Thunder Bay comes alive in August. Music fills the waterfront, community festivals celebrate diverse cultures, and arts performances spill out into parks and theatres. With so much happening in a single month, the city is poised to attract travelers from across north‑western Ontario and beyond. As the name suggests, the Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre (formerly the Victoria Inn) stands ready to welcome guests with comfortable rooms, ample parking and an on‑site restaurant, all just minutes from Thunder Bay’s premier venues. Here is a guide to the standout events taking place this August and why choosing our hotel makes your visit stress‑free and memorable.
Live music and big‑stage spectacles at Marina Park
Live on the Waterfront – Wednesdays (Aug 6, 13 & 20). The City of Thunder Bay’s free outdoor concert series transforms Marina Park into a festival every Wednesday evening. The 2025 program runs 6 pm to 9 pm and offers a fully produced stage, local food trucks, artisan booths and interactive activities. Each week features a different musical theme, including:
| Date | Theme & artists* |
|---|---|
| Aug 6 – “Maamawe, All Together Night” | Emerging Indigenous artists: Sara Kae (6 pm), Lancelot Knight (7 pm) and Nadjiwan (8 pm) |
| Aug 13 – “Summer Grooves Night” | World‑beat and pop rhythms with the Natalia Arroyo Ensemble (6 pm), YASSiN & Sean Terrio (7 pm) and The Band Destiny (8 pm) |
| Aug 20 – “Classic Rock Night” | Rock favorites by Tin Pan Alley (6 pm), Page 38 (7 pm) and hometown heroes The Honest Heart Collective (8 pm) |
- Lineups may change; check the city’s digital events guide for updates. Arrive early with a lawn chair and enjoy the free bike valet.
Summer Send‑Off with Drone Light Shows – Aug 27 & 28. To close the series, the city hosts a two‑night festival at Marina Park from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm with extended planning. Each night includes three live bands, a food‑truck market, artisans and family activities. The headliners on Aug 27 are Boom Town, Throwback and Amanda Keeles, and Aug 28 features Cassidy Houston, singer‑songwriter Katherine Nemec and pop duo the Lockyer Boys. A 400‑drone light show produced in partnership with Thunder Bay International Airports Authority illuminates the waterfront after 9:30 pm. Admission is free.
Stay advantage at Superior Inn
Marina Park is less than a 10‑minute drive from the Superior Inn. After dancing under the stars or gazing at the drone light show, guests can retreat to comfortable rooms equipped with high‑speed Wi‑Fi and plush bedding. Our hotel’s free parking and late‑evening restaurant hours mean you can enjoy the concerts without worrying about where to park or where to grab a bite afterwards.
Free music every Monday: Waverley Park Concert Series
If you love intimate outdoor concerts, the Waverley Park Concert Series brings folk, jazz and acoustic acts to one of Thunder Bay’s oldest parks. The series, organized by the Coalition for Waverley Park and the Thunder Bay Musicians’ Association, runs from July 7 to Aug 25 with free performances every Monday from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. August highlights include:
- Aug 4: Irish Echoes (6:30 pm) followed by Scotch and Water playing jazz‑folk blends.
- Aug 11: Soloist Brother John and guitarist Jamie Philp.
- Aug 18: Acoustic duo Jim‑n’‑I and pop‑folk performers Tammy Wilson & Adam Sabaz.
- Aug 25: Veteran songwriter Rodney Brown Trio and Celtic‑folk ensemble Kitchen Ceilidh.
The Superior Inn is roughly 5 km from Waverley Park. Guests can enjoy a leisurely meal in our on‑site restaurant before heading to the park; afterwards, relax in the hot tub or take a stroll on the indoor jogging track.
Heritage fairs and cultural festivals
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) Family Fair – Aug 6‑10
Thunder Bay’s largest summer celebration returns to the CLE grounds for five days of midway rides and local entertainment. Open from noon to 11 pm daily, the Family Fair offers carnival games, rides, karaoke, cooking demonstrations, a petting zoo, bingo and live music performances. Indoor exhibits highlight local crafts and produce, while the Kids World area provides hands‑on activities for children. The exhibition grounds are just a short drive down Arthur Street from our hotel, making the Superior Inn a convenient base for families attending the fair.
Festa Italiana – Aug 3 & 4
Thunder Bay’s Italian community hosts this two‑day cultural festival at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma Street. Festa Italiana, held on the Sunday and Monday of the August long weekend, transforms the centre’s parking lot into a festival area with an entertainment stage, food booths and a beer garden. Admission is free, and the festival showcases traditional Italian music and dance alongside home‑cooked favorites like bruschetta, gnocchi, lasagna and ravioli. Fireworks conclude each evening around 11 pm. Our hotel’s central location allows you to enjoy the festivities and return quickly for a restful night.
