Thanksgiving Weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Day-by-Day Guide

Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts 32 events across 11 venues over the Thanksgiving long weekend (October 9–13, 2026), with 15 free events and prices ranging from $0 to $240. The holiday's distinct offerings include three Thanksgiving-themed dining experiences, a Thanksgiving Sunday church service, and a post-weekend commemorative battlefield tour — alongside the ongoing Shaw Festival production and nightly ghost walks.

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Friday, October 9 — Kickoff: Art, Wine, and Theatre

The weekend opens with a rich day of free exhibitions and evening entertainment. Three exhibitions are on view at Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre: 60 Years in a Large Landscape — A Photographic Retrospective by Ron Planche (11:00 a.m., Free), Contemplation in Nature: Solo Exhibition by Sherry Park (11:00 a.m., Free), and the Culture Days Drop Box Zine project (11:00 a.m., Free).

For something active, Confi-Dance! starts at 11:00 a.m. ($10), while FRESH Fridays at Shiny Apple Cider offers half-price wine by the glass and flights from 11:00 a.m. (Free).

The Shaw Festival's One for the Pot at Shaw Festival runs at 1:00 p.m. ($179.15). Later, Friday Night Pints at Niagara College Teaching Winery pours from 4:30 p.m. (Free).

The evening offers a mix: St. Andrew's Society Trivia Night at 6:30 p.m. ($40–$240), The Oaklands Winter Dinner Series at 6:30 p.m. (price not listed), Niagara-on-the-Lake Ghost Walks at 8:30 p.m. ($13–$17), and free live music from The O'Deadlys at The Irish Harp Pub at 8:30 p.m.

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Saturday, October 10 — Thanksgiving Dinners and Evening Shows

Saturday brings the first of the weekend's Thanksgiving dining. Thanksgiving 3-Course Dinner (NOTL Bar & Restaurant) at 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa is a $69 three-course affair. Meanwhile, Chef's Thanksgiving Favourites: Tasting Menu at Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant offers a curated tasting menu (price not listed).

For an active morning, the Age-Friendly Nature Walk for Older Adults departs at 10:00 a.m. ($10). The three Pumphouse exhibitions continue: 60 Years in a Large Landscape, Contemplation in Nature, and the Culture Days Drop Box Zine — all at 11:00 a.m. and free.

Saturday evening features One for the Pot at Shaw Festival at 7:00 p.m. ($179.15), Stevie G & The Gentle Spirits Big Band at 8:00 p.m. ($33.28), free live music from Patsy & The Muscle at The Irish Harp Pub at 8:30 p.m., and Niagara-on-the-Lake Ghost Walks at 8:30 p.m. ($13–$17).

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Sunday, October 11 — Thanksgiving Sunday: Run, Worship, and Feast

Sunday begins with the Sunday Run Club at Palatine Hills Estate Winery at 10:00 a.m. ($1), followed by a Thanksgiving Sunday service at St. Mark's Anglican Church at 10:30 a.m. (Free).

The third Thanksgiving dining experience of the weekend — A Trius Thanksgiving at Trius Winery & Restaurant — is available all day (price not listed). 60 Years in a Large Landscape continues at Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre at 11:00 a.m. (Free).

The Shaw Festival matinee of One for the Pot runs at 1:00 p.m. ($179.15). Live music at The Irish Harp Pub includes The Black Sheep at 2:00 p.m. (Free) and Sean Bienhaus at 7:30 p.m. (Free). The Niagara-on-the-Lake Ghost Walks wrap the evening at 8:30 p.m. ($13–$17).

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Monday, October 12 — Thanksgiving Day: A Quieter Day

Thanksgiving Monday is noticeably calmer, with two evening events on the schedule. Grass Mud Horse performs free live music at The Irish Harp Pub at 7:30 p.m., and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Ghost Walks continue at 8:30 p.m. ($13–$17). If you're looking for daytime activities on the holiday Monday itself, the FACTS list does not include any — so plan ahead and book Saturday or Sunday dining if a Thanksgiving meal is your priority.

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Tuesday, October 13 — Post-Weekend Bonus: Battlefield History

Though the official long weekend ends on Monday, a notable event rounds out the calendar on Tuesday: the Battle of Queenston Heights Commemorative Tour at Brock's Monument at Fort George National Historic Site (Parks Canada) is available for $5. If your schedule allows an extra day, it's a fitting historical capstone to a weekend in one of Canada's most heritage-rich towns.

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Planning Your Thanksgiving Weekend in NOTL

Thanksgiving meals: Three holiday-specific dining experiences are on offer — the Thanksgiving 3-Course Dinner at 124 on Queen ($69, Saturday), the Chef's Thanksgiving Favourites Tasting Menu at Peller Estates (Saturday, price not listed), and A Trius Thanksgiving at Trius Winery & Restaurant (Sunday, price not listed). Reserve early — these are among the weekend's most sought-after bookings.

Free events: With 15 of 32 events free of charge — including all three Pumphouse exhibitions, Culture Days programming, and live music at The Irish Harp Pub throughout the weekend — there's plenty to do on any budget.

Recurring highlights: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Ghost Walks run every evening Friday through Monday ($13–$17), and One for the Pot at Shaw Festival plays Friday at 1:00 p.m., Saturday at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ($179.15).