Mark your calendars for August 15–17, 2025, and join the fun at the 50th Dundas Cactus Festival.
The 50th Annual Dundas Cactus Festival is set to light up the streets of Dundas, Ontario, from August 15–17, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a milestone celebration you won’t want to miss! This beloved, free family-friendly street festival, a tradition since 1976, draws over 100,000 visitors each year to enjoy a vibrant mix of entertainment, food, and community spirit. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for this golden anniversary.
A Weekend Packed with Entertainment
Taking place on King Street, the festival transforms downtown Dundas into a lively hub with four stages of free entertainment. The Festival Patio Stage at Memorial Square will feature headliners like David Wilcox on Friday, August 15, and Freedom Train on Saturday, August 16, with Sunday’s headliner still to be announced. The King & Albert Stagewill showcase cultural performances, including the PICAH Dancers and the Canadian Orpheus Male Choir, while the Home Grown Stage highlights emerging local talent like the Jerry Rig Blues Band. The Fortinos Family Fun Zone Stage offers kid-friendly shows, including reptile exhibits and interactive theater.
Fun for All Ages
The Fortinos Family Fun Zone, located between Market and Church Streets, is a paradise for kids with free inflatables, face painting, pony rides, and a Toonie Train. Don’t miss the Teddy Bear Picnic on Saturday morning, August 16, at 9:30 AM, where kids up to eight can enjoy music, snacks, and character meet-and-greets with favorites like Sonic the Hedgehog and Cinderella (registration required). For thrill-seekers, the Hamilton Pro Wrestling Academy will host high-energy matches, and the Jagger Big Air Show will deliver jaw-dropping stunts. New this year, a free outdoor roller skating rink and a 5-minute escape room add extra excitement.
Shopping, Food, and More
With over 120 vendors and local businesses lining the streets, the festival is a shopper’s delight, offering everything from crafts to cactus-themed goodies. Foodies can indulge in a variety of treats or relax at the Festival Patio (19+ only) with craft brews from Shawn & Ed Brewing or wines from Flat Rock Cellars. The Dundas Cactus Parade kicks things off on Thursday, August 14, at 6:45 PM, celebrating “Parading Through the Decades” with vibrant floats and performances.
A Community Tradition
Named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals, the Dundas Cactus Festival began as a nod to Dutch immigrant Barend Veldhuis, whose cactus greenhouse put Dundas on the map. Today, it’s a homecoming for generations of families, blending nostalgia with fresh experiences. With free admission, eco-friendly initiatives like the Emterra Zero Waste Green Team, and a welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer in the Valley Town.
Mark your calendars for August 15–17, 2025, and join the fun at the 50th Dundas Cactus Festival. Follow their social media or visit dundascactusfestival.ca for updates. See you on King Street!
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Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans or acting on the information. We are not a news or journalistic outlet, and while we do our best to make sure information is accurate, sometimes we make mistakes. It is always best to verify with official sources.
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