Korinne Antaya, Bridgeburg BIA
On Saturday, September 20, Jarvis Street will transform into a hub of art, music, and local flavour as the highly anticipated Arts, Beats & Eats festival takes over the heart of Bridgeburg. From 2 p.m. until 10 p.m., Jarvis will deliver sights, sounds, and tastes that reflect the best of our community. The event is free to attend and promises something for everyone, whether you are drawn in by the live music, the art, or the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of a revitalized downtown.
This year’s lineup is one of the most exciting to date. Headlining is Billy Raffoul, the internationally recognized singer-songwriter from Toronto, whose soulful voice and chart-topping songs have been featured everywhere from Sony PlayStation campaigns to the soundtrack of Grey’s Anatomy. Sharing the stage is Juno Award-winning DJ Shub, known as the Godfather of PowWowStep, who brings Indigenous tradition into modern soundscapes. Also performing are Hebridean, Public House, and many talented local musicians, including students from the Fort Erie School of Music. Together, they create a full day of music that celebrates both homegrown and world-class talent.
The arts take center stage in more ways than one. Framed on Jarvis has already been drawing crowds to downtown for the past two weeks, transforming storefront windows into curated gallery spaces featuring artists from Fort Erie and beyond. Visitors can scan QR codes displayed in each window to learn more about the artists and even purchase pieces directly. It is a chance to experience downtown like never before.
On the 20th, the street will become a canvas with the Chalk Art Competition. Artists will begin creating their pieces at 11 a.m., turning the pavement into a gallery under the open sky. With cash prizes on the line and a wide range of styles represented, the competition adds an extra layer of creativity to the day. Children and families will also have opportunities to join in on hands-on art activities, ensuring the event is inclusive and inspiring for all ages.
Food and drink play a starring role as well. Local restaurants and food trucks will be serving a variety of eats, from family favourites to unique dishes you might not have tried before. Sip, taste, and explore Jarvis, which is closed to traffic and licensed, complete with a beer garden. With the recent revitalization of many storefronts and the addition of new businesses, the festival is also the perfect time to discover shops you may not have stepped into yet.
Arts, Beats & Eats is more than just a festival. It is a celebration of Bridgeburg’s renewal, of neighbours and visitors gathering to experience culture, creativity, and community pride. Whether you come for the music, the art, the food, or to soak up the atmosphere, you will leave with a new sense of what makes Bridgeburg special.
Mark your calendar for September 20th. Jarvis Street is ready to welcome you.
Korinne Antaya
