Hello, Thunder Bay families and visitors! August 2018 in Thunder Bay brings outdoor movies, live music, good eats, festivals, an excavator rodeo, a bike challenge and the CLE…ready to make some memories? And don’t miss our round-up of free things to do with the kids in Thunder Bay all summer long.
August 5-6
Festa Italiana, Italian Cultural Centre
Authentic Italian food, music, entertainers and culture are the cornerstones of the 28th annual Festa Italiana. There are kids’ activities and nightly fireworks too. Free admission, noon-11pm.
More info www.italiancc.com
August 6
Pavilion Concert Series, Waverley Park Pavilion
Bring your lawn chairs and your dancing feet for performances by local musicians Jim ‘n I and Gibson, Martin and I. 6:30-8:30, free.
More info www.thunderbay.ca
August 8-12
CLE Family Fair
Midway rides and concessions, live entertainment, cooking demos, kids’ activities, a petting zoo, contests, fair food and more: For 128 years, CLE has delivered summer fun. Noon to midnight daily, admission required.
More info www.cle.on.ca
August 10-11
Harry Potter Festival, Willow Springs Creative Centre
In this first-ever event, Willow Springs transforms into the wizarding world, complete with a Quidditch pitch, Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Honeydukes Sweet Shop, Hagrid’s hut, a potions centre in the greenhouse and a Forbidden Forest Scavenger hunt. Plus, there will be wood-fired theme pizzas, theme drinks like Butterbeer frosties, face-painting, a Sorting Hat, costume prizes and more magical fun. 3-7pm on Friday, 12-7pm on Saturday, admission required.
More info Willow Springs on Facebook
August 17-September 1
Movie Nights on the Waterfront, Marina Park
Watch family movies on the big screen and under the stars. Just bring a blanket to sit on and a couple more for snuggling because it can be cool by Superior. Movies start at dark, between 8-9pm. Take your pick from: The Lego Ninjago Movie (August 17), Peter Rabbit (August 18), Moana (August 24), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (August 25), Coco (August 31) and Sherlock Gnomes (September 1).
More info www.thunderbay.ca
August 18
Amazing Race Bike Challenge
Get your team together for a self-guided bike challenge on Boulevard Lake. Compete in bike-themed challenges for points, take pictures of other tasks (like posing with a musical instrument) and do a bit of a scavenger hunt. 2-4pm, free.
More info here
Westfort Street Fair, Frederica Street
Shop, eat, play and explore at the Westfort Street Fair, the city’s longest running street fair. 9am-5pm, free.
More info Westfort Village Association on Facebook
Little Trout Day by the Bay, Little Trout Conservation Area
Visit a beautiful Lake Superior bay to see drone, canoe, kayak, falconry and SUP demos, buy some BBQ eats and take in exhibits about the natural world. Free, 10am-3pm.
More info Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority on Facebook
August 18-19
Thunder at the Bay, CLE Grounds
If you’ve got a car-crazy kid, head to the third annual Thunder at the Bay to see antiques, classics, jeeps, works in progress, trucks, sleds, radio-controlled cars and more, plus live entertainment. 10am-4pm, $3 admission and kids under 12 free.
More info Thunder at the Bay on Facebook
Fort Under Siege, Fort William Historical Park
Get a look at the struggle for domination between the North West Company of Montreal and the Hudson’s Bay Company of England, with this dramatic reenactment by park staff and volunteers. Families can try firing a musket, make crafts, visit soldiers in the fort, take part in an army drill, hear the cannons and paddle a canoe on the Kam River.
More info www.fwhp.ca
August 25
Excavator Rodeo, Court Street (in front of Prospector)
Big machines, big fun! Take the kiddos to the Excavator Rodeo at Ribfest to watch experienced operators test their mad skills by scooping up basketballs and hula hoops, plus see interested newbies give their large machinery skills a try. Proceeds go to the local Our Kids Count. 12-3pm, free.
More info Our Kids Count on Facebook
To keep up-to-date on all the fun family events going on in Thunder Bay, follow www.tbaywithkids.ca on Facebook!