Summer FREE-DOM in Niagara

Free Things to Do in Niagara Falls

We all know that vacations can get expensive. Whether you are planning a stay-cation or a true vacation abroad, the $$$ start to add up quickly. It’s not a hidden secret, but believe it or not, there are some free Niagara Falls Events and Niagara Falls Attractions where your entry fee is free, or as we like to call it “Summer FREE-DOM” in Niagara. Here is a list of our favourites:

Niagara Summer of Thrills

It’s the best FREE show in Niagara Falls next to the Falls. Featuring daily death-defying performances from July 2nd - September 7th, 2015. The Summer Thrillers will perform Thursday - Monday. Featuring a wide range of versatile street performers at various times: 1:30, 2:15, 3:30, 4:15, 5:30, 6:15 and 7:30pm. In true Niagara Falls Daredevil fashion, experience “jaw-dropping” entertainment like the Wheel of Fate at 2pm and 8pm, the NEW Sky Scraping Sway Pole at 4pm and the Motorcycle Highwire Acrobat Act at 6pm. Watch the live footage for yourself to believe it! This Niagara Falls event is just footsteps from our Niagara Falls Hotel.

Fireworks

Free fireworks every Friday, Sunday and holidays starting at 10pm until September 7th. Watch them from the comfort of your guest room or get front row seats right in front of Mother Nature herself, Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls

Speaking of Mother Nature, our miraculous Natural Wonder, Niagara Falls is the best free entertainment, not only in the city, but some would say in the world. It’s available free of charge, 365 days of the year, 7 days of the week, 24 hours of the day. And it’s the one thing in this great city, that will never change.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Okay so you’ll need a bit of gas money to get there, but the picturesque location of Queen Street, nestled in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake is a place like no other. The window shopping of the boutique shops and the walk along the South Shore of Lake Ontario won’t cost you a penny (or should we say nickel), but the experience itself is priceless. Plus you can also sample many of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries and Micro-breweries (the cost is peanuts in comparison to the experience).

Free Thursdays at the Museum

Every Thursday from 5-9 pm, admission at the Niagara Falls Museums is free. The list of summertime possibilities are endless. Check back soon for all of the exciting events.

Market Square Discoveries

Home to the St. Catharines Farmers Market, the Market Square also plays host to several special events throughout the year. With fun and activities for all ages, the events are free and most importantly fun. Join in the fun with the Market Discovery Table. Enjoy hands-on experiences, including making butter, creating seed mosaics, honey tasting, market searches and more. A different farm theme is featured each week. It’s a fun experience for kids of all ages. Market Discovery Table At Market Square (91 King St.) every Saturday until September 19th. Music in the Square Enjoy the light sounds of local musicians at Music in the Square while shopping at the St. Catharines Farmer’s Market. Saturdays until September 19th, 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Canal Days - Port Colborne

The Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival offers activities and attractions that are truly mesmerizing. The Tall Ships gather in Port Colborne each Civic holiday weekend (July 31st - August 3rd), for a four-day celebration of history and heritage. Experience free children’s activites, a boat parade of lights, spectacular fireworks, an indoor craft show, an International Kite Festival and free concerts (to be announced).

Get Artsy in ArtPark

What you’ll pay in gas money, you’ll quickly earn back in complimentary culture. ArtPark is a 23 minute from the Courtyard Marriott Niagara Falls, but it’s worth every 23 minutes and more.

Free Family Saturdays - Noon - 4pm - July 11th - August 8th

Families flock to Artpark for hours of hands-on discovery and fun with weekly themed workshops and live performances! A variety of “Make and Take” workshops are available at each and every installment of Family Saturdays- no matter the theme. These Artpark classics include, The Paint Space, Costume Closet, Sand Box, Face Painting, and the Pottery Wheel.

Free Family Movie Night

Watch these kid classics on a giant Jumbotron screen in the Upper Park overlooking the Niagara Gorge.

August 17th - Frozen Sing-a-long

August 24th - Finding Nemo

Music in the Woods

A free concert series in the Lower Park Emerald Grove Area, overlooking the Niagara River featuring local instrumental ensembles and vocal groups. Music in the Woods will occur July 26th, August 9th and August 16th.

Fitness in the Park

A free program to stay fit with some great fitness goals. How does a FREE 60 Minute outdoor class sound?

Every Wednesday from 10 - 11am, experience a free pilates class until August 26th.

Every Saturday from 10 - 11am, experience a free zumba class until August 29th.

Free Live Music

Live music is also home to the Courtyard Marriott. Just a short stroll from your guest room, you’ll experience free entertainment from the very talented Nathan Warriner every Friday Night from 8-11pm in The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Lounge. We promise that you’ll enjoy his music so much that you’ll be back to see him perform on Saturday, where he’ll continue to deliver sweet music to your ears on the patio of T.G.I. Friday’s from 1-4pm. On Friday and Sunday Night from 7 - 10pm, come and listen to the likes of CottageBrew on the patio. You’ll come for the free entertainment, but stay for the food and cocktails.

Well FREE-DOM in Niagara does exist, you just have to get a little creative. As you can see, there are plenty of cost effective ways to spend your time during your visit to our Natural Wonder.