From beautiful lake views and beaches to golf courses, patios, and community events, summer in Burlington and Oakville is always fun. Whether you love to be outdoors hiking, biking, or swimming or enjoying the air conditioning at an innovative restaurant, the West GTA has it all. Keep yourself and the kids busy this summer!

Events in Burlington and Oakville Summer 2024

Concerts in the Park

From June to August, you can enjoy music at the Burlington Central Park Bandshell every Wednesday and Sunday evening. There is plenty of room at this lush park to set down a picnic blanket or lawn chair for an entertaining night of music, from concert bands and big bands to Motown and folk music.

Food for Feedback

Food for Feedback is a community engagement BBQ hosted by the City of Burlington. On September 14, from noon to 4 p.m., at Central Park, the city is asking citizens for their feedback on ongoing city projects. Connect with city staff and talk with council members while enjoying a free lunch from a local food truck with halal and vegetarian options.

Culture Days

Burlington has hosted Culture Days for the last fifteen years, highlighting local artists, community groups, and creative organizations. This year, the event runs from September 20 to October 13 and will showcase various creators, from independent artists and major cultural organizations to grassroots community volunteers.

Movies Under the Stars

Movies will be shown on a giant outdoor screen in Burlington Public Parks every Thursday evening. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket, curl up in the park with a few snacks, and take in a movie under the stars.

Canada’s Largest Ribfest

The most successful community event in Burlington, Ribfest, is held the Labour Day Long Weekend (Aug.30-Sept.2) at Spencer Smith Park. Enjoy award-winning BBQ and live music from exceptional local artists. There will also be midway rides and games for the kids.

Heritage Week

Heritage Week runs from August 3 to August 10, celebrating the region’s history. The Burlington Historical Society, along with a long list of local organizations, including Royal Botanical Gardens and Burlington Halton Black History Awareness Society, has organized walks, talks, children’s activities, and tours.

Festival of India

This year marks the first Festival of India in Oakville on July 7. Celebrate India’s diversity with activities for the whole family. There will be an authentic Indian feast, yoga, a chariot-pulling ceremony, live music, and a magic show. 

Oakville Latino Festival

Over 100 local businesses will be at Oakville’s Latino Festival the weekend of July 26. Celebrate Latin American culture with food, exhibits, and artisans at the Bronte Heritage Waterfront. You’ll find authentic Latin food, DJs, live bands, dance performances, Zumba, dance lessons, and exhibitors. 

Sparky’s Dog Days of Summer

The fire department hosts Sparky’s Dog Days of Summer, which run through July and August. These events give the whole family a chance to meet the fire crew, check out the trucks, and learn tips for preventing fires.

Burlington Food Truck Festival

Hosted at the Burloak Waterfront Park, the Burlington Food Truck Festival runs on the July 19^th weekend. Over 30 food trucks will be on-site for your chance to test out the best snacks in the area. With free admission, games for the kids, cold beer and delicious food, the festival promises to be a fun time!

Local Attractions to Visit this Summer

Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens is a must-see for gardeners and plant lovers. With over 235,000 plants spread over 2,700 acres, RBG is brimming with stunning trails and beautiful blooms. During the summer, the gardens host various events and workshops, including yoga, canoe tours, birding, and summer discovery camps for kids.

Just outside Burlington is the African Lion Safari. You can drive through the game reserve to see over 1,000 exotic birds and animals, refresh at the splash pad, or watch one of the daily presentations.

If your family loves camping and enjoying the beautiful views Oakville has to offer, be sure to visit Bronte Creek Provincial Park. This stunning campground has an outdoor pool, hiking trails, a disc golf course, a playground, and more. It’s the perfect place to pitch a tent or park your RV.

Swimming in Oakville and Burlington

Whether you want to swim in Lake Ontario or prefer to stick to a pool, you have plenty of opportunities to swim in Burlington and Oakville this summer. Burlington Beach on Lakeshore Dr. is a favourite destination offering sandy shores and shallow water. It’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with public washrooms and a snack bar. There is also a city-run swimming program sponsored by Access Storage, with open swims available at both indoor and outdoor pools in the area during July and August. You can check the Calendar for times and locations.  

Local Farmers Markets

The West GTA offers delicious locally grown produce and homemade baked goods, all of which you can get at one of the area’s Farmer’s Markets this summer. The Burlington Centre Lion’s Market runs every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to locally cured meats. Or stop by the Oakville Civitan Farmers Market on a Saturday morning to pick up everything you need for a weekend barbeque.  

Hiking Trails for Summer Walks

Burlington and Oakville offer many stunning hiking trails with breathtaking views for hikers and bikers of all skill levels. The Burlington Waterfront Trail is a primarily paved trail that takes about 5 hours to complete. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the CN Tower! Popular with bird watchers, Sixteen Mile Creek Trai in Oakville is a serene, well-maintained trail offering stunning views in a natural setting.

Patios Perfect for Summer Dining

What better way to spend a summer evening than enjoying a delicious meal on a local patio? Isabelle’s in downtown Burlington boasts a stunning view of the lake and elegant, farm-to-table cuisine. Ce Soir in Oakville offers elevated French cuisine and world-class wines with a beautiful ambiance that is sure to impress.

From swimming, golfing and community events to spending the afternoon admiring the water at a lakeside patio, there are plenty of ways to have fun this summer in Burlington and Oakville. We hope you’re enjoying the warm weather!