Arts, theatre and intimate concerts
Magnus Theatre Outdoor Stage
Thunder Bay’s professional theatre offers unique performances in August:
- The Muppet Script (Aug 14–15). As part of the Unseen, Unheard and Uncurated series, this live staged reading pays tribute to the 1979 film The Muppet Movie. Adapted by Matt Wilkie and curated by Ryleigh Dupuis and Amy Sellors, the show brings Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and Gonzo to life with live actors. The event runs approximately two hours and offers general‑admission seating at $40.
- Katherine Nemec: Live from the Living Room (Aug 22). Singer‑songwriter Katherine Nemec performs songs that span her life—from childhood living‑room jam sessions to new originals—backed by a full band. The intimate outdoor concert begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $40 with general admission.
- Lies and Legends: The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin (July 17 – Aug 2). Running through the first weekend of August, this musical collection celebrates Harry Chapin’s storytelling songs, reminding audiences of the extraordinary stories within ordinary lives.
Magnus Theatre is about a 10‑minute drive from our hotel, making it easy to enjoy world‑class theatre and return to your room afterwards.
Tumblestone Music & Art Festival – Aug 22–23
A 20‑minute drive north of Thunder Bay in Gorham, Tumblestone Music & Art Festival offers a two‑day, two‑stage event highlighting independent and under‑represented musicians. The festival prides itself on featuring more local artists than other regional festivals, providing opportunities for new‑generation acts. Acts scheduled for 2025 include Hunt & Gather, Thirsty Monks, Pintail, Femur, VHS, Teknosis and many others. Weekend passes are available, and camping is encouraged; tenting is free, while RVs require a small camping pass donation.
AmberJam featuring Five Alarm Funk – Aug 29
This year the local AmberJam music festival moves to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. On Friday, Aug 29 at 4 pm the event opens with a performer on the lobby/patio stage before funk‑fusion powerhouse Five Alarm Funk takes the main stage. The festival, founded in 2017 as a beachfront event at Amberlite Wilderness Resort, celebrates Thunder Bay’s musical talent and returns to host its first indoor edition. The auditorium is a short drive from the Superior Inn, and our free parking makes it easy to head to the show.
Folk festivals beyond city limits
Live from the Rock Folk Festival – Aug 8–10 (Red Rock)
For those willing to venture 90 km east to Red Rock, the Live from the Rock Folk Festival offers a weekend of world‑class folk music on the shores of Lake Superior. Started in 2003, the volunteer‑run festival attracts more than 2,000 attendees and operates almost entirely on volunteer support. Daytime workshop‑style stages allow musicians to talk about their music and collaborate on the fly, creating one‑of‑a‑kind jam sessions. Evening concerts on the main stage round out the experience, and attendees can camp nearby. After spending the day in Red Rock, return to the Superior Inn for a comfortable sleep before your next adventure.
Rocking the Rez and other community concerts
If you arrive early in August, drop by Crossroad Music’s Summer Series on Aug 2. The free all‑ages event at Crossroad Music (632 City Rd.) runs 2 pm–8 pm and showcases various local acts each week. Our hotel is located a few minutes’ drive from the venue.
Our own event: The Commoners – Summer in the Parking Lot (Aug 28)
On Thursday, Aug 28 the Superior Inn hosts the 4th Annual Summer in the Parking Lot concert series. From 6 pm to 10 pm the parking lot becomes a stage featuring The Commoners, HeadRush and The Tom Cashmore Band. The event is all‑ages and offers free parking. The Commoners are touring behind their 2024 album Restless and have earned rave reviews for their blend of southern‑rock swagger and organ‑driven grooves. As the host hotel, we’re thrilled to bring live music right to your doorstep outside, enjoy great tunes and then head back inside to unwind.
Plan your August getaway now
Whether you’re dancing under the stars at Marina Park, exploring cultural heritage at Festa Italiana or soaking in theatre under the open sky, August 2025 is brimming with reasons to visit Thunder Bay. Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre provides the perfect base with spacious rooms, on‑site dining, fitness facilities and a location minute from the city’s major venues. With free parking and attentive service, you can focus on experiencing Thunder Bay’s vibrant summer events while we take care of the rest.
Book your stay
Rooms fill quickly during festival season—reserve your room today through our website or by calling our front desk. We look forward to welcoming you and making your August visit to Thunder Bay unforgettable!