Taking place Friday, July 24, Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26 in St. Catharines, Niagara (See Details Below)
An Invite To All from Matter of Black in St. Catharines, Niagara
Posted July 23rd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
St. Catharines, ON – Matter of Black invites the community to celebrate Emancipation Day STC 2026, a weekend of events taking place July 24, July 25, and July 26, bringing together comedy, history, culture, music and community while honouring the legacy of emancipation and the enduring contributions of African, Caribbean and Black communities in Niagara.
This year’s celebration begins with an exciting new partnership between Matter of Black and Spotlight Comedy, kicking off the weekend with an evening of laughter before commemorating the 175th anniversary of (the great Underground Railroad heroine) Harriet Tubman’s arrival in St. Catharines.
The weekend continues with the annual Big Picnic at Lakeside Park before concluding with a Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony at St. Catharines City Hal. Friday, July 24 Emancipation Day STC Comedy Night featuring Jay Martin Matter of Black is proud to partner with Spotlight Comedy to launch Emancipation Day weekend with an unforgettable night of comedy at Spotlight Comedy Club (92 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines).
Headlining the evening is Jay Martin, an award-winning Canadian comedian, radio host and entertainer widely recognized as one of Canada’s top comedic talents. Dubbed Canada’s “Renaissance Man,”
Martin has earned national recognition for his energetic performances and ability to bring audiences together through laughter. Mentored early in his career by Russel Peters and praised by the Toronto Star as “one of Canada’s rising comics,”
Jay Martin has performed on stages across the country, including the Halifax Comedy Festival, and continues to be one of Canada’s most sought-after comedians. The show begins at 8:00 pm and is a ticketed event.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Saturday, July 25 Harriet Tubman 175th Anniversary Arrival STC & Commemorative Walk Hosted by the St. Catharines Downtown Association in partnership with Matter of Black and Tubman Tours Canada, this community celebration wil honour the 175th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s arrival in St. Catharines and the city’s rich Black history.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy: Community vendor market Food vendors Bouncy castles Self-Guided Black History Tour Live entertainment Programming throughout the day includes:
- 11:00 a.m. – Live performance by Rennatha & VYBE
- 12:00 p.m. – Community speakers
- 1:00 p.m. – Harriet Tubman 175th Anniversary Commemorative Walk The event wil also mark the official launch of the Tubman Tours Canada Self-Guided Black History Tour, created by local historian Rochele Bush, giving residents and visitors a new way to experience St. Catharines’ important Black history.
This event is free and open to all. Sunday, July 26 The Big Picnic The celebration continues at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie from 12:00 p.m. until late with the annual Big Picnic, a free community festival celebrating music, food, culture and connection.
Festival highlights include:
- Headline performance by LMT Connection Live entertainment throughout the day
- Local food vendors Community marketplace featuring local businesses and organizations
- Family activities, games, and bouncy castles
- Cultural experiences celebrating the diversity of African and Caribbean heritage
To help everyone enjoy the festivities, free shuttle service wil operate between Bil Burgoyne Arena and Lakeside Park from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Free parking is available at Bil Burgoyne Arena, making it easy for attendees to park and ride to the festival.
The Big Picnic has become one of Niagara’s signature Emancipation Day celebrations, welcoming thousands of attendees each year to celebrate freedom, culture and community along the waterfront. Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony (date to be announced) The festivities conclude with a Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony at St. Catharines City Hall.
The Pan-African Flag is a powerful symbol of unity, resilience and freedom. Raising the flag on Emancipation Day honours the legacy of those who fought for liberation while celebrating the history, strength and continued contributions of African-descended communities.
Residents, community leaders, and supporters are invited to gather as we commemorate this important day together.
A Community Celebration Emancipation Day STC is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the richness of Black culture and strengthen the connections that make our community thrive. From an evening of comedy to historical commemoration, live music, family activities and cultural celebration, Matter of Black welcomes everyone to take part in this year’s events and celebrate freedom, culture and community together.
Emancipation Day STC 2026 is made possible through funding support from Love STC and the City of St. Catharines. Matter of Black gratefully acknowledges the support of our community partners, Tubman Tours Canada, the St. Catharines Downtown Association and Spotlight Comedy Club, along with event sponsors Niagara College, Accenture and Meridian Credit Union.
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