Discover Festivals and Community Events

Discover Burlington: Festivals, Shows & Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss!

Burlington, Ontario, offers a dynamic entertainment and community event scene, catering to a wide range of interests. The city hosts events like the Burlington Sound of Music Festival, Canada’s largest free music festival, and the Burlington Ribfest, a popular summer event featuring delicious food and live entertainment. The city’s scenic waterfront and parks are often venues for outdoor concerts, art shows, and family-friendly activities. With its vibrant cultural life and strong community spirit, Burlington provides numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to engage, celebrate, and enjoy.

These events, set against the picturesque backdrop of Burlington’s waterfront and parks, provide a rich tapestry of entertainment and community spirit for residents and visitors alike. The following festivals are presented at various locations in Burlington and the surrounding area.

Festivals and Community Events in Burlington and Surrounding Area

May

To September 5, 2026
eat make share: a taste of immigration
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/exhibition/eat-make-share-a-taste-of-immigration

Eat, Make, Share: A Taste of Immigration at Joseph Brant Museum explores how over 400 years of immigration has shaped Canada’s diverse food culture. Through stories, objects, and hands-on experiences, visitors discover the histories behind popular dishes and how communities express identity through eating, making, and sharing food traditions.

May 13, 2026
Toddler Days
Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd. E.
www.museumsofburlington.ca/events

Toddler Days is a hands-on, interactive, parented program designed for children ages 2–4. The program takes place at Joseph Brant Museum on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The cost is $12.00/child (including tax), and accompanying adults are complimentary. Pre-registration is required, as capacity is limited. Each week features a different theme for specific dates and to register.

May – September 2026 (Mondays Except Holidays & Weather Permitting)
B.C.C.S. Cruisin Car Show
Canadian Tire / Burlington Centre Parking Lot
In Support of Canadian Tire Jumpstart
www.facebook.com/bccs4cruisin

Monday Evenings from 5 pm – 8 pm

Come out to the B.C.C.S. Cruisin’ Car Show at the Burlington Centre in Burlington Ontario. The new show starts May 2025 and runs every Monday, 5 pm to 8 pm except long weekends; until September 2025.

In support of Jump Start Canadian Tire, an organization dedicated to helping youth in team sports, to enrich the lives of kids through sport and physical activity with a vision of Canada being a place where all kids have a chance to fulfill their dreams. Giving kids the opportunity to access sports and play.

May 20 – October 28, 2026 | 8 am – 2 pm
Burlington Centre Farmers Market
Burlington Centre parking lot, Prospect Street
https://sites.google.com/site/burlingtonmallfarmersmarket

Now celebrating their 67th year in Burlington. Market vendors carry a wide variety of locally grown fresh produce, baking, meats, cheese, eggs etc. You will find the freshest food available and you will be supporting your local farmers.

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 21, 2026 | 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
RBG After Dark: Spring into Summer (19+)
Rock Garden, 1185 York Boulevard
www.rbg.ca/events/rbg-after-dark-spring-into-summer

Spring returns with RBG’s After Dark 19+ summer series, transforming the gardens into a lively patio party featuring music, food, and entertainment for an energetic seasonal kickoff.

May 22 - 29, 2026
Ireland House After Dark | Restoring the Past
Ireland House Museum, 2168 Guelph Line, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/events

Explore Ireland House Museum After Dark, discovering its transformation from settler home to museum through guided storytelling, restoration insights, and curated family history, with tours and light refreshments included.

May 23, 2026
eat make share: Kids Kitchen Series | UK Classics
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/events

Eat, Make, Share Kids’ Kitchen Series invites children aged 8–12 to discover Canadian history through hands-on cooking and food storytelling. Inspired by the Eat, Make, Share exhibition, the workshops explore how food traditions have travelled, adapted, and shaped communities. Sessions run 1–3 pm, cost $30 per child, with supplies included.

May 29 - 30, 2026
Play Time 2 – A Short Play Festival
Theatre Burlington, 2311 New St, Burlington
www.theatreburlington.on.ca/shows/playtime

Theatre Burlington is proud to present our second annual short play festival. Come and enjoy short plays (approximately 10 minutes each), written, directed and acted by local playwrights, directors and actors. The topics of the plays run the gamut from humour to drama, and maybe, even a little farce.

