Oakville looking to repeat as best Culture Days host in Canada, event starts this week

Oakville will be the centre of a three-week celebration of art as Culture Days returns to town later this week.

Local residents are invited to enjoy this unique opportunity to explore creativity, share artistic expression, and celebrate what makes Oakville such a vibrant and special community from Sept. 20 to Oct. 13.

This year, the Town of Oakville is an official Ontario Culture Days Festival Hub. Local artists, creators, and community members are excited to offer free programs and activities to celebrate culture and creativity in Oakville.

“Oakville’s vibrant arts and culture scene truly makes our town special,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

“Being named an official Culture Days Hub highlights the unique contributions of our local artists, creators, and community groups. It’s amazing to see how everyone rallied to present such dynamic and inclusive programs that make Oakville come alive during Culture Days.”

More than 150 local events have been planned, including:

• Exhibitions, workshops, and performances at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., including the Halton Municipalities Culture Days artist project Harmony in Culture.
• Workshops and performances at River Oaks Community Centre on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Crossing Community Heritage Day at Lions Valley Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Trafalgar Township Historical Society events at the Palermo School House on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tours and other hands-on activities at the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
• We Are Kerr public art and activities in Heritage Square on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Includes art-making workshops, a new ground mural, painted benches and banner art installations.
• Performances by the Oakville Symphony Orchestra and Music Without Borders, along with backstage theatre tours, will take place at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Oct. 5.
• Connextions 2024, featuring seven traffic signal cabinet box artist wraps.

Last year, Oakville earned the top spot in Canada for Culture Days, ranking first overall among participating communities. The town was recognized for its vibrant and inclusive programming, which included nearly 100 local events.

Additionally, Oakville’s World of Threads Festival received the People’s Choice spotlight recognition, and the A Place I Call Home Halton program was awarded for Best Collaborative Program, highlighting Oakville’s commitment to fostering a strong and diverse cultural scene.

For a complete list of free programs and events, visit the town’s Culture Days page.