The city will be the setting for Emancipation Day STC 2026, a three-day series of events from July 24 to July 26 organised by Matter of Black in collaboration with local partners. The weekend blends entertainment, history and community ritual while marking the 175th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s arrival in St. Catharines.
Weekend highlights and partners
Organisers say the programme aims to celebrate the legacy of emancipation and the contributions of African, Caribbean and Black communities in Niagara. The schedule combines a ticketed comedy night, public commemorative activities and traditional community gatherings. Partners named in promotional material include the St. Catharines Downtown Association, Tubman Tours Canada and Spotlight Comedy.
- Friday, July 24 — Emancipation Day STC Comedy Night at Spotlight Comedy Club (92 St. Paul Street). The show begins at 8 p.m. and is headlined by Canadian comedian Jay Martin. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
- Saturday, July 25 — Commemorative arrival and walk honouring Harriet Tubman’s 175th anniversary, hosted by the St. Catharines Downtown Association with Matter of Black and Tubman Tours Canada.
- Sunday, July 26 — The annual Big Picnic at Lakeside Park, followed by a Pan‑African Flag Raising Ceremony at St. Catharines City Hall to close the weekend.
What to expect
Friday’s comedy night is presented as a new partnership between Matter of Black and Spotlight Comedy, intended as an opening event for the weekend. Promotional text highlights Jay Martin’s national profile, noting his mentorship early in his career by Russell Peters and press praise; the Toronto Star has called him “one of Canada’s rising comics.”
“one of Canada’s rising comics”
Saturday’s commemorative walk is positioned as the central historical observance, explicitly honouring Tubman’s arrival in St. Catharines. The event is community‑focused and connects to ongoing local interest in the city’s links to Underground Railroad history. Sunday’s Big Picnic and the flag‑raising at City Hall are presented as inclusive, family‑oriented gatherings to conclude the weekend.
Practical information
Organisers have published event locations and a ticketing link for the comedy show. Residents planning to attend should check event pages for any updates to timing, accessibility arrangements and any required tickets.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Comedy Night | July 24 | Spotlight Comedy Club (92 St. Paul St.) |
| Harriet Tubman Arrival & Walk | July 25 | Downtown St. Catharines |
| Big Picnic & Flag Raising | July 26 | Lakeside Park; St. Catharines City Hall |
The weekend is billed as both celebratory and commemorative, connecting live entertainment with recognition of historical events that helped shape the city’s Black community. Residents interested in attending are advised to consult Matter of Black and partner pages for ticketing and further details.
