” delivering a sound that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
- Closing out the Canal Days 2026 concerts are beloved Canadian indie-folk favourites The Strumbellas. Known for their infectious energy, singalong anthems and chart-topping hit “Spirits,” the multi-award-winning band has captivated audiences internationally with their signature blend of indie rock, folk and alternative pop sounds.
Family fun for everyone
The festival will see the return of many well-loved signature attractions along with new additions participants are sure to enjoy.
While Canal Days is known for its free outdoor concerts, the festival offers much more than music. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly attractions, interactive experiences, marine heritage activities, and entertainment throughout the Civic Holiday weekend.
Families will find plenty to enjoy in the Kids Zone, presented by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, featuring foam parties, mascots, STEM programming, and more.
The Recreation Zone, presented by Sullivan Mahoney, and operated by the YMCA of Niagara, will once again offer activities for all ages, including virtual reality gaming, basketball, cornhole, and even visits from the Niagara River Lions.
New for 2026, the Outdoor Zone, presented by Bass Pro Shops, will be located at the corner of West Street and Sugarloaf Street and will provide an adventure-themed destination featuring outdoor-inspired activities and experiences.
Visitors can also explore the rich history of Port Colborne at the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum, supported this year by Claire’s Logistics. Throughout the weekend, the museum will offer exhibits, programming, and activities celebrating the marine heritage that has defined Canal Days for nearly five decades.
The festival’s popular Sunday night fireworks display, presented by Port Colborne Quarries and Rankin Construction, will once again light up the sky following the Boat Parade of Lights. Visitors can also stop by the Information Booth, presented by BLG Lawyers, for festival information, schedules, and assistance throughout the weekend.
Building on Canal Days’ marine heritage roots, the City is expanding nautical experiences beyond the museum grounds and further into the heart of the festival. New interactive displays and exhibits will provide additional opportunities for visitors to connect with Port Colborne’s unique maritime history.
The Empire Sandy Tall Ship, presented by Algoma Central Corporation and Allied Marine & Industrial, will return for the 2026 festival. Festivalgoers can experience a variety of sailing adventures, including scenic cruises, sunset sails, and lock transit experiences through the Welland Canal.
A new partnership with Tall Ships Canada, presented by Intact Public Entities and McAvoy Belan, & Campbell Insurance, will bring additional marine heritage programming to West Street and the canal corridor. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the St. Lawrence II, while enjoying educational programming, crew meet-and-greets, interactive activities, and unique photo opportunities.
Several other vessels will enhance the marine heritage experience. The STV Pathfinder, operated by Brigs Youth Sail Training, is a 72-foot sail training vessel that provides youth with hands-on maritime experiences and cruises throughout the Canal Days weekend.
The E.M. Cotter fireboat is also expected to return once again, pending its final inspection. If approved, it will offer deck tours and help marshal the Boat Parade of Lights.
Who is it for?
all-ages
HOW MUCH
Free and Ticketed Events
Concerts are free for all ages. However, at the gate we do ask for a donation in order to help us keep the concerts free moving forward.
In order to purchase alcohol, you will be required to obtain a wristband at one of the main entrances. Government-issued photo ID is required to obtain a wristband.
Empire Sandy Cruise – Varies
How to get tickets?
Lighthouse Tours: Sign-up for tours at the Sugarloaf Marina Pavilion during Canal Days weekend.
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:July 31 – August 3, 2026
Fireworks — Sunday
The fireworks are held on Sunday evening, generally around 10 p.m. along the Welland Canal. The Boat Parade of Lights is a pre-show to the fireworks and begins at roughly 9:15 p.m. The fireworks time is subject to change due to St. Lawrence Seaway traffic.
Venue:
Welland Avenue, Port Colborne — Kids Zone at Seaway Park/Bridge 21, Vendors, Food
King Street at Elgin Street, Port Colborne — Museum, Carnival, Food & Kids Zone
King Street at Charlotte Street, Port Colborne — Vendors, Food, City Hall, Vessels and Main Festival
Sugarloaf Street at Elm Street, Port Colborne — Concert Series, Marina, and Lighthouse Tours
Midway located on King Street
West Street in downtown Port Colborne along the Canal is the best place to view this exhilarating firework show.
Ride the FREE Canal Days shuttle from the Vale Health & Wellness Centre parking lot (550 Elizabeth Street) or the West Side Plaza Parking Lot (53 West Side Road) to the heart of the action and to navigate yourself around the festival!
Free/Paid/Street Parking
Free parking during the festival is available at:
- The Vale Health & Wellness Centre, 550 Elizabeth Street, with shuttle service
- West Side Plaza Parking Lot, 53 West Side Road, with shuttle service
- Market Square, 59 Charlotte Street, with shuttle service at Charlotte at King Street
Free air-conditioned shuttle service.
Nestled at the junction of the Welland Canal and Lake Erie north shore, Port Colborne is a working marine community, with a rich nautical history and welcoming hospitality. At the height of summer, the entire city takes time to celebrate the reasons why this picturesque town has grown and prospered. Each year more than 300,000 people visit the festival of the four days.
