Free concert part of Canada 150 Fun Fest event
It’ll be one last blast of Canada 150 before summer ends.
On the final Saturday of August, a full day of free events are scheduled at the Scotiabank Convention Centre before Canadian rocker Matthew Good takes the stage for a free concert at about 9 p.m.
Next to Canada Day, it’s the biggest Canada 150 event in the city, and one month in the planning, says organizer Chris Dabrowski.
“We’re a patriotic city, I think people will come out,” he says. “Canada 150 has been talked about all year long and people are still in the festive mood.”
The family portion of the event starts at noon inside and outside the convention centre, featuring food trucks, a Kids Zone, large inflatables, and an art showcase.
There will also be a “mini Canadiana Comic Con,” featuring the Back to the Future DeLorean, the Batmobile, the General Lee and The Munsters coach. Canadian superhero Captain Canuck will also attend, handing out free comics.
Dabrowski is also co-owner of the Niagara Falls Comic Con.
After 5 p.m., the convention centre parking will host a tailgate party before the concert featuring Canadian craft beer and prizes.
Doors will re-open at 7 p.m. for the show inside the main hall. The Blue Stones will be the opening act.
The free show, which is 19+, has capacity for about 5,000 people to attend. Donations for Project
SHARE will be accepted.
Everything will be free, stresses Dabrowski. Even the parking.
“Because it is Canada 150, everybody was gracious enough to donate their time.”
Mayor Jim Diodati expects between 3,000 to 5,000 people to attend.
“A huge thanks to Chris Dabrowski, who is volunteering his time,” he says. “I called him early on and asked if he’d be willing to put his time and expertise towards this. I didn’t have to twist his arm too hard.”
The Canada 150 Committee was formed, putting together events throughout the year that were “Falls-esque,” says Diodati. The convention centre day become the “grand event,” and a way to wrap up summer before Labour Day Weekend next week.
“We’re going to have a number of other Canada 150 signature events, but this will be the last big one.”