Local talent shines at Canada Day on the Waterfront
One of Thunder Bay’s most cherished community celebrations returned Canada Day on the Waterfront. It was a lively showcase of local music, dance, and culture, all set against the scenic backdrop of Marina Park.
The July 1st event, with the theme Walk Together. Experience Together. Celebrate Together was all about connection; that spirit extended to the lineup of performers that took the stage in the afternoon and evening. “We aim to program Canada Day as a reflection of our community,” said Karen Kadolph, Special Events Developer with the City of Thunder Bay. “We work with as many different cultural groups, dance troupes, musicians, artisans, vendors, and programmers as we can each year to ensure the event has something for everyone.”
This year’s festivities featured two main performance areas: the Community Stage and the Main Stage. Each offered a blend of returning favourites and new local talent. Cultural performances opened both stages, adding dynamic energy and visual storytelling to kick off the entertainment.
On the Community Stage, music began at 5:00 pm with Gravel Road, followed by Darren Foley and the Luminescence at 6:00 pm, and Lakeside District at 7:00 pm. Meanwhile, the Main Stage saw Luke Warm & the Cold Ones at 6:00 pm, The Sensational Hot Rods at 7:00 pm, and Urban Hip closing out the night at 8:00 pm.
After several years of cultural dance performances dominating the Community Stage, this year marked the return of musical acts to the lineup. “This year, we are very excited to be working with local bands and bringing back musical acts to our Community Stage,” Kadolph noted. “We aim to work with as many different cultural groups, dance troupes, musicians, artisans, vendors, programmers, as we can each year, to ensure the event has something for everyone.”
Entertainment for Canada Day on the Waterfront is carefully curated through an open Call to Talent. This call invites local artists to apply for performance opportunities throughout the city’s event calendar. City staff and Public Art Committee members review submissions, with support from industry experts and booking agents when needed. The result is a lineup that’s entertaining and deeply rooted in Thunder Bay’s cultural landscape, reflecting the people, stories, and rhythms that make the community unique.
From music and dance to food vendors, art activities, and family-friendly programming, Canada Day on the Waterfront offered something for everyone, and best of all, it was free to the public. Another excellent Canada Day celebration at the Waterfront for the Thunder Bay community!
