Events and Festivals

Listing of Events for Fort Erie 2019

There are numerous events taking place in Fort Erie, including Crystal Beach and Ridgeway, throughout

the coming year 2019. Check out events, festivals, concerts, theatre, car shows, re-enactments and much more!

Polar Bear Dip and Chili Cookoff Challenge EVENT CANCELLED

Saturday January 5 , 2019
Bertie Boating Club

1010 Point Abino Road S., Ridgeway (Point Abino), just west of Crystal Beach

The 10th Annual Polar Bear Dip is expected to take place again this year at the Bertie Boating Club. The brave challengers will run into the water 3 times to qualify for their certificate. This will be followed by the Chili Cookoff, where contestants offer their version of the hot stuff, and the public can vote on their favourite dish. Drinks and refreshments are also available at the Bertie Boating Clubhouse. A large crowd always turns out to watch the fun. A fee of $5 applies for taking a dip or tasting chili. Organized by the Crystal Beach Business Improvement Association and the Bertie Boating Club. In water monitoring provided by the Fort Erie Underwater Recovery Unit and Scub Club (FEURU). Event runs 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The Big Dip takes place at 12:00 noon.

Mid Winter Pow-Wow
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Native Freindship Centre
796 Buffalo Road, Fort Erie

This will be the 24th Annual Pow-Wow. The Grand Entry takes place at 12 noon, with the elders, dressed in full native regalia, leading carrying the traditional flags. After the opening speeches, there will be dancing all afternoon, with various dances being performed, which may include the Smoke Dance, Jingle Dance, Hoop Dance and Intertribal Dance, A Vendors' Market features native handicrafts and jewelry. Refreshments are available. Native people come from all around to don their colourful regalia, which may be traditional or modern, and dance to the beat of the drums. A large crowd usually attends. Admission free, donations of non perisahable food or monetary are welcome. In the photo below, one of the elders wears a Potawatomi headress made of beaver pelt, porcupine quills, and eagle feathers.

Opening Day Ridgeway Farmers Market & Art by the Market
Saturday May 11, 2019
Friendship Trail Parking Lot, across from the Village Square, Ridge Road
Ridgeway

The Saturday morning market across from the Town Square starts its summer season. Local farmers offer fresh produce, meats, cheeses, honey, preserves, etc. At the adjoining Art Market, local artists, crafters, artisans and authors offer their wares. Come out for some good shopping and meet your neighboours. Markets open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 1:00 p.m. Continues through October 19.

Ridgeway Farmers Market

Fresh Produce

Crafters at Farmers Market

Niagara Railway Museum Open House
21 Warren Street, Fort Erie
Sat. & Sun. May 11 & 12, 2019

This is opening weekend for the Niagara Railway Museum, located in the old CNR depot building. See restored steam engine locomotives, boxcars, railway equipment and model displays. Admission by donation. Runs 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Folowing the Open House, the museum will be open to the public every Saturday from June 15 to Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fenian Walking Tours - Fight at the Fort Erie Docks

Wednesday, May 22 & Wed. May 29, 2019

Bertie St. Boat Launch on Niagara Blvd.

7:00 p.m.

Learn about the dramatic fight that took place when the Welland Canal Field Battery and the Dunnville Naval Brigade faced the invading American Fenian invaders on June 2, 1866. Walk over the ground where it happened. Meet at boat launch, parking available. Tour led by author/historian June Chipp. Sponsored by Bertie Historical Society. Admission free. Books about the event available on site. For information contact info@erieshoresescape.com

Opening Day Fort Erie Race Track
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road

The 122nd season at the historic Fort Erie Race Track opens. Live thoroughbred horse racing. Post time 4:20 p.m. Free concert at the Tiki Bar after race. For more information on the race track visit the Entertainment page.

Stevensville Spring-fest
Saturday, June 2019 (exact date TBA)
Stevensville Memorial Hall, 2508 Stevensville Rd.

Stevensville, Fort Erie

The 17th Annual Stevensville Springfest launches the season of summer festivals in Fort Erie. The event starts with a pancake breakfast at the Stevensville Fire Hall. Then the fair gets underway at the Stevensville Memorial Hall, both indoors and out. Visitors enjoy the offerings of artists, crafters, artisans, authors, and food vendors, along with entertainment and kids rides. Event runs 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Free admission. Free parking.

