Looking at the Mudcat Festival schedule and wondering where to start? Well, if you can, see it all of course!
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to organize this four-day celebration, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
But with so much packed into every corner of the weekend, it’s understandable if you’re trying to pick and choose what piques your interest most.
This year’s festival has a pirate theme sailing through many of the events.
Things kick off Thursday, June 12 with a Downtown Street Concert & Vendor Market from 5-10 p.m. along Queen Street.
DUNNVILLE—The Strongperson competition “saw the first time a woman flipped the car!” said Marianne Kidd, President of the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, adding that the men pulled 25,000 lbs. —Photos by Kerry Newstead, Haldimand Photography Club. 
DUNNVILLE—Some kids getting up close with a chicken. —Photos by Kerry Newstead, Haldimand Photography Club. 
DUNNVILLE—Dunnville Fire Dept. brought some antique equipment to the parade. —Haldimand Press photos by Randy Carter. 
DUNNVILLE—Rotary Club brought a giant duck to the parade the morning of June 6 to promote their Duck Races later that day. —Haldimand Press photos by Randy Carter.
The street will be closed to traffic as families enjoy live performances from local favourites Gary Rothwell and Redneck Revolutions, savour bites from food trucks or restaurants, and browse an artisan pop-up market.
Kids can stop by a Friendship Bracelet Station while adults explore and enjoy the first night of festivities in true summer block party style.
On Friday night, the fun moves to Central Park for Family Movie Night under the stars, featuring The Pirates! Band of Misfits around 7 p.m. The first 150 kids get free popcorn courtesy of Sweet Retro-Spect, and everyone gets glowsticks thanks to Mudcat Entertainment Centre.
Arrive early to grab a good spot, check out the food vendors, and enjoy the atmosphere – many families make this evening an annual tradition.
Also on Friday night, the Street Dance returns outside Station 9, featuring Practically Hip, Canada’s top Tragically Hip tribute band. Entry is $15 for this 19+ event, which opens at 7 p.m. with drinks available for purchase.
Younger kids can enjoy their own dance Friday from 7-9 p.m. at the Optimist Club, open to Grades 5-8 for just $5.
Saturday begins with the Pet Valu Parade, launching at 10:30 a.m. from Lions Park with pirate-themed floats, costumes, and prizes up for grabs in several creative categories.
Once the parade ends, head straight to Central Park for the Kids Zone from 12-4 p.m., featuring bouncy castles, a pirate show, costume prizes, and live entertainment.
Just a short walk away, Wingfield Park will be buzzing with excitement from 12-2 p.m. as teams line up for the bed races, competing for prizes and bragging rights in decorated, wheeled beds.
Later in the afternoon, the Mark Haines Memorial Strength Competition gets underway on Cedar Street, where strongmen and strongwomen will pull trucks, flip tires, and push their limits to honour the late local legend who started the event in 1998.
Music lovers won’t want to miss Music on the Grand, running from 12-7 p.m. along the waterfront, featuring three live bands: Rhythm Hounds, Tone Deaf, and Vinyl Flux. Tickets are just $10 in advance or $15 at the gate.
Food trucks and the Bavarian Gardens will be nearby, making it easy to grab a bite or a drink while enjoying the music.
At dusk, the sky will light up over the river with the return of the dazzling Fireworks Over the Grand, a free show that’s become a festival favourite.
Saturday also features the ever-popular Car Show at Lions Park, with hundreds of vehicles on display from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Collectors and curious visitors alike can chat with owners, admire the vehicles, and vote for their favourites.
Sunday wraps up the weekend with Kids Animal Adventures at Wingfield Park, running 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Triple C Farm’s petting zoo will be back, along with the Kids Mudcat Games obstacle course, vendors, food trucks, and more.
Young anglers can cast off during the Kids Fishing Derby from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wingfield Park, with prizes for biggest catches across multiple age groups.
Meanwhile, thrill seekers can visit the Townsend Amusements midway throughout the festival, with Bracelet Day on Sunday offering unlimited rides for one price.
And at 4 p.m. Sunday, it’s time for the Duck Races, where 500 rubber ducks will race for a $2,000 prize. It’s all good fun and a perfect closing act for a weekend full of laughter, music, and community spirit.
So, where are you headed first?
