⛪️ $28,000 for T-Bay & Your Weekend Markets Guide

Welcome to your weekly dose of community good news! What a week it's been: we celebrated big milestones, fought for local jobs at the Alstom plant, and remembered our incredible veterans.

As we head into the weekend, we've got you covered with a fun mix of cultural events, holiday markets, and the latest forecast to help you plan your time outside. Get ready for Santa's arrival and grab your tickets for some local laughs!

Scroll down to catch up on everything you need to know.

The 26th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser kicked off the week with fantastic news, successfully raising an estimated $28,000 for local food security programs! This latest incredible success brings the event's total contribution since its start to nearly half a million dollars—a true testament to the generosity of the Thunder Bay community.

Monday saw the local Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) celebrate its 50th anniversary, recognizing five decades of vital support across the region. This important date also featured a special ceremony at Lakehead University to mark Indigenous Veterans Day.

Tuesday was marked by solemn Remembrance Day ceremonies across the region, where residents paid heartfelt tribute to our veterans. Alongside this reflection, local entrepreneur Kailey Divers of Foraged North successfully showcased her products at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, celebrating the brilliant future of Northern talent.

Tuesday was a day to celebrate the talented spirit of Northwestern Ontario! Local business owner Kailey Divers of Foraged North continued to showcase our region's high-quality products at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Meanwhile, community members had a great chance to get active and connect during a friendly Tuesday Group Run set off from Lyon Boulevard W.

Wednesday was a great mix of local business and community joy! The Thunder Bay CEDC hosted its annual Mining Connections: Reverse Expo, linking local suppliers directly with major mining companies for key regional economic growth. Meanwhile, local residents enjoyed the mid-week charm of "Pierogi Days" at the Polish Combatants' Association, serving up delicious food and good company.

Wednesday brought major good news for local education and research as Lakehead University announced new and renewed Canada Research Chairs, attracting top talent and valuable funding to our city. This news comes alongside the federal government's proposed "Buy Canadian" policy, which is expected to bring big opportunities for northern businesses, including those in Thunder Bay.

Thursday was all about fighting for local prosperity! The Chamber of Commerce and CEDC sent a strong joint letter to the Prime Minister, fiercely advocating for the $3 billion VIA Rail contract to be awarded to our local Alstom plant. Fittingly, the day also served as a reminder of World Kindness Day, promoting goodwill across Thunder Bay.

Thursday was a day focused on improving our future! The city hosted a major Community Safety & Well-Being Forum at the Auditorium, inviting residents to participate in positive discussions to strengthen connections. In the evening, the beloved Magnus Theatre kicked off its run of the new production, Chase the Ace, ensuring a dose of local cultural joy.

👉 See the full forecast here

Join the community for a special celebration of culture and heritage. The event will feature a Grand Entry, Jingle Dress Special, and a community feast.

Catch a weekend of laughs at the new local comedy club, featuring New York comedian Raanan Hershberg.

Kick off the holiday season with the 33rd Annual Rotary Santa Claus Parade! Enjoy the floats and see Santa.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this large market, featuring hand-crafted products and unique goods from local artists and vendors.

Finish the weekend with another fantastic shopping opportunity! This market features many local vendors for all your holiday needs.

Enjoy a matinee performance of this hilarious, quick-change farce—a perfect afternoon out for theatre lovers!

More events

⚠️ Event Reminder
Event details may change. Dates, times, and venues are subject to updates or cancellations by the organizers. Always double check the official event page before attending.