43 years ago as the traditional St. Joseph’s House of Providence Picnic ended in the Valley Town of Dundas, the division of the Hamilton District Chamber of Commerce and the Dundas Jaycees began looking for a focus around which to build a community festival.

Dundas, already internationally recognized for the Cacti produced by the local Ben Veldhuis Cactus Greenhouses, the group received Ben’s approval of thAbout-crowd-Dundas-Cactus-Festival-40-anniversarye name, “Cactus Festival”. The first festival lasted 9 days, and began with a parade. It featured sports events, a film night, a casino night, a dance at the community center, and midway rides in Dundas driving park. Over the years, it grew and in 1979, the downtown merchants agreed to hold their sidewalk sale as part of the Festival. Other craft vendors and exhibitors were invited too.

The festival moved to King St. and the reputation of the festival grew, year by year. For the sum of $1.00, the Jaycees sold the rights to the Town. Since 1979, the festival has been tirelessly organized by local volunteers; The Cactus Festival of Dundas Committee.

Occurring every 3rd weekend in August, ‘Cactus’ attracts visitors from across the nation and is the unofficial ‘homecoming’ event for any and all who have lived in the community. Continuing to evolve and expand, the FREE family fun Festival runs for 3 days and includes 4 entertainment stages, event zones and over 100 street vendors.

This August, the Festival celebrates 43 years and will once again be the signature event.


What’s Happening?

Main Stage Entertainment – Schedule and Events

This year, Cactus Festival of Dundas Ontario will feature some of the best bands you’ll see all summer long. Each stage offers something different. Visit our Entertainment page for the full schedule and line-up!


Family Fun Zone!

The Fun Zone, located on King St. between Market and Church offers a one stop shop for family entertainment. Visit our Family Fun Zone page for more information.


Fortino’s 14th Annual Baby Cactus Contest

The Baby Cactus Festival is an opportunity for young families with babies 3-17 months to meet, have some fun, and win some great prizes. Every baby entered is recognized and receives an Official ‘Cactus Tumbleweed’ Certificate!


Returning Festival Features

Robertson’s Midway
Fabulous amusement rides all weekend long!

Kids and teens (and all those who are young at heart) will be excited to hear that Robertson’s Amusements is returning once again as the Midway Entertainment. They open Thursday night after the parade, and run through Sunday.

Location:   Miller’s Lane and Hatt Street. 

Schedule:  Thursday 6-11,  Friday 6-11,  Saturday 11-11,  Sunday  11-4

Website: http://www.robertsonamusements.biz/


Parade

Thursday night at 6:45 p.m., the Dundas Cactus Festival kicks off with the much-loved Cactus Festival Parade! For more info contact:

Donna Graham

Phone: 905-628-0838
Fax: 905-628-1268
E-mail: parade@dundascactusparade.com