The Burlington Downtown Business Association is thrilled to announce the return of Movies by the Lake — the popular free outdoor movie series hosted weekly in Spencer Smith Park.

Now entering its fourth season, this cinematic summer staple runs every Tuesday evening from July 8 to August 19, 2025, featuring a star-studded lineup of nostalgic favourites sure to delight film fans of all ages.

Set against the scenic shoreline of Lake Ontario, Movies by the Lake transforms Tuesday nights into unforgettable community experiences. Whether you’re a classic comedy lover, an action enthusiast, or just in it for the popcorn vibes, there’s something for every moviegoer under the stars.

All screenings begin at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, bring their own chairs or blankets, and enjoy a pre-show experience by exploring Burlington Downtown’s 400+ local businesses. Whether you grab dinner and drinks, shop for treasures, or stroll by the lake, it’s your chance to package the perfect cinematic night out.

Back by popular demand is Movie Trivia, the ultimate warm-up act for film buffs and casual viewers alike. Flex your film knowledge with new questions each week, covering everything from iconic movie scores to legendary villains.

This event is all-ages, alcohol-free, and includes accessible seating and on-site support. Guests are asked to use discretion regarding film content and to be mindful of others during the show.

In the event of inclement weather, screenings will be cancelled. Real-time updates will be posted via our Instagram and Facebook platforms.

For the full movie lineup, showtimes, and event details, please visit our website at www.burlingtondowntown.ca/movies2025.

Press information

For media inquiries, please contact:

Alison Policicchio, Marketing Manager
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca

For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:

Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca

The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries.

The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services better.

Our efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play!

Sunset Kino is Canada’s only outdoor, avant-garde film festival. Founded by Séamus Kealy in Austria in 2017, this festival continues at Oakville Galleries in Gairloch Gardens. Introduced by the programmers and commencing at sunset, audiences experience a curated program of films and videos by Canadian and international artists.

Every year the program is guided by an overall theme and programmed also in relation to the summer exhibition. Parallel to Sunset Kino is our Summer Exhibition, Ilya & Emilia Kabakov: Between Heaven and Earth and the commissioned public art installation, The Ship of Tolerance, a collaboration between the artists and the children of Canada.

This year’s Sunset Kino theme is “What Was That.” This phrase is not conveyed as a question necessarily, rather as a statement that underlines something confounding. This could be the idea of a portrait under pressure, which is thus distorted or inaccurate or conflated with a different idea. This could also be a notion of where we are going collectively once a sea change has happened. The idea of “who will I be” now that a challenging event has happened is also hinted at, as indeed is the mind’s processing of what has just happened. As avant-garde cinema, the theme also self-consciously foreshadows an imaginary audience’s potential response to what they just saw (when the lights come up and one is not sure what just happened). As with all of Sunset Kino’s programming, this theme of “What Was That” also connects to larger geopolitical shifts and resulting narratives whether expressed across borders or locally. Ultimately Sunset Kino this year asks us to ponder how we are constantly needing to shift our perception of the world, and perhaps also our role as individuals and collective society
as a new global order becomes more palpable.

Each Sunset Kino evening, artist Faisal Anwar presents tailored projection performances ahead of the curated program.

Altogether this set of programs, exhibitions, and installations is the most ambitious project by Oakville Galleries to date. The Ship of Tolerance is presented in collaboration with the Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Foundation, as well as with The National Gallery of Canada. The National Gallery of Canada’s National Engagement initiative is generously supported by Michael Nesbitt, with additional funding from the National Gallery of Canada Foundation.

PROGRAM:

Thursday, June 26
Film by Niels-Christian Bolbrinker, Dr. Kerstin Stutterheim
Programmed by Emilia Kabakov & Séamus Kealy

Thursday, July 3
Echoes From Distant Shores
Films by Maryam Samadi, Shadi Harouni, Rouzbeh Akhbari, and Malak Masoumi
Programmed by Ala Roushan

Thursday, July 10
Films by Rabih Mroué: Face A Face B, With Soul, with Blood, Shooting Images, Cheers to Our
Wishes, and Footnotes
Programmed by Séamus Kealy

Thursday, July 17
Films by Renèe Helèna Browne: Daddy’s Boy, Sacred Disease and Sanctus!
Programmed by Séamus Kealy

For detailed information about the films, artists and programmers please visit our website: https://www.oakvillegalleries.com/SunsetKino

About Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries is a contemporary art museum presenting international and Canadian artists. Housed in a unique lakeside mansion and park as well as a white cube gallery downtown, Oakville Galleries is one of Canada’s leading contemporary art institutions. The Executive Director is Séamus Kealy. Supported by The Town of Oakville, Canada Council, Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, sponsors, patrons and members.

