👋NOTL, Apparently It's Already Friday!

This Week in NOTL…

Is it Friday? Tuesday? Some mysterious day in between? That mid-week Canada Day has us all a little upside down. But no matter what your calendar says, here’s what’s actually happening around town:

🫖 Queenston Pottery – Summer show, wine, and local art

🍒 Cherry Festival – Pies, BBQ, and all the family fun

🎶 Triggs Concert – William Prince live in the vineyard

⚽ Saturday Drop-In – Sports & playtime for the kids

Let’s dive in (and maybe reset our internal calendars while we’re at it)!

🎨 Queenston Pottery: Summer Show – All Fired Up!

July 12 & 13 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

We’ve always had a soft spot for Queenston Pottery. From their warm hospitality to the handcrafted treasures that line their shelves, it’s one of those local gems that never stops inspiring.

Their next big event—All Fired Up!—is happening July 12 and 13, and trust us, it’s worth the visit. You’ll find new pottery fresh from the kiln alongside fan favourites, light refreshments, and a complimentary glass of 13th Street wine (yes, please).

Plus, this year’s show features mixed-media artist Barbara Polc, with her encaustic piece “Cairn” up for grabs as part of a special door prize draw. It’s the kind of relaxed, artful afternoon we love around here—good wine, good people, and good local creativity on full display.

Bring a friend, take in the garden, and maybe go home with something beautiful.

🍒 Cherry Festival at St. Mark’s

Saturday, July 5 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Clear your Saturday and loosen your belt—NOTL’s juiciest summer tradition is back. The Cherry Festival returns to St. Mark’s this weekend, and it’s serving up all the sweet, sticky goodness you didn’t know you needed.

Expect cherry pies (plural, because who stops at one?), sizzling BBQ, hidden gems at the treasure and book tables, local jewellery, live music, and fun for the kiddos. There’s even a bake table—because why stop at just one dessert?

It’s family-friendly, full of flavour, and totally worth popping by—even if you’re just “looking”… (famous last words before walking out with a pie, a necklace, and three new books).

🎶 William Prince at Jackson-Triggs

This Saturday, William Prince brings his unmistakable voice and soul-stirring songwriting to the vineyard stage at Jackson-Triggs.

A Juno Award–winning artist, Prince is known for modern folk classics like “Breathless” and “The Spark”—songs that feel deeply personal and timeless all at once. His performance blends tradition, storytelling, and quiet power in a way that leaves the crowd still long after the last note.

Set beneath the summer sky, with wine in hand and the vines at your back, it’s a concert experience that’s as much about feeling as it is about music.

If you’ve never seen him live, this is the one to catch.

⏰ When: Saturday, July 5 | 7:00 p.m.

📍 Where: Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake

🎉 School’s Out? Let the Games Begin!

The final bell has rung, the backpacks are stuffed under the bed, and parents everywhere are wondering, “Okay… now what?”

Luckily, the Town of NOTL has just the thing. Every Saturday morning, the Community Centre transforms into an indoor play zone for kids aged 2–12, and the best part? It’s totally drop-in—no sign-up, no stress, just show up and play.

Older kids (ages 6–12) can jump into rotating sports and games like badminton, pickleball, table tennis, and soccer—plenty of variety to keep things fresh each week. Meanwhile, younger kids (ages 2–5) get their own space stocked with soft play toys, balance bikes, and creative stations, perfect for exploring at their own pace.

Town Program Staff are on site to help keep things running smoothly, and while kids under 6 need to be supervised by a caregiver (14+), it’s a fun and easy way to get the whole family moving on a Saturday morning.

So whether your kids are bouncing off the walls or just looking to try something new, this is a great way to kick off the weekend—and the summer—on the right foot.

⏰ When: Saturday Sports Drop-In | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

📍 Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre (14 Anderson Lane)

📜 A Final Note from the NOTL News Desk… 🎺

As we wrap up this week’s dispatch and give our typing fingers a well-earned rest, here’s one last nudge for our local movers and shakers:

Got a story to share? A big event coming up? Something new and exciting on the horizon? We’d love to hear from you! 🫵

Reach out and we’ll figure out the best way to get your business or event in front of the right eyes — whether it’s a spotlight in the newsletter, a post on our socials, or something a little more custom.

📬 Send us a note at [email protected] — we’ll take it from there.

👋 Until next time, dear Notler… stay curious, stay kind, and stay delightfully local.