Hop into the Easter spirit with the Township of West Lincoln. The Township's free Community Easter Fest event runs rain or shine.

Friday, April 3, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. West Lincoln Community Centre, outdoor area 177 West St., Smithville

West Lincoln Fire Truck, Trackless Train, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Inflatables, MEGA Lego, 905 Game Zone, Photos with the Easter Bunny! Visit each station and receive chocolate easter eggs.

Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected for West Lincoln Community Care.

Over 30,000 Easter Eggs!
Great prizes
BBQ
Family activities & fun
FREE Tim Hortons coffee & hot chocolate

In a special update to the tradition, every child aged 13 and under will receive free candy from each vendor station they visit, adding even more excitement to the festivities. Back by popular demand, Justin Dubé of Dubé Realtors will return to the stage hosting trivia and prize giveaways. Guests can also enjoy Dubé’s signature hand-built carnival games — fun for all ages! Fun for the Whole Family The Speedway grounds will be packed with activities, including: Race Cars, Fire Trucks, and Police Cruisers for kids to sit in and explore Inflatables and Interactive Games Colouring Contest, Trivia, and Prizes

Over two centuries of history. Four different families. A house that has endured many changes to meet the needs of each new generation. Join Sara Nixon to explore many layers that together make up The Brown Homestead, and which have laid the foundations for its role as a community gathering space.

Sara Nixon is the Director of Community Engagement at The Brown Homestead. Raised in Grimsby, Sara grew up fascinated with the local history that surrounded her. She earned a Masters degree in Public History at Carleton University and has built a career in the museum and heritage fields over the past decade. Sara also currently serves as Chair of the Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee.

Explore Grimsby’s rich natural environment through the lens of birds, plants, and local ecosystems with naturalist Bruce Mackenzie. This talk highlights the Grimsby Wetlands and hawks in flight over Grimsby, offering insight into the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. Bruce is an active naturalist and former conservation land manager who has worked with organizations including the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch, Niagara Escarpment Commission, and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. He currently serves as Project Coordinator of the Grimsby Wetlands for the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club.

Presented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Grimsby.

Presentation introduces the newly incorporated City of Hamilton where the McQuestens made their home, and how the family faced economic, health, political and technological changes. 

It will feature stories from the founding of industry, expanding artistic talents, personal sacrifice and the international legacy of political involvement.  The McQuesten story is connected to elements of Hamilton that still enrich the community today, including civil infrastructure, educational opportunities, and access to greenspace.

Join 300+ hours of movement across Niagara in support of local kids. From cycling and swimming to jumping and bowling, every move helps create access to YMCA programs where children can grow, lead, thrive, and belong.

Join us at the Grimsby Museum on Saturday April 11 at 1pm as we explore the infamous, notorious “Townsend Gang” member, Mr. William Townsend; his upbringing, criminal career, how he was eventually caught, and how he manipulated his way out of being found guilty in 2 sensational Niagara murder trials in the 1850’s, presented by guest speaker Jodi Campbell.

The Scouts and Venturers will be working very hard to help raise funds for their trip to Switzerland this summer and this dinner was a huge success last year.

Join us for an unforgettable day of discovery, unique in all of Niagara. Authentically restored to capture the charm of a one-room country school, your class will experience a hands-on early 19th-century school day at S.S. #4. Led by an experienced costumed instructor, children role-play a 1908 school day. Classes can be adapted to accommodate any accessibility needs.

A full-day "Strict but Nice" program typically includes the following:
An interactive introduction to early-settler life, including Indigenous history.
Improvisational and interactive role-playing activities, including:
-Roll Call
-Hygiene inspection & posture drills
-Historical memory exercise
-Arithmetic exercises on slates
- Lunchtime games, wooden toys, stilts, and tug-of-war
-Manual dexterity pen and ink lesson
-Spelling bee

This program pairs well with the Grade 3 curriculum, but we’ve had students of all ages enjoy this immersive experience.

Join architectural stained glass artist Mackenzie Campbell for an illuminating lecture on the craft of stained glass and a live demonstration of conservation techniques. 

Learn how stained glass is made, restored, and thoughtfully integrated into historic spaces. As part of the evening, you’ll get an exclusive first look at the design plans for the new stained glass installation in The Brown Homestead’s Dairy adaptive reuse project.

