 By Gazette Staff
August 30th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On Sunday September 7, 1:00 pm, LANA BUTTON introduces One Can at A Different Drummer Books – 513 Locust Street Burlington
Admission Free
Our brilliant friend Lana Button, award-winning creator of delightful stories to help young people learn, visits us with her new picture book, written in collaboration with Eric Walters and illustrator Isabelle Malenfant, a moving story of community and helping families in need, One Can.
 “The text is finely tuned to a child’s understanding…the focus is on considering what the recipient needs, and what we can give. A perfectly calibrated introduction to the concept of economic differences.” —Kirkus Reviews
 By Gazette Staff
August 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Known for their hits “Chills,” “Keep It Simple,” “Lawn Chair Lazy,” and countless others, Ontario-based James Barker Band is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots. Fueled by friendship, grit, and a shared love for storytelling, this band has gone from local dive bars to headlining stages around the world, amassing millions of global streams, multiple No.1 hits, and the devotion of fans along the way.
Don’t miss them perform live at BPAC
Special guest Kalsey Kulykwill be with them.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:30pm
Tickets
 By Gazette Staff
August 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It is going to cost two twoonies ($4.00) to get into RibFest this year.
If the weather turns fowl and there is rtain you will be able to stay dry.
The Rotary people have erected this massive tent that can shield a lot of people.
 This tent will keep a lot of people dry should there be rain.
 There is a clear line of sight to the bandstand. Rotary has put together a very lively list of entertainers. The event takes place at Spencer Smith Park, running from August 29-Sept 1, 2025 ·
Friday to Sunday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm,
Monday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
 By Gazette Staff
August 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
If the photograph below, taken early this morning, is any indication, we are going to have great weekend weather.
 Here is what will be open on the city side of things:
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for Labour Day on Monday, Sept. 1. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the long weekend, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
Fireworks reminder
Fireworks are not permitted to be set off on Labour Day. The City’s bylaw allows family (low-hazard) fireworks to be set off on Canada Day and Victoria Day only. More information about who to contact if you have a personal safety concern related to the use of fireworks is available at burlington.ca/fireworks.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services |
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Monday, Sept. 1. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Sept. 1. For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca. Customer Service and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1. |
| City Hall |
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, Sept. 1.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices. If your request is urgent, call 905-335-7777 to connect with the City’s live answering service.
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1.
Except for the Labour Day closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at paytickets.ca. |
| Parking |
On Sunday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 1: Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
On Saturday, Aug. 30: Pay parking downtown is required in high-demand parking lots (Lots 1, 4 and 5) and all on-street metered parking spaces. A three-hour maximum is in effect for all on-street spaces. Free parking is available in the remaining municipal lots and the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
NOTE:
- The Waterfront west parking lot (1286 Lakeshore Rd.) does not provide free parking on holidays
- During Ribfest, the Waterfront east parking lot is designated for accessible permit parking only. The fine for parking without a valid accessible permit is $400.
- Paid parking is in effect at Beachway Park (1100 and 991 Lakeshore Rd.) on weekends only (including holidays) and at the Beachway overflow lot (Lakeshore Road and Willow Avenue) using HONK Mobile
- Parking exemptions or City-Wide Parking Permits are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit bylaw.burlington.ca for parking exemptions.
|
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Drop-in swimming and other drop-in recreational activities
- Nelson Pool and Splash Park (4235 New St.), Mountainside Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mt. Forest Dr.), and LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park (50 North Shore Blvd. E.) are open for swimming all weekend and on Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 1 (weather permitting)
- Outdoor pool lap swims and recreational swims are walk-in only, with no reservations
- Indoor pool swim schedules vary over Saturday and Sunday. Indoor pools are not open for drop-in swimming on Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 1
- Monday, Sept. 1 is the last day of the swimming season for LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park.
- Tuesday, Sept. 2 is the last day of swimming for Nelson Pool and Splash Park.
