| April 2026 |
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Canalside Players Present: Halfway There
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.
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Conversations on Global Health: Impact & Inspiration
The Honourable Bob Rae and the Executive Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation will discuss current international funding cut-backs and the need to support communities in sub-Saharan Africa who struggle with the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other diseases. This is a non-political, non-partisan event.
Visit https://events.niagaratix.ca/events/an-evening-with-bob-rae-4-23-2026 to purchase tickets or for more details.
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Off the Page - Poetry Reading/Open Mic
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.
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Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair
Always held on the last Saturday in April, the GPAG's Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair is an annual gathering of private press printers, bookbinders, print makers, paper marblers and other artisans celebrating the art of the hand-made book.
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Lakeside Pumphouse Artists' Association Art Show & Sale
Celebrate 25 years of the Lakeside Pumphouse Artists' Association with two days of amazing art by local artists.
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Bit by Bit Fundraiser
Join us for an evening of food, friendship, and entertainment to support our four-legged friends! Our Focus: To support the hopeful outcomes of horses and ponies that have been given a new rein on life! Our new venue will see an increased capacity, entertainment, even more prizes and goodies.
Silent Auction | Raffle | Door Prizes
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Grantham Optimist Club Spring Trivia Fundraiser
Get your thinking caps ready! The Grantham Optimist is thrilled to announce our next Trivia Night on April 25th.
Our hosts, Mike Balsom & Bruce Williamson, are returning with a brand-new mix of questions from pop culture to history to geography and everything in between. There’s something for everyone!
This evening isn't just a fun night out, it is about supporting local youth. Proceeds go towards supporting local youth through our many programs like Optimist Ron French Memorial Scholarship, Central Ontario Leadership Seminar (COLS) Sponsorship, our softball program, and our regular commitment to many local organizations like the 57th Scouts, Tomorrow's Voices and Community Care.
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The Grimsby Pipe Band's Celtic Evening
The Grimsby Pipe Band presents a Celtic Evening with live music, luncheon and dance. Includes a sensational prized raffle (numerous prizes valued over $100) and an awesome silent auction.
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Secrets of the Short Hills with the Brown Homestead
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.
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Brock Talk: Re-homing History with Celia Fiennes
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.
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Jessica Compton: Bits and Pieces
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.
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| May 2026 |
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Grantham Optimist Sport Equipment Exchange
The Grantham Optimist Softball program is hosting our 3rd Annual Free Sport Equipment Exchange.
Bring your gently used equipment during one of the drop off times. On May 3rd, come on out and find "new to you" equipment. Even if you do not have anything to exchange, you are welcome to join!
We are looking for all types of sports equipment like gloves, softballs, basketballs, soccer balls, hockey sticks, bikes, golf clubs, etc. If you have equipment, feel free to bring it the day of, as well!
Drop Off Dates at the Grantham Optimist Club- 188 Linwell Rd: March 11th- 6:30pm-8:00pm March 25th-6:30pm-8:00pm March 29th- 9am-1pm
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St. Catharines Comes of Age: 1876 – From Town to City
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.
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Budding Artists Exhibit
Celebrate the creativity of Welland’s young artists at our upcoming exhibit opening on Thursday, May 7 from 4:00–7:00 pm. Featuring inspiring work from students across Welland District School Board of Niagara schools, this vibrant showcase highlights the imagination, talent, and unique perspectives of the next generation. Join us for an afternoon of art, community, and light refreshments.
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Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club Open House
Learn how to lawn bowl and enjoy a morning out at the club.
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Community Safety Day
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.
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2nd Annual Niagara Cats & Dogs Expo
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.
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Beamsville Lions All You Can Eat Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious all you can eat breakfast with the Beamsville Lions Club. Adults - $15, Kids 6-12 - $7, Kids 5> - Free.
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Folk Arts Open House
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.
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Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club Open House
Learn how to lawn bowl and enjoy an afternoon out at the club.
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Grimsby Author Series - Bar Fridman-Tell & Kate Hilton
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.
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Annual Seedling Giveaway and Open House
Come for free heirloom seedlings grown with care by our Garden Keeper volunteers, stay for the entertainment, food, heritage conservation demos, and local history!
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Unlocking the Past: Tour the Library's Local History Collection
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.
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