Come and celebrate Culture Days in St. Catharines! Join us from Sept. 20 to Oct. 13, 2024, as we celebrate art and culture through a diverse range of free live and virtual performances, workshops, and events. Culture Days is a nationwide initiative that brings together creators, artists, community groups, and institutions to offer free arts and cultural experiences to the public.
About Culture Days
Each year, creators, grassroots community groups, public libraries, independent artists, collectives, municipalities, as well as major arts, culture, and heritage institutions participate in Culture Days by organizing free arts and culture events. In 2023, over 4.4 million people across Canada attended thousands of events in their communities.
Partners
In 2024, we will collaborate with the St. Catharines Public Library and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts as location hubs during Culture Days. We will also partner with the Rodman Art Institute of Niagara (RAiN) to offer free and pay-what-you-may activities, in addition to working with artists and community partners who received funding through the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program.
Free activities and workshops
For a seamless experience, visit culturedays.ca, where you can easily search for activities based on location, demographics, and genres, and access registration information as applicable.
Here are some of the exciting events that will take place in 2024.
Sept. 20 to 30, 2024 |
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Flag Raising and Exhibition Opening Join artists, activity organizers, Councillors, and City staff to raise the Culture Days flag, signaling the start of three weeks of free arts and culture events in St. Catharines. After the flag raising, join us inside City Hall for the opening of the City’s 15th Annual juried art exhibit, entitled "Phases". Community Mosaic with Melissa Cammisuli
At Market Square, 91 King St Join Rodman Arts Institute of Niagara at market square to decorate a canvas tile! Take the completed work home with you or lend it to a collaborative installation for their Oct 11 art crawl - all tiles will be returned to creators following the crawl. No registration required.
Puppet Extravaganza with Carousel Players Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Carousel Players Arts Education Centre, 366 St. Paul Street An afternoon of puppet performance and puppet creation for all ages. Families can watch Carousel artists performing in short puppet plays at timed intervals, see examples of puppets used in past Carousel Players shows and enjoy participatory activities. No registration required.
Composing Community Movement Workshops with Vik Mudge and Skye Rogers
At Robertson Theatre in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street Artists Vik and Skye will hold a two-day workshop series focused on movement practices, improvised choreography, and community building. Folks do not need to identify as artists, dancers or movers to participate. Pre-registration required.
Embroidery Upcycling Workshop Monday, Sept. 23 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library, Dr. Huq Family Library Branch, 425 Carlton Street Love art and sustainability? Using thread and some basic embroidery stitches, learn how to make your worn clothing into something you love again! Feel free to bring an item of clothing from home with minor wear and we will learn how to both mend and personalize clothes you already own! For adults. Pre-registration required.
RBC Foundation Music @ Noon Series - Strong Water Singers Tuesday, Sept. 24 from noon to 1 p.m. at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Recital Hall, 250 St. Paul Street The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts' Tuesday Music@Noon series takes place every Tuesday at noon throughout Culture Days. Held in the acoustically impressive Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Music@Noon provides opportunities for artists to showcase their creativity.
Guided Tours of the Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway Learn about the worksite of the Welland Ship Canal, constructed between 1913 and 1932, through the lives of the 138 men who died during its construction. This guided tour is led by Museum volunteers and admission is by donation. Look for your guide and meet in the Museum Lobby. The tour is approximately 45-60 minutes. No registration required.
Collection Conversation Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Rodman Art Institute of Niagara (RAiN), 104 St. Paul Street Join Rodman Art Institute of Niagara for an engaging lecture that will highlight key works from their 1000-piece permanent collection. Knowledgeable staff will guide you through selected highlights, offering insights into their cultural context and significance within our gallery. Pre-registration required.
Guided Tours at The Brown Homestead Thursday, Sept. 26 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at The Brown Homestead, 1317 Pelham Rd Explore the 220+ year old building on site, learn about heritage conservation techniques, discover stories of rural farming families and connect with Niagara’s rich history on a highly engaging tour led by passionate staff and volunteers! Tours are about 70 minutes and start every hour on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Click here for more information and to register.