Join Canalside Players for an evening of laughter as they present Halfway There: a heartwarming and hilarious tale of a small town, big hearts, and even bigger secrets.

At the local diner, Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine know everyone’s business — until a heartbroken doctor rolls into town and turns everything upside down. In a place halfway between the North Pole and the equator, this warm, witty comedy about friendship, love, and second chances will make you laugh, sigh, and feel right at home.

Spend the evening with two acclaimed Canadian authors as Heather Marshall (Liberty Street) and Shari Lapena (She Didn’t See It Coming) take the stage for an in-depth discussion about their writing, creative process, and newest releases. The event includes an author talk, moderated conversation, audience Q&A, and book signing.

Wine and light refreshments will be available, generously supported by our wine sponsor The Good Earth Food and Co. and food sponsor Real Canadian Superstore Grimsby.

Join us for a special evening in the historic 1859 Schoolhouse combining film, wine and Niagara storytelling.

We’ll begin with a screening of CRUSH, a documentary highlighting the passion, challenges and craftsmanship of local Niagara grape growers and winemakers. Through their stories, the film offers an inside look at the people and traditions behind one of Canada’s most celebrated wine regions.

Following the screening, guests will enjoy a tasting of three wines from Malivoire, continuing the conversation about Niagara’s unique wine culture.

Celebrate the people, land and craft behind Niagara’s wine culture in this relaxed and intimate setting.

Massive warehouse sale thousands of items housewares, crafts, jewelry, toys, tools, clothing, electronics and more. BBQ breakfast and lunch. The sale is a major fundraiser for the Niagara Warehouse of Hope. We have thousands of items for sale that have been collected from donations to our charity. All funds raised go to help us send containers of medical equipment and supplies, clothing, housewares, food and other necessities to countries and communities around the globe. You will find amazing treasures and great deals amongst the thousands of items.

Celebrate spring and discover the perfect Mother’s Day gifts at our Spring Into Mother’s Day Market at the Niagara Pen Centre!

Shop from over 30 amazing local vendors over two days offering handmade goods, treats, décor, personal gifts, and beautiful finds for mom.

 Colouring Contest: Kids can pick up a colouring sheet at the market, get creative, and return it for a chance to win a prize!

Join us for a beautiful spring weekend celebrating moms and supporting local!

Meet local authors and poets writing in a variety of genres for children and adults. Authors and poets will read from their works from 12:30-1:30 pm.

Learn how to cook using heritage methods for the open hearth at Nelles Manor Museum. 

Enjoy a delicious all you can eat breakfast with the Beamsville Lions Club. Adults - $15, Kids 6-12 - $7, Kids 5> - Free. 

Presenting WHOZAT Band with Chris Scott and Duo.
Sunday April 19 2026 2:00pm, at the church located at 707 Church Rd West Lincoln.( Corner of South Chippawa and Church Road)
$20 per person (at the door)
FREE for Children 12 and under
Refreshments and Draw to follow!

Celebrate National Poetry Month and learn more about Robert W. Service, nicknamed "The Canadian Kipling," and enjoy recitations from a selection of his poems by Ronnie O'Bryne.

Ronnie is interested in the world of poetry, performance poetry and Scottish and Irish history.  Ronnie has performed at the Edinburgh International Fringe and at Burns Suppers and Corporate Events in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and North America - as a speaker and performer of Burns poetry and song. Ronnie is a past Board Member and Canadian Director of the Robert Burns World Federation Ltd and has served on the Board of The Robert Burns Association of North America (RBANA).

Join us at Stonewall Estates for an engaging conversation with Terry Fallis, in conversation with Yvonne Van Lankveld about writing and his latest book The Marionette.

The Marionette is a 2025 comic thriller following James Norval, a famous Canadian thriller writer who becomes embroiled in real-world international espionage. Recruited by CSIS, Norval must use his influence with a West African leader to execute a dangerous rescue mission. It is described as a high-stakes, witty “thromedy”.

6:45PM Doors open
7:30PM Author Conversation begins
8:30PM Book Signing begins

Two featured poets will read their poetry before an open mic segment  for anyone that would like to share their work.