- Daily swimming continues at Mountainside Pool and Splash Park through Sunday, Sept. 7.
- Appleby Ice Centre has a variety of drop-in skating programs on Saturday, Aug. 30
Please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for schedules. Please note, some locations may be impacted by annual maintenance closures – see locations.
Splash Pads
The City’s 10 splash pads, located throughout the city, are free to use and will remain open until October. To find a splash pad near you, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend including:
- trails and multi-use paths
- parks and playgrounds
- picnic site reservations for La Salle Park (50 North Shore Blvd E.) or Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.)
- pickleball court reservations at Palmer Park (3409 Palmer Dr.), Tansley Woods Park (4100 Kilmer Dr.) and Leighland Park (1200 Leighland Rd)
Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Golf
Tyandaga Golf Course tee times can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.
Play Lending Library
Our Lending Library has a variety of outdoor and indoor play equipment available to borrow at no charge. Equipment pickup is on Thursdays, and return drop off is on Tuesdays at Haber Community Centre (3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.). Borrow lifejackets for the family for the long weekend, add some fun outdoor games to your Love My Neighbourhood event, or try out a variety of play equipment. Learn more at burlington.ca/playlending.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times.
Customer service is also available over the long weekend:
|
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1. Essential services will be provided as required. |
By Gazette Staff
August 20th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 The designs are often different – the message is always the same. Indigenous educator Kate Dickson returns to Burlington Public Library to discuss Orange Shirt Day and its direct connection to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Each year, September 30 holds historical significance acknowledging over 500 years of colonial oppression and discrimination of Indigenous people in Canada. This no-holds-barred presentation will have a positive conclusion that outlines what we can do to change the narrative and stresses Every Child Matters. Due to the subject matter, young people may attend at the discretion of parents but it is recommended that participants be 16 years and older.
Kate welcomes thoughts and questions in addition to the respect and energy attendees bring to the talk. Participants are invited to wear an orange shirt if they have one.
About the Author
 Kate Dickson, Coast Ts’msyen First Nation, Elder, Pacific Northwest British Columbia. Kate Dickson, Coast Ts’msyen First Nation, Elder, Pacific Northwest British Columbia – Lax Kw’alaams Band, Royal House of Niis’gumiik, Giluts’aaw Tribe, Gispudwada Clan (Orca), is a notable speaker on the culture, history, spirituality, and justice issues of Indigenous people, and a singer, drummer, storyteller, and writer. A retired secondary school vice principal and teacher, she was one of the first Indigenous educators to teach full semesters of pan-Indigenous history, bringing accurate, unflinching truths to her students. She stays engaged in the arts and is a singer with the Red Cedar Sisters.
Tuesday, September 30
7:00pm – 8:30pm
There are just 55 seats left. Events like this go quickly – Register now.
By Gazette Staff
August 19th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Great Disconnect is a documentary that features Canadian voices, asking the questions:
“Can we be individualistic and communal?”
“Is it possible to overcome our modern culture of disconnectedness and rediscover how truly essential we are to one other?”
The film explores themes around how isolation and conversely connection are critical health issues.
 Join Community Development Halton (CDH) as we celebrate 41 years of connecting community as we offer a screening of The Great Disconnect, followed by a panel featuring local research, solutions and shared stories from CDH members about how we bridge disconnection to belonging in Halton. The panel guests include:
· Elizabeth Wells from Our Kids Network
· Steven Barrow from CDH
· Hanadi Al-Masri from HMC Connections
· Michelle Sparling from Just be You
The event is free but registration is required. Click HERE to register
We hope to see you in September 9th. Doors open at 5:30pm with refreshments. The program begins at 6:00pm.
 By Pepper ParrAugust 13th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
After 45 years of music, memories, and community–building, the Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival is facing a crisis. As Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival, we have brought together more than 400,000 visitors annually, offered a stage to 50+ Canadian artists each year and contributed an estimated $25 million in economic impact to Burlington and the surrounding area. Now, with sharp declines in public arts funding and sponsorship, our future is now uncertain.