Collage-a-thon! with Jenn Judson Sunday, Sept. 29 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Niagara Artists Centre, 354 St. Paul Street Join artist Jenn Judson for a drop-in style event featuring the barrier-breaking medium of collage! The event is open to anyone and everyone that is curious about the collage. No registration required. |
Oct. 1 to 6, 2024 |
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RBC Foundation Music @ Noon Series - Gordon Cleland and Erika Reiman Tuesday, Oct. 1 from noon to 1 p.m. at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Recital Hall, 250 St. Paul Street The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts' Tuesday Music@Noon series takes place every Tuesday at noon throughout Culture Days. Held in the acoustically impressive Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Music@Noon provides opportunities for artists to showcase their creativity.
Art and Conversation with Rodman Art Institute of Niagara (RAiN) Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library, Central Library Mills Room, 54 Church Street Rodman Art Institute of Niagara’s Gallery Manager will guide you through a lecture of selected highlights from RAiN’s 1000 piece permanent collection. This lecture will offer insights into their cultural context and significance within our gallery. Following the lecture will be a Q&A and an art making activity. All ages - no registration required.
Guided Tours of the Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway Learn about the worksite of the Welland Ship Canal, constructed between 1913 and 1932, through the lives of the 138 men who died during its construction. This guided tour is led by Museum volunteers and admission is by donation. Look for your guide and meet in the Museum Lobby. The tour is approximately 45-60 minutes. No registration required.
Guided Tours at The Brown Homestead Thursday, Oct. 3 and Saturday Oct. 5 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at The Brown Homestead, 1317 Pelham Rd Explore the 220+ year old building on site, learn about heritage conservation techniques, discover stories of rural farming families and connect with Niagara’s rich history on a highly engaging tour led by passionate staff and volunteers! Tours are about 70 minutes and start every hour on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Click here for more information and to register.
Camille Turner - Artist Talk Thursday, Oct. 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Brock University's Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, 15 Artists Common, Studio C (MWS 251) Camille Turner is an artist/scholar whose work combines Afrofuturism and historical research. She is a Provost’s postdoctoral fellow at University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, and her award-winning artworks are held in collections across Canada and internationally. This is a Walker Cultural Leader Series event presented by the Department of Visual Arts. No registration required.
Sock Puppets with Quinn Oberlein Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Market Square, 91 King Street Want to get crafty and creative? Come drop in and have some fun making a sock puppet! All materials provided (but feel free to bring your own sock if you’d like!) For all ages. Take your new sock puppet home with you or offer it to a collaborative installation for the Downtown St. Catharines Art Crawl, hosted by Rodman Art Institute of Niagara on October 11. All puppets will be returned to creators following the crawl. No registration required.
Stories and I-Spy at The Brown Homestead Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at The Brown Homestead, 1317 Pelham Rd The St. Catharines Public Library will kick off the morning by reading a storybook in The Brown Homestead's historic Dining Room. Then, follow staff for an exciting I-Spy Scavenger Hunt of the site's inspiring grounds. Discover the agricultural and Indigenous connections to this amazing site seeped in centuries of history!
Muguloo Workshop with Rajshree Jena Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Dr. Huq Family Library Branch 425 Carlton Street
Muguloo is form of decorative art practice in southern India. Participants will create geometric patterns on a canvas, adding colours, textures and other media. Recommended for ages 6+, children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver.
David Coruzzi Musical Experience Saturday, Oct. 5 from noon to 1 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library, Central Library Atrium, 54 Church Street Join us for a musical performance by talented classical guitarist, David Coruzzi and special guest, Alina Grunina. No registration required.
Afronautic Research Methodology Workshop with Camille Turner Saturday, Oct. 5 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Brock University's Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts, 15 Artists Common, Visual Arts Gallery Join artist Camille Turner and the Outerregion collective for an immersive workshop tailored for artists, educators, students, and citizen researchers alike. Through this interactive experience participants will use Afronautic Research principles to explore silenced histories and embark on a journey of discovery and imagination.
