Festival
| Date
| Comments |
Wee Celebration |
End January |
Oakville's 150th Birthday. Celebrate at Oakville Museum, 8 Navy Street. 905-338-4400
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Burlington Winter Carnival |
End January - early February |
Celebrating winter with family fun since 1967, many great activities coordinated by the 2007 Winter Carnival Committee and held over two weekends. Something for everyone, from outdoor sports to indoor fun. 905-335-7600 ext. 7201
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Lowville Winter Games |
First Sunday in February |
Come out to Lowville Park and enjoy an afternoon of FREE family fun!
From 12noon to 4:00pm take part in Ice Skating (weather permitting), Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, Log Sawing Contest, Music, Donut Eating Contest, Balloon Animals, Great Food. FREE shuttle bus service from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. between the M.M. Robinson High School (Board of Education Office) parking lot and Lowville Park
For info call Suzanne Gillies at 905-335-7600 ext. 7201.
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Oakville Heritage Day |
February 18 |
Oakville Museum, 8 Navy Street. 905-338-4400
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Maple Syrup Festival |
March weekends |
Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Guided tours of Maple Lane, pancake house, wagon rides, gift shop, fresh maple candy, heritage demonstrations, farm animals, Mini Maple Museum and more! $12.00 / vehicle. Call 905-827-6911.
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Arbor Day |
Mid April |
Each year Burlington celebrates Arbor Day by planting trees at a pre-selected school, involving students, teachers, parents, city staff and local residents. Arbor Day originated in Nebraska in 1872, where a day was set aside and over a million trees were planted. This idea quickly spread to neighbouring states and to Canada. Today we still celebrate by planting trees each spring in Burlington. (905) 335-7704.
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Burlington Youth Week |
End April- early May |
Burlington Teens (ages 14-19 years) show off their talent in this singing competition. Also a Much Music Video Dance, MYAC Art Show, Youthfest, Throwin' the Horns, Velocity Live Bands, For more info contact Romeo Pabayo at 905-332-1996 ext. 253
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Spring Tyme on the Farm |
Late May |
See spring events from Sheep Shearing to wildflowers and seed sowing. Visit your favourite farm animals or explore a nature trail.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Dr. 905-827-6911.
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Royal Botanical Gardens' Lilac Festival
|
End of May
|
The festival features some 800 varieties of the fragrant shrubs in a multitude of colors. The Royal Botanical Gardens' three other outdoor display gardens and the RBG Centre include a restaurant and gift shop. Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Arboretum's Lilac Dell, the world's largest collection of lilacs. Entertainment, food and more.
680 Plains Road West, Burlington ON. 905-527-1158
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Downtown Oakville Sidewalk Sale |
Mid June |
Downtown Oakville. Since 1975, this Oakville tradition brings the downtown to life as retailers use the sidewalks to offer great deals. Afterwards, sample some of the finest dining in the Greater Toronto Area. 905-844-4520
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Burlington's Sound of Music Festival |
Mid June |
Burlington's Sound of Music Festival is a FREE four-day summer musical extravaganza that appeals to every generation. Several stages along Burlington's beautiful waterfront and downtown present a variety of entertainment for all music lovers. The Festival features several music genres including jazz, folk, pop, big band, country, blues, Latin, Celtic, and children's music. Also a Downtown Streetfest will have street-side performers and outdoor patios! Voted one of the Top 50 Festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario
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Iris & Peony Celebration
|
Mid June
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Sundays at
Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Road West, Burlington ON. 905-527-1158
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Oakville Waterfront Festival |
Late June |
Coronation Park. Lakeshore Rd. W. between Third & Fourth Line. Friday 5:00pm - 11:00pm; Saturday 9:00am - 11:00pm; Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm. All-inclusive 3-day admission $11 - $15; children 3 & under free. For 15 years, fabulous family entertainment including concerts, fireworks, craft show & sale, children's village, theme park, dog show, and much more. Free shuttles from Oakville or Bronte GO station parking lots or Sheridan College. 905-847-7975; Festival weekend hotline: 905-847-1216
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Sail-a-Tall Ship |
Late June |
Bronte Harbour at Bronte Rd. & Ontario St. Enjoy day and evening sails, a choice of three cruises including meal and entertainment. Departing at the Bronte Harbour Pier, single and group reservations. Tickets from $55 - $85. 1-888-452-3333.
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Bronte Idol Performing Arts Festival
(part of Oakville Waterfront Festival) |
Late June |
Admission: free .Participate in the Marathon Street Dance or the dance competition. On Saturday & Sunday, the wildly popular Bronte Idol singing competition is back.
Bronte Village West. 905-825-3258
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Paws In The Garden
|
end June
|
Royal Botanical Gardens - Hendrie Park Gardens. Visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens with "man's best friend" for a pawsitively great time! In addition to the gardens and trials, there'll be plenty fo fun, food and festivities for fido and the whole family.
Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Road West, Burlington. 905-527-1158
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Butterfly Monitoring and Nature Walk |
July 1 |
Meet at the Butterfly Gazebo in Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and learn how to identify and count native butterfly species. Bronte Butterfly Foundation, 2368 Lakeshore Rd. W. 905-825-2245
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Oakville Canada Day Festival & Fireworks |
July 1 |
Free Admission. Enjoy the fireworks over the lake, after a day of family activities including an all-day street market, antique vendors, entertainers, a special evening showcase of Bronte Idol winners. Bronte Village West. 905-825-3258
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Burlington Canada Day |
July 1 |
Canada Day 5 Km Run (905-639-8053) starts at 9:30 a.m. Festivities start at noon featuring the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and include 30 activity stations and community displays, Strawberry Social at Joseph Brant Museum from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Entertainment at the main stage all day long , and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra on the main stage at 9:00 p.m. to accompany the Fireworks display at 10:00 p.m.
FIREWORKS set off from behind the Travelodge Hotel (this section of the park will be closed to the public after 5 pm). 905-335-7704
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Canada Day Strawberry Social |
July 1 |
Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, 8 Navy Street, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Admission: by donation. Celebrate Canada Day with an afternoon strawberry social on the Erchless Estate grounds and gardens. Enjoy festive activities and, of course, cake.905-338-4400
www.oakvillemuseum.ca
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Rose Celebration
|
Early July
|
Royal Botanical Gardens - Hendrie Park Gardens
Celebrate the beauty of The Gardens' two acres of roses in full boom, with activities for the kids, live entertainment, garden tours. 905-527-1158x252
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Kite Festival |
Early July |
Spencer Smith Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A great family outing where you build and decorate your own kite, see kite flying demonstrations and join the hundreds of children and their families in flying your creation. Call 905-335-7600 ext. 7201.
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Flamboro Downs Breeders Stakes
|
Mid-July
|
Flamboro Downs
Highway #5 west, between highways 6 and 8,
Parking and admission is always FREE. 905-627-3561
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Jazz 'N Blues Festival |
Late July |
Spencer Smith Park, Burlington. Attend one of Canada's premier summer music outdoor events with Canada's best musicians. Held annually over three consecutive days in the third week of July at spectacular Spencer Smith Park on Lake Ontario in Burlington, Ontario. The Festival features a licensed beverage area, healthy food fair, holistic expo, business presenter promenade and a specialty arts & crafts showcase.
For more information call 905-314-3535.
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Lake Ontario 300 |
July |
The Oakville Yacht Squadron, 97 Forsythe Street, Sixteen Mile Creek.
A 300-nautical mile clockwise race around Lake Ontario, starting and finishing at Oakville Yacht Squadron. Catch the pre-race festival and party for crew, the race starts 11, and the post race celebrations on the weekend. 905-338-9379
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Downtown Oakville Midnight Madness |
Late July |
Downtown Oakville's largest retail event of the year, drawing crowds of over 50,000 to enjoy a variety of community performers, bands and food! Live music on every block, strolling entertainments & the best buys in town. Downtown Oakville. 905-844-4520
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Burlington International Games |
End July |
The first Games were held in 1969 to offer an athletic and cultural exchange experience for the youth of Burlington. The games rotate between cities called Burlington. in Ontario, Vermont , and Iowa and the 38th edition (2006) is hosted here. Contact our summer office 905-335-7600 ext. 7735 or Doug Pladsen 905-335-7627.
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Joseph Brant Day |
Early August |
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
La Salle Park (50 North Shore Blvd), Burlington
The Museums of Burlington annually celebrate the rich heritage of Burlington at the annual 'Joseph Brant Day'. Bring a lawn chair to La Salle Park for fun-filled musical entertainment, demonstrations, craft vendors, a silent auction, displays, children's area, BBQ and refreshments. 905 332-9888 or 905-634-3556
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Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival |
Early August |
Live musical performances on numerous outdoor stages with international headliners and the finest North American talent around. Cool jazz in the hot sun!
Downtown Oakville
905-844-4520
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Confederation Cup XXX at Flamboro Downs
|
Late August
|
The Confederation Cup, running for over 30 years is the finest day in Canadian harness racing has to offer.
