FREE Things To Do In Niagara Falls For Summer

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Niagara Falls, famous for its breathtaking beauty, offers more than just its iconic waterfalls. Surprising as it may seem, there are numerous exciting and memorable activities to enjoy here without spending a dime. Let’s explore some of the free attractions that make this destination even more extraordinary!

Experience the Falls for Free

Witnessing the majestic power and beauty of Niagara Falls is a must, and it’s available 24/7, all year round. Stroll along the promenade, feel the mist on your face, and be awed by nature’s masterpiece. For a different perspective, take a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway to admire the falls from your car.

Don’t miss the nightly fireworks and illumination of the falls, where vibrant colors light up all three waterfalls. This enchanting event happens every evening and is completely free.

https://www.cliftonhill.com/niagara-falls/livecam


Free Fireworks in Queen Victoria Park

When: Daily until October 14th, 2024

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the 2024 Falls Fireworks Series in Niagara Falls. Prepare to be mesmerized by jaw-dropping fireworks displays set against the iconic American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. For years, Niagara Parks’ Falls Fireworks Series has amazed visitors with over 100 spectacular displays annually.

The fireworks can be enjoyed from various vantage points, including Clifton Hill, Queen Victoria Park and the Top of the Falls, every day from now until October 9th, starting at 10 pm. Please note that all displays are subject to weather conditions.

https://www.cliftonhill.com/events/niagara-falls-fireworks


Niagara Falls Free Illumination

When: See Charts Below

Falls Illumination Schedule

JANUARY 1 – JANUARY 315 PM – 1 AM
FEBRUARY 1 – MARCH 115:30 PM – 1 AM
MARCH 12 – MARCH 317:30 PM – 2 AM
APRIL 1- MAY 148:00 PM – 2 AM
MAY 15 – JULY 318:30 PM – 2 AM
AUGUST 1 – AUGUST 158:00 PM – 2 AM
AUGUST 16 – AUGUST 317:30 PM – 2 AM
SEPTEMBER 1 – 197:00 PM – 2 AM
SEPTEMBER 20 – 306:30 PM – 2 AM
OCTOBER 1 – 156:15 PM – 2 AM
OCTOBER 16 – OCTOBER 316:00 PM – 2 AM
NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 314:30 PM – 2 AM

Special Illumination Schedule:

DATETIMECAUSECOLOUR(S)
July 1Top of every hour for 15 minutesCanada DayRed, White
July 4Top of every hour for 15 minutesIndependence DayRed, White, Blue
July 510:00 – 10:15National Injury Prevention DayGreen
July 510:15 – 10:30Independence Day of VenezuelaYellow, Blue, Red
July 510:30 – 10:4562e Anniversaire de la fête de l’indépendance et de la Jeunesse AlgérieGreen, Red, White
July 710:00 – 10:15Vardavar CelebrationRed, Blue, Orange
July 810:00 – 10:15Honour of Heather Winterstein – Fort Erie Native Friendship CentrePink
July 910:00 – 10:15We Are NATO / NATO 75Blue, White
July 910:15 – 10:3050 Days to the Paralympic Games: IGNITE CanadaPurple, Red, White
July 1010:00 – 10:15The Bahamas Independence Day Celebrations 2024Blue, Yellow
July 1010:15 – 10:30Nikola Tesla’s BirthdayRed, Blue, White
July 1010:30 – 10:45Chronic Disease DayOrange, White
July 1110:00 – 10:15National Day of MongoliaRed, Blue, Red
July 1310:00 – 10:15Nikola Tesla Day FestivalRed, Blue, White
July 1410:00 – 10:15Bastille DayBlue, White, Red
July 1910:15 – 10:30Remembering First RespondersRed, White, Black, Yellow
July 2010:00-10:15Independence Day of ColumbiaRed, Blue, Yellow
July 2210:00 – 10:15World Fragile X DayTeal
July 2410:00 – 10:15World Indigenous Suicide PreventionTeal, Purple
July 2610:00 – 10:15Light Up for Sarcoma (Sarcoma Awareness Month)Yellow
July 2810:00 – 10:15World Hepatitis DayGreen
July 3010:00 – 10:1524th Anniversary of Throne Day/ 24eme Anniversaire de la Fête du TrôneCanadian Falls (Green) American Falls (Red)
August 310:00 – 10:15August Autoinflammatory Awareness Month/International Autoinflammatory Awareness MonthOrange
August 610:00 – 10:15Bolivia Independence Day in CanadaRed, Yellow, Green
August 710:00 – 10:15Purple Heart DayPurple
August 710:15 – 10:30World PVNH Disorder Awareness DayCanadian Falls (Pink, Yellow, Pink, Yellow) American Falls (Yellow, Pink, Yellow, Yellow)
August 810:00 – 10:15Brother Sister Community DayPink, Blue, Pink, Blue
August 1010:00 – 10:15Ecuador Independence DayYellow, Blue, Red
August 1610:00 – 10:15Restoration Day of the Dominican RepublicBlue, White, Red
August 1610:15 – 10:30The 79th Indonesia Independence DayRed, White
August 2210:15 – 10:30Niagara Irish Festival 2024Green, White, Orange
August 2410:00 – 10:15Independence Day of UkraineBlue, Yellow
August 3110:00 – 10:15International Overdose Awareness DayPurple
September 110:00 -10:15Prostate Cancer Awareness MonthBlue
September 110:15 – 10:30World PCOS DayTeal
September 210:00 – 10:15Slovak Republic Constitution DayWhite, Blue, Red
September 510:00 – 10:15Unification DayWhite, Green, Red
September 910:00 – 10:15International 9p Minus Awareness DayCanadian Falls (Green, Blue) American Falls (Blue, Green)
September 1010:00 – 10:15World Suicide Prevention DayYellow
September 1110:00 – 10:15Childhood Cancer Awareness MonthYellow/Gold
September 1310:00 – 10:15World Sepsis DayPink
September 1410:00 – 10:15COVID Remembrance Walk 2024Yellow
September 1410:15 – 10:30Costa Rica Independence DayBlue, White, Red
September 1510:00 – 10:15El Salvador’s Independence Day CelebrationBlue, White, Blue
September 1510:15 – 10:30Join the Fight With Lights Against Pediatric CancerYellow
Septrember 1810:00 – 10:15Chile’s National DayRed, Blue, White
September 2110:00 – 10:15Conquer Chiari Walk Across AmericaPurple