Stevensville Springfest

Indoor Market

Firetruck Train Ride

Fenian Walking Tours - Fight at the Fort Erie Docks

Wednesday, June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2019

Bertie St. Boat Launch on Niagara Blvd.

Ghost Tour of Old Fort Erie (Friday Night Fright Night)
Friday, June 2019
350 Lakeshore Rd., south of Central Avenue
Fort Erie

9:00 p.m.

Take a tour of the old British Fort with a guide and hear scary tales of the spirits that haunt its walls. Tour lasts about 2 hours. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Admission $7.50. Free parking.

Rods & Relics Car Show
Sunday, June 2019 (exact date TBA)

Fort Erie Conservation Club

2555 Ott Road, Stevensville

The 28th annual Rods & Relics Car Show sponsored by the Rods & Relics Car Club of Fort Erie will be heading to a new location this year. A few hundred vehicles are expected to be on display. About forty classes, including all types of autos from antique cars and trucks dating from the 1930 & 40's to 1950's & 60's classics as well as modern custom jobs. There will be door prizes, "Junk in the Trunk" swap meet, food, and DJ music from the rock era. Freel admission, net proceeds go to Tender Wishes. Runs 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

1935 Ford Coupe

1939 Plymouth Deluxe

1946 Dodge Pickup

Canada Day Celebration and Fireworks
Sunday, July 1, 2019
Old Fort Erie and Niagara River

Enjoy the annual fireworks display from anywhere along the river between the Old Fort and Central Avenue. Starts at 10:00 p.m. rain or clear.

Note Road Closure: Possible road closure on Lakeshore Road (Niagara Parkway) from 8:00 pm between Beatrice Street and Dominion Road. (This is the 1/2 kilometre strip just north of the Fort starting where the road splits).

Ghost Tour of Old Fort Erie (Friday Fright Night)

Friday, July 2019 (exacte date TBA)

Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Road, south of Niagara Blvd., Fort Erie

9:00 p.m.

Take a tour of the Old British Fort with a guide and hear scary tales of the spirits that haunt its walls. Doors open 8:30 p.m.Tour lasts about 2 hours. Admission $7.50. Free parking.

Ridgeway Summer Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 2019 (exact dates TBA)

Ridge Road, Downtown Ridgeway

Downtown Ridgeway will turn into a carnival for the 29th Annual Festival! Throughout the weekend, the main street, Ridge Road, will be closed to traffic and lined with many crafters and vendors all along the way. The pleasant sounds of 60's/70's rock and folk music will be heard wafting down the street. Includes live entertainment, artisan market, buskers, beer tent, face painting, food, and games. This festival is always enjoyed by a large crowd.

Friday - Beer Garden with live music - Ridgeway Square by the Friendship Trail on Ridge Rd.

Pancake Breakfast - Sat. & Sun.- Near Beer Store

Beachcombers Bazaar - Saturday - 237 Ridge Rd.

Wrap-up Party - Sunday - Barbq, music, cash bar - Royal Canadian Legion - 228 South Mill St.

Street Vendors

Ridge Road Flowers

Fun for All

Friendship Festival
Thursday-Sunday, July 2019 (exact dates TBA)
Mather's Arch, end of Garrison Rd. at Central Avenue, south of the Peace Bridge

Fort Erie

The Friendship Festival is celebrating its 33rd year. A large crowd from all over is expected to attend. There is lots of free parking in the vicinity.

Large Midway - Thurs.-Sun.

Market Place - Artists, artisans, crafters, etc. - Thurs. - Sun.

Family Zone - Interactive displays, environmental, reptiles, etc.
Multi Heritage Day

All Canadian Pageant - babies to teens.
Concerts - Fri. & Sat. night concerts in licensed zone.

Waterfront Concert - The Skins

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Waterfront Park

3175 Terrace Lane, Crystal Beach

7:00 p.m.

Enjoy an outdoor concert of rock and country music from the 1970's to the present. Bring a chair or blanket. Free admission. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach.

Circle of Art

Saturday, July 20, 2019
Queen's Circle, Crystal Beach

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This is the 5th Annual Circle of Art at Queen's Circle. Local artists and artisans display their work for sale in the circle by the Gazebo. Live music. Food Truck by Crystal Beach Candy Company - hot dogs, sausages, waffles, suckers, pop, water. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach.