May 31, 2026
Tour & Tea
Ireland House Museum, 2168 Guelph Line, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/events

Enjoy a Sunday afternoon Tour and Tea at Ireland House Museum, featuring a guided tour followed by scones, sweet treats, and tea. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

To September 5, 2026
eat make share: a taste of immigration
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/exhibition/eat-make-share-a-taste-of-immigration

Eat, Make, Share: A Taste of Immigration at Joseph Brant Museum explores how over 400 years of immigration has shaped Canada’s diverse food culture. Through stories, objects, and hands-on experiences, visitors discover the histories behind popular dishes and how communities express identity through eating, making, and sharing food traditions.

To October 28, 2026 | 8 am – 2 pm
Burlington Centre Farmers Market
Burlington Centre parking lot, Prospect Street
https://sites.google.com/site/burlingtonmallfarmersmarket

Now celebrating their 67th year in Burlington. Market vendors carry a wide variety of locally grown fresh produce, baking, meats, cheese, eggs etc. You will find the freshest food available and you will be supporting your local farmers.

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 6, 2026
eat make share: Kids Kitchen Series | Asian Fusion
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/events

Eat, Make, Share Kids’ Kitchen Series invites children aged 8–12 to discover Canadian history through hands-on cooking and food storytelling. Inspired by the Eat, Make, Share exhibition, the workshops explore how food traditions have travelled, adapted, and shaped communities. Sessions run 1–3 pm, cost $30 per child, with supplies included.

June - September 2026 | 9 am – 2 pm (Sundays)
Aldershot Farmers Market
1016 Waterdown Road, Burlington
www.facebook.com/aldershotfarmersmarket

The market features farm-fresh locally grown produce, meats, cheese, eggs, prepared foods and baked goods along with a rotating line-up of food pop-ups for Aldershot residents and visitors to enjoy. This boutique farmers' market offers a curated selection of the region’s best farmers and artisans.

June 5 - 6, 2026
Play Time 2 – A Short Play Festival
Theatre Burlington, 2311 New St, Burlington
www.theatreburlington.on.ca/shows/playtime

Theatre Burlington is proud to present our second annual short play festival. Come and enjoy short plays (approximately 10 minutes each), written, directed and acted by local playwrights, directors and actors. The topics of the plays run the gamut from humour to drama, and maybe, even a little farce.

June 7, 2026 | 1 to 3:30 pm
Heritage Workshop: Knitting Level 2
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/events

Heritage Workshop: Knitting – Level 2 builds on basic skills, introducing the purl stitch as participants create a simple stockinette dishcloth. Designed for those familiar with casting on and knit stitch, the session includes all materials. A guided tour of Ireland House Museum is included from 1:00–2:00 pm before the workshop.

June 20, 2026
eat make share: Kids Kitchen Series | Eastern European Influence
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/events

Eat, Make, Share Kids’ Kitchen Series invites children aged 8–12 to discover Canadian history through hands-on cooking and food storytelling. Inspired by the Eat, Make, Share exhibition, the workshops explore how food traditions have travelled, adapted, and shaped communities. Sessions run 1–3 pm, cost $30 per child, with supplies included.

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June 25, 2026 | 6 to 8 pm
New Indian Basics by Arvinda Chauhan & Preena Chauhan
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/events

Eat, Make, Share Speaker Series at Joseph Brant Museum features Canadian cookbook authors exploring how cultural heritage shapes food traditions, including Arvinda and Preena Chauhan. Each evening includes a talk, recipe demonstration, exhibit access, and light refreshments. Tickets include museum admission and access to Eat, Make, Share: A Taste of Immigration.

June 26 - 28, 2026 | 10 am
Burlington Latino Festival
Central Park, 2299 New St.
burlingtonlatinofest.com

Welcome to the Grand Premiere of the Summer Latin Fiesta in Burlington! Get ready to share the roots, tradition and latino heritage. Familiar event, food, music, kid zone, bistro bar, artisans, crafters and tons of surprises. Free access.

