A new festival is coming to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, that brings together two previously separate celebrations into one big community event. The Festival of Cultures will combine Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Downtown Plaza at 526 Bay Street.
The event is organized by the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Local Immigration Partnership, the Sault Community Career Centre, and the Centre francophone de Sault-Sainte-Marie. In past years, these groups held separate events. In 2025, the Multiculturalism Day Festival took place on July 13 at the Downtown Plaza, while the St-Jean-Baptiste Festival was on June 22 at the Machine Shop. The new combined festival was announced by the city on May 29, 2026.
Families can expect a full day of activities. The festival will include multicultural performances, food vendors, art and cultural displays, community services booths, and activities for children such as bouncy castles, henna, and face painting. Organizers say the goal is to celebrate the diverse newcomer communities and the city’s Francophone heritage in one inclusive event.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, observed on June 24, is a celebration of Francophone culture across Canada that commemorates John the Baptist, the patron saint of Francophones. By combining it with Multiculturalism Day, the festival aims to recognize both long-standing French-Canadian roots and the cultures of newer residents.
The city says the event is free for all and encourages residents to come together at the Downtown Plaza to share traditions and connect with neighbours.