"Dia de los Muertos" Mexican Day of the Dead Workshop with Luis Martin Flores Sunday, Oct. 6 at Brock University's Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts, 15 Artists Common, Room 151
An event for the whole family to make your own "Ofrenda de Muertos" decorations. Paint and decorate sugar skulls, "Calaveritas de Azúcar", or learn how to make colourful carpet pieces with painted wood chips. |
Oct. 7 - 13, 2024 |
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RBC Foundation Music @ Noon Series - John Sherwood, Rob McBride and Devon Fornelli Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Recital Hall, 250 St. Paul Street The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts' Tuesday Music@Noon series takes place every Tuesday at noon throughout Culture Days. Held in the acoustically impressive Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Music@Noon provides opportunities for artists to showcase their creativity.
Guided Tours of the Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway Learn about the worksite of the Welland Ship Canal, constructed between 1913 and 1932, through the lives of the 138 men who died during its construction. This guided tour is led by Museum volunteers and admission is by donation. Look for your guide and meet in the Museum Lobby. The tour is approximately 45-60 minutes. No registration required.
Culture Days at The Film House Tuesday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Oct. 10 at The Film House, 250 St. Paul Street The Film House is proud to host eight pay-what-you-can film screenings in downtown St. Catharines as part of Culture Days. Films include:
Click here for more information and to reserve tickets.
Recycled Book Wreaths Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library - Merritt Branch, 149 Hartzel Rd. Are you an eco-conscious crafter? Looking to try some DIY decor? Come to the Merritt Branch to join our recycled book wreaths workshop! Perfect for the autumn season, this is a hands-on craft that looks great in any home. All materials and instruction will be provided. For adults. Pre-registration required.
Guided Tours at The Brown Homestead Thursday, Oct. 10 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at The Brown Homestead, 1317 Pelham Rd Explore the 220+ year old building on site, learn about heritage conservation techniques, discover stories of rural farming families and connect with Niagara’s rich history on a highly engaging tour led by passionate staff and volunteers! Tours are about 70 minutes and start every hour on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. More information and to register.
Downtown St. Catharines Art Crawl Friday, Oct. 11 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Market Square (91 King St.) and Downtown St. Catharines Join Rodman Art Institute of Niagara for a Downtown St. Catharines Art Crawl! Market Square will be converted to a Marketplace to buy handmade goods from local artists, while the rest of Downtown will be transformed into exhibition spaces throughout local businesses. No registration required.
Pool Noodle Masks with Laurie Boese Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Market Square, 91 King Street With just a few colourful and fun supplies, work with local artist Laurie Boese to make your own pool noodle face mask! This activity is fun for all ages and could very well become the beginning of your do-it-yourself 2024 Halloween costume! No registration required.
Three Sisters Garden Closing Ceremony Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at The Brown Homestead, 1317 Pelham Rd Join The Brown Homestead for the closing ceremony of their Three Sisters Garden. The tradition of “Three Sisters” originated with the Haudenosaunee people. The Brown Homestead resides on Indigenous land and the organization is committed to acknowledging and celebrating this history.
The Breath Balm Campaign with Eve Atoms Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library - Central Library Branch (Atrium and Rotary/Bankers Room), 54 Church Street Participants can record their breath, while others paint and write words of inspiration on balsam poplar leaf cutouts. Leaves and audio samples will be collected, arranged and exhibited in a multisensory, soundscape installation at local art galleries. No registration required.
Composing Community Dance Showcase with Vik Mudge and Skye Rogers Sunday, Oct. 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Robertson Theatre in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street An opportunity for community-building and curious creation. Over the course of the festival, the artists will engage in the wild act of generating an entire movement-piece in just three weeks, as they dig into and enliven the idea of a Community Garden. Pre-registration required. |
Apply for funding to host a Culture Days activity
If you’re an organizer interested in hosting a Culture Days activity in St. Catharines, you may be eligible for funding through the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP). To be considered for funding, activities must be interactive and engaging, providing hands-on cultural experiences to the public. The application deadline for the 2023 Culture Days Activity Program has passed. Applications for 2024 will open in the spring of 2024.