June 11th-14th 2026

Let's Do It Again...

June 10th-13th 2027

2027 Years Theme: TBA

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Local Businesses Turn Back Time for the Mudcat Festival Window Display Contest

One of the most enjoyable parts of this year's 50th Anniversary Dunnville Mudcat Festival happened before the first parade float rolled down the street or the first band took the stage. Throughout downtown Dunnville, local businesses embraced the festival's "Back to...

Day One: Downtown Dunnville Comes Alive for the 50th Anniversary Mudcat Festival

Celebrating the Heart of Downtown The 50th Anniversary Dunnville Mudcat Festival officially kicked off on Thursday, June 11, with a day dedicated to celebrating the heart of the community—its local businesses, restaurants, retailers, and the people who support them....

Featured in Port Colborne Wainfleet Monthly – The Festival That Keeps Dunnville Together

Behind the fireworks, midway lights, and music is a community choosing year after year to keep a tradition alive.  For 50 years, the Mudcat Festival has been woven into the story of Dunnville. It is more than a weekend of events. It is memories of fireworks over the...

“I Didn’t Expect to Feel This Emotional”: Inside the 2026 Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience

When the final crowns were placed and the applause filled the room, something became very clear to everyone inside Calvary Pentecostal Church that evening: The 2026 Ms. Mudcat Ambassador Experience was never just about winning a title. It was about being seen. It was...

Beds, Bragging Rights & Big Heart

There was a time when the Mudcat Festival wasn’t just something you attended—it was something you jumped into, cheered through, and laughed about for years after. The kind of event where friendly competition met community spirit, and a simple idea could turn into one...

Mudcat Festival Turns Back Time with “Back to the 70s” Theme for 50th Celebration

As Dunnville prepares to mark a major milestone this summer, organizers of the Mudcat Festival have announced a theme that reaches deep into the past—inviting the community to celebrate in true retro style. For its 50th anniversary, the Mudcat Festival Parade will...

DUNNVILLE ON

The biggest event of the year

The Mudcat Festival is Dunnville’s signature celebration — a tradition that brings together community pride, local businesses, volunteers, and visitors from across the region. With a vibrant lineup of live music, classic cars, fishing derbies, strength competitions, kids’ activities, and community gatherings, the festival captures the energy and spirit that make Dunnville such a special place to live, work, and visit.

Live Music During Mudcat Festival Weekend...

Public House

Music On The Grand
Saturday June 13th, 2026

Jonesy

Music On The Grand
Saturday June 13th, 2026

The Dave Rave All-Stars

Music On The Grand
Saturday June 13th, 2026

Mudcat Festival Schedule of Events

Downtown Concert in the Street

Presented by The Dunnville BIA

Kick off the Mudcat Festival weekend in the heart of downtown Dunnville as Queen Street comes alive with music, dancing, and 70s vibes. This high-energy street concert features live bands, great food from local restaurants, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable festival weekend. Grab your friends, explore the sidewalk sales, enjoy the festival menu from local eateries, and dance the night away under the summer sky.

Thursday, June 11th

10am – Sidewalk Sale
5pm – Live Bands

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Presented by Contact North

A relaxed evening under the stars, Family Movie Night brings the community together for a classic film, kids’ activities, and festival favourites. With popcorn, glow sticks, and plenty to enjoy before the show, it’s a perfect night for families to connect and unwind.

Friday, June 12th

7:00 PM/Dusk

Parade - Back to the 70's!

Presented by Pet Valu

One of the most beloved traditions of the Mudcat Festival, the Mudcat Parade brings the streets of Dunnville to life with colourful floats, community groups, classic vehicles, music, and plenty of small-town spirit. Families line the streets as local businesses, organizations, and performers proudly showcase their creativity and community pride. It’s a joyful celebration that kicks off a full day of festival fun and reminds everyone what makes Dunnville such a special place to gather.

Saturday, June 13th

10:00 AM

KIDS ZONE

Presented by Egger Truck & Machine Ltd and Egger Excavating Ltd.

The Kid Zone is where young festival-goers can jump, play, and explore during the Mudcat Festival. With bouncy castles, face painting, balloon creations, crafts, stage entertainment, and family-friendly vendors, it’s a vibrant space filled with laughter and energy for kids of all ages. Whether they’re bouncing, creating, or watching the fun unfold on stage, the Kid Zone is packed with activities that keep the whole family smiling.

Saturday, June 13th

12:00noon – 4:00pm

Carshow

Presented by Heaslip Ford

Get ready for a sea of chrome, horsepower, and retro style as Cruisin’ Back to the 70’s Car Show rolls into the Mudcat Festival. Hundreds of incredible vehicles—from classic cruisers and muscle cars to custom builds and rare finds—line the streets as proud owners share their passion with visitors from across the region. With vendors, food trucks, door prizes, and plenty of polished rides to admire, it’s a must-see event for car lovers and festival-goers alike.

Saturday, June 13th

12:00 noon to 5:00 PM

MUSIC ON THE GRAND

Presented by TBD

Relax along the river and enjoy the sounds of live music at Music on the Grand, one of the Mudcat Festival’s favourite gathering spots is at the Bavarian Gardens. With talented bands performing throughout the day, festival-goers can sit back, enjoy the waterfront views, and soak in a laid-back atmosphere filled with great tunes and community spirit.

Saturday, June 13th

12:00 AM to 7:00 PM

MudCat Games - Bedraces

Presented by TBD

Get ready for one of the most entertaining spectacles of the Mudcat Festival—the Mudcat Bed Races. Teams race decorated beds down the street in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud competition that blends creativity, teamwork, and a little bit of chaos. Even better, teams are racing for a cause, raising funds and awareness for local charities while the crowd cheers them on.

Saturday, June 13th

12:00 noon to 2:00 PM

Mark Haines Memorial - Strength Competition

Presented by Iron Haven

Feel the power and energy of the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition as incredible athletes take on feats of pure strength in front of a cheering Mudcat Festival crowd. Watch competitors pull trucks, lift massive logs, flip tires, and battle through intense challenges that test grit, endurance, and determination. It’s an unforgettable display of strength and community spirit honoring the legacy of Mark Haines.

Saturday, June 13th

1:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Kids Fishing Derby

Presented by Grand River Outdoors & Watertite Roofing

One of the most heartwarming traditions of the Mudcat Festival, the Kids Fishing Derby brings young anglers to the banks of the Grand River for a morning of excitement, patience, and plenty of smiles. Children of all ages can cast a line, enjoy the outdoors, and compete for fun prizes while families gather along the river to cheer them on. Thanks to the generosity of our community sponsors, every child leaves with something special and a memory of a great day by the water.

Sunday, June 14th

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

KIDS ANIMAL ADVENTURES

Presented by Desjardins Commercial Services.

A full day of hands-on fun, Kids Animal Adventure brings together a petting zoo, obstacle courses, and interactive activities for kids of all ages. Set alongside the Fishing Derby, it’s a high-energy space where families can explore, play, and enjoy the festival together.

Saturday, June 13th

12:00noon – 4:00pm

SLOW PITCH TOURNAMENT

Presented by Welland Slo-Pitch League

Round up your team and hit the field—our Mudcat Slow Pitch Tournament brings friendly competition, great energy, and a full weekend of ball, community, and fun.

Sunday, June 14th

12:00noon – 4:00pm

Fireworks Over the Grand

Presented by  Tim Hortons, The River Rats, Hauser Pharmacy & Community Collections!

Light up the night along the Grand—our signature fireworks show is a can’t-miss moment, bringing the whole community together for a spectacular celebration over the water.

Satday, June 13th

Dusk

Our Advertising Partners

Parade Registration

Be part of one of the Mudcat Festival’s most beloved traditions—the Mudcat Festival Parade. Local businesses, community groups, performers, and creative teams are invited to join the celebration by entering a float, decorated vehicle, or walking group. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase your organization, connect with the community, and add your own color and creativity to this exciting kickoff event.

Stay Connected to Mudcat

The Mudcat Festival is always evolving with new events, entertainment, and community activities. Join our newsletter to receive updates, announcements, and festival highlights so you can plan your visit and be part of the excitement.