Through this unprecedented time of physical separation, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre continues to strive to find ways to bring our community together through the arts. #NiagaraPerforms was launched as an online series in mid-April as a platform to connect local artists and audiences and has attracted more than 15,000 livestream patrons to date.
We believe that arts and culture, in all its forms, make our communities better places to live by helping people to better understand their identity and connect through shared arts experiences.
“We may be physically distant but our community remains strong as we continue to share experiences online,” says Sara Palmieri, Programming and Marketing Manager. “Performing arts organizations have long prided themselves on providing an important way for individuals and communities to connect, be entertained and have important dialogue. We miss bringing people together in our beautiful venues and will continue to find ways to serve and support the artists and audiences of our community with high-quality, homegrown programming.”
As a cultural hub for Niagara, the FirstOntario PAC has engaged artists from previous editions of the popular Hear! Here! Niagara Music Series as well existing partnerships with local arts organizations to participate in the series. The next group of artists includes:
Thursday 14 May, 7pm – Carousel Players Artistic Director Monica Dufault will share a reading Peg and the Yeti by Kenneth Oppell. Afterwards, Monica will show you how you can make your own Yeti craft at home. Check out the FirstOntario PAC’s website for craft details. Suggested for ages 4 to 10.
Sunday 17 May, 4pm – Vox Violins’ music is fun, lively and interactive. Together, Beth Bartley and Mark Clifford are multi-instrumentalists that have two lifetimes worth of shared music from Celtic fiddle tunes, Canadian folk ballads, blues classics to rock ‘n’ roll grooves.
Thursday 21 May, 7pm – Garden City Comedy Festival Director David Green performs a live stand-up comedy performance with special guests Thomas Calnan and Fiona O’Brien.
Sunday 24 May, 4pm – Joe Lapinski is a local musician, songwriter and producer who will guide the #NiagaraPerforms audience through an uplifting set of music, spanning his career, plus new never heard before songs.
Thursday 28 May, 7pm – Chorus Niagara’s Artistic Director Robert Cooper will host a watch party of the recent Canadian premiere by the Chorus Niagara of “Who We Are” by local composer Glen Rhodes and “Earth and Fire” from Elements Suite by Katerina Gimon. Both were performed and filmed previously in Partridge Hall.
The FirstOntario PAC’s #NiagaraPerforms online series features live concerts from Niagara musicians every Sunday at 4pm and content from community partners every Thursday at 7pm. Live and interactive performances will be available for viewing through the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The performances will also be rebroadcasted on YourTV Niagara on Cogeco every Monday and Friday at 8pm.
#NiagaraPerforms provides a platform and artist fees for local artists to share performances with online audiences as a local take on the National Arts Centre’s #CanadaPerforms series. #NiagaraPerforms alumni include Mark Lalama, Gordon Cleland, Laurel & Hulley, Suitcase in Point, Suzie Vinnick and TD Niagara Jazz Festival.
Previous perfomances can be viewed online here and new performances will continue to be announced every two weeks.

Support our Community Partners!
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
3 events,
Winter Festival of Lights
Winter Festival of Lights
November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024 The most enchanting of Niagara Falls attractions, the annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival. Experience the spectacular […]
Open House Art Sale
Open House Art Sale
Open House Art Sale Sat Nov 25th & Sun Nov 26 from 11-4. Looking for a special gift or an origianl painting to add to your home decor? Come visit […]
Well Done Makers Market
Well Done Makers Market
The event will be hosted at Market Square in Welland, ON; steps away from the iconic Bridge 13. Our goal is to help foster connection between Niagara locals and the […]
2 events,
Make My Day Workshop: Skin Care
Make My Day Workshop: Skin Care
Club Wellness Niagara In partnership with @niagarawomensenterprisecentre, is excited to launch ✨ Make My Day- a series of workshops to learn something new while having fun! Workshop #1: Paint & […]
2 events,
1 event,
2 events,
“The Christmas Tree” by Norm Foster
“The Christmas Tree” by Norm Foster
Synopsis: A tree lot. Christmas Eve. One man. One woman. One tree. Who should get the tree? Each gives reasons why they are the most deserving and each seems unaffected […]
4 events,
Holiday Market at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
Holiday Market at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
Visit the Holiday Market at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre for a festive shopping experience Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is delighted to announce its eagerly awaited […]
5 events,
Maker’s Market and Cantate Glorium Dei Concert
Maker’s Market and Cantate Glorium Dei Concert
Join us for our second annual Rosedale Christmas Market followed by a wonderful concert: Cantate Glorium Dei Presents: The Angels Rejoice.From 9am to 4pm 25+ artisans of all ages will […]
1 event,
Winter Festival of Lights
1 event,
4 events,
Niagara Coastal Science Seminar: All Things Algae
Niagara Coastal Science Seminar: All Things Algae
Niagara Coastal and Environment and Climate Change Canada are pleased to present... Niagara Coastal Science Seminar: All Things Algae. Scientists and researchers will present the current science and advancements regarding […]
1 event,
1 event,
3 events,
Great Holiday Food Drive – Welland
Great Holiday Food Drive – Welland
The Great Holiday Food Drive is a collaboration between Bell Media and Feed Niagara aimed to support community members in need during the Holiday Season by collecting donations of food […]
6 events,
Footprints to the Manger
Footprints to the Manger
Experience the unfolding of events leading up to Jesus' birth at this interactive, family-friendly nativity complete with actors, children's choir and even real animals! Following the 20-minute tour through Bethlehem, […]
Holiday Traditions in the Victorian Village at Balls Falls
Holiday Traditions in the Victorian Village at Balls Falls
Bring your family and friends to enjoy the beauty of the winter season in the Village of Glen Elgin located at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Travel back in time as […]
3 events,
Winter Festival of Lights
Footprints to the Manger
Tickets on Sale! Murder Mystery & Dinner in Support of Port Colborne Special Olympics
Tickets on Sale! Murder Mystery & Dinner in Support of Port Colborne Special Olympics
Sunday December 10th, 2023 Brebeuf Hall 300 Killally Street East, Port Colborne Fundraiser for PC Special Olympics. Menu: appetizers, salad, chicken, potatoes, veggies, dessert. Tickets for athletes are $40, all other […]
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
Seaway Mall Pet Photos at Santa’s Castle
Seaway Mall Pet Photos at Santa’s Castle
Santa Loves all pets! Bring your pets down to Santa’s Castle on December 9th and December 16th for Pet photos! Pet photos will take place from 5:30pm – 8pm. All […]
1 event,
Winter Festival of Lights
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
Winter Festival of Lights
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
Winter Panda Paint Night
Winter Panda Paint Night
Winter Panda Paint Night Holiday Event – Fri Dec 29th 7-9 pm. Bring a friend! Paint with acrylics on a pre-sketched canvas. All materials are included to create your own […]
1 event,
1 event,
Winter Festival of Lights
1 event,
2 events,
Holiday Family Paint Party
Holiday Family Paint Party
Holiday Family Paint Party – Tues Jan 2nd 1-3 pm. Bring a friend or family member! For ages 7 & up. Ag reaet way for an adult and child, or […]
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
Want to Add Your Community Event? Submit Here!