Michelle Carter

September is shaping up to be a vibrant month across the Rainy River District, with exciting events in Fort Frances, Rainy River, and Atikokan. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a motorsport enthusiast, or someone who enjoys community gatherings, there’s something for everyone. From sizzling burgers on Scott Street to the inspiring Terry Fox Run, this guide covers all the must-attend happenings—complete with times, locations, and RSVP links to make planning easy. Let’s dive into what’s going on in your community this week!

Fort Frances Events

The Cookbook Collective

Time: Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:45·7:45 pm.

Location: Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre

Participants cook a themed recipe at home, share photos, and discuss their experiences at the next meeting. It’s not a cooking class, and pre-registration is encouraged.

RSVP to the Fort Frances Public Library at 807-274-9879 ext. 1614.

Burger Wars Street Festival

Time: Friday, September 12, 2025

Location: 200 block of Scott Street, Fort Frances

Taking over the 200 block of Scott Street, this brand-new event will bring the community together for an afternoon of delicious burgers, live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly fun.

For more information click here: https://rrfdc.on.ca/burger-wars-street-festival .

For tickets/registration click here: https://allevents.in/fort-frances/burger-wars-street-festival-sept-12-25/200028534024440

Métis Art Crawl

Time: September 12, 2025

Location: Fort Frances

Artists and vendors showcase their work. Open to Métis citizens only. Coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Half-Breed Adhesion to Treaty No. 3.

45^th Annual Terry Fox Run

Time: Sunday, September 14, 2025. Registration at 12:00 pm, run starts at 1:00 pm.

Location: Sorting Gap Marina
 

Participants can register online individually or as a team here. Merchandise is also available online, including shirts, hoodies, bags etc. Donations can be made online or on site the day of the event. A BBQ and Prizes on the day of the event.
Contact Laura at 807-276-1005 or Laureen at 807-276-8181 for more information.

Rainy River Events

RHC 50/50 Early Bird Draw

Time: Early Bird Deadline: Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. | Draw Date: Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Location: Rainy River District

Win $1,000 cash. Tickets: 5 for $5, 20 for $10, 100 for $20, 400 for $50. Proceeds support local hospital equipment purchases.

Decoration Day Service

Time: Saturday Sept 13,2025, at 11am

Location: Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rainy River

Join the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #54 at The Forest Lawn Cemetery for Decoration Day service. Followed by a free luncheon where everyone is welcome. First come, first serve.

Atikokan Events

Men’s Breakfast

Time: September 12, 2025, at 9am

Location: Pioneer Club Atikokan

Join the Pioneer Club 50^th year this Friday with Me’s Breakfast for $5 at the Pioneer Club Atikokan at 223 Burns St.

Superior Dirt Riders & Atikokan Motocross

Time: July 5-6, 2025

Location: Charleson Recreation Area at 10:30am.

Last race for the season! Come on out and watch the action! With face painting, colouring, money and more! It will be fun for the whole family!

Head on over to the Events page and see a FULL list of events in the area! You can also submit your own events for a chance to be featured!

Northwestern Ontario Events Roundup: August 26–31, 2025

Explore the vibrant cultural and community events happening across Northwestern Ontario this August. From powwows and fishing derbies to fairs and fundraisers, there’s something for everyone in Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Kenora, Fort Frances, and Atikokan.

Dryden

We Remember Their Names – Aug 26, 10-4:30pm

A gathering for truth, remembering, and healing. Orange Shirt Day is coming up on September 30^th, and this event is to honour the many children whose names were lost, misspelled, or left out of records entirely. Being held at The Best Western Conference Centre.