Maria Giesbrecht is a Canadian poet whose work explores her Mexican and Mennonite roots. Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming in The Literary Review of Canada, Grain, CV2, Queen's Quarterly, and elsewhere. She is the winner of the 2025 Lesley Strutt Poetry Prize and the 2025 Jack McCarthy Book Prize, a Best of Net nominee, and the founder of Gather, an international writing community that connects poets worldwide. Born in Durango, Mexico, she now lives near Toronto, Canada with her fiancée.

Allison Bothley is a writer and recovering MFA (The New School) who lives in Orangeville, Ontario. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, White Wall Review, Sad Girl Diaries, The Literary Review of Canada, and elsewhere. She has two short stories forthcoming this spring in Pinch and Red Rock Review. Allison is the creator and publisher of Bangs Zine, an independent space hot for big feelings, emerging writers, and lazy Sunday readers.

Beneath the wild ruggedness of the Short Hills lies a landscape steeped in mystery and centuries-old secrets. Join Sara Nixon of The Brown Homestead as we trace the ghostly echoes of early industry, uncover forgotten burial grounds, and revisit the dramatic 1838 raid led by cross-border rebels. Come discover the hidden stories that linger in the hills, valleys, and waterways of the Short Hills.

Celia Fiennes (1662-1741) travelled, mostly on horseback, through every county in England and wrote about where she went and what she thought about it. Her manuscripts are now housed behind glass in a private home; printed editions confine the texts in different ways. This paper introduces a way to produce a digital edition of travel writings with a view to re-homing them in the wider world.

Dr. Leah Knight from Brock's Department of English Language and Literature (and the recipient of the 2025 Faculty of Humanities Excellence in Teaching Award) will be presenting this evening's talk.

Bits and Pieces is a photography memoir sharing Jessica Compton's personal story with mental health, addiction, childhood trauma, homelessness, suicide ideation and incarceration. 
Jessica Compton is a graduate from Niagara College. She spent fifteen years as a child and youth worker, and is has been an educational assistant since 2013. Creatively, she has been involved in theater, film, music, and podcasting.

In 2026, the City of St. Catharines marks its 150th anniversary of incorporation (May 1, 1876), celebrating its evolution from a 19th-century industrial, canal-side settlement into a modern, rapidly growing, and diversified municipality. 

Join Kathleen Powell, Supervisor of Historical Services and Curator at the St. Catharines Museum, to learn more about St. Catharines' beginnings. 

Join us for Community Safety Day at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy free family-friendly fun including inflatables, face painting, and balloon twisting. Meet your favourite first responders, explore fleet vehicles up close, and learn more about the people and services that help keep our community safe.

Something pawsome is coming to St. Catharines…
The 2nd Annual Niagara Cats & Dogs Expo is back — bigger, better, and full of tail-wagging excitement!
This is more than just an event — it’s a full indoor marketplace dedicated to the pets we adore.
Unique dog products & accessories
Cat toys, treats & specialty finds
Pet-focused vendors under one roof
Local businesses serving the pet community
If you love your pets like family, you’ll love this day.

Enjoy a delicious all you can eat breakfast with the Beamsville Lions Club. Adults - $15, Kids 6-12 - $7, Kids 5> - Free. 

Join us for an afternoon celebrating Italian culture, tradition, and community at Club Roma’s Folk Arts Open House.

This welcoming event brings together music, food, and cultural experiences for guests of all ages. Whether you’re stopping by with family or friends, you’ll enjoy a relaxed and festive atmosphere filled with authentic Italian charm.

What to Expect
• Live performance by the Club Roma Choir
• Authentic Italian food
• Bake sale featuring homemade treats
• Italian music and dancing
• A fun and cultural experience for all ages

Celebrate the rich traditions of Italian heritage and enjoy an afternoon of food, music, and community at Club Roma.

Wrap up the Spring 2026 Grimsby Author Series with Bar Fridman-Tell (Honeysuckle) and Kate Hilton (City of the Muse) for an in-depth discussion about their writing, creative process, and newest releases. The event includes an author talk, moderated conversation, audience Q&A, and book signing. 

Wine and light refreshments will be available, generously supported by our wine sponsor The Good Earth Food and Co. and food sponsor Real Canadian Superstore Grimsby.

Come for free heirloom seedlings grown with care by our Garden Keeper volunteers, stay for the entertainment, food, heritage conservation demos, and local history!

Join us for a guided tour of the Central Library’s Local History Department. Discover a rich collection of resources—including maps, microfilm, and city directories—that bring our city’s past to life.