Migration Festival

The 57th annual Migration Festival will be held on Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, 2026. Kingsville welcomes the community to a celebration of migration, heritage, nature conservation and Jack Miner.

Register for the Great Migration Paint Out

Thursday, October 15, 2026 - Sunday, October 18, 2026

Calling all Artists!

The Great Migration Paint Out is a four-day "en Plein air" painting exhibition and competition. It includes three different competitions and a Show and Sale exhibition.

The Great Migration Paint Out - Adult Competition

Painting en plein air in Kingsville from Thursday, October 15 to Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Two Hour Quick Paint Competition 

The two-hour Quick Paint competition will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

The Great Migration Paint Out - Children and Youth Competitions

Children and youth are encouraged to learn about the art of en plein air! This free contest takes place from September 21 to October 16. Learn more and register.

The Great Migration Kick-Off is taking place on Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre (103 Park Street). Doors open at 6:00 pm. Reserve your spot for $20.00 per person. Fill out our Migration Festival Kick-Off Form to confirm your spot.

Your purchase includes a pulled pork dinner as well as live performances from: 

  • Stompbox Whisky 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Barbara Anne 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

We’ve reimagined our 2026 Migration Festival Parade as a Walking Parade at Lakeside Park!
Join us Saturday, October 17, 2026 starting at 10:00 am.
The parade will begin by the splash pad and travel to the lower bowl.
We want to see your creativity!
Gather your family, friends, teammates, coworkers or community group volunteers and assemble a creative “walking float” to showcase along the parade route.
Think:
  • Banners and signs
  • Costumes for walkers
  • Costumes for pets
  • Decorated strollers or wagons
  • And more!
There will be prizes for:
  • Best Migration or Fall Themed Entry
  • Best Walking Entry
  • Best Wheeled Entry
  • Most Creative
Migration Festival family activities and Market continue following the parade. Register today at kingsville.ca/migparade.

Join us for family fun in Lakeside Park after the Walking Parade! Activities run from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm in the lower bowl and include: 

• Pumpkin Carving with the Kingsville Community Policing Committee 
• Activities with South Essex Community Council 
• Build a Robot with UMEI 
• Fun with the Kingsville Optimist Club 
• Birds of Prey Demonstration with Kingsport Environmental 
• Demonstration from Border City Barkers 
• Wild Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt 
• Lawn Games and Colouring Activities 
• Inflatable Soccer Darts 
• Nail Driving Competition 
• Cake Walk Bingo 
• Scarecrow Building Contest 
• See Artists Painting Outdoors as part of the Great Migration Paint Out Competition 
• Juggling Workshop 
• Simon Says Show 

FREE Kingsville Express train rides will also be available in the upper bowl of the park. 

There's something for everyone, so gather the family and join us for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community spirit! 

10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 17, 2026 inside Lakeside Park Pavilion (315 Queen Street)

Our vendors include : 

  • Shelley's Earth Art
  • Colette's Addiction
  • Christine's Bake Shop
  • Darlene Martens
  • Tallow Envy Inc.
  • Red Barn Gift Shop
  • Fudgeworks/Jamworks
  • Geo & Julies Beach Treasures
  • Kingsville-Gosfield Heritage Society
  • The Macrame Genie
  • The Stoner's
  • Hidden Haven Farm
  • Wen's Crochet
  • Cary's Cutting Boards
  • Moose & Caribou Apparel
  • Peg's Crochet and Gifts
  • North Shore Crafts
  • Nancy Dots-a-Lot
  • Crafty Zisters
  • Hand Crafted Pottery by Mary Ann
  • Books and Boards
  • Happy Hippies Crystals
  • Twisted to Life
  • Kimmie Jewels
  • Creative Crafts and Decor
  • Stitched by Naomi
  • Eyes to the skies
  • Bubble Bake Shop

Celebrate Kingsville's Migration Festival at The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary (332 Road 3 West, Kingsville) with two full days of family-friendly fun at one of Canada's most historic conservation destinations.

On Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, enjoy guided tours, children's activities, a straw maze, yard games, a trout fishing pond, and a wide variety of arts, crafts, and specialty vendors.

From 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, visit the third annual Beer Market featuring local breweries, delicious food vendors, artisan vendors, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Entry by donation.

The festivities continue on Sunday, October 18, beginning with the annual Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, entry by $5.00 donation.

The Annual Classic Car Show happens 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, $15.00 entry. Registration opens at 9:00 am.

Don't miss the exciting Birds of Prey demonstrations presented by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy at 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. Attendance is free.

Plus tours, children's activities, the straw maze, yard games, crafts, trout fishing pond, and vendor marketplace from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

There's something for everyone to enjoy while experiencing the beauty and history of The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

If you have questions about Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary events, please call (519) 733-4034. 

Begins at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre (103 Park Street)

The Great Migration Paint Out entries are displayed at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre for judging and many are available to purchase. Meet the artists and vote for your favourite piece for the People’s Choice Award, while enjoying music, finger foods, and a cash bar. The award presentations begin at 4:00 pm. Attendance is free.

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