When it comes to incredible and affordable live music and theatre, Niagara earns a standing ovation. But making your way to Niagara and only seeing a show seems just wrong in a region that’s also home to fabulous shopping and so many world-class spas. This fall, create your perfect mix of live shows, shopping, and spa time in Niagara. Here are some winning combinations for inspiration.
Niagara Falls’ OLG Stage is proving to be very popular with a wide range of big-name talent. Artists appearing on the OLG Stage this fall include Steve Winwood, Gipsy Kings, Il Divo, Three Dog Night, John Legend, and Patti Labelle. Time your trip for Matthew Good’s November 21 show to take advantage of one of Ontario’s most anticipated holiday shopping markets. The fifteenth annual HandMade Market opens its doors at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre from November 21 through 23, offering those eager to get a head start on made-in-Canada holiday shopping 1000s of one-of-a-kind handcrafted items all at one location. Bring some friends, and in between your show and shopping, head to Burning Springs Spa & Thermal Pools, which was recently recognized as one of the top 25 spas in Canada. The spa’s Celebration Package treats six or more guests to a reserved area with refreshments.
The Shaw Festival’s 2025 season keeps going strong right through October 5, with a full slate of shows including Wait Until Dark, Tons of Money, Major Barbara, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Then, after a short break, the Shaw’s fabulous cast returns for the holiday season from November 1 through December 21, to bring two fabulously festive favourites to the stage: White Christmas and A Christmas Carol.
Shaw showgoers can find outstanding deals on favourite brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Ugg, Lululemon, North Face, and more just down the road at Outlet Collection of Niagara. On Saturdays through October 4, shop the Little Hearts Market Series to find fabulous items from small businesses. Celebrate Niagara’s grape harvest season with the signature Grapeseed Body Wrap treatment at OSpa, which is located within Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Oban Inn.
Music lovers looking to squeeze in one last outdoor festival for the season are in luck! St. Catharines’ annual Cicada Music and Arts Festival, on October 3 and 4, brings fantastic Canadian bands, including Sam Roberts Band, Broken Social Scene, 54-40, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Hollerado, and many more to Port Dalhousie’s Henley Island. St. Catharines is a real live music hub this fall, with a long list of other renowned acts arriving to perform downtown, including Bryan Adams, Ron Sexsmith, Tom Morello, The Tenors, and Soweto Gospel Choir.
While in downtown St. Catharines for a show, be sure to check out the downtown core’s excellent selection of vintage and consignment stores and record shops. Best bets include Out Of The Past, Pink Bubblegum Vintage Boutique, Roly Poly Records & Vintage, Studio Shop, and Mindbomb Records. In addition to a fantastic range of spa treatments, St. Catharines’ beautiful Oggi Spa offers the thoughtful option of a salon hair blowout following your service, so you can head to your evening show looking freshly styled after your afternoon at the spa!
Niagara Benchlands’ fall festivals are a show in themselves! Head to Charles Daley Park on October 4 and 5 for live bands, DJs, and tonnes of foodie fun at the annual Sip Niagara. On Thanksgiving weekend, the beloved Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival hosts live music, heritage demonstrations, a vendor village, and so much more.
Browsing the unique shops of Jordan Village is the perfect before- or after-festival activity. Whether you’re finding a fresh fall outfit at Tintern Road & Jack Style Collective, Pamela’s, or Oak and Honey, a festival-worthy hat at Frankie Sez Hatters, or an interesting piece of art at Northern Expressions Inuit Art Gallery or Jordan Art Gallery, this is shopping that’s miles apart from any shopping mall! The talented specialists at Spa on the Twenty are ready and waiting to help visitors achieve their festival season glow! Visit on a weekday to take advantage of special pricing on two-treatment packages.
Niagara’s South Coast is the place to be for intimate shows that are sure to inspire considerable Canadian pride. The Lighthouse Festival’s production of Norm Foster’s Here on the Flight Path will have audiences at Port Colborne’s historic Roselawn Theatre in stitches through September 28. Later this fall, Ridgeway’s The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts will welcome Aysanabee and his band for an intimate stop on his The Way We’re Born tour.
Both Ridgeway and Port Colborne’s downtown districts are home to a unique collection of shops and galleries that are well worth an afternoon browse, like Lasting Impressions Gifts and Clothing, Lovely Day Gift & Home, Rookley’s Canadian Art, Harmony on West, and The Picket Fence. Complement your show and shopping with a Nordic-inspired soak! Fire & Ice Therapy at The Yard Social Club uses the contrasting elements of sauna and cold plunge to promote a deep sense of well-being that will linger long after the session ends.
Create an autumn getaway that combines live entertainment, shopping, and some well-deserved spa time. Be sure to check out @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for additional trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, scroll through local accommodations and restaurant suggestions to find delightful options to add to your itinerary.
#myniagara