Belleville Knows How to Celebrate!

The City of Belleville and the Downtown District play host to many events and festivals all year long.

The Belleville Caribbean Festival is a vibrant, annual celebration that brings the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean islands to the heart of Belleville, Ontario. This year’s Caribbean Festival will be held in Downtown Belleville on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The first weekend in September welcomes Belleville Downtown Blues Festival in the Downtown District followed by the Beautiful View Music Festival and the annual Belleville Rotary Club Porchfest which happens the last weekend of September. Residents in the

historic East Hill neighbourhood play host to live performers on their front porches, while spectators roam the streets trying to fit all the venues into one afternoon. This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful way to spend the day outside and enjoy live music.

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, two cultural events will happen on the same day: Diwali Festival and Belleville’s inaugural Jeepney Festival for the Filipino community.

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. The annual festival will be celebrated in September this year and is an opportunity to enjoy a vibrant celebration of Indian culture.

Jeepney Festival is a family-friendly, two-day, free festival celebrating Filipino culture with a Filipino art show, cultural performances, traditional games, food vendors, book authors, immigration talks, a movie and a karaoke contest.

The City of Belleville hosts an annual ceremony on September 30 as a way of honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Last year’s 2025 ceremony included remarks from Chief R. Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and musical performances by singer, songwriter, educator and artist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Jennifer Brant and husband, Kieran Edwards, as well as a Sacred Fire and special presentation by Fire Keeper Greg Loft. For more information on the event, visit: Belleville.ca/TruthandRec.

Belleville’s Downtown District is always beautifully decorated during the holiday season and plays host to the annual Enchanted in the District filled with live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and local artisans.

The Festival of Lights kicks off the holiday season by lighting up Belleville’s waterfront down by Meyers Pier. This beautiful tribute from a local family has grown to epic proportions, filling Jane Forrester Park with sparkling lights and the sounds of Christmas.

Every year, thousands of people bundle up and line the street to enjoy holiday music, sparkling lights, festive decorations and floats, and wait patiently to catch a glimpse of see the big guy – Santa Claus, as part of the annual Santa Claus Parade. This fun annual tradition brings Belleville together for a beautifully lit night-time parade that travels from one end of the city to the other, passing through the downtown core and the old East Hill.

Belleville’s Jazzlicious and Quintelicious events help us say goodbye to winter and hello spring. And the Downtown District’s Savour Series of events, including Savour the Flavour, Savour the Heat and Savour the Sips have us enjoying new flavours throughout the year.

The city also plays host to a variety of annual weekend expos and specialty shows, including the Quinte Sportsman, Boat & RV Show, the Quinte Home and Cottage Show, the Quinte Annual Model Train Show and others who choose our central location for their events.

There is always something happening in Belleville so be sure to check out the Events Calendar when you’re planning your visit (or once you’ve arrived).