Downtown St. Catharines will once again come alive in a joyful burst of colour, culture, and connection as the Holi Festival of Colour returns for its fourth year on Saturday, June 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To accommodate its growing audience, the festival will take place at a new, larger location, the Meridian Centre Lot at 1 David S. Howes Way.
This year also marks an exciting new chapter for the festival as it welcomes Adapt Immigration Inc. as its presenting sponsor. After participating as a sponsor in last year’s festival, they knew they wanted to continue to align their mission with this community event.
“Holi is more than a festival, it’s a celebration of colour, community, and connection,” said Treasa Pappachan, director of Adapt Immigration Inc. “At Adapt Immigration, we believe in building bridges between cultures and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. We’re honoured to support the vibrant spirit of inclusivity that Holi represents.”
The festival offers a family-friendly, immersive cultural experience featuring the vibes of DJ Goldy, live performance from Anurag Shergill, dhol drums, traditional dance performances and lessons, cultural vendors, authentic Indian food, local flavours, and of course – the iconic colour throw. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to pre-register by June 12 at MyDowntown.ca for discounted festival t-shirts and colour powders.
“The Holi Festival of Colour embodies the very best of what St. Catharines stands for: diversity, connection, and celebration,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe. “The added participation of the St. Catharines Fire Department brings a refreshing element, especially for families. I encourage everyone to check it out.”
The festival is put on by the St. Catharines Downtown Association through the dedication of the Holi Planning Committee.
“It’s inspiring to see how the Holi Festival has evolved over the years,” said Kat Dodge, Interim Executive Director of the St. Catharines Downtown Association. “What started as a vision shared by Dr. Dimple Sharma of Downtown Dental Centre, has become an event recognized as a top 100 festival in Ontario, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Southern Ontario, and allowing us to showcase our incredible downtown.”
Many visitors discover Downtown St. Catharines for the first time through Holi, and many return to explore the local shops, restaurants, and radiant atmosphere that make the downtown special.
Event Details
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Meridian Centre Lot (1 David S. Howes Way, Downtown St. Catharines)
Admission: Free – pre-registration recommended
This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation