The Best of Niagara Falls in July

Fireworks, festivals, and plenty of family fun to go around — July is an ideal time to visit Niagara Falls USA. Read on to see what's happening in the area this month.

July Events in Niagara Falls USA

Olcott Pirate Festival

July 12-14, 2024. Ahoy, mateys! The shores of Lake Ontario are transformed into a pirate's treasure trove at this annual festival in Olcott. Put on your pirate gear and enjoy rides, food, music, a parade, car show and live entertainment all weekend.

Canal Fest of the Tonawandas

July 14-21, 2024. This eight-day extravaganza features tons of live music, food and drink vendors, rides and games, a parade, car and bike cruise, arts and crafts and chalk shows, and more along the Erie Canal in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda.

Artpark Fairy House Festival

July 13, 2024. Marvel at the magical fairy house creations made by local artists at this annual Artpark event, complete with enchanting performances, whimsical costumes and countless vendors and activities all afternoon.

Niagara Wine Trail Wine Festival

July 27-28, 2024. Sample a variety of local wines from nearly a dozen local wineries at this annual festival in Lewiston. Tickets include access to shopping from the vendors, tastings from each of the participating wineries, and a keepsake wine glass.

4th of July Celebrations

4th of July Weekend Festival on Old Falls Street

Celebrate Independence Day on Old Falls Street with a four-day festival! Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty characters, performances from Buffalo Aerial Dance and more all weekend long.

Fireworks, Fireworks, & More Fireworks!

From spectacular nightly shows at Niagara Falls State Park to special displays at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, the Village of Lewiston and beyond, there's no shortage of fireworks in Niagara County in early July. Click here to view the full list of dates, times and locations for Independence Day fireworks.

Additional Activities to Do in July

See a Movie at the Drive-In

Since 1952, watching a movie under the stars at the Transit Drive-In Theatre in Lockport has been a favorite summer tradition of Western New Yorkers. Catch a showing of the newest summer blockbuster, or attend the theatre's 'Retro Tuesdays' for showings of familiar favorites like Grease, Jaws and Stand by Me.

Go Lavender Picking

The first lavender farm in the Niagara region, Kin Loch Farmstead is packed with over 2,000 lavender plants on its 30-acre property. Every July, the farm hosts lavender u-pick events, picnics, yoga and more. Whether you have a green thumb or just an affinity for aesthetic Instagram pictures, this is the place to go!

Have Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Is there a better sound than the sizzling of a grill on a sunny day? Dig in to a hearty hamburger or heaping hot dog while enjoying the old-fashioned charm of these roadside food stands. Add on a sweet treat at a nearby ice cream shop, and you have the quintessential summer meal.

Hang Out by the Boardwalk

Every Friday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Lakeview Village Shoppes in Olcott host 'Friday Nights on the Boardwalk,' consisting of live music, boutique shopping and wine tastings from local wineries. While you're there, explore the beachy town's vintage carousel park, lighthouse, restaurants and fishing charters.

Cruise (or Stroll) Along the Erie Canal

Sneak in a history lesson on a boat tour with Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, which raises and lowers passengers 50 feet through Locks 34 & 35 on the Erie Canal. Or, opt to learn while getting your steps in on a walking tour with the Flight of Five Lock Tenders Tour, where you'll marvel at the Locks and life-sized statues of the Lockport Lock Tenders.