Circle of Art 2016

Circle of Art 2017

Waterfront Concert - Toronto All-Star Big Band

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Crystal Beach Waterfront Park

3875 Terrace Lane, foot of Ridgeway Road, Crystal Beach

This popular band provides a first class performance every year, with a fresh new look. Music from the big band era of the 1930's and 40's. Relive the swing and jazz era. Crystal Beach's favourite band.

Waterfront Park 2018

Toronto All-Stars 2018

Waterfront Park 2019

Prince of Wales Stakes

Tuesday July 23, 2019
Fort Erie Racetrack

Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road, north of the QEW

Fort Erie

The 84th running of the Prince of Wales Stakes, which is the second jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, will be an exciting event. The Fort Erie Racetrack is one of the oldest running tracks in Canada, having been an institution since 1897. Post Time for first race 4:20 p.m. Free admission, free parking. For more information on the Racetrack see the Entertainment Page.

Crowds watch Prince of Wales Stakes

Cool Catomine won in 2017

Wonder Gadot wins easily in 2018

Siege of Fort Erie - Re-Enactment of the War of 1812
Saturday & Sunday, August 2019 (exact date TBA)
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd. at south end of Niagara Blvd.

Fort Erie

The Re-Enactment of the Siege of Fort Erie is a major 2 day event which takes place at the Old Fort every summer. This is the largest War of 1812 re-enactment in Canada. Re-enactors with authentic costumes and weaponry will bring to life the the Siege of Fort Erie in the year 1814. Various battles will depict the taking of the Fort by the American forces, then the British soldiers, local Militia and Native allies attacking the fort in an attempt to retake it. The highlight of the Saturday night battle will be the blowing up of the Fort in a burst of fire and smoke.
Tented encampments are set up around the fort grounds. An interesting Vendor & Artisan Market offers 1812 military memorabilia, guns and knives, leather goods, iron work and period clothing. Inside the Visitors Centre is an interactive museum display depicting the men and the battles of 1812-1814, and a theatre where a short video of the war is shown. Access to the Gift Shop, Snack Bar, Vendors' Market, outside grounds and view of battles is free. An all day admission ticket includes access to the museum display and tours of the Fort building. Lots of free parking is available nearby.

Also see Old Fort Erie in the History section of this website.

The American Army

British Redcoats

photo fort erie reenactment artisan market

Artisans Market

Waterfront Concert - Westwind

Sunday, August 11, 2019

3875 Terrace Lane, foot of Ridgeway Road

Crystal Beach

A 5 piece band presenting smooth country rock music from the late 1970's into the 1980's era. Come out and enjoy a casual evening in the park. Bring a chair or blanket. Free admission. Presented by Friends of Crystal Beach.

Ghost Tour of Old Fort Erie (Friday Fright Night)

Friday, August 2019 (exacte date TBA)

Old Fort Erie

350 Lakeshore Road, south of Niagara Blvd., Fort Erie

9:00 p.m.

Take a tour of the old British Fort with a guide and hear scary tales of the spirits that haunt its walls. Doors open 8:30 p.m. Tour last about 2 hours. Admission $7.50. Free parking.

Soldiers' Field Day
Saturday, August 2019 (exact date TBA)
Old Fort Erie
350 Lakeshore Road, south end of Lakeshore Blvd., Fort Erie

Re-enactors from the War of 1812 compete in drill competitions, speed loading demonstrations, and more.

Waterfront Concert - Neo Young Band

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Waterfront Park

3175 Terrance Lane, Crystal Beach

7:00 p.m.

This 5 piece band presents a tribute to the music of Neil Young, from the acoustic guitar to the electric sound. Outdoors in the park facing Lake Erie. Bring a chair or blanket. Free admission. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach.

Ongoing Summer Events 2019

Ridgeway Farmers and Art Market - Saturdays - Ridge Road at the Friendship Trail Parking Lot, Downtown Ridgeway
The farmers bring fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, honey, meats, plants, resfreshments. Art Market includes local artists, artisans, crafters, authors. Busking by local musicians. Ample free parking in the vicinity. Opens May 5, 2018 and runs through mid October. Saturday mornings 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Supper Market - Thursdays - Food trucks offer various fast foods. Waterfront Park in Crystal Beach. Thursdays, June - August. Runs 4 - 9 p.m. Presented by the Crystal Beach Business Improvement Area.

Horse Racing at Fort Erie Racetrack - Tuesday & Sunday. Concerts on Tuesdays. Farmers Market on Sundays. See the Entertainment page for details. Fort Erie Racetrack, Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road.