PRESS IMAGE CREDITS BELOW
For additional information or request hi-res images, please contact:
Shannon Ye
Marketing & Communications Manager, Oakville Galleries
shannon@oakvillegalleries.com
905-844-4402 ext.28

The businesses of the Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) invite you to celebrate the return of patio season in Downtown Burlington!

From now through October 31st, participating restaurants are encouraged to activate their patios by extending into adjacent sidewalks and roadways, offering residents and visitors a vibrant, memorable outdoor dining experience all summer long.

The BDBA is proud to support outdoor dining and continues to champion creative, community- focused uses of public spaces. This year, the organization is once again funding pedestrian bypasses: temporary sidewalk extensions that allow for expanded patios while maintaining walkability.

Each bypass is beautifully enhanced with planter boxes, bringing the charm of seasonal blooms to street level and contributing to the lively downtown atmosphere.

Speaking to the “vibrant atmosphere” it creates for residents and visitors alike, Chair of the BDBA Board of Directors, Liza Buchard-Bain, expressed, “Burlington’s downtown is once again coming alive, with patios opening up and people gathering to enjoy the cherished, albeit short, summer season.”

She continued, “The arrival of patio season is always a highlight for our community, as it transforms our downtown into a lively hub of activity. Restaurants and cafes spill onto the sidewalks, creating inviting spaces where friends and families can gather to share meals, laughter, and good times!”

Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns added, “The annual patio program is more than just a seasonal initiative: it’s a vital economic driver for our downtown restaurants and businesses. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters connection, supports local commerce, and showcases Burlington as a destination for everyone to enjoy.”

Thank you to our 2025 patio program sponsors: Perspective Vision, Pure Boutique, Stoner & Company, Family Law, The Kuchma Team, and Mallord Farms, for their generous support in helping us bring the vibrancy of patio season to life.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca

For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:
Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca

The BDBA is a Local Board of the City of Burlington responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant Downtown business community.

The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services better.

Our efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit, and play!

The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is excited to announce its new, compassiondriven, education-based initiative that we believe will help build a more equitable and inclusive community.

We call it The Green Lanyard Project. The Green Lanyard Project aims to foster and nurture a community where every individual—regardless of their background, identity, characteristics, or abilities—feels safe, respected, included, and empowered to thrive. Equity, accessibility, and belonging are not just values; they are the foundation of collective strength and resilience.

Developed in partnership with Stefanie Peachey, Peachey Counselling and Family Support, this newly launched program works by issuing a green lanyard to patrons & visitors of our downtown, free of charge. The use of this lanyard signals to our business members that the wearer of the lanyard (or a member of their party) has an invisible atypical ability.

These invisible, atypical abilities often go unnoticed, making it difficult for frontline staff to understand the unique challenges that individuals face. The Green Lanyard serves as a visual cue to help small business owners, and their staff approach each interaction with the wearer with empathy, openness, and a willingness to assist.

This lanyard signals to others that the wearer may need more time, more patience and more understanding as they navigate an environment, such as a retail store, restaurant or even a bank.

“My son Andrew was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) at the age of 8. His diagnosis came as both a relief, to finally understand how to better help him navigate his day-to-day life, and it also came with challenges. I became overly aware of the daily obstacles that neurodivergent individuals must face when taking part in everyday activities. From lights and sounds to what it’s like to conversate, everyone feels things differently, and everyone deserves the opportunity to feel heard. The Green Lanyard Project is designed so that people can feel heard, and seen, without having to explain themselves, a luxury that neurotypical individuals rarely must question.” Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director at BDBA. She continues “It is our hope that this one small step opens the door to a more inclusive, engaged and welcoming community.”

The Green Lanyard Project will require ongoing education for our downtown small businesses, residents, and visitors in Burlington. We will accomplish this through a series of community and public education pieces that will be disseminated in-person and be made available online.

Our commitment to this program, along with the support we have received from our small businesses, clearly demonstrates that our BIA is working to make our community more accessible, inclusive, and comfortable for those in need.

The excellent service you’re used to receiving from our small businesses won’t change, it’s just going be even better … we’re just adding a touch of green!

Residents and visitors to Burlington Downtown will be able to submit a request for a lanyard free of charge, which will then be mailed to them for use at their discretion. Then, the user can wear their lanyard when exploring our vibrant small business community.

Ready to learn more about the program? Ready to grab your lanyard? Click here to request your green lanyard, and add the subject line “Green Lanyard” and our project lead will connect with you directly. Lanyards will take 7 to 10 business days from day of request to arrival.

For more information on this initiative, please visit our website at:

burlingtondowntown.ca/greenlanyardproject. To access our online project learning library please visit burlingtondowntown.ca/greenlearninglibrary.

Press information For media inquiries, please contact:

Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director Burlington, Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca

For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:

Brian Dean, Executive Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca

The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries.

The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services better.

Our efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play.

12th annual Oakville Film Festival – Where Local Hearts Meet Global Stories- A Record 105 Films!

The OAKVILLE FESTIVALS OF FILM AND ART (OFFA), Oakville’s independent film and arts festival, is proud to announce the 12th annual festival set for June 18th- June 25th in Oakville and Mississauga, Ontario.

In OFFA’s 12th year the Oakville Film Festival is proud to present 105 Canadian and international films, including romance, comedy and heart wrenching documentaries and shorts over 7 days, hosted by Oakville media personality Tyler Collins, and Mississauga Director/Producer/Writer and Actor, Cynthia Crofoot.. Oakville Film Festival kick’s off at Film.Ca Cinemas in Kerr Village on Wednesday June 18th and runs until June 25th with three (3) Gala screenings at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on Thursday June 19th, Friday June 20th and Saturday June 21st.  A selection of films is available online only during the festival.

Wednesday June 18th: Opening Night Family Friendly Launch at Film.Ca Cinemas beginning at 5 pm + featuring four screenings in two theatres, films start at 6 pm. At 5 pm, we have activities for families including a Staples Learn and Play Table, a reptile “meet and greet” courtesy of Little Rays, Big Blue Blocks, and other fun activities.

Thursday June 19th- Stealing the Sky (Thursday Night Opening EY Gala): OFFA is proud to announce the Gala Thursday June 19th- Stealing the Sky (Thursday Night Opening EY Canadian Gala): From the creative brilliance of award-winning writer/actor Marie Dame, and iconic Canadian actor and director, Megan Follows, comes a comedy that masterfully intertwines humor, humanity, and complexity. Starring Marie Dame, Megan Follows, Alex Karzis, Stealing the Sky is a vivid exploration of family, redemption, and the messiness of human connection. The sophisticated storytelling is preceded by a beautiful song from the film’s gifted composers Brent Bodrug and Bryn Scott Grimes, and on Bryn Scott-Grimes on harmonica. Brent and Bryn will play a beautiful song from the film, accompanied by the silky voice of Brent’s daughter, Toronto singer Siobhan Brodrug. Like the past eleven years of OFFA Galas, the unforgettable music and heartfelt storytelling resonate long after the credits roll, setting the stage for an elegant after-party at Ce Soir Restaurant. Conversations flow as creatives and festival-goers revel in the night, sharing inspiration and celebrating the artistry they’ve just witnessed.

Thursday, June 19th – Sunday, June 22, 2025 – OFFA Film Industry Summit: Oakville Festivals of Film & Art is once again excited to host the Film Industry Summit, bringing together film professionals and creative minds to connect and dive into the exciting world of filmmaking in Canada. A Staples networking brunch Thursday ,June 19th, opens the summit, followed by a full day of moderated panels on Friday 20 June hosted by established industry professionals, focused on the intricacies of film financing for emerging and intermediate-level filmmakers.

See all of the details here: Oakville Festivals of Film and Art INDUSTRY SUMMIT 2025 – Oakville Festivals of Film and Art

Friday June 20th- Gala Regional Premiere of Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. Enjoy this romantic 2024 French film comedy written and directed by Laura Piani.The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 9 September 2024. It was released in France on 22 January 2025. Jane Austen Society Event in Lobby. See Trailer

Saturday June 21st – Gala – Sweet Summer Pow Wow In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, OFFA will feature the Gala Sweet Summer Pow Wow. Directed by First Nations comedian, actor, and screenwriter Darrell Dennis, who hails from the Secwepemc Nation in BC, this romantic drama beautifully captures the complexities of cultural heritage and personal dreams. Tatyana Rose Baptiste, Joshua Odjick, and the legendary Graham Greene deliver performances that feel visceral and emotional, their artistry creating an unfiltered portrayal of love, resilience, and community, all will be present at the event and for the Q&A to follow.

