Canadian Authors' Reading Series

296 Fielden Ave, Port Colborne, ON L3K 5X7 905-834-7572

Description: Writer William Thomas is the brains and energy behind this very popular literary series, which brings in some of Canada's top wordsmiths each month for an evening full of wit and the written word. Past editions of the program have welcomed Margaret Atwood, Alistair MacLeod, Farley Mowat and Mordecai Richler. To attend, you'll have to get lucky ­ the series competely sells out every season. NB Seven O'Clock Tastings usually feature live music and wines and spirits produced in Canada.
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Candy Cane Lane 5k Race & Fun Run

6400 Lundy's Ln, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1T6 905-356-1161

Description: Starting in front of the Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel, the Candy Cane Lane 5k Race is a fun, competitive way to kick off the holiday season. If you decide to lace 'em up and join in, don't be surprised to show up on race day and find that most of the other runners are dressed in funny, often themed costumes. Medals and prizes are given to the winners of various categories, including the top male and female finishers.
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Niagara Falls International Marathon

Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E

Description: It's not often that you're allowed to run ­ legally ­ across the imaginary line diving Canada from its neighbor to the south. But that's just what folks who participate in the Niagara Falls Marathon get to do. The course starts in Buffalo, NY, in front of the Albright-Knox Gallery, and from there crosses the Peace Bridge, follows the scenic Niagara Parkway and concludes just in front of the majestic Falls. NB There are shorter runs held on race day as well as Health and Fitness Expo (Friday-Saturday), Saturday night Pasta Party and other family-friendly events.
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Niagara Folk Arts Festival

Various locations, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3M2

Description: For nearly 40 years, fun, merriment and entertainment has come in a 16-day package to the Niagara region, just 15 minutes drive from the Falls. Various ethnic groups who've influenced the area are honored with music, art, dance, crafts and food. The events promote diversity and understanding and celebrate the cultural and spiritual heritage of Romanians, Russians, Muslims, Sardinians, Armenians, Filipinos and many others. Many events are free.
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Niagara Food Festival

Main St, Historic Downtown Welland, Welland, ON L3B 3J2

Description: If you love food (and, really, who doesn't?), make plans to attend this food festival, which is billed as the "Peninsula's Tastiest Party. Held in Welland's historic downtown area, the festival features the tasty efforts of dozens of chefs, vintners and brewers. There's also plenty of great live music, performances by buskers, a children's area and one pretty competitive apple pie baking contest.
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Niagara Icewine Festival

5875 Falls Ave, Sheraton on the Falls, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6W7 905-374-4445

Description: If you're thinking you have to wait until spring to savor the bounty of Niagara's VQA wine country, think again! This celebration spans 10 days and celebrates one of region's most valuable resources: Ontario Icewine. Events include fancy dinners, wine and food seminars and even outdoor tastings. NB Buying a festival Discovery Pass gets you discounts, deals and free admission on everything from tastings to winery tours.
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Niagara New Vintage Festival

135 Taylor Rd, Niagara Culinary Institute, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 905-688-0212

Description: The Niagara Region has made great strides over the years when it comes to viticulture, and each spring you can feel the buzz and excitement of season's new vintages. You can get into the spirit yourself by visiting Niagara restaurants and vineyards and taking part in tours, tastings and other wine-related events. Be sure not to miss the opening weekend's Wine and Cheese Seminar Series, hosted by the Dairy Farmers of Canada. NB Buying a festival Discovery Pass gets you discounts on restaurants, hotel stays and wine country excursions.
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Niagara Wine Festival

Lake St, Montebello Park, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3B3

Description: Held in September, this 10-day celebration salutes the Niagara Region's haute side via a busy slate of winery tours, wine tastings, artisan shows, regional cooking events and terrific concerts and family-friendly entertainment. The good times culminate on the final Saturday with the Pen Centre Grande Parade through downtown St. Catharines. NB Buying a festival Discovery Pass gets you discounts, deals and free admission on everything from tastings to winery tours.
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Niagra Falls Comedy Fest

4700 Epworth Cir, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 1C6

Description: For two nights in November, the Niagara Centre for the Arts will experience a bit of the lighter side of the performing arts when top Canadian standups like Brent Butt, John Pinette and Terry McGurrin assemble to take part in the debut of Comedy Fest. There should be plenty of laughs and good times to go around, but the shows are for adult ears only (nobody under 19 is permitted).
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Winter Festival of Lights

Niagara Falls Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2

Description: Although the first festival was held in 1925, it wasn't until the early 1980s that this event became a regular celebration. These days, the city blazes with light from November through early January, and the illuminated falls are joined by light displays in local streets and parks, a parade with luminous floats, and fireworks extravaganzas. Concerts highlighting Christmas carols, rock, country and children's music provide plenty of variety, and visitors can also view Disney-themed light displays in Queen Victoria Park. Come see why the Niagara Falls Parkway is re-named Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland each winter!
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