10 Best Things to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake (Jul–Aug 2026)

Niagara-on-the-Lake has 78 upcoming events across 11 venues scheduled between July 7 and August 24, with 12 of them free and prices ranging from $0 to $400. That mix of history, wine, theatre, and outdoor activity gives visitors plenty of ways to fill a day or a weekend without spending much, if anything.

Here are 10 standout ways to experience the town this season.

1. Explore Fort George's living history. Fort Major's Tour at Fort George National Historic Site (Parks Canada) runs $33.25 and repeats on Aug 24 as Fort Major's Tour. For something after dark, Ghost Tours at Fort George (also held Jul 9 as Ghost Tours at Fort George) leans into the fort's spookier side.

2. Sip and stroll through wine country. Wineries host tastings and pop-ups regularly, including Vines & Vibes on the Patio, Stratus × Pharmacii Lunch Collab, and The Art of Assemblage - Wine Components Tasting at Stratus Vineyards.

3. Catch a concert under the stars. Château des Charmes hosts a summer concert series, with July 9 Summer Concert on the calendar (a companion date, July 9 Summer Concert - SOLD OUT, shows demand for these shows).

4. Take a historical walking tour. These run nearly every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. throughout the summer, including Historical Walking Tour, Historical Walking Tour, and later dates through Historical Walking Tour at Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum (Niagara Historical Society). A separate ticketed option, Niagara-on-the-Lake Walking Tour, costs $15.

5. See a Shaw Festival production. Theatre lovers can catch Amadeus at Shaw Festival, plus other productions in town like Funny Girl, Doppelgänger, One for the Pot, and Ohio State Murders.

6. Wander the gardens. Garden enthusiasts can join the Annual Gardener's Garden Tour at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club for $25, or the HORT Garden Tour at Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.

7. Take in live music at St. Mark's. The historic church hosts a run of concerts, including the Three-Time JUNO Award-Winning Gryphon Trio in Concert, Boys' Choir "Dagilėlis" from Lithuania, and Between Music & Theatre: FortVio Piano Trio, all at St. Mark's Anglican Church.

8. Try a Jane Austen-style tea. Several Jane Austen Tea Party dates run at Fort George, including a $25 ticketed option, Jane Austen Tea Party at Navy Hall, repeated on Aug 6 as Jane Austen Tea Party at Navy Hall.

9. Get outside for free. Families can take advantage of the no-cost "Play in the Park" sessions offered on weekday mornings and afternoons, such as Play in the Park - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and its afternoon counterpart, Play in the Park - Friday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m..

10. Hit the festivals. Don't miss community events like the Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival (free) at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, Soiree En Blanc ($8–$400), and Art at the Pumphouse - Juried Art Festival (In-Person) for $5.

Whether you're planning a quiet weekend or a packed itinerary, this season's calendar covers history, food, music, and the outdoors — much of it free or affordably priced.