Summer Breezes Music Series - Ridgeway Legion, 228 South Mill St., Ridgeway

Dates 2019 TBA.

An evening of free live music outdoors. Bring a chair. Refreshments available.

FALL EVENTS & WINTER EVENTS

Niagara Railway Museum Open House (Rail Days)
Saturday, 2019 (exact date TBA)
21 Warren Street, Fort Erie
Time:

View the old train warehouse repair depot that has been turned into a railway museum. Old trains on display along with model trains, artifacts, and railway displays. Admission $5.00.

Murder Mystery at Old Fort Erie

Saturday, September 2019 (exacte date TBA)
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd. at south end of Niagara Blvd. south of Peace Bridge, Fort Erie

The Murder Mystery is a fun event. Walk through the Old Fort and meet shady characters while solving a mystery. Prizes. Doors open at 6:30 pm., starts at 7:00 pm. Admission $10 adults, kids $5.00.

The Taste of Fort Erie

Saturday, September 2019(exact date TBA)

Jarvis Street, Downtown Bridgeburg

12 Noon - 11:30 p.m.

This street festival is back again this year. The street will be closed off and lined with vendors, food trucks, kids play areas, etc. Live music. Fun for all.

Ridgeway Fall Festival

Saturday, September 2019 (exacte date TBA)

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ridge Road at the Village Square and Friendship Trail Parking Lot, Downtown Ridgeway

Road Closure: Ridge Road between Elm and Hibbard Streets

The 9th Annual Ridgeway Fall Festival is celebrated at the Village Square, on the street and at the Friendship Trail. The Farmers Market offers fresh produce, meats, honey, flowers, etc. at the Trail parking lot. There will be live music, artisans, food vendors, Fluffy the Clown, pumpkin carving contest, face painting, horse drawn wagon rides, pony rides, and kid's train ride.

Split Rock Farms Alpacas Open House
Saturday & Sunday, September 2019 (exacte dates TBA)
1652 Ridge Rd. N., Ridgeway

Open House at Split Rock Farms is a chance to get out in the country and enjoy viewing a working alpaca farm. The barn will feature fleece displays, alpaca clothing and other goods, jam preserves, etc. for sale. On the farm, visitors can take a tour or wander by the many pens of the strange but cute looking creatures. Free admission.

Crystal Beach 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 2019 (exact date TBA)
Erie Road, downtown Crystal Beach

Time: 11:00 a.m.

The 15th annual 5 Kilometre Run and Walk will take place along Erie Road in Crystal Beach. This is a flat fast certified course, starting and ending at the Crystal Chandelier Restaurant, 3878 Erie Rd. at corner of Ridgeway Rd. Awards in all age categories. Registration required (fee applies). Participants can still register on the day of the race. Kids Fun Race kicks off at 10:15 a.m., then the main event at 11:00 a.m.. Donations of non perishable food items welcome. Post race party at Sneakers Tavern. Sponsored by the Friends of Crystal Beach.

5K Run The Start

Kids Race Warms Up

Crowds at Start Gate

All Hallow's Eve Ghost Tour at Old Fort Erie
Dates for 2019 TBA.
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd. at south end of Niagara Blvd. south of Peace Bridge, Fort Erie

Times:

Just before Halloween the Old Fort celebrates All Hallow's Eve with a lantern light tour through the rooms of the old stone fort, with tales of ghostly encounters. Followed by the burning the effigy of Guy Fawkes at 8:30 p.m.. Movies will be shown in the theatre at 9:00 p.m. Reservations required for the ghost tour. Regular Admisson. Free parking.

The Tour Begins

Through the Gate

photo ghost tour guardhouse old fort erie

Into the Guardhouse

Lioness Christmas Magic Craft Show

Saturday, November 2019 (exact date TBA)
Crystal Ridge Community Centre

99 Ridge Rd. S., Ridgeway

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This annual craft show is alway popular. Lots of vendors with crafts, jewelery, hand knitted goods, books, and all kinds of goodies. Come and shop early for Christmas. Lunch available.

Red Ribbon Art Show

Saturday, November 2019 (exacte date TBA)
Lion's Hall Banquet Centre, Leisureplex

3 Municipal Centre Drive (off Garrison Rd. at Buffalo Rd.), Fort Erie

Time:

This art show is the major event produced by the Sanctuary Centre for the Arts. A wide array of art by local artists is featured for viewing and sale, including participation by local high school art students. Refreshments, music and cash bar. Admission $10.00

Remembrance Day Parade & Ceremony
Sunday, November 2019 (exacte date TBA)
Mather's Arch, end of Garrison Rd. at Central Avenue, Fort Erie

Start Time:

A marching band will assemble at the Royal Canadian Legion, 130 Garrison Road, .then proceed to Mather's Arch for the ceremony to honour the veterans of the 1st and 2nd World Wars and other wars.