To October 28, 2026 | 8 am – 2 pm
Burlington Centre Farmers Market
Burlington Centre parking lot, Prospect Street
https://sites.google.com/site/burlingtonmallfarmersmarket

Now celebrating their 67th year in Burlington. Market vendors carry a wide variety of locally grown fresh produce, baking, meats, cheese, eggs etc. You will find the freshest food available and you will be supporting your local farmers.

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

August 15, 2026
Burlington Vegfest
Burloak Waterfront Park
www.burlingtonvegfest.com

Burlington Vegfest returns to Spencer Smith Park, celebrating plant-based living, sustainability, and community. Visitors can explore diverse vegan cuisine, from savoury dishes to dairy-free desserts, alongside vendors and ideas shaping modern vegetarian lifestyles.
LEARN MORE

August 22 - 23, 2026
Burlington Latin Festival
Central Park 2299 New St.
burlingtonlatinfest.com

This festival is a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, and cuisine, bringing together the community for a day of joyous festivities. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Burlington, Ontario, this annual event offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions and lively spirit of Latin America. The 2026 edition promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with entertainment, delicious food, and cultural activities for all ages.
LEARN MORE

To October 28, 2026 | 8 am – 2 pm
Burlington Centre Farmers Market
Burlington Centre parking lot, Prospect Street
https://sites.google.com/site/burlingtonmallfarmersmarket

Now celebrating their 67th year in Burlington. Market vendors carry a wide variety of locally grown fresh produce, baking, meats, cheese, eggs etc. You will find the freshest food available and you will be supporting your local farmers.

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

August 14, 2026, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Celebrity Chef Dinner: Erica Karbelnik
Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
www.rbg.ca/events/celebrity-chef-dinner-erica-karbelnik

An unforgettable open-air dining experience features a curated multi-course menu by Top Chef Canada winner Erica Karbelnik. Guests enjoy tableside presentations, seasonal ingredients, and a guided art and sculpture tour, blending refined cuisine with an elegant outdoor setting for a truly indulgent evening.

August 8, 2026 | Starts 8:30 AM
Butter Tart Festival Races
Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road
In Support of Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
raceroster.com/events/2026/114928/butter-tart-festival-race

Come and be part of the VR Pro’s signature race events – the Butter Tart Festival. Each race kit comes with a finisher medal and butter tarts! The 1KM event makes this race fun for the whole family.

 

September 4 - 7, 2026
Canadian Largest Ribfest
Spencer Smith Park, Burlington
canadaslargestribfest.com

Rotary Burlington Lakeshore proudly organizes Canada’s Largest Ribfest. Since they planned Ontario’s first Ribfest in 1996, it’s one of Canada’s largest rib festivals, drawing in thousands of visitors eager to enjoy mouthwatering BBQ ribs and other delicious food offerings from various vendors. The festival features live music, entertainment, and of course, a lot of finger-licking good ribs cooked by expert grillmasters. It’s a fun celebration of food, music, and community spirit.
LEARN MORE

To September 2026 | 9 am – 2 pm (Sundays)
Aldershot Farmers Market
1016 Waterdown Road, Burlington
www.aldershotfarmersmarket.com

The market features farm-fresh locally grown produce, meats, cheese, eggs, prepared foods and baked goods along with a rotating line-up of food pop-ups for Aldershot residents and visitors to enjoy. This boutique farmers market offers a curated selection of the region’s best farmers and artisans.

To September 2026 (Mondays Except Holidays & Weather Permitting)
B.C.C.S. Cruisin Car Show
Canadian Tire / Burlington Centre Parking Lot
In Support of Canadian Tire Jumpstart
www.facebook.com/bccs4cruisin

Monday Evenings from 5 pm – 8 pm

Come out to the B.C.C.S. Cruisin’ Car Show at the Burlington Centre in Burlington, Ontario. The new show starts in May 2026 and runs every Monday from 5 pm to 8 pm, except long weekends, until September 2026.

In support of Jump Start Canadian Tire, an organization dedicated to helping youth in team sports, to enrich the lives of kids through sport and physical activity, with a vision of Canada being a place where all kids have a chance to fulfill their dreams. Giving kids the opportunity to access sports and play.

To October 28, 2026 | 8 am – 2 pm
Burlington Centre Farmers Market
Burlington Centre parking lot, Prospect Street
https://sites.google.com/site/burlingtonmallfarmersmarket

Now celebrating their 67th year in Burlington. Market vendors carry a wide variety of locally grown fresh produce, baking, meats, cheese, eggs etc. You will find the freshest food available and you will be supporting your local farmers.

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

September 13 2026 | 10 am – 12:30 pm
Burlington Parkinson Canada SuperWalk
471 Pearl Street, Burlington
In Support of Parkinson Canada
donate.parkinson.ca/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=3323

The Burlington Parkinson Canada SuperWalk is an annual fundraising walk in Burlington. Be a part of a fun-filled day with a 2km walk to raise funds and awareness in support of Canadians living with Parkinson’s! The funds raised fuel research, support tools, and advocacy. Together, we have an immense impact on the research being done, the services being offered, and the people being helped every day.

September 20, 2026 | 1 - 5 pm
Appleby Line Street Festival
Appleby Line between Fairview and New Street
www.applebylinestreetfestival.ca

The Appleby Line Street Festival is a free family-fun, community-led event. This event brings families, churches, businesses, schools and organizations together by creating an open street for the neighbourhood to gather and participate in activities, a marketplace and demonstrations.

September 20 - 21, 2026
Burlington Fall Home and Lifestyle Show
Burlington Centre parking lot, Prospect Street
www.burlingtonhomeshow.ca

Visit Burlington Fall Home and Lifestyle show from September 20th to 21st, 2026 during mall hours. Featuring: Home & Decor, Health & Wellbeing, Activities & Leisure, Personal Improvement, Consumer Products, Professional Services, Community Groups.

September 26, 2026
Ovarian Cancer Walk Of Hope
Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington
In Support of Ovarian Cancer Canada
secure.ovariancanada.org/site/TR?fr_id=1998&pg=entry

It’s time to accelerate progress against ovarian cancer! Join the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, the largest and most powerful event of its kind in the country. The Walk is happening in communities across the country in-person and virtually on Sunday, September 26, 2026.

September 30, 2026
Orange Shirt Day: A Walk for Reconciliation and Peace
Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road

September 30th is recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad. As part of Orange Shirt Day, residents can come to Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd) to reflect, where local Indigenous people will host a Walk for Reconciliation and Peace. The gathering will begin at 5:30 pm with opening remarks at 6:00 p.m., from the pavilion at the east end of the park with a walk to follow along the Waterfront Trail ending at Beachway Park for a Tobacco Ceremony.

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Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts and moccasins if they have them. This is a free event. No registration is required. All residents are encouraged to learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples with their unique cultures, traditions, communities and histories.

To October 28, 2026 | 8 am – 2 pm
Burlington Centre Farmers Market
Burlington Centre parking lot, Prospect Street
https://sites.google.com/site/burlingtonmallfarmersmarket

Now celebrating their 67th year in Burlington. Market vendors carry a wide variety of locally grown fresh produce, baking, meats, cheese, eggs etc. You will find the freshest food available and you will be supporting your local farmers.

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

October 2026  | 10 am – 5 pm
Telling Tales Festival
Royal Botanical Gardens, Hendrie Park, Burlington
tellingtales.org/festivals-events/telling-tales-festival

As Canada’s leading children’s literary festival since 2009 and a registered charity, Telling Tales put homegrown Canadian authors, illustrators, and storytellers at the centre stage.

October 2026 (Time-ticketed, starting at 5:30 p.m.)
The Great Pumpkin Trail
Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd. W.
www.rbg.ca/things-to-do/by-season/special-events

The Great Pumpkin Trail returns to RBG! Follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns deep within the recesses of the Hendrie Valley. Savour the flavours of the season with a selection of sweet and savoury delights while enjoying live entertainment and pumpkin-themed activities.

