The centers were selected based on their “outstanding community support” and number of free activities
Culture Days Ontario has announced the 13 Ontario communities selected as the official 2024 Festival Centers for Fall Festival – and the St. Catharines and Niagara region is on the list!
The festival runs from September 20 to October 13 Across Ontario.
Festival centers act as community leaders for Ontario Culture Days, helping visitors find events and learn more about the festival, festival organizers said in a news release.
The centers represent a selection of diverse communities within Ontario, and offer a large number of high-quality programs for all ages during the annual festival.
“If you're looking for a creative community to visit this fall, look no further than our Festival Centers!” said Ruth Burns, executive director of Culture Days Ontario.
“We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Festival Hubs from towns and cities across Ontario. Festival Hubs provide on-the-ground representation and help spread the word about the hundreds of community events taking place in their communities this September.
The festival said the centers are strategically located in cities and towns across the province. The centers act as focal points for visitors to discover local events and gain an insight into the regions' diverse cultures.
Here's the full list:
- Brant: Home of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, this mostly rural area invites outdoor adventures and cultural exploration.
Partner: Brant County
- Gananoque and 1,000 Islands: Once known as Manitowana (“Garden of the Great Spirit”) by the Haudenosaunee, this area on the St. Lawrence River is a year-round tourist destination.
Partner: Gananoque Arts Network
- Guelph: Known as the Royal City and located between the Speed and Eramosa Rivers in southwestern Ontario, Guelph is known for its world-class arts festivals.
Partner: City of Guelph
- Halton: Located just off the Niagara Escarpment, Halton captivates with its stunning landscape and historic villages, providing a haven for the artists who live there.
Partners: City of Oakville, Arts Milton, City of Burlington
- Manitoulin Island: Manitoulin Island, “Spirit Island,” is a unique geographic feature located within the Great Lakes region, and an arts and cultural center in northeastern Ontario.
Partner: 4elements Living Arts
- Ottawa District: Canada's capital, Ottawa offers fantastic museums, galleries and a wide range of festivals and cultural events. Nearby, Prescott and Russell offer charming rural scenery and a thriving local culture and arts scene.
Partner: Prescott-Russell Arts Council
“Bawating,” as the Ojibwe people called it, is a gateway to the Far North, and a vibrant center for arts and culture in Northern Ontario.
Partner: Algoma Art Gallery
- Scugog: Scugog, a town bordering the lake that bears its name, is a creative hub northeast of Toronto, featuring workshops and craft shows for the perfect creative escape.
Partner: Scugog Arts
- St. Catharines and Niagara District: Bustling since the 1820s, the St. Catharines and Niagara District has transformed into a thriving arts center hosting many notable artistic destinations.
Partner: City of St. Catharines
- Thunder Bay: Stunning scenery meets unique history in Thunder Bay. Located on Lake Superior, the city is rich in history, artists, and historic institutions.
Partner: City of Thunder Bay
- Toronto: In Toronto, diverse neighborhoods and an iconic skyline set the stage for city-wide arts events that showcase community spirit.
Partner: Urbanspace, Queen West Art Crawl
- Vaughan: Vaughan is a creative urban city that uniquely integrates art into its public realm, making art accessible to everyone.
Partner: City of Vaughan
- Windsor: The Windsor-Essex region, a gateway to Ontario that borders the Detroit River, is a vibrant artistic center with historical ties to the Underground Railroad.
Partner: Windsor and District Arts Council
Ontario Culture Days 2024 will be held from September 20 to October 13.
Individuals, groups and organizations can showcase their creativity and connect with their communities by hosting arts, cultural and heritage events throughout the province.
Start planning your events now – registration opens in the spring.
For more information, visit onculturedays.ca.
