Let’s stretch some of that summer fun into fall, with an outdoor movie, a fall fair, a free picnic, fast cars and dogs, great music, a film festival and more, all great for TBay families!
September 1
Movie Night on the Waterfront, Marina Park
The last movie of the season is Sherlock Gnomes. Catch a family movie on the big screen, under the stars. Bring a blanket! Free, starting at dusk.
More info Thunder Bay Culture & Events on Facebook
September 2-3
Hymers Fair, Hymers
This low-key, classic country fair is ideal for families: it’s all about the biggest pumpkins and best pies, just like a hundred years ago. Watch the livestock shows, munch on fair food, see who won the blue ribbons and get your face painted too. A shuttle bus is available.
More info www.hymersfair.com
September 3
Labour Day Picnic, Current River Park
The Thunder Bay & District Labour Council hosts the annual Labour Day picnic, complete with inflatables, ponies, music games and picnic eats like hot dog, corn and ice cream. Free, 12-4pm.
More info Labour Day Picnic
September 6
Backyard Summer Pop-Up Party, 450 Fort William Road
Celebrate the season with Roots to Harvest at a family party event that includes carnival games and lots of yummy food from vendors. Free, 5-8pm.
More info Roots to Harvest on Facebook
September 9
Festival of Colours, Marina Park
Ok, so messy, but think of the photo ops! At the Festival of Colours you can groove to Indian music, watch dancers and yes, chuck brightly coloured powder at each other as a way of throwing worries to the wind, India-style. (The powders are cornstarch and are non-toxic and eco-friendly. There are also special fans to blow the powders off clothes before you get into your car or the bus.) 3-7pm, $5 admission, free for kids under 12.
More info www.festivalofcolours.ca
September 13
Children’s Garden Harvest Evening, Centennial Botanical Conservatory
So how does your garden grow? Kids are invited to come help harvest veggies from the children’s garden at the Conservatory. Free, 6:30pm.
More info Friends of the Thunder Bay Conservatory on Facebook
September 14-16
5th Annual Thunder Bay Truck Centre Dirt Track Nationals, Mosquito Speedway
Car-crazy kids will be thrilled with the stock car races. Fast, noisy, dusty, zoom!
More info Mosquito Speedway on Facebook
September 15
Be You, Intercity Shopping Centre
Kids get to celebrate their uniqueness through activities, giveaways and workshops. Free, 10am-6pm.
More info ISC on Facebook
Vox Popular Film Festival, various locations
Do you have a film buff in your family? Vox Popular (formerly known as the Bay Street Film Festival) has a roundup of kid-friendly animated short films this year, including local and international filmmakers. Titles include Get the Worm, Fox Ground and The Importance of Dreaming. Starting at 11am, admission required.
More info www.baystreetfilmfestival.ca
September 15 and 16
AAC Agility Trials, Current River Park
Take your little dog-lovers to watch beautifully trained dogs compete at agility tasks like navigating ramps, gates and jumps. Free, 9am-5pm.
More info TDC Agility Trials on Facebook
September 22
MusicFest, ToySense
Got the beat? At this kid-themed musical event, you can boogie to live music, take in demos of kid-friendly instruments like the ukulele, Loog guitar or keyboard and chat with music instructors. Free, 11am-3pm
More infoToySense on Facebook
September 27, 28, 29
Franco Festival Thunder Bay, various locations
This festival is all about highlighting French culture, including performances with interactive song, dance and rhythm plus art exhibits and vendors. This is part of Culture Days, Canada’s largest national arts and culture event, which is also going to include art demos by local artists.
More info Club culturel francophone de Thunder Bay on Facebook
September 29 and 30
Curious George Party, ToySense
That little monkey is coming for a visit! Wear a Curious George-themed costume (or just red and yellow) and you could win a prize. Free, Saturday 11am-3pm, Sunday 12-3pm.
More info ToySense on Facebook
Don’t miss out on the family-friendly events in Thunder Bay! Just visit tbaywithkids.ca or follow us on Facebook.