What was once a thriving example of free and accessible live music is now grappling with the hard truth: We can no longer sustain this festival without urgent financial support!
 Funding Cuts Are Undermining a Legacy
The federal Heritage Fund, which traditionally supported with $200,000 annually, now only offers grants up to $50,000. Other funding programs have been similarly reduced in material amounts. These losses, compounded by shrinking sponsorship dollars, have created a critical gap that threatens the very heart of the festival.
“We’ve done everything possible to run lean without sacrificing safety or the quality of the experience,” says the Festival’s Board of Directors Chair, Dave Shepherd. “We’ve trimmed costs – over $500k has been removed in the last 2 years, streamlined operations, and maximized efficiencies. But we are now at the edge—without new partners stepping in, we don’t know if we can keep going.” Shepherd goes on to add that “the festival is run and managed professionally, but the real magic happens with our dedicated volunteers who clock an impressive 6000 hours, over the festival weekend. We provide a great opportunity for summer youth employment each year as well, for some of the students in our community. “
A Proven Economic Engine and Cultural Beacon
A recent survey conducted with Burlington Economic Development and Tourism underscores what we’ve long known:
42% of attendees come from outside the city, with many staying 4+ nights, boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
90% of out–of–town visitors plan to return to Burlington after attending
Over 40 local businesses were showcased as community partners
The festival provided contracts in over$ 500k in value to Southern Ontario based businesses
 Is everyone benefitting? This is more than a festival. It’s an economic and cultural anchor that helps define Burlington’s identity, attracts tourism, and promotes small business success across the city and region.
Call to Action for Community Champions – The time to act is now!
We’re calling on community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, and anyone who believes in the power of music and arts to help. We urgently need a major sponsor or group of sponsors to join us in protecting this treasured event and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the joy, connection, and inclusivity that live music offers.
Why It Matters
In a time where connection and community are more important than ever, free and open access cultural experiences matter. The Sound of Music Festival is a safe space, a mental health booster, and a platform that breaks down barriers. It is one of the last of its kind—a rare event that remains completely free to attend, offering world–class performances to everyone, regardless of income or background. There is no barrier to entry!
This is more than a funding shortfall—it’s a community crossroads. Without immediate support, we risk losing a 45–year tradition that unites thousands in celebration every summer.
 A tired, well past its “best before” date sign. Close to shabby. Let’s Keep the Music Playing
If you are a business leader, a brand that values impact, or a citizen who wants to make a difference, we urge you to reach out. Sponsorship opportunities, legacy partnerships, and creative collaborations are all on the table.
Its time for change! Together, we can and must keep the music alive!
For more information or to schedule a conversation about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Brent Kinnaird – VP Festival Operations
Dave Shepherd – Chairperson, Board of Directors
Julie Cole – Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors
By Gazette Staff
August 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 Ireland House, one of the few early 18th-century homes still standing in the City. The folks at Ireland House invite you to step back in time and explore the grounds of Ireland House Museum during the Classic Cars & Carnival event!
Enjoy a nostalgic array of classic cars, try your hand at ring toss, and treat yourself to timeless treats like popcorn and cotton candy.
 His great-grandparents may have driven a vehicle like this. There will be family friendly entertainment and activities throughout the day, and the Burlington Teen Tour Boosters will be onsite with a barbecue. Guided tours of the historic house will be available for booking (regular tour rates apply).
Admission to the event is by donation, suggested donation of $5/person. All proceeds from the event support the development of our education programs and management of collections at Ireland House Museum.
Saturday, August 23 | 10:00am – 2:00 pm
Ireland House Museum
Ireland House is a historical house and property and the original homestead of the Ireland family. With guided tours, visitors step back in time to understand the life of early settlers.
By Pepper Parr
August 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Does anybody know how many people attended the Sound of Music (SoM) last June?
