Three Events, One Big Weekend in Belleville

If you have been waiting for a reason to get out and explore Belleville, this Saturday, Sept. 26, delivers three. 

The porches of Old East Hill come alive with music during Porchfest, then it’s on to Indian food and Bollywood dancing at Zwick’s Park and Filipino culture at the city’s newest Jeepney Festival at Maranatha Church.

Wander through Old East Hill during Porchfest

Start the afternoon at Porchfest Belleville, the city’s much-loved neighbourhood music festival organized by the Rotary Club of Belleville.

Opening ceremonies begin at 12:45 p.m. at Glanmore National Historic Site, 257 Bridge St. E., followed by live music from 1 to 4 p.m.

Instead of gathering around one main stage, audiences move between porches, lawns and driveways throughout Old East Hill, discovering local musicians along the way. 

Performances are generally acoustic or unplugged, creating the relaxed atmosphere that has become a signature of the free, family-friendly festival.

Visitors can check the online map, create their own walking route and stop whenever a song catches their attention. 

Comfortable shoes are recommended, along with a folding chair or blanket for longer listening stops. 

Taste, create and dance at Diwali

After Porchfest, head to Zwick’s Park for Diwali 2026, presented by Saffron Hub and Belleville International. The free celebration runs from noon to 11 p.m. and includes the Canadian Food Expo, retail vendors and a full schedule of entertainment.

Organizer Hardik Patel said he wants the celebration to remain welcoming and accessible.

From noon to 6 p.m., families can explore more than 20 children’s activities under the pavilion, including Rangoli art, painting, playdough and sand art. 

“People always look for something free to do for the kids and family,” Patel said. “That’s why we are doing this.”

Food vendors will be joined by entrepreneurs selling cultural clothing, jewellery, keychains and handmade gifts.

Cultural performances, including singing and dancing, begin around 6 p.m. 

“We’ll have projectors, LED lights and everything under the pavilion, so there will be Bollywood music and different types of music,” Patel said. 

Patel has helped organize Diwali celebrations in Belleville since 2018, with the event growing from indoor community-hall gatherings into a large outdoor festival. 

This year’s program continues that tradition while placing an even greater emphasis on family activities, creativity and local entrepreneurs.

Take a journey through the Philippines at Jeepney Festival

Belleville’s newest cultural celebration, the Jeepney Festival, begins Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Maranatha Church on 100 College St. West with a Filipino art show and a movie.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, the festival continues at noon and lasts until 8 p.m. 

Organized by Mabuhay Canada founder Yona Harvey, the free indoor festival is inspired by the Philippines’ colourful jeepneys, a mode of transportation.

Saturday’s program includes Filipino food, cultural performances, traditional games, parol lantern-making, Baybayin calligraphy, a Filipino authors’ roundtable, Zumba and a pandesal-eating contest. 

A karaoke contest runs from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by open-mic karaoke until 8 p.m. 

With three festivals unfolding across the city, this Saturday offers plenty of ways to hear something new, taste something different and celebrate the communities that make Belleville feel like home.