Summer warms our skin, fires up our soul and reminds us that life is too fleeting to stay indoors. As the temps increase, so do the number of outside events that Halton has to offer. There is something to suit all tastes whether you are a foodie, love music, arts and crafts, or want to explore diverse cultures. Here’s your challenge: check out the list below and see how many events you can attend this summer!
BURLINGTON
Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival: June 20-21, Spencer Smith Park
The Sound of Music Festival may be history, but out of its ashes a new festival has arisen which will focus on Canadian artists and local artisans. The free festival will have multi-stages, food trucks and activities geared to family fun. lakeshorefestival.ca
Concerts in the Park Series: June 21 – August 30 (Sunday and Wednesday), 7 – 8:30 pm, Central Park Bandshell, 2299 New Street.
Listen to 50s and 60s rock, Motown, jazz, big bands, brass bands, and more in the fresh night air.
Canada Day Celebration: July 1, Spencer Smith Park.
Celebrate Canada Day with your community with a full day of entertainment, food, and fun for the kids. The evening wraps up with a spectacular drone and firework show.
Burlington Veg Fest, August 15, 11:30 am – 6:30 pm, Spencer Smith Park.
If you are vegan, vegetarian or just curious, the Veg Fest is for you! Listen to guest speakers, eat delicious food, explore workshops and check out the vendors and kids’ activities. Visit their site for updates: burlingtonvegfest.com
Canada’s Largest Ribfest: September 4-7, Spencer Smith Park.
As well as boasting award winning ribs, and music to suit all tastes, the fest has a vibrant kid’s zone with midway rides. If you don’t fancy ribs, there’s lots more to eat!
OAKVILLE
Northeast Oakville Fair: May 24, 11 am – 4 pm, Glenashton Park, 1051 Glenashton Drive.
Featuring food, crafts, face painting and community displays, it’s a full day of fun.
Community Living Oakville’s Food Truck Friday: May 29, noon – 2 pm, Towne Square, 210 Lakeshore Road East.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy tasty food and support diversity and inclusion.
Mayor’s Historical Picnic: June 7, Lakeside Park, 144 Front Street.
Bring your chairs and picnic lunches and enjoy an afternoon featuring games, crafts, live music, and dance performances suitable for the entire family.
Bronte Lake Notes: June 18 – September 3, 7 pm – 9 pm, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Sails Stage, 2340 Ontario Street.
Sing, dance and bask in summer’s glow during this series of free concerts by local bands.
Canada Day Celebrations: July 1, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.
Featuring live entertainment, activities for all ages, food, and of course, fireworks!
Oakville Food Truck Festival: July 11-12, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, 2340 Ontario Street.
With 30 food trucks featuring their signature dishes, most cravings will be satisfied. Local performers, vendors, and games for the kids ensure that everyone leaves with a smile on their face! canadianfoodtruckfestivals.com/oakville
Emancipation Day Picnic: August 4, 1 – 4 pm, Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, 8 Navy Street.
Honouring Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad, and the abolition of slavery, the picnic presents cultural performances, live music and delicious Caribbean food, which can be pre-ordered.
CRAFT Live Afro-Caribbean Canadian Waterfront Fete: August 29, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.
Celebrate the achievements of Caribbean, African and Black Canadian cultures while moving to funk and soul, blues, jazz, disco, steelpan, soca, calypso and more at this free, all ages festival.
DUNDAS
Live & Local Music Series: July 5 – September 6 on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.
This free series features local talent and takes place at various locations, including The Old Post Office and Memorial Square.Dundas Cactus Festival: August 21-23, 130 King Street West.
Celebrating its 51st year, this festival never disappoints with free and accessible entertainment on four stages, over 100 street vendors and many activities for the kiddos. dundascactusfestival.ca
WATERDOWN
Oh Canada Ribfest: June 25-28, Waterdown Memorial Park, 200 Hamilton Street North.
Along with yummy ribs don’t miss the fireworks at dusk on June 26, and Freedom Train performing on June 27. Full lineup at ohcanadaribfest.ca
By Cyndi Ingle
