August, how’d you get here so fast? Here’s the tbaywithkids.ca roundup of the family-friendly festivals, fairs, theatre, music and big machine events happening in Thunder Bay in August 2019. Plus, check out our list of FREE things to do in Thunder Bay, and the Tbaywithkids Summer List of 50 fun things to check off your family’s bucket list.
August 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
Little Shop of Horrors, Paramount Theatre
Time for some live musical theatre that happens to include a cranky plant—Badanai Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors. 7:30, tickets required.
More info Badanai Theatre on Facebook
August 4-5
29th Annual Festa Italiana, Italian Cultural Centre
Fireworks, live music, great food, watermelon and jello-eating contests and kid's activities are part of this popular annual festival. Free admission, 12pm-12am
More info www.italiancc.com
August 5, 12, 19
Waverley Park Concert Series
Bring a picnic and some comfy seating to enjoy live local music in the beautiful treed surroundings of Waverley Park, complete with its new pavilion. Free, starting at 6:30.
More info The Coalition for Waverley Park on Facebook
August 7-11
129th Annual Summer Fair, CLE Grounds
It’s big, it’s colourful, it’s loud and it’s a summer tradition for many TBay families—the CLE is back with midway rides, live music and entertainment, contests, a petting zoo and a Kid’s World with lots of activities, face painting, inflatables, crafts, Science North and more. 12pm-12am, admission required.
More info www.cle.on.ca
August 16-18
Murillo Fair, Murillo Fairgrounds, Oliver Road
More details to come about this traditional country fair...stay tuned.
More info www.oliveragriculturalsociety.com
August 17
37th Annual Westfort Street Fair, Frederica Street
This long-running street fair has live music and entertainment, vendors and activities for the kids, plus lots of food and shopping. 9am-5pm, free entry.
More info Westfort Village Association on Facebook
August 17-18
Thunder at the Bay, CLE Grounds
If you’ve got a car-crazy kid, head to the fourth 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.
More info www.thunderatthebay.com
Battle of Fort William, Fort William Historical Park
Step into your time machine for a glimpse of life at the Fort in the early 1800s, including battles, medical techniques and everyday life for soldiers. Admission required, 10am-5pm.
More info www.fwhp.ca
August 23-24
Movie Nights on the Waterfront, Marina Park
Watch a family movie (titles TBA) on the big screen beside the big lake. Bring some warm clothing just in case, and the concession stand will be open. Free, starting between 8 and 9pm.
More info www.thunderbay.ca
August 24
Pass Lake Country Fair, Pass Lake Community Hall
Returning after a 13-year absence, this fair offers face painting, bouncy castles, pony rides and other kid activities, live entertainment and antique cars, all in the community of Pass Lake on the Sibley Peninsula. 10am-5pm
More info Pass Lake on Facebook
Excavator Skills Challenge, CLE Grounds
If your littles love the big machines, check out the Excavator Skills Challenge. This local fundraiser has pro operators competing, plus the public can give it a try too (picking up items like hula hoops and basketballs). 12-3pm (part of Ribfest).
More info Ribfest on Facebook
August 25
Kub Kar Rally, CLE Grounds
Come build and decorate a Scouts Canada Kub Kar (or bring your vintage one) and then have fun racing in a Rally! Construction session from 10am-noon, races from 1-3pm (part of Ribfest). Registration fee applies, kit included. More info www.ribfesttbay.com