Celebrating Arts, Culture, & Heritage... Under the Lights! Arts & Culture Under the Lights Logo

Friday, September 18, 2026 
Market Lot, Mariner's Hall & Baggage Building Arts Centre, Marina Park, Thunder Bay
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Explore your creative side with us at Arts and Culture Under the Lights, presented by Ontario Power Generation, at Marina Park – a family-friendly celebration of community culture.

Join us for a variety of performances, demonstrations, and on-stage acts:

  • Cultural Performance Stage:
    • Chinese Music and Dance Troupe 
    • World Cultural Dance
    • Arabella Middle Eastern Dance Academy
    • Thai Healing Center Dancers
    • More performances to be announced 
  • Literary Stage: To be announced
  • Street Performers: 
    • Berlyn Kahli
    • More performers to be announced
  • Artist Demonstrations: To be announced 

Visit local vendors, artisans, community groups, and check out other exciting activities:

  • Food Vendors – Satisfy your cravings with a variety of tasty treats from local food vendors
  • Artisans - Discover unique creations from local artisans
  • Community Groups – Visit booths from local organizations and connect with the community
  • Art of the Mushroom – Explore and participate in an interactive display by CAHEP

Experience an unforgettable evening filled with performances, markets, art, and cuisine, all set against the glow of beautiful lights at Arts and Culture Under the Lights 2026!

 

FREE ADMISSION – Everyone Welcome!

Previous Years 

2025
Arts & Culture Under the Lights: Culture Days Launch Event

Thank you for joining us on Friday, September 19 at Marina Park as Ontario Culture Days launched in Thunder Bay.

This free event featured an evening of dance and musical performances, artisans, vendors, displays and activities that celebrated the rich arts and culture of our city!

Arts & Culture Under the Lights Event Recap:

  • Cultural Performance Stage featuring performances by:
    • Italian Touch Latin Dance School - Including a live Latin dance lesson
    • World Cultural Dance
    • Thai Healing Center
    • Chinese Music and Dance Troupe
    • Arabella Middle Eastern Dance Academy
    • Tarang Dance Academy
    • Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association
    • Sara Kae
    • OgechidaaKwe (g) zhii baa shka’igan magood nanaadawi shimowag
  • Hands-On Artist Demonstrations with:
    • Katie Lemieux 
    • Valin Sacchetti
    • Erika Niva
    • Taylor Anderson
  • Light Art Installations and Wearable Art by featured artist Michel Dumont
  • Street Performances by:
    • Jessica Hayes
    • Ivan Love 
    • Badanai Theatre Company
    • All the Daze Productions
  • Community Group Expo
  • Vendor and Artisan Market
  • Literary Stage hosted by Thunder Bay Public Library
  • The Art of the Mushroom presented by CAHEP and The Hive
  • Food Vendors
  • Drone Light Show -  At 9:30 PM, 400 drones illuminated the night with breathtaking stories and imagery! In partnership with the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority.

2024
Arts & Culture Under the Lights: Culture Days Launch Event

Thank you for joining us on Friday, September 20 at Marina Park as Ontario Culture Days launched in Thunder Bay.

This free event featured an evening of dance and musical performances, artisans, displays, and activities that celebrated the rich culture of our city!

Arts & Culture Under the Lights Event Recap

  • Cultural Performance Stage                                                         
  • Artist Demonstrations 
  • Food Vendors 
  • Community Expo 
  • Street Level Performances 
  • Artisan Market 
  • Literary Stage hosted by Thunder Bay Public Library
  • The Art of the Mushroom by CAHEP 

2023

Arts & Culture Under the Lights (City of Thunder Bay)
September 22, 2023 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Baggage Building Arts Centre

  • Karim Y Nady from Italian Touch Latin Dance School.
  • Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop (NOWW)
  • Community Arts & Heritage Education Project (CAHEP)

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