This week in Thunder Bay is packed with flavor, fun, and community spirit. From sizzling BBQs and cultural celebrations to fishing derbies and baseball games, here’s what’s happening July 10–16:
CommUNITY BBQ – Get Fired Up Against Hunger
Thursday, July 10 | 11 AM–5 PM | Roots Community Food Centre (450 Fort William Rd.)
The grill is hot and the cause is even hotter! Join the CommUNITY BBQ at Roots Community Food Centre for a full day of food, fun, and fundraising in support of United Way Thunder Bay, RFDA, and Roots CFC.
Highlights include:
- Charity Dunk Tank – Dunk local leaders for a great cause! Donate at tbay.ca/communitybbq
- Pay It Forward – Donate $10 to support the Isthmus Thunder Bay Backpack Program
- Backyard BBQ Raffle – Win a $1,000 meat package! Tickets available at select grocery stores and at the event
Pre-order your meal or donate online at uwaytbay.ca/communitybbq
DaVinci Centre 50th Anniversary Celebration
Friday–Sunday, July 11–13 | DaVinci Centre
Celebrate 50 years of Italian culture and community with a weekend of food, music, and family fun:
- Friday, July 11: Anniversary Dinner (6–9 PM)
Tickets: $30 members / $35 non-members / $12 kids 12 & under / Free under 4
Call 807-623-2415 Ext. 1 to reserve - Saturday, July 12 (Noon–10 PM):
Performances by Alpini Choir, Kaminiari Wan Taiko, Ironlace Jazz, Robin Ranger Trio, Mackinley’s Delusions, and headliner Urban Hip - Sunday, July 13 (Noon–5 PM):
Kids’ Fun Day with “Sing with Mr. B,” Le Stelle Alpini Dancers, Italian Touch Latin Dancers, and Quest
Plus: Food & beer tent, games, crafts, face painting, and more
22nd Annual Salmon Derby
Friday–Sunday, July 11–13 | Hosted by Thunder Bay Salmon Association
Reel in the big one at the Salmon Derby, with $28,000 in cash and prizes, including a $10,000 first-place package. Tickets are $100, and kids under 16 fish free. Every ticket also enters you to win a Hobie Fishing Kayak package worth over $8,000. Visit D&R Sporting Goods or the Thunder Bay Salmon Association for details.
Afro Vibe Festival at Marina Park
Saturday–Sunday, July 12–13 | Marina Park
Welcome to Afro Vibe Fest, Thunder Bay’s first Afro-centric cultural, music, and arts festival! The weekend kicks off with a colourful parade from Waverley Park to Marina Park, featuring majorettes and Afro-styled horses.
Two stages of entertainment include:
- Exco Levi (6-time Juno-winning reggae artist) with High Priest
- Ngasseu Kamga, Djembe master from Toronto
- African cultural performances, local DJs, dancers, drummers, and spoken word
- Speeches from local dignitaries celebrating inclusion
Other activities:
- Afro hair braiding demos, Djembe workshops, speed dating, crafters
- Kid’s Corner with Afro games and face painting
- Food and craft vendors from Thunder Bay and beyond
Children 5 and under are free.
Border Cats Baseball – Country Night
Saturday, July 12 at 6:35 PM & Sunday, July 13 at 1:35 PM | Port Arthur Stadium
Saturday is Country Night, presented by Country 105 and Molson!
- Pre-game concert by The Selfies starts at 5:00 PM
- Gates open at 4:45 PM (Gate 2 & 3)
- First 200 adult fans get a free cowboy hat courtesy of Molson
- Concert is free with your game ticket
Sunday’s game is a perfect family afternoon at the ballpark.
Tickets and info at bordercatsbaseball.com
From BBQs to basslines, salmon to sports, YOUR Thunder Bay is alive with summer energy. See you out there!
