MARCH – APRILAnnual Easter Display at the Niagara Parks Floral ShowhouseThe Easter show features a cross display of lilies surrounded by colourful and fragrant spring flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and azaleas. The warm and serene setting is bursting with gorgeous blooms, orchids and exotic tropical plants as well as beautiful songbirds to get you in the mood for spring. Open daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. niagaraparks.com

A Taste of Niagara-on-the-LakeA five-course dinner through five of the top restaurants in town, with wine included. A wine and cheese reception, transportation and after-event party are also included. atasteofniagara.ca

In The Soil Art FestivalThis year’s event will showcase the best in Niag-ara’s arts scene. Featuring original music, fine art, theatrical performances and film. April 26-28. inthesoil.ca

MAY

45th Annual Niagara Folk Arts Festival Canada’s oldest-running heritage festival is a 17-day cultural extravaganza. Featuring ethnic dances, music, pageants, food and customs at individual club open houses throughout St. Cath-arines, May 19-June 2. 905-685-6589, ext. 236. folk-arts.ca

Antique Road ShowThe Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum invites you to Arabella’s Pie Social, History Fair & Antique Road Show, 905-834-7604. portcolborne.ca

The Chocolate RacePart race, part festival. This event is for chocolate enthusiasts of all running and walking abilities. Staged in Port Dalhousie, this event is about cele-brating the love of chocolate and running.

Run along the lake (5 km, 10 km or 16 km) with views of the CN Tower on a clear day. May 12. thechocolaterace.com

IlluminAquaThis waterside sensory experience takes place at the Welland Amphitheatre in Merritt Park. The interactive production of fire, water fountains and live music is performed on a stage floating on a waterway. A one-of-a-kind event in Canada, Illu-miAqua is performed once a month, from May to September. illuminaqua.com

Niagara Artists Spring TourAn annual tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake, sponsored by the Niagara Pumphouse Visual Arts Centre, 905-468-5455. www.niagarapumphouse.ca

Pelham Art FestivalSouthern Ontario’s largest spring arts festival features works of 65 juried fine artists. pelhama-rtfestival.com

Pizza Pizza Falls Fireworks & Coca-Cola Concert SeriesThe country’s longest-running fireworks show is back again this year with dazzling live concerts to match. Running until Labour Day, the festivi-ties can be enjoyed Fridays, Sundays and holi-days (with Wednesday shows in July and August). niagaraparks.com

Shaw Garden TourSix private spring gardens will be opened just for your visit. Enjoy your exploration of these wonderful Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake gardens with a historical walking tour of the area, 905-468-1950, 1-800-511-7429.

Wine and Herb FestivalWeekends in May, more than 25 wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake offer a pass to enjoy wine tasting and herb-inspired food samples at each winery, 905-468-1950. niagaraonthelake.com

JUNE 444 International Walleye TournamentIn its 22nd year, this is one of the most popular fishing tournaments on Lake Erie. Organized by the Port Colborne & District Conservation Club, this is an exciting event for professional and amateur anglers, as well as the public. With weigh-ins in HH Knoll-Lakeview Park, cash prizes, raffle draws, entertainment and delicious food, a good time will be had by all. www.pcdcc.com

Crystal Beach Art FestivalArtists from Niagara and Western New York display their work in the lakeside park. www.fort-erieartscouncil.com. focb.net

Friendship FestivalA cross-border celebration of culture, heritage and friendship shared by Canada and the U.S., with events held in Fort Erie and Buffalo, NY. Free concerts and much more from June 29 to July 4, 1-888-333-1987. friendshipfestival.com

Friday Night Frights – Ghost Tours at Old Fort ErieA popular tradition. Hear the eerie stories of the ghosts of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Tours every Friday night, from June to August, 905-871-0540. oldforterie.com

Heritage of Peace DaysBinational festival featuring artisans, concerts, midway, heritage art and performers, food, demonstrations, vendors and beverage garden, War of 1812 area, kids’ zone and much more, 1-888-333-1987. friendshipfestival.com

Niagara New Vintage FestivalJoin more than 130 Ontario wineries as they present the first taste of Niagara’s award-winning wines in the two-week food and wine event, 905-688-0212. niagarawinefestivcal.com

Niagara UltraEntering its 21th year, the Niagara Ultra starts in Niagara-on-the-Lake and heads south along Niagara Parkway. Runners pass wineries, the majestic homes and landscapes situated along the route and the grandeur of the Niagara Gorge before turning around at the falls. Races available in 100 km, 50 km, marathon and half-marathon, June 22. welovetorun.com

S.C.E.N.E. Music FestivalOne of Canada’s largest, single-day, all ages independent music festivals. St. Catharines bars and clubs opentheir doors for this enor-mously successful event, June 23. scenemusic-festival.com

JULYArtistry by the LakeA juried showoff more than 80 artists, June 30 and July 1. Free admission. 905-468-1950. niag-araonthelake.com

Canada Day CelebrationsFull days of celebrations are scheduled in all of Niagara’s municipalities. Experience free

entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks displays, live shows and more. For details, check local websites.

Downtown Classic Car Show & Jazz FestivalTake a trip down memory land on St. Paul Street in St. Catharines for the 11th anniversary of this event, which features more than 400 fantastic classic and custom cars. Take in the low-rider hop-off competition and enjoy the sounds of the all-ages fiddle and step dancing festival. 905-685-8424, mydowntown.ca

Downtown Summer Music SeriesIn July and August, downtown Welland is the coolest place in Niagara on Saturday evenings. Artists take to the stage in the new waterside amphitheatre in Merritt Park. wellandrecreational-waterway.ca

Flavours of Niagara Food & Wine FestivalThere’s a flavour for everyone as Port Colborne welcomes the International Food and Wine Festival for a sixth year. Sample great food, Niagara VQA wines and performances by acclaimed musicians. 1-888-PORT-FUN (767-8386), portcolborne.ca

Music NiagaraIntimate music performed over four weeks by internationally renowned artists. Featuring more than 30 concerts in churches, wineries and museums. 1-877-MUS-FEST (687-3378), music-niagara.org

AUGUSTCanal Days Marine Heritage FestivalPort Colborne’s signature event, a unique water-front festival celebrating the community’s marine heritage offers activities and attractions for the whole family. The Tall Ships gather in Port Colborne for a four-day celebration of history and heritage. Explore the decks, try your hand at the wheel or feel the spray as you cruise a Tall Ship on Lake Erie. Take in spectacular fireworks, live enetertainment, a car show, the children’s area and the Kite Festival. Civic Weekend. 1-888-PORT -FUN (767-8386), portcolborne.ca

Great Waterfront Trail AdventureAn end-to-end bike tour covering 730 km of waterfront and 41 communities over eight days, stretching from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border, Aug. 11-17. Register on-line atwaterfronttrail.org.

Royal Canadian Henley RegattaA 130-year-old tradition, the international event draws more than 3,000 rowing competitors to Port Dalhousie. 905-935-9771, henleyregatta.ca

SummerliciousRestaurants in downtown St. Catharines offer you a chance to try something new. Enjoy delicious food at an even more delicious price through fixed price menus. 905-685-8424, stcatharines-downtown.com

SEPTEMBERNiagara Regional ExhibitionWelland is home to one of the oldest annual agri-cultural fairs in Southern Ontario, now celebrating its 160th year. 905-735-6413, niagararegionalex-hibition.ca

Niagara Wine FestivalMore than 100 events, including winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, artisan shows, wine seminars and more. 905-688-0212, niagarawinefestival.com

Run For The GrapesA classic race in the Niagara region, running for more than 30 years. Runners pass the sweet scented fields of ripened grapes in the country-side of St. Catharines. This event, offering 5 km and 21.1 km routes, is held during the annual Niagara Wine Festival. instride.ca

Tastes of Port DalhousieA signature fall event featuring a guided tour of Port Dalhouise restaurants paired with Niagara Region wineries. A great way to sample great food and fine wines and learn about historic Port Dalhousie. 905-937-4783, portdalhousie.com

Tour de GreenbeltThe Tour de Greenbelt, a fresh-air festival on wheels features designated stops where riders learn about the Greenbelt, visit farms and more. tourdegreenbelt.ca

OCTOBERAll Hallows’ EveVisit Old Fort Erie to experience the traditions of Halloween brought to life through the ghosts of the Old Fort. Reservations required. 905-871-3135, niagaraparks.ca

Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving FestivalExperience a variety of activities, including more than 150 juried artisans and live entertainment in the majestic natural setting of Ball’s Falls. 905-788-3135, npca.ca

