WINDSOR JUNCTION: One of the Fall River and Windsor Junction area’s most anticipated summer traditions is back as Keloose 2026 promises three days of community fun, live entertainment, sports, and spectacular fireworks from Aug. 14-16.
The annual festival, centred around the Gordon R. Snow Community Centre, Windsor Junction Community Centre (WJCC), and the LWF Hall, features a refreshed schedule this year designed to improve the flow of activities while offering something for every age.
The festivities begin Friday evening with the opening of the five-team round-robin softball tournament on the lower ball field.
Games get underway at 6:30 p.m. with I’d Hit That taking on the Crushers, followed by The Grand Salmis versus The Sandlot at 8 p.m. and The Brew Jays meeting I’d Hit That at 9:30 p.m.
Families can also enjoy an evening geared toward children, featuring a Kids Dance Party and Karaoke from 7 to 7:45 p.m. before settling in for an outdoor movie at 8 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and pillow for the movie night, which will also include a photo booth, popcorn and freezies.
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Saturday starts early as the softball tournament continues with games beginning at 8 a.m. before culminating with the championship game at 7 p.m.
A community pancake breakfast will be served from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the LWF Hall, featuring pancakes, sausages, juice, coffee and tea.
The Keloose Skate Jam and community barbecue will keep the action rolling from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Saturday night wraps up with an adults-only dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. featuring live music by The Right Swipes.
The festival reaches its grand finale on Sunday with a full day of family entertainment.
The annual Kids Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m., travelling from the Fall River School of Performing Arts parking lot to the Windsor Junction Community Centre.
From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., the WJCC grounds transform into a family fun zone with inflatable bouncy castles, a dunk tank, tie-dye station, face painting, pony rides, a teddy bear clinic hosted by Fall River Animal Hospital, a petting zoo, food vendors and a community barbecue.
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Music fills the afternoon and evening with Joyful Sounds performing from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by local favourites The Homewreckers from 7 to 9 p.m.
Family yard games, food trucks and Connected Craft Beverages round out the festivities throughout the evening.
As darkness falls, all eyes will turn skyward for one of the region’s signature summer traditions.
The Keloose fireworks display over Third Lake has earned a reputation as one of the finest in the Halifax Regional Municipality, drawing thousands of spectators each year.
The dazzling show has become the perfect finale to a weekend celebrating community spirit, neighbours and family fun. Organizers note the fireworks remain subject to provincial burn restrictions, with any updates announced closer to the event.
Keloose has long been a summertime tradition in the Fall River, Lakeview and Windsor Junction communities, bringing together residents, volunteers and visitors for a weekend that showcases the strong community spirit that has defined the festival for generations.
With sports, music, children’s activities, food, and one of HRM’s premier fireworks displays, organizers are inviting everyone to mark Aug. 14-16 on their calendars and be part of another memorable Keloose weekend.