Not a word from the SoM folks. Nothing from the city either
We now know a little bit more on what takes place on their financing.
The Mayor issued the following earlier today.
 No idea why the Mayor issued the statement. No mention of whether the loan has been repaid or when repayment is due. There is a lot more than the above when it comes to what the SoM people bring in in terms of sponsorships and revenue and what it spends for the talent that appears on the stages.
The not-for-profit sector is not required to produce financial statements.
A large part of their operational costs are things they have to pay the city to provide – they also have to pay the Police service a considerable amount.
Dealing with artistic talent is not easy – SoM has not always had the kind of talent needed to mange artists.
 The graphic said more than it was supposed to. Their relationship with Burlington Performing Arts held some promise; the Executive Director who got the two (BPAC and SoM) together had dep rooted experience she could draw on.
Her abrupt departure as Executive Director brought that to an end – nevertheless, BPAC still describes itself as the sponsor of SoM without defining just what that sponship entails.
The Performing Arts Chair is a former band player who has always been close to SoM. He has yet to make himself available for an interview.
No idea what possessed the Mayor to issue the statement.
 By Gazette Staff
August 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
This event closes at the end of August.
Given our relationship to water – without it we wouldn’t be here, this should give a perspective on water you may not have had.
Worth the time – AGB is a great place to spend a few hours in the hot, muggy weather we are experiencing.
Drawing from digital archives and physical postcards, Leila Fatemi explores the connection between photographic representation and props, which often symbolize societal status.
 Vessels that bend water In A Vessel to Bend Water, she critically engages with the historical representation of women from the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region in photography, particularly in Orientalist imagery, by focusing on the vessel—a recurring motif that reinforces colonial ideologies and constrains women’s roles.
The vessel is often used as a metaphor for confinement, while also suggestive of ideas related to domestic labour, nourishment, and gathering. Photographic depictions of vessels underscore broader issues of gendered representation and systemic marginalization and, in the histories of women from SWANA regions that were, in the nineteenth century, problematically depicted in opposition to the West and in relation to European powers as “the Orient”—highlight how women’s bodies were defined and controlled through the lens of colonial power. A Vessel to Bend Water demonstrates how imagery of women holding, hoisting, carrying, and leaning on water vessels was frequently used to undermine women’s agency, subjecting them to imposed identities and societal expectations.
The project spans various mediums, including collage, textiles, cyanotypes, lenticular prints, ceramics, and photolithography on clay, reinterpreting and disrupting conventional forms of photographic representation. These interventions challenge the objectification of women by questioning the power dynamics and limitations imposed on their bodies. Through images drawn from Fatemi’s personal collection and the Getty Institute’s Ken and Jenny Jacobson Orientalist Photography Collection, the work engages in a dialogue with historical visual artifacts, emphasizing the need to deconstruct and reinterpret oppressive narratives. Using collage techniques like redaction, tearing, and erasure, Fatemi disrupts the preciousness of these images, forcing viewers to reconsider their implications.
 The project spans various mediums, including collage, textiles, cyanotypes, lenticular prints, ceramics, and photolithography on clay, reinterpreting and disrupting conventional forms of photographic representation. During a residency in the AGB clay studios from January to April 2025, Fatemi explored new methods of making and presenting her work for the exhibition. Working alongside the studio technicians and artist-educators, she further experimented with integrating printmaking techniques into her practice, merging photography with ceramics.
In addition to testing image manipulation, Fatemi began reimagining the idea of the vessel itself by pulling the form, as depicted in an archival image, and re-constructing it into a living object. Over the course of the exhibition, unfired clay vessels will slowly disintegrate under the weight of water, returning them to a raw state. Water vessels, once muted in photographers’ studios, now become active agents in their own story. By erasing the utility of the physical vessel, Fatemi underscores its futility in the original archives, breaking down what constitutes a photographic prop to erode the historical narrative.
The Art Gallery of Burlington is supported by the City of Burlington, Ontario Arts Council, and Ontario Trillium Foundation. The AGB’s learning programming has been sponsored by the Burlington Foundation and the incite Foundation for the Arts. The 50th Anniversary Exhibitions have been sponsored by the J.P. Bickell Foundation.
By Gazette Staff
August 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Today – Sunday is the final day for Jazz at the Plaza – the Performing Arts event that is free and takes place rain or shine.
Location: Right outside the Performing Arts Centre on Locust at Elgin. Bring a chair – seats are limited.
Cash bar – will keep you cool. If the weather decides not to cooperate, the event moves inside.
Three performances:
By Pepper Parr
August 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Hot, humid weather, but Jazz on the Plaza is taking place this afternoon.
Jay Davis and Amanda Martinez entertained last night.
Today there are three performances: Alex Pangman at 2:00 Eliana Cuevas at 3:15 and Mark Lalama and Friends at 4:30.
There is a cash bar to keep you cool.
This is a free event.
By Gazette Staff
August 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
There are six Guilds at the Burlington Art Gallery.
They are the foundation on which the current gallery was built.
All Guilds Show
 There is an All Guilds Show running from August 23—September 9, 2025 in the Lee-Chin Family Gallery
The All Guilds Show showcases the artists who make and learn at the AGB.
If you ever wondered if being part of a Guild might be for you – make a point of attending. You’ll find a lot of welcoming faces and people waiting to help you learn
This 50th Anniversary exhibition celebrates the invaluable contributions the Burlington guilds have made to their communities by nurturing creativity, preserving artistic traditions, and fostering lifelong learning.
By Gazette Staff
August 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Discover the stories behind Burlington’s most unique spaces during Doors Open Burlington this Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Visitors can go behind the scenes of local businesses and heritage sites, taking a look at the people and places that help shape our community.
All of the participating sites offer FREE admission and onsite activities. Plan your route using this Google Map.
 By Gazette Staff
August 3rd, 2025
Burlington, on
Some of the summer is gone, but there is a lot left and there are a lot of really good books to be read.
The Burlington Library has a Summer Reading Club. Easy to join.
Summer Reading Club is open to kids ages 0 to 17. It’s totally FREE—and you can earn prizes for reading! It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
Sign up online or at any BPL branch. On line:
Visit the library to pick up your SRC tracker (or print one at home), set a weekly reading goal, then keep reading all summer long.
Check in every week between Monday, June 30 and Sunday, August 24 and pick up your weekly reward!
Every check-in is another chance to win great prizes.
Register HERE
 By Pepper Parr
August 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
August has always been a nice month for the Performing Arts Centre.
Their now decade-old event improves year over year.
The show goes on rain or shine – if it rains the event is moved inside
The cash bar was a nice addition.
A Friday performance has been added and xxx
The lineup for the three-day event:
 It gets a little tight in terms of space
By Gazette Staff
August 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington isn’t exactly jumping this long weekend.
However, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival will be taking place in Toronto, bringing with it an array of vibrant festivities located just steps away from the Exhibition GO Station.
On August 2, GO Transit is increasing train service along Lakeshore West to help you get to and from the Grand Parade.
Lakeshore West:
- NEW 10:32 a.m., 12:02 p.m., 12:32 p.m., 2:02 p.m., and 2:38 p.m. train trips departing Union Station to Exhibition GO.
- NEW train trip departing 5:28 p.m. from Exhibition GO to Union Station.
 The colour and the extravagance is stunning. You’ll never regret watching the event. While most of the parade is free to watch, you can save 20% off with PRESTO Perks on ALL Caribbean Carnival ticketed events.
Customers can also take advantage of our $10 weekend day online passes that allow you to GO wherever you want, plus kids 12 and under can ride the GO for free! Riders can also transfer for free with One Fare between GO Transit and TTC.
This year will mark the 58th anniversary of the Caribbean Carnival, an annual celebration of Caribbean culture and traditions, with more than one million participants expected to attend this year. Learn more about taking GO Transit to this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival HERE.
By Gazette Staff
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: The price is $125 each (plus Eventbrite fee). They usually get close to the maximum number – so buy soon! It’s rain or shine – there are large tents for seating and eating and all vendors are under canvas too.
Sitting at a table in Spencer Smith Park on a sunny day, enjoying a fine meal is about as good as it gets.
Get your tickets HERE Take friends with you
By Gazette Staff
July 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for the Civic holiday on Monday, Aug. 4. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the long weekend, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.
Fireworks reminder
Fireworks are not permitted to be set off on the August Civic holiday. As per the City’s bylaw, family (low-hazard) fireworks can only be set off on Canada Day and Victoria Day. For more information regarding who to contact if you have a personal safety concern related to the use of fireworks, visit burlington.ca/fireworks.
| City Service |
Holiday Closure Information |
| Animal Services |
The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. will be closed to appointments on Monday, Aug. 4. To report an animal control related emergency on a holiday, please call 905-335-7777. |
| Burlington Transit |
Burlington Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Aug. 4. For real-time bus information and schedules, visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca. Customer Service and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, Aug. 4. |
| City Hall |
Service Burlington and the Building, Renovating and Licensing counter on the main floor of City Hall at 426 Brant St., will be closed on Monday, Aug. 4.
Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices. If your request is urgent, call 905-335-7777 to connect with the City’s live answering service.
For online development services, MyFiles can be used by residents who have applied for Pre-Building Approval. Check the status of Pre Building Approval applications at burlington.ca/MyFiles. |
| Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office |
Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday, Aug. 4.
Except for the Civic holiday closures, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Payment of Provincial Offences fines is available 24/7 at paytickets.ca. |
| Parking |
On Sunday, Aug. 3 and Monday, Aug. 4: Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
On Saturday, Aug. 2: Pay parking downtown is required in high-demand parking lots (Lots 1, 4 and 5) and all on-street metered parking spaces. A three-hour maximum is in effect for all on-street spaces. Free parking is available in the remaining municipal lots and the parking garage (414 Locust St.).
NOTE:
- The Waterfront parking lots (east and west at 1286 Lakeshore Rd.) do not provide free parking on holidays
- Paid parking is in effect at Beachway Park (1100 and 991 Lakeshore Rd.) on weekends only (including holidays) and at the Beachway overflow lot (Lakeshore Road and Willow Avenue) using HONK Mobile
- Parking exemptions or City-Wide Parking Permits are required to park overnight on city streets and for longer than five hours. Visit bylaw.burlington.ca for parking exemptions.
|
| Recreation Programs and Facilities |
Drop-in swimming and other drop-in recreational activities
- Nelson Pool and Splash Park (4235 New St.), Mountainside Pool and Splash Park (2205 Mt. Forest Dr.), and LaSalle Wading Pool and Splash Park (50 North Shore Blvd. E.) are open for swimming on the Civic holiday, Monday, Aug. 4 (weather permitting)
- Access Storage presents free swimming on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at LaSalle Wading pool and Splash Park (weather permitting)
- Outdoor pool lap swims and recreational swims are walk-in only, with no reservations
- Indoor pools are not open for drop-in swimming on the Civic holiday, Monday, Aug. 4
- Appleby Ice Centre has a variety of drop-in skating programs on Saturday, Aug. 2
- Adult and Adult 55+ regularly scheduled drop-in programs will continue Saturday, Aug. 2. Please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for schedules, information, and reservations.
Splash Pads
The City’s 10 splash pads are located throughout the city and are free to use. To find a splash pad near you, visit burlington.ca/splashpads.
Outdoor Activities
Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the long weekend, including:
- trails and multi-use paths
- parks and playgrounds
- picnic site reservations for La Salle Park (50 North Shore Blvd E.) or Hidden Valley Park (1137 Hidden Valley Rd.)
Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.
Golf
Tyandaga Golf Course tee times can be booked online at tyandagagolf.com or by calling 905-336-0005, ext. 2.
Play Lending Library
Our Lending Library has a variety of outdoor and indoor play equipment available to borrow at no charge. Equipment pickup is on Thursdays, and return drop off is on Tuesdays at Haber Community Centre (3040 Tim Dobbie Dr.). Borrow lifejackets for the family for the long weekend, add some fun outdoor games to your Love My Neighbourhood event, or try out a variety of play equipment that we offer. Learn more at burlington.ca/playlending.
Customer Service
Recreation, Community and Culture customer service is available to assist you in person at recreation facility counters during program times.
Customer service is also available over the long weekend:
|
| Roads, Parks and Forestry |
The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Aug. 4. Essential services will be provided as required. |
 By Hanna Moon
July 21st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. July and August are packed with exciting events in Burlington, offering plenty of options for residents and visitors to have fun and relax. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated summer happenings in the city.
Music and Festivals
 Burlington Performing Arts Centre The beloved Jazz on the Plaza series, presented by The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, returns this August. Taking place outside the centre from August 8th to August 10th, this free concert series highlights Canadian jazz artists throughout the summer. In addition, Burlington’s “Concerts in the Park” at Central Park offer a variety of musical genres, including jazz.
For those interested in cultural celebrations, the Burlington Latin Festival at Central Park runs from August 23rd to August 24th. This lively street festival features salsa, reggaetón, merengue, and more. Attendees can dance outdoors, sample authentic Latin cuisine, and enjoy performances that celebrate Latin culture.
The festive spirit of these music events shares a similar energy to online entertainment options. Speaking of this, Luckycasino recently launched in Canada provides another exciting choice for summer entertainment.
Art and Culture
Art lovers will appreciate the Burlington Art Walk on August 23rd, from 10AM to 4PM. This annual event, organized by the Elizabeth Gardens Creative Collective, invites the public to visit galleries and studios across the city. Over 40 local artists, makers, and educators will showcase their paintings, sculptures, and crafts. Visitors can enjoy live music, hands-on art activities, an art scavenger hunt, and the chance to purchase local artwork and handmade goods. The event takes place at Burloak Waterfront Park.
Burlington’s Heritage Week, scheduled for August 2nd to August 9th, celebrates the city’s diverse history. The week includes displays at City Hall, walking tours such as the Beachway Park Waterfront Trail, exhibits at the Joseph Brant Museum, and presentations by the Burlington Historical Society and the Royal Botanical Gardens. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about Burlington’s rich past.
Culinary Events
 Food Trucks in Burlington offer a wide variety of foods. From July 18th to July 20th is the Burlington Food Truck Festival, a three-day event featuring 30 food trucks offering some of the best flavours in the country. Admission is free, with family-friendly activities, local brews, and live entertainment adding to the festive atmosphere.
 Spencer Smith Park. Ground Zero for Burlington. On August 10th, Lakeside À La Carte takes place at Spencer Smith Park. This ticketed fundraiser for Joseph Brant Hospital offers gourmet tastings and premium wines from top regional chefs and beverage producers. It’s a must-attend for food lovers. Top-notch live entertainment is also available, just like going to the best theatre this summer.
Vegetarians and plant-based eaters will enjoy Burlington VegFest on August 16th. This event celebrates plant-based living and sustainability with delicious vegan food, eco-friendly products, live music, and family-friendly activities.
For BBQ enthusiasts, Canada’s Largest Ribfest runs from August 29th to September 1st. This Labour Day weekend tradition features award-winning pitmasters from across North America, live music, a family fun zone, a vendor marketplace, and cold drinks by the lake. Ribfest is a perfect way to wrap up the summer season.
 RibFest- the lineups are long, but they move really quickly With such a full calendar, Burlington promises a lively and enjoyable summer. Check local listings and the Burlington Gazette website for the latest updates and detailed schedules.
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