Canal Bank ShuffleTake in the sounds of jazz and blues at Thorold’s downtown venues. 905-227-6598, canalbank-shuffle.com

Niagara Falls International MarathonA bi-national event that begins in Buffalo, NY, crosses the Peace Bridge into Canada and follows the Niagara Parkway to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It bills itself as the only marathon to begin in one country and end in another. 905-356-9460, niagarafallsmarathon.com

Niagara Food FestivalIn its 20th year in downtown Welland, the region’s tastiest party attracts more than 85,000 people as it showcases local cuisine, wine, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a buy-local food market, entertainment and fun for the kids. niagarafoodfestival.com

NOVEMBERChristmas in the CountryStep back in time to experience the inge-nuity behind fashioning handmade gifts that were thrifty, pragmatic and attractive. Through November and December at the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum. 905-834-7604, port-colborne.ca

Taste the SeasonWeekends in November allow you to sample a wine and food pairing at each of the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. 905-468-1950, niagara-onthelake.com

Winter Festival of LightsVisit the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland, where the enchanting 5 km-route along the Niagara Parkway is lit up with more than three million lights. Until January 2013. 1-800-563-2557, wfol.com

Wrapped Up in the ValleyThe wineries of Niagara’s Twenty Valley invite you to visit 24 participating wineries in an exceptional food and wine pairing event throughout Beams-ville, Vineland and Jordan. 905-562-3636, twen-tyvalley.ca

DECEMBERGrand Old Christmas FestivalOn the grounds of the Port Colborne Museum, enjoy Christmas pudding and sauce in our Edwardian Tea Room, Santa’s den, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cider and roasted chestnuts, heritage blacksmithing and printing demonstra-tions. portcolborne.ca

New Year’s Eve Concert ExtravaganzaRing in 2013 at Canada’s largest New Year’s Eve party, featuring popular live entertainment. 1-800-563-2557, wfol.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake Candlelight StrollA guided walking tour through the historic town accompanied by local choirs and Christmas enter-tainment. 905-468-1950, niagaraonthelake.com

Santa Claus ParadesSanta Claus parades and Christmas-related activities abound throughout Niagara. Festivities include food, hot apple cider and activities for the whole family.

Victorian ChristmasEnjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides through historic downtown St. Catharines. A pleasure for all ages. Every Saturday before Christmas. 905-685-8424, stcathdowntown.com

JANUARY 201419th Annual Niagara Icewine FestivalThree weeks of celebrating Ontario icewine includes gala events, ice bars, seminars, winery tours, pair-ings and much more to mark the festival’s 19th anniversary. Bundle up and enjoy winter’s liquid gold. 905-688-0212, icewinefestival.com

Icewine Festivities in Niagara-on-the-LakeSip world-acclaimed icewine at the local wineries and then come to historic Niagara-on-the-Lake for more festivities including live jazz, ice carving demonstrations, declicious food and of course, more icewine. 905-468-1950, niagara-onthelake.com

Polar Bear Dip and Chili ChallengeA bathing suit, towel and courage are all that is needed to brave the frigid waters. Takes place at Bertie Boat Club on Point Abino Road in Ridgeway. 905-362-5781

Twenty Valley Winter WineFestThis self-proclaimed not just icewine festival, now in its fifth year, features sparkling wine and VQA premium bottles as well. 905-562-3636, twenty-valley.ca

Winterfest in the SquareJoin the Niagara Icewine Festival at Market Square in downtown St. Catharines for a show-case of the best wine, cuisine and live music in a Winterfest backdrop. 905-688-0212, niagaraice-winefestival.com

FEBRUARY 2014Cuvee Gala Fallsview Casino ResortCelebrate the 26th anniversary of the best of the Ontario wine industry in red-carpet style. This blacktie optional gala, known as the Oscars of Ontario wine, is the not-to-be-missed event of the wine and food enthusiast’s calendar. cuvee.ca

Cuvee En RouteTour and taste along the wine route throughout this weekend, when the wineries roll out the red carpet to feature themed tasting flights of specialty chosen wines and restaurant events. cuvee.ca

SportsfestAn annual family-friendly event in Port Colborne that celebrates sports activities and draws partici-pants from across Niagara. The Mayor’s Cup Hockey Tournament, indoor volleyball, family skating, ball hockey, a sports celebrity evening and trivia are just some of the events offered to the public. portcolborne.ca

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