This year, the August long weekend spans from Aug 2-4, and there are so many fun ways to enjoy it across Ontario! From rib festivals and night markets to beach bashes along Lake Erie’s northern shore, here’s a list of some fantastic festivals you should check out this Civic Holiday weekend.
@tastehamont/Instagram
Take advantage of this long weekend to taste delicious East Asian foods from various vendors offering squid skewers, yaki, tofu and more while enjoying captivating lion dancers well into the night! Free entry. 200 Harbour Front Dr., Bayfront Park, Hamilton
Courtesy portcolborne. ca
Visit Port Colborne for a four-day celebration honoring history along the Welland Canal! This year marks the festival’s 47th anniversary; expect carnival rides along King Street alongside an Annual Classic Car Show at Vale Health & Wellness Centre plus a stunning fireworks display on Sunday evening. Musical guests include The Trews and Sloan among others. West Street, Port Colborne
Courtesy Port Stanley Calipso Festival/Facebook
During this long weekend port Stanley will become a lively festival hub with live shows including Captain Thom Bedlam’s Magic Show and performances by Captain Finn and the Salty Sea Dogs. Kids can enjoy activities such as a Pirate Carnival Ride at West Harbour while adults can explore local vendors at Calipso marketplace offering unique gifts just in time for Christmas shopping alongside an array of food trucks across the harbor. Main Street East Berm Port Stanley
Aug2 -4 : Ontario Pirate Festival Guelph</ h
What better way to kick off your long weekend than visiting Dry Bluffs pirate village? There’ll be food , ale , entertainment , merchants selling treasures ranging from silks to swords. For adults head over Saturday night for Captain Keg party starting at7 pm until closing. Admission costs children under five free ; ages six through sixteen$12; adults seventeen sixty-four $20 ; seniors sixty-five + $12 ; family pack two adults up six kids$60. The Keg party is only for ages19+with cover chargeof $15. Marden Park ,7368 Wellington County Road30, Guelph p >< h i j e b w e h o s t y r y i j e n j o u u g l ' + f c f o g d l r k c W t p n Y n q U t d Z X z v r H J E L x P C H S V z I O A G Q Q V J I X H H S f P f D y A W V K T T K E P Y B m L N v N E u B G q X F A A F S T R O M L W S T J b l Q Y D K v X U k e Q< h |c |
July 31-Aug 4: London Ribfest
Indulge in some of the tastiest ribs in London, prepared by top pitmasters like Jack the Ribber, Texas Jack’s, and Gonzalez BBQ! If ribs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other tasty options like beef ribs, chicken, sides, fries, gyros, veggie burgers and more! Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St., LondonAug 1-3: Celebrating 25 Years of WDRA Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend
Courtesy grandbendmotorplex. com This is the biggest drag racing event of the year and one of Canada’s largest (ideal for racing fans). Since it’s the festival’s 25th anniversary, expect thrilling acts featuring Top Fuel Dragsters and Nostalgia Nitro Funnies among others. Shirley Muldowney will return as Grand Marshal just like she did back then. Weekend camping is available on-site. Click here to pre-register online. Grand Bend Motorplex, 70292 Grand Bend Line, Grand BendAug 1-3: Lucky Lion Night Market in Hamilton
@tastehamont/Instagram
Take advantage of this long weekend to taste delicious East Asian foods from various vendors offering squid skewers, yaki, tofu and more while enjoying captivating lion dancers well into the night! Free entry. 200 Harbour Front Dr., Bayfront Park, Hamilton
Aug 1-3: Waterloo Rib & Beer Fest
Savor perfectly grilled ribs from top BBQ chefs in Waterloo! Along with mouthwatering food come live music performances featuring tribute bands for AC/DC, The Tragically Hip and The Rolling Stones. RIM Park, 2001 University Ave E., WaterlooAug 1-4: Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival in Port Colborne
Courtesy portcolborne. ca
Visit Port Colborne for a four-day celebration honoring history along the Welland Canal! This year marks the festival’s 47th anniversary; expect carnival rides along King Street alongside an Annual Classic Car Show at Vale Health & Wellness Centre plus a stunning fireworks display on Sunday evening. Musical guests include The Trews and Sloan among others. West Street, Port Colborne
Aug 1-5: Scarborough Ribfest
Enjoy a long weekend packed with delicious ribs accompanied by beer and cider! Watch as North America’s best ribbers compete for trophies like “best ribs,” “best sauce,” and “best chicken”! Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Rd., ScarboroughAug 2-Aug 4: Port Stanley C. A. L. I. P. S. O. Festival
Courtesy Port Stanley Calipso Festival/Facebook
During this long weekend port Stanley will become a lively festival hub with live shows including Captain Thom Bedlam’s Magic Show and performances by Captain Finn and the Salty Sea Dogs. Kids can enjoy activities such as a Pirate Carnival Ride at West Harbour while adults can explore local vendors at Calipso marketplace offering unique gifts just in time for Christmas shopping alongside an array of food trucks across the harbor. Main Street East Berm Port Stanley








