THUNDER BAY — With a restricted fire zone in effect across northwestern Ontario and a fire ban still active in Thunder Bay, many residents are likely wondering how to make the most of the August long weekend with their families and friends.
For those interested in getting out in the region, there are a few options from Aug. 1 to 3, including, but not limited to, the Waverley Library’s 75th Birthday Party, the South Core Roar and the 36th annual Festa Italiana. The public can join the Thunder Bay Public Library for the Waverley Library’s 75th Birthday Party from 11 a.m.
on Saturday, marking the decades after it opened its doors in 1951 and 150 years of library service in Port Arthur. During the free celebration, Waverley Street will be closed for the day. Visitors can stop by, no registration required, for bouncy castles, pizza from Eat Community Pizza, birthday cake, face painting, games, prizes and a photo backdrop. the Lakehead Public Library prepares massive renovation to children's space at Waverley branch Hosted by the Fort William Business District BIA, the South Core Roar, a free and public two-day the region festival, will also run downtown in Fort William on Saturday and Sunday.
Radar & the Rockets will return to Merla Mae on Memorial Avenue to perform live from 7 p.m.
to 11 p.m., visitors of all ages can participate in interactive programming, featuring live performances, multicultural events, a strong-person competition, an Indigenous Learning Circle, a kids zone, food and craft vendors and more. In addition, a motorcycle Bike & Shine and a car show will showcase an extensive collection of rides. The 36th annual Festa Italiana will kick off at the Italian Cultural Centre on Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. The festival will bring the spotlight to some of the city’s Italian cuisine, alongside children’s activities, a beer garden, a gift card raffle, performances, spaghetti sauce lessons and spaghetti, watermelon and jello eating contests. It will continue from 1 p.m. on Monday, with admission free for attendees. James Philip will also play live from 1:30 p.m. for this week’s Sundays in the Park Concerts on the main stage, north of the Chippewa Park Pavilion. Organizers are encouraging visitors to bring lawn chairs to the public event. Radar & the Rockets will return to Merla Mae on Memorial Avenue to perform live from 7 p.m. Since the early 1950s, Merla Mae has remained a locally owned and operated drive-in, offering ice cream treats, burgers, fries, shakes and more. In addition, James Philip will reappear for the Waverley Park Summer Concert Series from 6:30 p.m. and Rodney Brown & Friends will play from 7:45 p.m. The public can also discover the world of art yet again at Family Art Days on Sunday at the northwestern Ontario hub Art Gallery from 1 p.m. The Dawson Diner Monday Night Cruise-In will return on Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with weather permitting. Hosted by the Dawson Diner and Lakehead Antique Car Club, the public event will offer residents the opportunity to try barbecue, ice cream, popcorn and music while checking out some antique, vintage, classic and unique vehicles, as well as hot rods. If the region celebrations, neighborhood music and family-friendly events aren’t in the schedule, Thunder Bay hasother numerous activitiesplanned for the August long weekend. The landfill and recycling depots, Transit Main Office and all community administration offices will be closed on Monday, according to the Urban centre of Thunder Bay. The Canada Games Complex will also be open from noon to 5 p.m. and both conventional transit and Lift+ will operate on a holiday schedule. Nicky Shaw is a reporter for CBC Thunder Bay. She graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and a minor in Environmental and Climate Humanities from Carleton University. Aligning with her passion for covering global environmental and humanitarian issues, she has worked to develop in-depth multimedia content that shares the diverse experiences of people in Northwestern Ontario. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered onCBC Gem..
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🔗 Read the original report from CBC News Thunder Bay
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📍 Source: CBC News Thunder Bay · By: CBC News Staff · 🗓️ August 01, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
