LINCOLN, ON – Thanksgiving weekend is almost here, and one of Niagara’s longest-running fall traditions is ready to welcome visitors back to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area.
The 52nd annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival takes place Friday, Oct. 9 to Monday, Oct. 12, bringing together more than 160 artisans and vendors, local food and beverages, live music, family entertainment, heritage demonstrations and tours, and outdoor activities against the colourful fall backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment.
“Thanksgiving weekend at Ball’s Falls is a tradition for generations of families, and there is such a great energy when the festival comes to life,” said Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Area Programs and Services with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). “There is so much to discover throughout the four-day festival - local artisans, heritage experiences, live entertainment, great food and the natural beauty of Ball’s Falls.”
The festival’s main stage will feature 16 musical acts over four days, with a diverse lineup of bands and solo artists, bringing a mix of folk, country, classic rock, Celtic and pop to enjoy. Friday’s lineup includes Amanda Lyn Parker, Swamperella, The Rhythm Hounds and Brousseau and Co. On Saturday, visitors can catch Jeff Beadle, Shania Twin, Rita and the Dreamers and Maeve & The Mystics. Sunday features Lucas Mason, Fiddlestix, Kim Kay and Stop 19, and Tin Roof, while Samantha Ava, East Coast Kitchen Party with Screeched Inn, The Remix and Minuscule close out the festival Monday.
Funding support for main stage music is provided in part by Niagara’s New Country 89.1 and Classic Rock 91.7 Giant FM.
Beyond the main stage, families can enjoy birds-of-prey shows daily, at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, presented by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, magic shows on the Chapel stage Saturday-Monday starting at 12:00 pm, free children’s face painting all weekend long, participate in crafts and family games, tours in the heritagevillage, and check out displays from Niagara Antique Power Association, Niagara Handweavers and Spinners Guild, and Niagara Woodcarvers.
Guided nature hikes at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm will take visitors along the trails within the conservation area, while special geology tours hosted by Niagara Geopark an6 will explore the natural history of the Niagara Escarpment.
Visitors can also step back in time in the historic village of Glen Elgin, where demonstrations including blacksmithing, weaving and spinning offer a glimpse into life in the 1800s.
At the centre of the heritage village is the historic Ball’s Falls grist mill. Originally established along Twenty Mile Creek in 1809, the mill will operate throughout the festival, grinding whole wheat into fresh, stone-ground flour using traditional methods. Bags of fresh stone-ground flour our produced at the mill will be available for purchase while supplies last.
More than160 craft, artisan and gourmet food vendors will fill the festival grounds throughout the weekend, offering handmade goods, art, jewelry, home decor, clothing, specialty foods and other locally and regionally made products. The festival’s farmers’ market will feature fresh produce and flowers, and locally grown products, while food and beverage vendors will offer festival favourites, sweet treats, local wine and craft beverages.
The festival also continues its longstanding connection to conservation, with $1 from every general admission ticket supporting the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) and conservation initiatives across the watershed.
Attendees can further support local conservation through the NPCF 50/50 draw, with tickets available throughout the festival for a chance to win part of the jackpot while supporting conservation projects and programs in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Ball’s Falls Conservation Areain Lincoln. Admission is $12 for adults and $9 for seniors aged 65 and older. Children’s admission is $9 aged 6 to 11 years old.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at thanksgivingfestival.ca or at the gate. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to reduce wait times.
Parking is included with admission and is available off Seventh Avenue. Visitors should follow festival signage upon arrival. Accessible parking is available to permit holders at the Centre for Conservation located off of Victoria.
The festival takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Visitors are encouraged to check the forecast and dress for the weather. The main festival grounds consist primarily of grass and gravel with some sloped areas, with accessible routes and facilities available. Pets are not permitted at the festival, except for valid service animals.
For the complete entertainment schedule, participating vendors, interactive festival map, tickets and information to help plan your visit, visit thanksgivingfestival.ca.
The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival is supported with funding provided by the Government of Ontario.
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca