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November 12th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
On November 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, over 40 young performers will be showcasing the music of Canadian composers to celebrate Canada music week. We want to draw attention to Canadian composers and their works and to introduce the public to this music. The performers are all extremely talented and very excited about the chance to showcase their music.
November 12th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Public Library (BPL) has launched its new strategic plan. The two-year plan will guide the library’s work to strengthen community connection, learning, and civic engagement.  Lita Barrie, BPL’s Chief Executive Officer being interviewed during the opening of the New Appleby branch. “We’re focusing on the ways the library can bring people together,” says Lita Barrie, BPL’s Chief Executive Officer. “We believe in the power of connection, especially among people who wouldn’t otherwise cross paths. This plan responds to challenges like polarization, isolation and affordability, to create a more connected community.” The plan builds on the mission, vision, and priorities in BPL’s current 2021-2025 strategic plan, which was developed amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Under BPL’s previous plan, the library accomplished major milestones such as eliminating daily late fines and relocating New Appleby Branch to the Robert Bateman Community Centre. “Our mission continues to be inspiring imagination, collaboration, and compassion to support an informed and literate society,” says Jason Manayathu, Chair of the BPL Board. “We’ve made great progress in the past four years and want to continue in that direction with renewed focus that reflects the needs of the community now and in the future.” Library staff surveyed the community for input and reviewed more than 500 comments on the draft plan. Customer service, borrowing, and innovation remain key goals. Library users can also anticipate benefits such as new programs, better connections to community services, improvements to multi-use spaces, and an updated range of Maker services for do-it-yourself projects. Three Community-Centred PrioritiesThe Strategic Plan 2026-2027 sets out three priorities to help bring Burlington together. Priority 1: Enhance community well-being by helping people feel connected, accepted, and empowered to achieve their goals. Customers will find more ways to connect—with people, resources, local events, and opportunities—through programs and spaces that bring neighbours together. The library will foster belonging by reaching out into the community, connecting with partners, and making it easier to access drop-in support and community resources. Priority 2: Inspire discovery with collections, services, and spaces that reflect our evolving community. Visitors will find adapted spaces that fit how they want to use the library, with accessible signage and defined zones for study, collaboration, leisure, and play. Fresh reading suggestions will make waiting for popular titles more rewarding, and a diverse range of Maker services will open new doors to creativity, experimentation, and skill-building. Priority 3: Nurture a workforce culture driven by our organizational values. Each visit to the library will feel more engaging, consistent, and welcoming as staff focus on meaningful connections. Behind the scenes, improved workflows and thoughtful innovation will help staff provide responsive service to everyone who walks through the doors. Learn more and explore the plan at bpl.on.ca.  The opening of a new branch of the library was flawless. An observation: Getting responses from 500 people is something few organizations in Burlington receive. This attests to the strong bond between the library and the people that use the service. Picture below tells just how active the place is.  Books waiting to be picked up.
November 11th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Earth, Seas & Air Sun, Nov 16 | 1pm A Pay-What-You-Can performance at the Performing Arts Centre Looking for something to do with the kids this Sunday without breaking the bank? Take them to Earth, Seas & Air in BPAC’s Studio Theatre! Part musical performance, part environmentalism and 100% fun! This award-winning show is fully interactive, as kids join Chris McKhool on stage to play percussion instruments from around the globe and sing songs about taking care of our planet. No cost tickets: Click HERE
November 5th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Every young person has to see the Nutcracker at least once – preferably when they are very young and again as an adult. The Nutcracker is a Canadian Tradition that is coming back to the Performing Arts. Running on the Main Stage Tuesday, November 25th and Wednesday,November 27th – 7:30pm
Created by acclaimed choreographer Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this classic is a favourite that adds magic to the holidays. Born from a collaboration with Kleinburg’s world-renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection, this iteration of The Nutcracker brings out the magic of the great white north. Iconic 20th-century landscapes make up the stunning 30-foot backdrops, including Franklin Carmichael’s Church and Houses at Bisset. Audiences will be taken on Klara’s familiar, magical dream journey, but this time, she arrives in Canada and experiences winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties, and creatures of the woods! Don’t miss this delightful classic with a Canadian twist! Tickets: HERE
October 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Getting outdoors in the fall is one of the great Canadian experiences.  The rustling of the leaves underfoot is as Canadian as the sound of a puck at an arena or the sound of a loon on a quiet lake. The Halton Outdoor Club (HOC) will be hosting its annual fall Information Fair at the Burlington Lions Club to help people get involved learning about some of the really fabulous locations. speak with locals about how they can get involved and get moving – outside. There is something for everyone: kayaking, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Lessons are part of the event, along with clinics; they plan to offer day trips for those interested. The event will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, at the Burlington Lions Club – 471 Pearl Street.
October 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Performing Arts Community Studio Theatre offers an intimate environment to enjoy your favourite acts up close. Capped at just over 150 seats, this black box theatre is perfect for tucking away from the world, grabbing a glass of wine, and immersing yourself in an exceptional performance.
With Hayley Verrall and Lucky Honey Sun, Nov 2 | 4pm Burlington-based country singer Hayley Verrall and rising indie-rock band Lucky Honey take the stage to showcase the best of local talent. Tickets: HERE
October 15th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
See this as early notice. And note that the Burlington Civic Chorale will be performing in the afternoon this year.
October 14th, 2025 BURLINGTON , ON
Looking for a space to gather, create or connect? The Free and Pay What You Can Room Bookings are back until June 30, 2026! Access affordable rooms in our recreation facilities during weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Learn more at http://burlington.ca/rentals. The idea came out of staff conversations about making city-owned space available when no one else was using the space. Denise Beard deserves the credit for this one.
October 14th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
City Council this morning voted unanimously to stop funding the Sound of Music. They did agree to provide up to $150,000 to any group that chose to come forward with a plan to revive the event. It was a pretty swift vote – not a word from any member of Council, no comments either.
October 12th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Will people gather to celebrate Thanksgiving on the actual holiday or will they gather on Sunday. My tribe: son, grandsons, and great-grandchildren will meet on Sunday. My table contribution this year is the salad. I think I have the dressing just right. Mixing in some Dijon mustard is new to me. What isn’t new is the conversation – and we are at a time when there is certainly a lot to talk about.
My follow up is – “Who told you that you were under a gag order? A city staff member?” No member of city staff has the right to tell you that you cannot talk about the conversations you have with them. There can be sections in an agreement where all parties agree that the details of a contract will not be made public. Statements like that really trash the “transparency” and accountability that is supposed to be the DNA of every municipality. There are lawyers who will tell you that a gag order is very hard to defend in a courtroom.  The Guilds have been holding All Guild Show for decades; they are the root of the Gallery. Something the current Gallery executive has forgotten. What surprises me is that people in Burlington are prepared to put up with this. What bothers me even more is that these people put up with this. During an interview with a member of one of the Guilds at the Art Gallery I was asked not to mention a name. During a conversation with an individual at the Art Gallery who was in a position to know told me that the Guilds would not be a part of the planned rebuild of the Art Gallery. The Guilds existed before the Art Gallery became real. This is what happens when people ask that there names not be used.
October 10th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON First published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
And let’s celebrate some of the things worth fighting for:
Real progress is made with, and not at the expense of, each other. If we are truly in this together, Canada must move forward on reconciliation, address the ongoing scourge of racial and gender inequality, and provide certainty and security to future generations.
October 5th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
This immersive workshop invites participants to engage with the rich textile tradition of Phulkari by embroidering classic motifs onto fabric. Each participant will work on a piece with pre-drawn Phulkari designs, allowing for guided exploration of the intricate patterns that define this heritage craft.  The intricate art of phulkari embroidery. Complementing the hands-on experience, a display of Phulkari shawls by the artist will be on view, offering a glimpse into her creative journey and her commitment to reviving and preserving the cultural legacy of Phulkari embroidery. Participants will leave the session with their own embroidered fabric, along with a needle and threads to continue their practice beyond the workshop. The workshop is open to individuals aged 12 and above. Parents attending with young children are welcome; Phulkari-inspired coloring sheets will be available to spark creativity in little ones while adults engage themselves in the embroidery process. Participants who use reading glasses are strongly encouraged to use them for this workshop. An Oakville-based artist dedicated to promoting the intricate art of phulkari embroidery, Rafia Shafiq has successfully built her business, Dhaga Art, in Canada. Specializing in the revival of phulkari, she actively conducts workshops across the Greater Toronto Area, collaborating with various institutions such as museums, colleges, universities, textile studios, and art galleries. Rafia has collaborated with the Town of Oakville, earning recognition as the selected artist for their community spirit awards. Renowned for her unique custom embroidered hoops, she has carved a niche in the North American market by crafting one-of-a-kind products. Threads of Tradition is a collaboration between the Town of Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills and the City of Burlington in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington. Each year the Municipalities of Halton commission a multidisciplinary artist, artist team or collective to lead an interactive activity as part of Culture Days. The project is offered in each of the four municipalities and aims to engage residents, while providing support and exposure to Halton-based artists. DAY: Saturday START/END: October 11, 2025 TIME: 1 – 3 PM COST: FREE- Registration Required INSTRUCTOR: Rafia Shafiq LOCATION: Onsite
October 5th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
This 3-week workshop will teach participants how to warp, weave, and finish a scarf using the rigid heddle loom. It is suitable for adults of all skill levels and no prior weaving experience is necessary. The finished project is approximately 12” x 60”. Materials for the warp (100% wool) are included in the registration fee.  Rrigid heddle loom Participants will be asked to provide weft yarn in their choice of colours – a full material list will be provided in advance. Amanda Rataj is an artist and weaver living and working in Hamilton, Ontario. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design University and has developed her contemporary craft practice through research-based projects, artist residencies, and exhibitions. Amanda is a contract lecturer in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Fashion program and has been an educator at the Art Gallery of Ontario for over a decade. Recent exhibitions include Generation at Craft Ontario as part of the Design TO festival (2023), Crosscurrents: Canada In the Making at the Textile Museum of Canada (2018), and Nothing is Newer Than Tradition (Art Gallery of Burlington, 2017).
October 2nd, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Hall of Fame Award, which honours individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the performing arts in Burlington.
Nominations for the 2025 BPAC Hall of Fame Award are open until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5pm. Submissions may be made online, by email, or in person at the BPAC Box Office. Full nomination forms, eligibility details, and submission instructions are available at burlingtonpac.ca/community/hall-of-fame. The 2025 Hall of Fame recipient will be announced and honoured during the Sultans of String: Christmas Caravan performance on Friday, December 19, 2025 at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The recipient will also receive a custom award created by local artist Teresa Seaton. “BPAC’s Hall of Fame is about celebrating the people and organizations who have shaped Burlington’s performing arts community through their talent, leadership, and dedication. These individuals and groups have inspired audiences, supported artists, and helped build a vibrant cultural life in our city. We look forward to shining a spotlight on another deserving inductee this December,” said Sara Palmieri, Executive Director of The Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
October 1st, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
The Art Gallery of Burlington has partnered with Chartwell Retirement Residences to offer free Seniors to deliver Seniors’ Programming at the AGB this October. October 1 is National Seniors Day an occasion for all Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canada—whether a parent, a co-worker, a neighbour, or a friend.  Exploring creativity at the AGB clay studio through a new series of hands-on workshops. The AGB is inviting seniors in the community to explore their creativity in the AGB clay studio through a new series of hands-on workshops. Each two-part session invites you to hand-build a clay vessel with guidance from AGB artist educators Dawn Hackett Burns and Heather Kuzyk, then return the following week to personalize your creation with glazes inspired by the freedom of expression found in Russna Kaur’s exhibition Chartwell Retirement Residences’ sponsorship of this program supports free registration for participants 55+ years old, all materials and kiln firings, and a tour of the AGB’s fall exhibitions. The program will conclude with a special reception for participants of both sessions in the Gallery’s lounge Thursday, October 30, 2–4 pm. Coffee and tea will be served. Registration is free for participants ages 55+. Participants can register on a first come, first served basis– space is limited to 12 participants per session. Photo Credit: Jing Marchant and Mina Dragojevic from Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Photography. Expressive Clay for Seniors Session One Tuesdays, October 14 & 21, 2025: 1:30–4 pm with Dawn Hackett Burns Session Two Thursdays, October 16 & 23, 2025 10 am–12:30 pm with Heather Kuzyk REGISTER HERE Chartwell Reception: Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 2–4 pm. AGB Lounge About the Instructors Dawn Hackett Burns is an acclaimed ceramic artist and Sheridan graduate who lives in Greensville, Ontario and has been teaching clay classes for over ten years. Her own clay practice often references place and culture and utilizes pattern and repetition. Nature is also a recurring subject. She has a gift for designing lessons and projects that fuel imagination and get artists of all ages excited about building with clay. Heather Kuzyk is a versatile and creative visual artist. She is a graduate of Sheridan College in both the Craft and Design and Art Fundamentals Programs. She is the recipient of the Gardiner Museum Award for Ceramic Excellence. Following graduation, Heather has built a passionate career spanning 24 years as a dedicated arts educator. Her varied skill set includes ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, drawing, and design. When she is not sharing her love of the arts, she can be found dabbling with new media and looking for unique and interesting ways to express herself creatively.
September 29th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
For once Council has taken a firm stand and decided not to spend. While we will not see a decision until later in the month the Staff report says the following:  Will the Sound of Music come to an end? Decline Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival Inc.’s 2026 funding request and discontinue municipal financial support due to ongoing financial instability and non-compliance with Agreements conditions; and Approve the reallocation of $150,000—originally designated for Sound of Music in the 2026 Operating Budget—to the Community Investment Fund. This adjustment will enhance support for a broader range of festivals and events across Burlington, promote greater equity and sustainability in cultural programming, and create opportunities to potentially support a new music festival and/or provider in 2026; and Direct staff to report back to Council on exploration of potential opportunities for a different form of music festival and/or a different operator of a music festival at Spencer Smith Park, following a call for expressions of interest from potential event organizers; and Remove Council’s Ex Officio appointment from the Burlington Sound of Music Inc. Board of Directors. A Council Member was appointed in 2022 for the duration of the term, building on a 2019 request from SOM to reinstate a Council-appointed ex officio position. Not what most people were expecting. Was it the right decision? Council has begun to hear the concerns about the out-of-control spending. Love to hear what you think.
September 24th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON Bring the family to BPAC this Saturday to celebrate Culture Days! Enjoy a full day of FREE arts activities and performances by beloved local artists and organizations.
September 24th, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON 2025 marks the centennial of Dr. Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest pianists in jazz history.  Oscar put everything he had into all his performances. Audiences leaned in to hear the way his fingers pressed the keys. To celebrate his legacy, we invite you to experience a world-class concert with the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, featuring pianist Robi Botos, bassist Mike Downes, special guest guitarist Jocelyn Gould, and drummer Jim Doxas.  Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, These exceptional jazz artists will highlight Oscar Peterson’s most famous compositions, such as “Place St-Henri,” “Hymn to Freedom” and “Cakewalk.” Additionally, during the evening, Oscar Peterson’s daughter, Céline Peterson, will join the quartet to offer an intimate look into her father’s exceptional life and career. Don’t miss this once-in-a-century celebration. Thu, Oct 2, 2025, at 7:30pm
September 23rd, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON Coming up this Saturday!  Live demonstrations in the historic house Ireland House This event will feature live demonstrations in the historic house and a market offering a variety of fibre art-related products. There will also be a children’s activity station Admission is pay-what-you-may. Pre-registration is not required, 10am to 2pm at Ireland House Museum. Celebrate Culture Days and visit Ireland House Museum for our Heritage Fibre Fest. Explore the rich world of fibre arts, showcasing techniques and traditions that would have been popular among the Ireland family—and still are today!
September 22, 2025 BURLINGTON, ON
Sara Palmieri has been the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre for eight months. She replaced Tammy Fox who left BPAC on very short notice. The Board then set out to find a new Executive Director and chose a woman who has been working within the performing arts community for more than 23 years starting out at the Centre for the Arts, Brock University in the fall of 2003 first as a media and communications Assistant. She moved into sales and marketing and became the Manager. In that position, Palmieri did a lot of work in programming, audience development, community outreach and in the Arts Education series. Brock University Centre for the Arts closed its doors in May of 2015.  Sara Palmieri: Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre. Palmieri was the inaugural Director of Programming & Marketing at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC) in downtown St. Catharines, which opened in the Fall of 2015. She held that position until the end of January of 2025. The City of St. Catharines oversaw the operations of FOPAC until December 31, 2019 and in Jan 2020, FOPAC moved to oversight from a Municipal Service Board with the City of St. Catharines. Palmieri, who started her new job on February 18, 2025, takes a cautious approach to most of what she does. When she arrived at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) much of the program for the year was already in place. Her immediate focus was to begin to think about what she would look for in terms of programming and, at the same time, get to know people in the community; build the relationships and get an understanding of what people want. “Much of what we put on the stages is determined by what is available” explained Palmieri. “There might be a group that is on tour and performing at locations close to us – it makes sense to put them on our stages.”  The Burlington Teen Tour Band marches into the Performing Arts Centre, making it home for them. Palmieri has two stages: The Main Theatre that will hold a bit more than 725 people; the Community theatre that can hold 100, depending on how the room is set up. Then there is the large open space with a cash bar that doesn’t have a name but can hold up to 250 people. There will be an emphasis on local talent that will include having citizens on the stage. You will see them taking part in the Nutcracker Suite performance.
 Sara Palmieri: “Many of those students who watch their first live performance on our stages are future patrons.” BPAC is the Presenting Sponsor for the Sound of Music – which at this point doesn’t mean much more than a statement. The Sound of Music is working on how it can survive. Once that has been worked out there might be some cross-pollination or shared events. All in the future, assuming the Sound of Music has one. Will there be a locally produced boffo event showcasing some of the past winners? Nothing yet. What Palmieri is fixed on is continuing and improving the educational work BPAC has done in the past. “Many of those students who watch their first live performance on our stages are future patrons.”
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By Gazette Staff
By Gazette Staff
By Gazette Staff
Chris McKhool:
By Gazette Staff
The 25-26 Season includes several world-class productions in this beautiful space — check out what’s playing and join us!
By Pepper Parr
By Pepper Parr
One of the things that gets in my craw is the comment people make when I am interviewing them: “Don’t use my name please.” The most recent matter is the people in the swimming community who tell me they are under a gag order.
By Gazette Staff
It’s been a busy fall. As we move towards the weekend, let’s take a moment and give thanks for the fight we still have left in us…and for all you do to make a difference in your workplace and community, on picket lines and in the streets.
By Gazette Staff
Established in 2013, the BPAC Hall of Fame celebrates artists, cultural leaders, and community champions whose work has enriched Burlington’s cultural life. Past inductees include Charles Cozens, Chris McKhool, Helen Zdriluk, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and many more.
By Pepper Parr
2025-2026 is the 15th anniversary of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, an event Palmieri will focus on.