https://www.cliftonhill.com/events/niagara-falls-illumination


Stroll Through Clifton Hill’s Street of Fun by the Falls

Clifton Hill, known as the “Street of Fun by the Falls,” offers a lively and entertaining experience. Enjoy a casual walk down this vibrant street filled with fun attractions, colorful shops, and unique sights. Though some activities may have a fee, simply soaking in the lively atmosphere costs nothing.

https://www.cliftonhill.com

Explore the Natural Wonders

Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings by embarking on scenic hikes or leisurely walks through nearby Queen Victoria Park and Oakes Garden Theatre at the base of Clifton Hill. These two parks provide stunning vantage points to marvel at the cascading waters and lush landscapes.

Queen Victoria Park
Oakes Garden
Dufferin Islands

Additionally, there are many other beautiful parks just a short drive away, such as the Botanical Gardens and Queenston Heights.

Botanical Gardens
Floral Clock
Queenston Heights

Fiesta Extravaganza Niagara

When: August 3 & 4, 2024 at Firemens Park 

Experience the vibrant Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza, a celebration of Filipino culture and community. Held on August 3-4th, 2024, at Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario, this event featured lively music, cultural performances, delicious food, exciting games, and stunning car and bike shows. The highlight was a special performance by the Philippines’ R&B Prince, Jay-R.

https://www.cliftonhill.com/events/fiesta-extravaganza


Port Colborne Canal Days

When: August 2nd-5th, 2024

Join us for the 46th Annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival in 2024, where family-friendly activities and attractions await. Celebrate the history and heritage along the Welland Canal every Civic Holiday weekend with a four-day extravaganza. In 2024, the festival will see the return of many signature attractions along with new additions festivalgoers are sure to enjoy.

Attractions at the Festival

  • West Street Festival Grounds: The central hub for festival activities.
  • Empire Sandy Cruises: Enjoy scenic cruises on this historic tall ship.
  • Kids Zone: Fun-filled activities and entertainment for the little ones.
  • Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum: Explore the rich maritime history of the area.
  • Marine Vessel Deck Tours: Get an up-close look at various marine vessels.
  • Fireworks: A spectacular display lighting up the night sky.
  • Boat Parade of Lights: Watch beautifully decorated boats parade through the water.
  • Craft Show: Browse and buy unique handmade crafts.
  • Recreation Zone: Engage in various recreational activities and sports.
  • Classic Car Show: Admire a collection of classic and vintage cars.
  • Lighthouse Tours: Discover the history and stories of local lighthouses.
  • Carnival Midway: Enjoy thrilling rides and classic carnival games.

Don’t miss out on the excitement! Join us at Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival and create unforgettable memories with your family. Check out the thrilling moments captured from past celebrations!

https://www.canaldays.ca


City of Niagara Falls Free Activities

Experience the cultural heartbeat of the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, this summer with a plethora of free events and activities. Immerse yourself in open air markets and captivating exhibitions at local museums, where history and art come alive.