Ringing of the Bells - Legion Hall - to commemorate the Armistice of the First World War on its 100th anniversary. Bells will be rung. Further information TBA.

Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 2019 (exacte date TBA)

Downtown Fort Erie

Start:

The 47th Annual Greater Fort Erie Santa Claus Parade will take place as usual in the old part of town. The popular parade will feature numerous floats from local service clubs, Shriners, marching bands, fire trucks and horses, and of course Santa Claus. Starts at the corner of Jarvis Street and Niagara Boulevard in Bridgeburg, proceeds to Central Avenue, turns south and goes down Central Avenue past Gilmore Road and ends at the corner of Central Avenue and Catherine Street. Pre-parade activities will take place at the Fort Erie Library at Central Ave. & Gilmore Rd.

Antique Fire Trucks - 2018

Port Colborne Auxillary Marine - 2018

Performance Plus - 2018

Spirit of Christmas
Friday & Saturday, December (exacte dates TBA)
Ridge Road, Downtown Ridgeway

This is the 24th Annual Spirit of Christmas festival in Ridgeway. It is a special time to enjoy the Christmas spirit while shopping at Ridgeway's unique shops. Stores will be decorated brightly as people come out to enjoy the special offerings of the village business community. Horse and carriage rides up and down Ridge Road, strolling carollers and Santa Claus, children's choirs. Festivities start Friday afternoon, and continue all day Saturday. Sponsored by the Ridgeway Business Improvement Area.

Ridgeway Winter Market

Saturdays, December 2019 (dates TBA)

Royal Canadian Legion

228 Mill St., Ridgeway

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon

These markets will be focusing on the Christmas Spirit. Baked goods, fall farm products, crafts, artisans, books. Come on out and do your Christmas shopping! Hot breakfast available for only $5.00. Photos with Santa.

Treaty of Ghent Tribute (Ringing of the Bells)
Monday, December 24, 2019 (event to be confirmed)
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71
130 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie

Time:

Originally started in 2014 to celebrate the end of the War of 2012-14 in Ghent, Belgium, this has become an annual event on Christmas Eve. A short ceremony with speeches and singing is followed by the bell ringing at 4:00 p.m. Refreshments available. Bring a bell if you have one. Open to the public, free admission. Organized by the Heritage Arts Legacy of Fort Erie.

Polar Bear Dip and Chili Cookoff Challenge

Saturday January 2020
Bertie Boating Club

1010 Point Abino Road S., Ridgeway (Point Abino), just west of Crystal Beach

The 11th Annual Polar Bear Dip is expected to take place again this year at the Bertie Boating Club. The brave challengers will run into the water 3 times to qualify for their certificate. This will be followed by the Chili Cookoff, where contestants offer their version of the hot stuff, and the public can vote on their favourite dish. Drinks and refreshments are also available at the Bertie Boating Clubhouse. A large crowd always turns out to watch the fun. A fee of $5 applies for taking a dip or tasting chili. Organized by the Crystal Beach Business Improvement Association and the Bertie Boating Club. In water monitoring provided by the Fort Erie Underwater Recovery Unit and Scub Club (FEURU). Event runs 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Big Dip at 12:00 noon.

Mid Winter Pow-Wow
Saturday, March , 2020 (exact date TBA)
Native Freindship Centre
796 Buffalo Road, Fort Erie

This will be the 25th Annual Pow-Wow. The Grand Entry takes place at noon, with the elders, dressed in full native regalia, leading carrying the traditional flags. After the opening speeches, there will be dancing all afternoon, with various dances being performed, which may include the Smoke Dance, Jingle Dance, Hoop Dance and Intertribal Dance, A Vendors' Market features native handicrafts and jewelry. Refreshments are available. Native people come from all around to don their colourful regalia, which may be traditional or modern, and dance to the beat of the drums. A large crowd usually attends. Admission free, donations of non perisahable food or monetary are welcome. In the photo below, one of the elders wears a Potawatomi headress made of beaver pelt, porcupine quills, and eagle feathers.