FREE!

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11 am – 9 pm, Queen St. in Niagara Falls will burst to life with a vibrant Big Easy 2nd Line Celebration, kicking off the Niagara Jazz Festival’s summer season. Inspired by New Orleans traditions, the celebration will feature strolling brass bands, drummers, dancing, activities for all ages, and a joyous crowd celebrating jazz, live music and community spirit.

Our partners for this special event are Niagara Falls Innovation Hub; Niagara Falls University and Taps Brewhouse. Additionally, Downtown Niagara Falls Queen Street merchants will also join in the revelry by adding their own flair with lively in-store promotions, New Orleans-themed activities, and creative displays that reflect the spirit of the celebration.

From hosting interactive workshops, cocktail and food demos, arts and crafts workshops, special discounts, pop-up performances to themed menus and storefront décor, local businesses, such as, Cat and Monkey, AWA (African Women Acting), No Tell Cocktail and Speakeasy, Steve Wilson Studio, Camp Cataract, and others will help transform Queen Street into a vibrant, immersive experience for festivalgoers.

This festive pre-launch event not only previews the main festival Flagship event, Summer Mardi Gras (June 20 @ Oakes Garden Theatre),it also celebrates the rich blend of local culture, music, culinary, and community in downtown Niagara Falls! FREE!

Festivalgoers will feel energized, immersed in a lively, joyful celebration of music, culture, and community, where every corner of Queen Street pulses with the spirit of New Orleans.