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.
