OCT 9–12 · Lincoln
Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival
This year's Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival has ended. I'll update this page when next year's dates are announced.
A Thanksgiving-weekend tradition since 1974, now run by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), this festival began as a one-day craft show and now fills the long weekend, 10am to 5pm each day, rain or shine. The festival's site says more than 150 vendors take part, in three groups: artisans, farmers' market and food and drink. Admission is $12 for ages 12 and up and $9 for seniors (65 and up) and for children; the two sources give different age bands for children, set out under admission below. Parking is included with admission but limited and not guaranteed, so plan to carpool.
Admission and tickets
- General admission, ages 12 and up: $12
- Seniors, 65 and up: $9
- Children: $9. The festival's site says 6 to 11; NPCA's own page says 3 to 11, so confirm with the organizer for ages 3 to 5.
- A ticket is required for entry. You can buy online in advance or at the gate. NPCA's own page says administration fees apply to advance purchases.
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- The festival's site says its purpose is to raise money for unfunded conservation and environmental programs, and that $1 from every general admission ticket goes to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation.
The craft show side
- The festival began in 1974 as a one-day craft show, and the artisans are still a big part of it.
- The vendor list on the festival's site is sorted into artisans, farmers' market, and food and drink.
- Artisan categories on that list include jewelry, ceramics, wood products, candles, glass art, leather goods, textiles, original art, metal work, body care, home décor and paper products.
- The festival's pages say more than 150 vendors. Its vendor list names more than that, so check the list for who is there before you go.
What's on
- Face painting, train rides, birds of prey demonstrations and magic shows
- Heritage tours and guided nature hikes
- Live music on the main stage, four sets a day (schedule below)
Main stage music
- Friday, October 9: Amanda Lyn Parker 11:30am, Swamperella 12:45pm, The Rhythm Hounds 2:30pm, Brousseau and Co. 3:45pm
- Saturday, October 10: Jeff Beadle 11:30am, Shania Twin 12:45pm, Rita and the Dreamers 2:30pm, Maeve & The Mystics 3:45pm
- Sunday, October 11: Lucas Mason 11:30am, Fiddlestix 12:45pm, Kim Kay and Stop 19 2:30pm, Tin Roof 3:45pm
- Monday, October 12: Samantha Ava 11:30am, East Coast Kitchen Party with Screeched Inn 12:45pm, The Remix 2:30pm, Minuscule 3:45pm
Parking and getting there
- The festival is at Ball's Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln.
- Main parking is reached from 7th Avenue in Lincoln, and the festival says parking is included with admission.
- Accessible parking is at the Centre for Conservation, 3292 Sixth Avenue, reached from Victoria Avenue.
- The festival says on-site parking is limited and not guaranteed, and asks visitors to carpool if they can.
- If the lot reaches capacity, the festival says it will close briefly until there are spaces for new arrivals.
- The festival's pages don't mention a shuttle or a map, so if you need directions beyond this, use the contact details on its FAQ page.
Accessibility
- The festival says the main grounds are generally firm and flat, gravel and grass, but there are some sloped sections. Pathways into the event area are sloped, and accessible switchback trails are available.
- Permanent and portable restrooms are available, including accessible restroom facilities.
- Questions: thanksgivingfestival@npca.ca or 905-788-3135 ext. 330.
Thanksgiving weekend in Niagara 2026: brunches and what's not on
Checked October 3, 2026. Dates and details can change; confirm with the organizer before travelling.