A Year of Festivals
If you’re the kind of person who likes to plan your year around good music, delicious food, and community traditions, you’re in the right place. Sarnia’s calendar is full of events that celebrate who we are: creative, connected, and proud of the place we call home. Some festivals fill the parks with sound. Others line our streets with art, food trucks, or classic cars. Some are free and easy. Others are big and bold. They all make the most of the season, the setting, and the spirit of our community.
Here are a few to mark down:
Sarnia First Friday Arts & Culture Walkabout
Where: Downtown Sarnia
When: First Friday of every month
Downtown stays open late each First Friday with galleries, shops, and cafés hosting live music, new exhibits, and great conversation. Imagine wandering into an open studio, discovering an inspiring new piece and finding yourself talking art with a stranger for half an hour. That’s the magic of First Friday; you don’t plan anything, you just go.
Where: Mike Weir Park
When: September
Artisans from all over gather for this outdoor market with local flair. It is a relaxing way to end the summer season on a creative note.
Fright Night at Cana-Scare-A Park
Where: Canatara Park
When: October
A Halloween tradition for those who love a good scare. Haunted trails, costumed characters, and just the right amount of eerie.
Where: Centennial Park
When: November to January
Lights on trees, walkways, and displays bring the waterfront to life for the holiday season. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and let the kids pick their favourite light display.
Where: Children’s Animal Farm, Canatara Park
When: December
Horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa visits, and old-fashioned holiday spirit at the arm. A cozy way to slow down before the holidays begin.
Where: Canatara Park
When: Saturday of Easter weekend
Egg hunts, crafts, and Easter Bunny visits. A great first outing after winter, especially for families with young children.
Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest
Where: Centennial Park
When: June
Kick off summer with saucy ribs, live bands, and a park full of smiling faces. Bring a lawn chair or just wander between vendors. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly weekend with something for everyone.
Where: Centennial Park
When: June
One of the biggest weekends of the year. Expect big-name headliners, a great local crowd, and music that rolls in off the water. Come for the concert, stay for the festival vibe.
Sarnia Street Machines: Cruise the Park
Where: Canatara Park
When: June
Classic cars and custom rides take over the park. It’s a dream for auto lovers and a fun walk for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship with a chrome finish.
Where: Canatara Park and Waterfront
When: July
From the morning parade to the evening fireworks, Canada Day in Sarnia is a full-day celebration. Pack a picnic, catch some live music, and enjoy the family activities scattered across the park.
Where: Canatara Park
When: July
This growing event celebrates plant-based food and sustainable living. Whether you're vegan or not, it's a great way to explore local vendors and try new flavours.
Where: Canatara Park
When: July
High-energy shows, big-stage production, and a setting that couldn’t be better. Revelree brings a whole festival experience right into the park.
Where: Various parks
When: July and August
Free concerts in city parks throughout the summer. Some are upbeat, some are laid-back. All of them bring people together with a soundtrack for the season.
Bluewater International Granfondo
Where: Mike Weir Park
When: August
A cycling event that’s as scenic as it is rewarding. Whether you're riding or cheering, it’s a proud day in Sarnia for riders from near and far.
Sarnia Street Machines: Hot Nights, Cool Cars
Where: Canatara Park
When: August
Another can't-miss event for car enthusiasts, featuring evening vibes and a fantastic lineup of classic and performance vehicles.
Where: Centennial Park
When: August
Dozens of vendors, local makers, and food trucks by the lake. Great for gifts, art, or just strolling with a lemonade in hand.
Where: Canatara Park
When: August
A highlight for families with younger kids. Games, entertainment, inflatables, and interactive fun, all in one big free event.
Where: Downtown Sarnia and Mitton Village
When: August
A new arts festival that spreads out across downtown with visual art, live performances, installations, and food pop-ups. Great for exploring on foot.
Where: Downtown Sarnia
When: August
With games, live bands and a dance party, this free two-day event aims to create a sense of community downtown with music and art.
Where: Downtown Sarnia
When: August
A two-day outdoor event showcases the talents of DJs and entertainers (band, duo, or solo acts) while raising money for local area charities. Enjoy food and drink and of course, dance a little.
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Whether you live here or you’re planning a visit, this list is a great place to start. Sarnia has a way of surprising people who take the time to look around. And once you’ve seen a sunset at Centennial Park or heard live music drift through Canatara, you’ll understand why locals keep showing up, year after year.
See something that caught your eye? Bookmark it, share it, and we’ll see you there.
For more events, visit the Explore Sarnia Events Calendar.
