The festival begin with a spectacular launch party at Montebello Park on Thursday, June 13 at 7 PM. Join us for live performances by local favourites Soft Animals and Toronto’s The Uplifters with special guest Charles Spearin. Our launch event is presented by the St. Catharines Downtown Association and CAA Niagara. It’s the perfect way to start the festival with a bang!

The Theatre Series showcases new works from acclaimed artists Yolanda Bonnell and Karen Hines. Experience “The Eighth Fire, Parts 1 and 2” by Bonnell at The Robby at Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, and “Pochsy IV” by Hines at the state-of-the-art Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. And don’t miss Deanna Jones’ intriguing piece “A Brief History of Smoking Cigarettes,” at Oddfellows Hall, or the Electric Innovations showcase, highlighting the talents of young artists in our Electric Innovations program.

RHIZOMES is the festival’s signature experience, featuring ten multi-arts works that blend various artistic disciplines into short, site-specific performances. Meet at the RHIZOMES Hive at Avenue Ballroom, and wander through downtown St. Catharines and explore installations by artists from many different disciplines. Each work is less than 20 minutes, allowing you to revisit your favorites throughout the festival.

Supported by Long & McQuade, the Music Series offers a fantastic lineup of concerts. Enjoy music from Soft Animals and The Uplifters with Charles Spearin at our launch on June 13, DAZE AWAY and Ben E. Wood on June 14, Electric Wildlife and Joe Lapinski on June 15, and wrap up the weekend with Los Skandalosos on June 16. Whether you’re into indie, folk, or eclectic tunes, there’s something for everyone.

Bring the whole family on June 15 for a day filled with free, all-ages activities. Participate in the Massive Band Parade, dance at the FamJamalama Dance Party with DJ Marinko, and get creative with hands-on art-making activities at the outdoor Festival Hub at Mann Raceway Plaza. Don’t forget to explore the Vender Bender artisan fair, curated by Ruby Red Beautiful and Cozy Bones.

Dive into the interactive gaming world of “Survive/Ascend” by Matt Jaekel and ROUTINE EXPLOITS. Check out the special presentation “Project Ahjummas” by Collaboration Theatre and laugh along with the “Dirty Comedy Cabaret Closer” by Suitcase in Point’s cabaret team and visiting artists.

Festival passes and tickets are now on sale at inthesoilfest.com. Choose from the Full Festival Pass, Pick Six Pass, or series-specific passes for Theatre, Music, and RHIZOMES. Single event tickets are also available. Don’t miss out on the limited edition festival merchandise designed by Peacekeeper Club, available for pre-order and on-site pickup.