Steel pan rhythms, cultural performances, and a renewed spirit of celebration will fill the air this weekend as Emancipation Day returns to Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie. The vibrant commemoration, rooted in honouring the end of slavery and celebrating Black freedom and resilience, is back for its fifth year since its revival by Matter of Black during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Erika Smith, one of the event’s organizers. “People look forward to this, they’re marking it in their calendars. That’s really, really wonderful because it means we’re doing what we sought out to do and we just hope that it continues to grow year after year.”

Once a marquee event drawing crowds from across North America, Emancipation Day celebrations in Port Dalhousie were a summer staple until they ended in 1951. This year’s lineup offers three full days of programming aimed at reflection, education, and joy — and a chance to deepen community ties across generations.

Festivities begin on Friday evening with a free screening of the animated film Soul at 7 p.m. in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Recital Hall in downtown St. Catharines. “It represents a big part of Black culture,” said Smith. The film follows Joe, a middle school band teacher navigating his dreams and purpose.

On Saturday, history will take centre stage at the Salem Chapel BME Church with a self-guided tour running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering insight into Niagara’s Black heritage and Harriet Tubman’s legacy. Local historian Rochelle Bush will give a special talk at noon, sharing stories from the national historic site.

Sunday’s events will culminate at Lakeside Park from noon until dusk. The day will feature a family-friendly blend of live music, dancing, workshops, face painting, games, and local food trucks. A vendor market will spotlight Black-owned businesses, with a focus on visibility and community empowerment.

“A big part of this for us is the big vendor market because we want to be promoting and amplifying Black voices, Black businesses,” said Smith.

The musical lineup includes the PK Hummingbird Steel Orchestra, St. Catharines native Rennatha, and local favourites LMT Connection. Also on the bill are DJ Chance Mutuku, interactive drumming with Chris Frye, Socafit, and Dance ‘N’ Culture.

A flag-raising ceremony marking Emancipation Day will take place Friday at noon at Richard Pierpoint Park, symbolizing unity and remembrance.

Celebrations began last weekend with a “Walk to Freedom,” a guided tour led by Ken Johnston, who has retraced freedom trails across North America. Around 100 participants joined the walk, which visited historic sites including Salem Chapel, 33 North Street — once home to a boarding house where Tubman stayed — and Silver Spire Church.

“I had no idea (some of the places) were historically significant because it’s just part of our landscape,” said Smith. “It was a really good opportunity to learn about the local landmarks… to actually walk to the spots and see them and be able to identify them ourselves was really nice.”

With each passing year, the Emancipation Day celebration in Lakeside Park continues to evolve — growing into a cherished gathering that honours the past while embracing a more inclusive future.