Flamboro Downs
Highway #5 west, between highways 6 and 8, Parking and admission is always FREE. 905-627-3561
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Dragon Boat Festival |
Late August |
Kelso Conservation Park from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Held since 2003, this action-packed day has 65 teams competing, raising money for charity. A wide selection of food and beverages, a beer tent and musical entertainment is provided. 905-847-7581
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Burlington's Annual Children's Festival |
Sunday August 20, 2006 |
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spencer Smith Park, Lakeshore Road
Since 1991, this festival includes children's performers, children's activities, children's marketplace with vendors of children's products. Barbeque provided by Teen Tour Band Boosters. Free family fun; full of excitement and surprises all day! Presented by Burlington Sertoma Club. (905) 335-7600 ext.7201
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Flamboro Downs Breeders Stakes
|
End Aug
|
Flamboro Downs
Highway #5 west, between highways 6 and 8, Parking and admission is always FREE. 905-627-3561
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Canada's Largest Ribfest |
Early September |
Labour Day weekend at the Waterfront at Spencer Smith Park, Downtown Burlington. Ribfest features expert teams of rib cookers from Canada and across the United States who delight 130,000 visitors with their tasty dishes. A rib cooking contest allows the ribbers to compete for bragging rights while showcasing their skills and secret sauces. Also take in a great line up of music and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Organized by the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore.905 332-3513
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Steam-Era |
Early September |
Each Labour Day weekend, the "Ontario Steam & Antique Preservers Association" celebrates a century of steam engines, steam tractors, and cars and at the Milton fairgrounds. 519-740-7185.
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Bronte Autumnfest |
Mid September weekend |
Admission: free
Bronte Village West. Old fashioned farmers market complete with antique vendors, artisans, horse & wagon rides, live music, pig roast hoedown & more. 905-825-3258
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Art & Craft Market |
Mid September weekend |
Spencer Smith Park from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Over 150 Artists and Artisans with Music, Face Painting, Balloons, and Refreshments. This fundraising event by the Burlington Art Centre has admission: Adult $4.00, Senior/Teen $3.00, Family $10.00 (max. 4 Adults), Weekend Pass $5.00. 905-632-7796.
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British Car Day |
Mid September |
Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Drive
Toronto Triumph Club presents their annual British Car Day. 905-827-6911
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Downtown Oakville Autumn Festival |
Late September |
Downtown Oakville. The annual Fall Festival in downtown Oakville celebrates the harvest in style with a corn roast, sidewalk sale, an art expose, free hayrides, live entertainment, wine tasting and much more! Fall Festival is a great day for adults and kids of all ages. 905-844-4520
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Trafalgar Day |
Late October |
Sovereign House, 7 West River Street
From 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm celebrate Oakville's heritage. 905-825-5552
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Haunted Happenings at Erchless Estate |
End October |
Oakville Museum, 8 Navy Street, 1 pm - 4:30 pm. Visit Oakville's Erchless Estate for a spooky weekend filled with ghosts & goblins. Kids will enjoy ghoulishly defrightful crafts and games. Admission: $5 per child, regular admission for adults.905-338-4400
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Downtown Oakville Tree Lighting Ceremony |
Mid November |
Downtown Oakville, Towne Square
Join the merriment as downtown Oakville rings in the holiday season by officially lighting the Christmas Tree. Refreshments, carols and holiday entertainment all begin at 7:00pm in Towne Square. 905-844-4520
www.oakvilledowntown.com
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Oakville Santa Claus Parade |
Mid November |
9:00 am
The Oakville Santa Claus Parade has been delighting families, residents and visitors for over 50 years. Come early and reserve your spot on the parade route as it winds its way through downtown Oakville.
905-845-6601, ext. 3154
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Christmas in Bronte Village |
Late November |
Kick off the Christmas season with the Bronte Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, carolers and more.
Bronte Village West
905-825-3258
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Christmas Magic in Downtown Oakville |
December |
Weekends of holiday shopping in downtown Oakville, with visits from Santa, traditional carolers and more, and extended holiday shopping hours until 10 p.m. 905-844-4520
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Burlington Christmas Parade |
Start December |
First Sunday in December, hosted by the City of Burlington and local Rotary Clubs, this annual Christmas Parade features 65 entries including bands, colourful floats, clowns, mascots and jolly St. Nick himself. Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters will collect non-perishable food items for local food banks before the parade. The parade starts at Burlington Mall and marches along Guelph Line to New Street, travels west along New to James Street, then north on Brant Street. The parade route finishes at Brant Street and Caroline. The entry deadline for 2006 is November 1st. Mike Mueller at (905) 335-7704
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Festival of Lights |
Start December - early January |
Enjoy a wonderful display of holiday lights while walking along the lakeside promenade at Spencer Smith Park. This is Burlington's unofficial "welcome to winter" event!
This year's Festival is in its tenth consecutive year at the park and we continue to reach out to our business community to make our Opening Ceremonies a success.The Ceremonies take place after the Christmas Parade downtown.
This is a free community festival for visitors and residents of all ages.
On Sunday December 3rd, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. the event will begin at Spencer Smith Park. call 905-333-9868.
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New Year's Eve Celebration |
End December |
The Waterfront at Downtown Burlington. Contact Suzanne Gillies at 905-335-7600 ext. 7201 or by e-mail.
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