Sunday June 22nd OFFA goes to Mississauga! For 2025 OFFA is excited to be featuring Shorts for all Sorts, Cat’s Cry, Saints and Warriors, and Canada’s entry for the Academy Awards in 2025, Universal Language at Cineplex Mississauga Square One.

Monday June 23 – Wednesday June 25 There will be more screenings at Film.Ca Cinemas on June 23rd for the closing of the in-person films, and a number of virtual screenings. Check out our 2025 OFFA Film Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/@OakvilleFestivals For a comprehensive guide to the festival, including film screenings, exclusive Q&As, and more, please visit Oakville Festivals of Film and Art OFFA 2025 – Oakville Festivals of Film and Art

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 Oakville Film Festival! To schedule an interview with Festival Co-Founder Wendy Donnan or request an interview with one of the film directors, actors, or producers, please contact:

Check out our 2025 OFFA Film Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/@OakvilleFestivals

Suzy Godefroy
sgodefroy@cogeco.ca
905-599-1907

OAKVILLE – Spring has officially sprung, and there’s no better time to experience the charm, culture, and community of Oakville. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape, exciting events, or family-friendly activities, Oakville is your go-to destination for all things spring.

“Oakville is just moments away from anything you could want – lush green spaces, a beautiful waterfront, a charming downtown filled with unique boutiques, delicious dining, and an amazing arts and culture scene,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville. “This season, we encourage everyone to explore what our vibrant town has to offer.”

Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Oakville this spring:

• Spring Time on the Farm – May 17, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Bronte Creek Provincial
  Park. Celebrate the season with historical demonstrations, hands-on activities, Victorian
  games, farm animals and more!
• New Exhibit at Oakville Galleries – Between Heaven and Earth by Ilya & Emilia Kabakov Opens May 31 – September 20. This powerful team will mount two exhibitions and two major public sculptures, including the world-renowned Ship of Tolerance. This project involves over a thousand children who helped in the production of the ship’s sails.
• Black Music on the Block – June 7, 3:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Downtown Oakville’s Towne Square. This lively annual celebration of Black music returns with dynamic performances in the heart of the community.
• Mayor’s Historical Picnic – June 8, 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. at Lakeside Park. Presented by the Oakville Historical Society, enjoy an afternoon of live music, performances, crafts, games, and historical charm.
• Teagan’s Ride – June 8. Join this community bike ride in honour of Teagan, raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research.
• Knot Just a Knit in Public – June 14, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Calling all fibre artists! Bring your needles and creativity to enjoy knitting, sewing, quilting, or crocheting in a fun outdoor setting.
• Annual Veteran’s Salmon Derby – June 14, starts at 6:00 a.m. at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park. A meaningful day of camaraderie and community, fish alongside local veterans and enjoy a post-derby BBQ.
• Bronte Lake Notes – Begins June 19 at 7:00 p.m. and runs every Thursday night. Experience FREE live music under the sails at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park featuring contemporary music from hot local bands.
• Oakville Festivals of Film & Art (OFFA) – June 18–25. Enjoy over 100 films, including shorts, documentaries, and features, along with three incredible gala screenings and VIP events.
• Oakville Family Ribfest – June 19–22 at Sheridan College. Enjoy a weekend of mouthwatering ribs, live entertainment, family activities, and more!

And There’s More to Explore!
Oakville features 1,400 hectares of parkland and 200 km of scenic trails, perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying nature. Foodies will love discovering our thriving culinary scene — including Hexagon, one of just 15 restaurants in Canada to be awarded a MICHELIN Star.

With so much to see and do, why not stay the weekend? Check out our great accommodations here.

For more information and to plan your stay, visit: www.visitoakville.com.

About Visit Oakville:

Visit Oakville is an incorporated, not-for-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO). It is led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the community. Visit Oakville aims to drive economic impact through marketing and partnerships, curating visitor experiences and advocating on behalf of Oakville’s tourism industry.

For more information, please contact:
Christa Poole
Visit Oakville
christa.poole@visitoakville.com