From nature-inspired artwork to a night filled with laughter, arts and culture lovers have so much to discover in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands. Find inspiration in the creativity of local artists, catch a basketball or hockey game, or create your own piece of art.
Gallery hop through St. Catharines and the Benchlands with these stops. Jordan Art Gallery in Jordan Village features diverse work in multiple forms from local Niagara artists, Grevpode Gallery in Vineland curates a collection of quirky and colourful folk art, and St. Catharines’ TAG Art Gallery showcases a varied collection of paintings by contemporary artists. Artist Floyd Elzinga has a studio and gallery space in Beamsville, where he creates stunning sculptures inspired by the forests and rich natural environment around him. The John Mann Gallery, located on the grounds of 13th Street Winery, features outdoor sculptures and a gallery showcasing Canadian art. Located in downtown St. Catharines, the Rodman Art Institute of Niagara features the community’s treasured art collection with a focus on curated exhibitions, creative projects, public events, and education programs for all ages.
The Niagara Artists Centre (NAC) boasts four gallery spaces, one of which opens Sundays only in the Niagara Flea Market. The NAC was formed by a collective of local creatives and its spaces celebrate Niagara artists who work in all media, from cinema to sculpture. St. Catharines City Hall has gallery spaces as well, featuring public art, historical photography, and cultural artifacts. You’ll find colourful and captivating work on the second and third floors of City Hall, as well as other city sights such as Richard Pierpont Park.
There are opportunities to try your hand at creating your own piece of art too. From the Art Studio hosts pottery painting sessions where you can choose a piece, such as a planter, tile, or small sculpture, and create a personalized design by hand.
Theatre Bacchus
Offering a unique blend of live theatre and local libations, this professional theatre company is known for enriching Niagara’s wine country. Enjoy captivating performances while savoring local wine, craft beer, or spirits in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Experience the magic of theatre with a taste of Niagara’s finest offerings.
Plan your visit to the region around Niagara’s numerous festivals. The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, celebrating its 73rd anniversary in 2024, is Canada’s oldest and largest wine celebration. With its numerous partners, the festival hosts major events every season including Spring Sparkles in April, a celebration of sparkling wine, June’s Tailgate Party and Brunch By The Lake gatherings, September’s highlight, the Montebello Wine & Culinary Experience, and January’s Cool As Ice Gala.
Celebrate the 50th Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival with 150+ craft vendors, delicious foods, live music, and family-friendly activities along the scenic Niagara Escarpment. Explore the festival’s new open-air format for an unforgettable fall experience.
In spring, Suitcase in Point presents the 16th annual In the Soil Arts Festival, a one-week multi-arts program featuring new performance, music, digital art, theatre, interactive experiences and more providing unique audience experiences. Kick off summer with a laugh at the Foster Festival, celebrating the humorous works of playwright Norm Foster on through August. In late summer, make a wish at the Water Lantern Festival, and learn about local Indigenous communities through storytelling, music and dancing at Reawakening of All Our Relations and the Niagara Regional Native Centre Annual Traditional Pow Wow, a gathering of communities promoting cultural awareness, understanding and respect among nations.