Stronger Together, Overdose Awareness Run – August 27, 10-2pm

Join us on August 27th, 2025, for the Overdose Awareness Run and other programs, followed by a BBQ lunch. This event is part of the international campaign to raise awareness about overdose, reduce stigma around substance use, and remember the lives lost. It also aims to encourage open conversations and community healing.
Registration is required for the mini-marathon competition.
Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/y5hCh9qqGf

Wabigoon Lake Ojibwe Nation 41^st Annual Traditional Powwow – Aug 29-31

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has proudly hosted an annual Pow Wow that attracts hundreds of participants and visitors each year. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wabigoon Lake, this vibrant celebration serves as a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and culture of the Ojibway people. The Pow Wow features a variety of activities, including traditional dancing, drumming, and storytelling, all of which highlight the community’s history and values.

Sioux Lookout

Wednesday Whatevs! Sioux Lookout Public Library – Wednesdays 1-3pm

Every Wednesday you can drop-in at the public library, do some crafts, read, Lego, or “Whatevs!” Sioux Lookout Public Library 1-3pm every Wednesday.

Red Lake

Country Legens Tribute Show – Royal Canadian Legion – Aug 29^th, 7-9pm

The Country Legends Tribute Show will be full of your favorite songs from, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Charley Pride, and more! Tickets are available at the Legion for $20.

Red Lake Fall Classic – Aug 30^th-31^st

The Red Lake Fall Classic is a catch and release walleye tournament which is held the first weekend in September each year and takes place on the Red Lake Chain of Lakes. There is also a junior tournament for the younger kids to enjoy.

Ear Falls

Whispering Pines Seniors Club BBQ – Aug 29^th, 11-1pm

Join in for the last BBQ of the summer! Cash only at the Whispering Pines Senior Centre

Kenora

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes – Aug 27^th, 10-2pm

On August 27th, the annual KSAC Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event will be taking place during the market. This is an event you do not want to miss for a worthy cause. Scan the QR code or give us a call to sign up to ‘Walk a Mile in her Shoes!” Shoes provided, Swag bags and more!

We Remember Their Names – Aug 27^th, 10-4:30pm

A gathering for truth, remembering, and healing. Orange Shirt Day is coming up on September 30^th, and this event is to honour the many children whose names were lost, misspelled, or left out of records entirely. Being held at Clarion Lakeside Inn.

Kenora’s Great Canadian Card Expo – Aug 30^th, 10-6pm

Great Canadian Collectibles Presents: Kenora’s Great Canadian Card Expo

Showcasing and selling cards and collectibles at the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion

For more information and vendor spaces, contact Joshua Essex at 807-407-3237 or greatcanadiancollectibles@hotmail.com.

Fort Frances

Healing Walk: In Honour of Overdose Awareness Day – Aug27th, 10-2pm

The Overdose Awareness Healing Walk that is taking place on Thursday, August 27th starts at the Sorting Gap Marina in Fort Frances. The opening ceremony will be at the marina at 10am with the Awareness Walk ending at The United Native Friendship Centre on Mowat Avenue where a BBQ grab-and-go-lunch will be served.

We Remember Their Names – Aug28th, 10-4:30pm

A gathering for truth, remembering, and healing. Orange Shirt Day is coming up on September 30^th, and this event is to honour the many children whose names were lost, misspelled, or left out of records entirely. Being held at La Place Rendezvous.

Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the festivities across Northwestern Ontario!

Northwestern Ontario Events Roundup: August 14–24, 2025

Explore the vibrant cultural and community events happening across Northwestern Ontario this August. From powwows and fishing derbies to fairs and fundraisers, there’s something for everyone in Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Kenora, Fort Frances, and Atikokan.

DRYDEN

DDAS Fall Fair – August 21–23

Theme: Silver Buckles & Boots 

Held at the Dryden Fairgrounds, featuring livestock shows including 4-H Club, homecraft exhibits: baking, crafts, gardening, photography, horse shows, steer auction, Midway rides, live entertainment daily, family games and food booths.

OPP Kids Fishing Derby – August 21, 11 AM–2 PM

Location: Wabigoon Lake 

Hosted by the Dryden OPP, this free event for ages 5–17 includes prizes in various categories, BBQ lunch, Safety education, Life jackets MANDATORY; bring your own gear and have fun!