October 2026 | 6 – 11 pm (Ticketed Event)
RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail (19+)
Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd. W.
www.rbg.ca/events/rbg-after-dark-pumpkin-trail

RBG’s Hendrie Park transforms under the cover of darkness for an exclusive adult-only Halloween celebration which is sure to send a chill up your spine! Come dressed in your Halloween best and follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns deep within the recesses of the Hendrie Valley.

November 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Halton Outdoor Club Fall Info Fair
Burlington Lions Club, 471 Pearl Street
www.haltonoutdoorclub.ca

The Halton Outdoor Club provides members with the opportunity to develop skills and participate in organized, outdoor activities in all seasons. It is a non-profit, social, recreational club serving members who enjoy self-propelled activities outdoors on snow, on roads, on trails, and on the water. Enjoy the Halton Outdoor Club Fall Info Fair on November 1st from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm at the Burlington Lions Club for more information about their various sports and meet their sports directors.

November  – December 2026 (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Christmas Town
Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Millburough Line, Campellville
www.conservationhalton.ca/christmas-town

Mountsberg Conservation Area is pleased to present Christmas Town, a magical visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their woodland hideaway.

November 2026
Arts Burlington Holiday Sale
Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Road
www.artsburlington.ca/sale

See and purchase the artworks of 100+ artists. Pottery, photography, fine art, mixed media, hooking craft, sculpture, woodcraft, weaving & spinning. Something for everyone on your guest list.

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November 2026 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Perfectly Pawsome Pawty
St. Matthew on-the-Plains, 126 Plains Road East Burlington
In Support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
www.facebook.com/events/1677200933133809/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Bring your family, friends, and your dog for treats, photo ops, an artisan market, and more. Santa will be there! Dogs must be leashed, and fully vaccinated. No retractable leases.

TBA

January 2027 (Tuesdays – Saturdays)
Early-Years Play: Oaks and Acorns Nature Play
RBG Centre, Burlington
www.rbg.ca/things-to-do/courses-camps-programs/early-years-play

A nature-based outdoor program for ages 2–5, featuring walks, storytelling, imaginative play, and hands-on discovery for children and caregivers.

January 2027 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - SOLD OUT
Let’s Go Birding: Winter
Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
www.rbg.ca/events/lets-go-birding-winter

“Let’s Go Birding” is a beginner-friendly program introducing Ontario bird species and field identification. Learn to spot birds by colour, size, behaviour, habitat, and song during guided outings. Led by experienced birders, small-group sessions explore diverse RBG habitats, offering a relaxed, hands-on way to build confidence and enjoy birding as a rewarding new hobby.

 

February 2027 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.- SOLD OUT
Let’s Go Birding: Winter
Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
www.rbg.ca/events/lets-go-birding-winter

“Let’s Go Birding” is a beginner-friendly program introducing Ontario bird species and field identification. Learn to spot birds by colour, size, behaviour, habitat, and song during guided outings. Led by experienced birders, small-group sessions explore diverse RBG habitats, offering a relaxed, hands-on way to build confidence and enjoy birding as a rewarding new hobby.

March 2027
Iron Willed: Women in STEM
Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
museumsofburlington.ca/exhibition/iron-willed-women-in-stem

Iron Willed: Women in STEM shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This powerful travelling exhibition shares inspiring stories of historical and contemporary trailblazers, exploring their groundbreaking contributions and the systemic barriers they faced. Through compelling text and imagery, the exhibition celebrates resilience, innovation, and the vital role women continue to play in shaping STEM fields today.

April 2027 | 10 AM to 6 PM (Sat/Sun)
4th Annual HOP & SHOP Easter Market
Georgetown Market Place, 280 Guelph St, Georgetown ON
www.localluxemarket.com

The countdown is on—be part of something amazing! The 3rd Annual HOP & SHOP Easter Market brings vibrant energy, local treasures, and a chance to support Canadian small businesses. Enjoy artisans, food creators, unique products, live Easter entertainment, kids’ crafts, treats, refreshments, and community giving. Supporting Georgetown Bread Basket through canned food donations & monetary contributions.

 

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