The Goldspink Collection: An Exhibition of Niagara Falls

Dates: Now – September 8, 2024
Location: Niagara Falls Museum
Address: 5810 Ferry St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9

The Niagara Falls History Museum received the Goldspink Collection in the summer of 2023 from the TAG Art Gallery. This donation from Tom and Frank Goldspink includes prints, watercolors, and pencil drawings depicting Niagara Falls. The exhibition showcases artworks from the late 17th to mid-20th century, many collected from descendants of British military personnel in Niagara. The museum is proud to preserve this collection for public access.

https://nfexchange.ca/events/2878_1281

The Cataract House: A True American Musical

Date and Time: August 2, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Exchange
Address: 5943 Sylvia Place. Niagara Falls, Ontario
Cost: Free

In 1853, Niagara Falls attracted visitors worldwide, including writers, politicians, celebrities, and others. Many stayed at the Cataract House Hotel, a renowned luxury hotel and significant Underground Railroad site. Led by head waiter John Morrison, the hotel’s African American staff secretly aided freedom seekers escaping to Canada. Kamala Boeck, in collaboration with the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and The Becton International Black Theater & ARTS Consortium, is developing this story into a musical. The event will feature a staged concert of the performance.

https://www.cataracthousemusical.org

Community Art Project 2024

Date and Time: July 4, 11 & 18 | August 8 & 29 | September 12 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Niagara Falls Museum
Address: 5810 Ferry St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9
Cost: Free

To honor the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent, this project invites participants to create thematic tiles inspired by Nadine Williams’ poem “The Fabric of Our Being.” The final artwork will be displayed at the Niagara Falls Night of Art on September 19, 2024.

Artist Bio: Nadine Williams is an award-winning poet, author, and arts educator with a 16-year career. She has opened for heads of state and lectured at universities worldwide.

https://nfexchange.ca/events/2888_1291

Niagara Falls Farmers Market

Dates: Now – October 26, 2024
Schedule: Every Saturday, 7 AM – 1 PM
Location: Niagara Falls Exchange
Address: 5943 Sylvia Place. Niagara Falls, Ontario

The Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market features local growers, makers, and bakers. Enjoy weekly live music, entertainment, children’s activities, and community initiatives. Note: Vendor applications for 2024 are now closed.

https://nfexchange.ca/market

Open Artist Studios & Market

Dates: Now – July 30, 2024
Schedule: Saturdays, during the Farmers’ Market
Location: The Niagara Exchange, 2nd Floor
Address: 5943 Sylvia Place. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Explore the artist studios while visiting the Farmers’ Market. Meet artists, view their work, and browse market booths. Participate in the Trade or Toss Swap Table by bringing art or craft supplies to exchange.

Website: bewhimsiartloft.ca | Instagram: @artbyrhiannonbarry

https://nfexchange.ca/events/2890_1302


Niagara on the Lake Annual Peach Festival

Join us on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, in the historical district of Niagara-on-the-Lake! The event runs from 10am to 5pm on Queen Street, between Gate Street and King Street.

Dates: Saturday, August 10th, 2024 10am to 5pm
Location: Queen Street, Niagara on the Lake between Gate Street and King Street
Admission: Free to the public

Celebrate everything peach at the 2024 Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival! Enjoy local peach-flavored brews and ciders at the Sips of Summer Drink Patio.

Explore a variety of vendors offering both sweet and savory culinary treats infused with Niagara-on-the-Lake’s homegrown peaches. Support local farmers by purchasing fresh, juicy peaches, perfect for a summer treat.

The festival features non-stop entertainment with live music performances to keep your spirits high. Don’t miss the traditional Peach Pie Contest, where bakers compete for the title of best peach pie in Niagara.

Want to enter the Peach Pie Contest? Bring your pies to the lower level of the Courthouse between 9am and 11am on August 10th. Judging will take place at 12pm.

https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/peachfestival2024


Siege of Fort Erie Reenactment

Experience a slice of history at Old Fort Erie during the Annual Siege Reenactment from August 10th to 11th, 2024. This event brings to life the tumultuous days of the War of 1812, with reenactors portraying the fierce battles that earned Old Fort Erie its reputation as Canada’s bloodiest battlefield.

Dates: August 10th, 2024 | August 11th, 2024 at 10am
Location: Old Fort Erie, Fort Erie at 350 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2A 1B1
Admission: Free to the public for camp and battle reenactments.

Starting at 10 a.m. both days, visitors can explore the fort and witness live demonstrations of historical military tactics, including soldiers clashing and cannons firing. The highlight of the weekend is the full battle reenactment, scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.

While the reenactments and camp activities are free and open to the public, there is an admission fee for access to Old Fort Erie and the Saturday Night Lantern Tour. Free parking is available at the Old Fort Erie Welcome Centre.

No registration is needed for spectators. However, those interested in participating as reenactors must register in advance.

Come and immerse yourself in this engaging and educational experience that vividly recreates a pivotal moment in Canadian history.

https://www.niagaraparks.com/events/event/annual-siege-of-old-fort-erie-reenactment


Additional Free Things to Do This Summer

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or simply looking to enrich your Niagara Falls experience, these free activities allow you to fully embrace the magic of this remarkable destination. Enjoy your visit and create unforgettable memories!

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