Parks Canada in Southwestern Ontario
War of 1812 Events in 2013
May | July | August | September | December
"Son & Lumière" Show - Flames of War
This year 2013, marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Join us in some of the most significant engagements of the war to be played out along the Great Lakes at Fort George National Historic Site and Fort Malden National History Site.
Saturday to Monday,
May 25 - 27
Battle of Fort George
Fort George National Historic Site
Commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort George. Re-enactors from all over North America will descend upon Fort George as they re-enact one of the pivotal events in Niagara during the War of 1812
The Fort will be open from 10:00am-5:00pm all weekend with demonstrations happening throughout the day. Come visit the fort and re-live what it was like for men and women living in the Headquarters for the Center Division of the British Army in Canada during the War of 1812. Music, Muskets, Canons and more. Regular admission rates to the Fort apply.
For more information visit Fort George - Special Events webpage.
July
Monday July 1st
Canada Day
Fort George National Historic Site
Join us for Canada's birthday celebration. Activities at Fort George throughout the day and into the evening. Music, food, fireworks, musket and cannon firings! Free admission!
Monday, July 1st
Canada Day Celebrations & Ice Cream Festival
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Fireworks and Ice Cream! Bring the whole family to Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada for a day to celebrate our national birthday. Cake, ice cream, games, pony rides - we have it all! Plus, music, dancing and black powder demonstrations will lead up to the magical fireworks display at dusk. Free admission all day!
For more information on the Canada Day festivities, please visit the Town of Amhertsburg website.
August
Saturday and Sunday, August 3 - 4
Military Heritage Days
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Take charge! Discover history as it comes to life at Fort Malden National Historic Site. Experience tactical demonstrations, military encampments and unique children's activities! Bring the whole family to an astounding weekend of fire power and fun!
Special Event Admission: Adults - $4.90 Seniors - $4.40 Children 6-16 - $3.65 Under 6-Free
Saturday and Sunday, August 17 - 18
Fife & Drum Muster and Soldiers' Field Day
Fort George National Historic Site
Commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 at Fort George. This weekend-long event is a pageant of military music by Fife and Drum corps from the United States and Canada as well as a competition of 1812 drill teams from Fort George, Fort Malden, Fort York and Fort Erie – a collection of the premier 1812 military sites in Ontario.
Saturday and Sunday, August 24 - 25
Art by the River, Time: 10 am - 5 pm
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Art by the River is held annually the weekend before the Labour Day and it is the major fundraiser for the Gibson Gallery. First held in 1967, it has grown into the largest Arts and Crafts show in Essex County.
Stroll the beautiful grounds of Fort Malden National Historic Site and select arts and crafts from the 135 talented artists and artisans from Essex County and across Ontario. Participate in hourly guided tours of Fort Malden and enjoy the wonderful ambiance of this great summer festival.
Admission: $5 per person, children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Please no pets.
For more information, please visit The Gibson Gallery.
Saturday and Sunday, August 31 - September 1
Battle of Lake Erie Weekend
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Experience a weekend of military demonstrations from the War of 1812, including cannon firing, performances by the Fort George Fife and Drum corps, lectures and book signings, and a water balloon re-enactment of the Battle of Lake Erie for the kids. Please call the Fort for further details.
This Event is will be happening in conjunction with the Amherstburg South West Coast to Coast Festival. For more information on the festival, please visit 1812amherstburg.com
Thursday to Sunday, September 5 - 8
Shores of Erie International Wine Festival
Fort Malden National Historic Site
This festival combines the perfect blend of regional wines, fine cuisine and an eclectic mix of live entertainment. Stroll the magnificent, waterfront grounds of one of Canada's most important military sites.
For more information on the festival, please visit Shores of Erie International Wine Festival website.
December
Saturday, December 7 , 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Fort George Garrison Christmas
Fort George National Historic Site
Fort George will be the site of a family holiday event that will include activities, crafts, and games for all to enjoy! Hot beverages and treats, as well as scheduled musket demonstrations will be provided. General admission rates apply.