23rd Annual Ride for Memories – August 16

Motorcycle and classic car ride supporting the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts. Riders from Red Lake, Kenora, Atikokan, and Rainy River converge in Dryden for lunch at the Dryden Legion, carry on with the parade to Ignace. Then finish off the day with evening dinner and ceremony in Dryden.

Dryden Fibre 2nd Anniversary – August 21

Celebrate Dryden Fibres 2^nd Birthday with community activities, giveaways, BBQ & more! At The Centre from 4:30-7pm.

SIOUX LOOKOUT

ECU Yard Sale Fundraiser – Donation Deadline August 22

Hosted by the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Extended Care Unit.

All proceeds will directly benefit recreational activities for the ECU residents.

Lac Seul First Nation Powwow – August 15–17

Location: Kejick Bay 

Celebrate Anishinaabe culture with Grand Entry ceremonies, Traditional dancing and drumming, Regalia displays, Food and craft vendors.

RED LAKE

Red Lake Triathlon – August 17

Multi-sport event with swimming, biking, and running categories for all ages and skill levels.

– Adult registration is at 7:15 am, race starts at 8am

– Youth registration (free) starts at 8:30am, race starts at 9:30am LIFE JACKETS MANDATORY

 23rd Annual Ride for Memories – August 16

Red Lake riders join the regional Alzheimer Society fundraiser.

Motorcycle and classic car ride supporting the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts. Riders from Red Lake, Kenora, Atikokan, and Rainy River converge in Dryden for lunch at the Dryden Legion, carry on with the parade to Ignace. Than finish off the day with evening dinner and ceremony in Dryden.

KENORA

Grassy Narrows Powwow – August 15–17

Location: Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation 

Featuring Traditional dancing and drumming, Regalia displays, Indigenous food vendors

4FoxSake Fundraiser Cruise – August 15, 6–8 PM

Aboard: MS Kenora 

3rd Annual 4FoxSake Fundraiser in support of SickKids Hospital, featuring music from Shadow Junction live, fun with Sleepy the Clown + kids’ lower deck activities, welcome champagne & canapés, and a Stunning Lake of the Woods sunset.

23rd Annual Ride for Memories – August 16

Kenora riders join the regional Alzheimer Society fundraiser.

Motorcycle and classic car ride supporting the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts. Riders from Red Lake, Kenora, Atikokan, and Rainy River converge in Dryden for lunch at the Dryden Legion, carry on with the parade to Ignace. Then finish off the day with evening dinner and ceremony in Dryden.

FORT FRANCES

Rainy River Valley Fall Fair (Emo Fair) – August 14–16

Celebrating: 125th Anniversary 

The Fair will include midway rides, stock car races, agricultural exhibits, and a parade!

Big Island First Nation Powwow – August 15

Hosted by: Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing 

Featuring traditional music and dance, colorful regalia, cultural storytelling, and food and artisan vendors.

23rd Annual Ride for Memories – August 16

Fort Frances riders join the regional Alzheimer Society fundraiser.

Motorcycle and classic car ride supporting the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts. Riders from Red Lake, Kenora, Atikokan, and Rainy River converge in Dryden for lunch at the Dryden Legion, carry on with the parade to Ignace. Then finish off the day with evening dinner and ceremony in Dryden.

ATIKOKAN

Atikokan Bass Classic – August 15–16

Known as the “Funnest Bass Tournament” in the Northwest with two days of competitive fishing on Marmion Lake, parade of boats, family-friendly atmosphere, finishing off with community celebrations and weigh-in ceremonies.

23rd Annual Ride for Memories – August 16

Atikokan riders join the regional Alzheimer Society fundraiser.

Motorcycle and classic car ride supporting the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts. Riders from Red Lake, Kenora, Atikokan, and Rainy River converge in Dryden for lunch at the Dryden Legion, carry on with the parade to Ignace. Than finish off the day with evening dinner and ceremony in Dryden.

Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the festivities across Northwestern Ontario!