Niagara Grape & Wine Festival 2026: A Celebration of Wine, Food & Fall

If you're planning a Niagara getaway in September, the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is one of the region's signature events and a wonderful way to experience Niagara wine country at harvest time.

The 2026 Niagara Grape & Wine Festival runs from September 24–27, with events taking place throughout St. Catharines and the surrounding wine region. The main festival celebration takes place at Montebello Park from September 25–27, with free admission.

From Niagara wines and local food to live music and special wine-country experiences, the festival offers something for everyone.

What's Happening at the 2026 Niagara Grape & Wine Festival?

Grape & Wine at Montebello Park

The heart of the festival is Montebello Park in downtown St. Catharines, where visitors can enjoy Niagara wines, local food, and live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.

2026 dates and hours:

• Friday, September 25: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm

• Saturday, September 26: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

• Sunday, September 27: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Admission to Montebello Park is free.

The festival brings together more than 100 Niagara wines, local culinary offerings, and a full schedule of live music, making it an ideal place to spend an afternoon or evening celebrating the region's wine and food culture.

Montebello Rocks

The festival gets underway on Thursday, September 24, with Montebello Rocks, a special evening of live music at Montebello Park featuring SLOAN.

Gates open at 7:30 pm, making it a great way to kick off your Niagara wine festival weekend.

Discover Niagara's Wineries

The festival isn't limited to Montebello Park. One of the best ways to experience the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is to explore the wineries throughout Niagara's wine region.

The festival's Discovery Pass experiences are designed to take visitors beyond the main festival grounds, with curated wine and food pairings at participating wineries. Guests can create their own tasting itinerary and discover different parts of Niagara wine country at their own pace.

This is a wonderful opportunity to explore vineyards, sample local wines, enjoy seasonal food pairings, and experience the beginning of harvest season.

Why September Is a Wonderful Time to Visit Niagara

September brings a special atmosphere to Niagara. The vineyards are approaching harvest, the days are still pleasant, and the landscape begins its transition into the rich colours of autumn.

It's also an ideal time to combine the festival with some of Niagara's other attractions.

During your stay, consider exploring:

• Niagara-on-the-Lake and its historic downtown

• Niagara's many wineries and vineyards

• Niagara Falls

• The Lake Ontario waterfront in Port Dalhousie

• Local restaurants and farm-to-table dining

• Niagara's theatre and cultural attractions

• Scenic countryside and fall drives

Stay at The Farmhouse Manor

Located in historic Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, The Farmhouse Manor is a peaceful and charming base for your Niagara Grape & Wine Festival getaway.

After a day of wine tasting, food, music, and exploring, return to the Manor and relax in the tranquil surroundings of our historic 1914 home.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning before heading out to discover more of Niagara wine country.

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a getaway with friends, or simply want to experience the beauty of Niagara in the fall, the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is the perfect excuse for a September escape.

Planning your 2026 Niagara wine getaway?

We would love to welcome you to The Farmhouse Manor Bed & Breakfast in Port Dalhousie.

Festival schedules and individual event details may change. Please check the official Niagara Grape & Wine Festival website for the latest information before planning your visit.