One of Ontario’s top 100 Events in 2025, the 51st annual Thanksgiving Festival at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is just around the corner. This beloved community event happening over Thanksgiving weekend is a must-attend celebration of family traditions, heritage, culture, and the stunning natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. Whether you are shopping for unique artisanal goods, enjoying delicious local food, or experiencing exciting live entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Festival Schedule Now Available Online
For full details on the event schedule and performances, including musical acts, heritage tours, and family-friendly activities, visit the official website at thanksgivingfestival.ca.
Featured Music Performances
This year, we are bringing the best of local music to the main stage with incredible performances throughout the weekend. Do not miss these exciting acts:
- Fleetwood Nicks – Friday, Oct. 10 at 12:45 p.m.
- A tribute band that brings the magic of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic sound to life.
- Tin Roof Duo – Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11:30 a.m.
- Get ready for some foot-stomping country music, perfect for a morning in the crisp autumn air.
- Doctor Tongue – Sunday, Oct. 12 at 3:45 p.m.
- Groove to a mix of classic rock and crowd-favourite hits with this local powerhouse band.
- Country Songwriter Circle – Monday, Oct.13 at 3:45 p.m.
- A heartfelt performance by talented local country songwriters, sharing their original songs and stories.
A Weekend of Activities for All Ages
In addition to great music, the festival features over 150 unique artisan vendors, diverse local foods and craft beverages historical demonstrations, guided nature hikes, children’s activities, and much more. Explore the 1800s heritage village featuring newly restored exhibits, enjoy a birds-of-prey show, free face-painting or visit the petting zoo – there is plenty of fun for the whole family!
Take home fresh, stone-ground flour from one of Ontario’s only two original 1800s grist mills still in operation for $7/bag. The Ball’s Falls mill comes to life to operate and grind whole wheat flour only during the four days of the Thanksgiving Festival. It’s like travelling back in time - then bringing history into your kitchen to bake something delicious later.
Ticket Information
Tickets are on sale now at thanksgivingfestival.ca and are available for advance purchase.
- General Admission: $11.75 (Ages 12+)
- Seniors: $8.75 (Ages 65+)
- Children: $8.75 (Ages 3–11)
Attending the Festival is more than just an experience, it supports vital conservation projects. As a special note, $1 from every general admission ticket sold will go to Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation. Your presence helps fund efforts to protect local ecosystems, driving positive change, and ensuring nature thrives.
Event Details
- Dates: Friday, Oct. 10 – Monday, Oct. 13, 2025
- Times: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
- Location: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Lincoln, ON
The Festival takes place outdoors, rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather and bring your friends and family to enjoy all the festival has to offer.
Additional Information
- Rain or Shine: The Thanksgiving Festival is an outdoor event, rain or shine, so be sure to check the weather and prepare accordingly.
- Service Animals Only: Please note that pets are not permitted at the Festival, except for registered service animals.
- Parking & Accessibility: Free parking is available off of Seventh Avenue, Lincoln, ON. Please follow event signage directions.
- Accessible parking is available at the Centre for Conservation on Sixth Avenue. Please display accessible parking permit.
- Due to limited on-site parking, visitors are encouraged to consider carpooling.
- Many features of the Festival are fully accessible, please note that the event takes place outdoors and in natural areas.
For more information, including details on the main stage lineup, family entertainment, ticketing, and other festival features, visit thanksgivingfestival.ca.
Acknowledgments
Funding for the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival is provided by the Government of Ontario.
Main stage music is presented by Niagara’s New Country 89.1 and Classic Rock 91.7 Giant FM and produced by TNR Productions.
QUOTES
“The 51st Annual Thanksgiving Festival at Ball’s Falls is not just a celebration – it’s an opportunity for our community to come together and experience the beauty of autumn in the Niagara Escarpment. With a rich mix of local music, artisan vendors, heritage tours, and family-friendly activities, it’s truly an event for all ages. We’re excited to welcome visitors from near and far to share in the traditions, culture, and stunning natural beauty that define our watershed.” – Alicia Powell, Manager Conservation Areas Programs & Services, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
“The Thanksgiving Festival is a cornerstone of our community, and it’s events like these that highlight the economic vibrancy of Lincoln. This festival not only draws thousands of visitors, but it also showcases the incredible talent and craftsmanship of local artisans, the diversity of our cultural offerings, and the natural beauty that makes our region so special. It’s a wonderful reminder of how our heritage, our businesses, and our environment work together to create a thriving, vibrant town.” – Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca