Things to do this weekend in Burlington, Milton and Oakville: Oct. 18 to Oct. 20

If you’re looking for a mix of exciting events this weekend, Burlington, Oakville and Milton have a ton of them. From live concerts and cultural festivals to art shows and pumpkin patches, there’s a variety of activities to explore. Here’s what’s happening from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20:

October 18

Burlington:

Burlington Fall Home and Lifestyle Show (Oct. 18 to Oct. 20)

Visit the Burlington Fall Home and Lifestyle Show from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 during mall hours. Explore a wide range of exhibits, featuring home and décor, health and wellbeing, activities and leisure, personal improvement, consumer products, professional services, and community groups.

Where: 777 Guelph Line
When: During mall hours
Cost: Free admission

The Artist’s Mark

Join us at Burlington Centre for The Artist’s Mark, a celebration of creativity and art. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this event offers workshops, live demonstrations, and the chance to connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

Where:  777 Guelph Line
When: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

The Great Pumpkin Trail

The Great Pumpkin Trail returns to the Royal Botanical Gardens! Follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns through the scenic Hendrie Valley. Enjoy live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities, and seasonal treats. This magical autumn experience is perfect for all ages, with costumes encouraged but optional.

Where: 680 Plains Rd. W.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Pre-purchased tickets required

Pumpkins 10 Different Ways

Carve out some fun this Halloween with Pumpkins, 10 Different Ways, a small-scale educational arts event. Join a pumpkin walk to learn about the history and fascinating facts surrounding pumpkins, and explore 10 unique pumpkin exhibits created by artists Liz Videka-Beaulieu and Jaime Beaudin-Soelberg.

Where: 2179A Dundas St.—Blue Dot Acres
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $80

Oakville:

Urban Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 18 to Oct. 26)

Visit the downtown pop-up pumpkin patch at Towne Square in Oakville and pick your pumpkin with a donation of $10 or more to the Oakville Humane Society.

Where: 94 George St.
When: 9 a.m. to Oct. 26, 9 a.m.
Cost: $10 donation or more

Historical Society – Ghost Walks (Oct. 15 to Oct. 30 (except Sundays)).

Celebrate Halloween with the Oakville Historical Society’s Ghost Walks through Old Oakville. Join ghostly characters from the 1800s for a family-friendly tour, learning about Oakville’s history, followed by light refreshments and discussions.

Where: 110 King St.
When: 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cost:

• Adults: $15
• Children 12 and under: $8
• All minors must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for every four minors)

Milton:

Soul of Motown

Presented by the Beaches Jazz Festival Society, Soul of Motown brings a cast of singers and musicians performing live tributes to Motown legends like The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more. With dazzling choreography, authentic costumes and stunning vocal performances, this high-energy show promises an unforgettable night of  classics.

Where: 1010 Main St. E.
When: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $49 (Includes Fees + Tax)

October 19

Burlington:

Take Action Day and Zero Waste Drop Off at Burlington Centre

Mark your calendars for Take Action Day at Burlington Centre. Rain or shine, this event offers eco-friendly activities, including a zero-waste drop-off for unwanted electronics, a repair café for fixing small household items and a showcase of sustainable transportation options. Bring the kids for eco-crafts, games and a chance to win an eco-prize pack.

Where: 777 Guelph Line (Burlington Centre parking lot)
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

Dessert Walking Tours

Explore downtown Burlington’s best dessert spots with a curated walking tour, featuring 4-5 iconic stops along the core and waterfront. Along the way, enjoy a bit of Burlington trivia and sightseeing. Perfect for a fun outing with friends or meeting new people. The experience is a ticketed event and prices start at $74.95.

Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Joseph Brant Museum

Join the fun at Joseph Brant Museum for a frightfully delightful Halloween event. Come in costume and complete a Spooky Scavenger Hunt throughout the museum’s galleries for a prize and kids can colour and decorate their own Halloween mask. Activities are geared toward children ages 5-12.

Where: 1240 North Shore Blvd. E.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $15 (includes up to 2 adults and 4 children)

Aldershot Farmers’ Market

Visitors can find fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses and more at this Farmers’ Market.

Oakville:

Jyoti Pratishthan – A Spectacular Diwali & Karwa Chauth Event

Celebrate Diwali and Karwa Chauth with a modern twist at Jyoti Pratishthan. Held at St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre, this celebration features cultural performances, workshops, kids’ activities, henna, nails, and photo booths and food.

Where: 1280 Dundas St. W.
When: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

Fall Market at Oakville Place

Join the Fall Market at Oakville Place, located at Centre Court and discover artisanal creations and unique gifts. A perfect opportunity to shop for handcrafted items and seasonal goods.

Where: 240 Leighland Ave.
When:

• Saturday— 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday— 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

Tails & Treats

Bring your dog to Tails & Treats at Towne Square in Oakville for a day of fun and treats from participating downtown shops. Enter the costume contest, browse the pup-up makers marketplace, enjoy sidewalk sale and pick your pumpkin. All proceeds will support the Oakville Humane Society.

Where: 94 George St.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free, with proceeds supporting the Oakville Humane Society

Boo Blue Event | Duran Place for Kids

Calling all fans of the famous blue heeler! Join the Boo Blue event at Knox Oakville for a fun-filled afternoon featuring a character meet and greet, a keepsake photo to take home and BLUE pumpkins to decorate.

Where: 89 Dunn St.
When: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $25 + HST per child (Adults free)

Milton:

Jersey Nights – Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Presented by the Beaches Jazz Festival Society, Jersey Nights celebrates the legendary music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Enjoy hits like “Sherry,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Working My Way Back to You,” and “Walk Like a Man,” along with other classics from the era that defined Frankie Valli’s success.

Where:  1010 Main St. E.
When: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $55 (Includes Fees + Tax)

October 20

Oakville:

Underground Railroad History Tour

This unique indoor/outdoor tour offers a look into the history of the Underground Railroad in Oakville. Begin with the exhibit Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History, followed by a multimedia presentation, The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom. The tour concludes with an outdoor walk that explores local history related to the Underground Railroad. Suitable for ages 10 and up.

Where: 8 Navy St.
When: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Big Band Legends with Toronto All-Star Big Band

Join the Toronto All-Star Big Band at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts for a celebration of the greatest swing bands of the 20th century. Enjoy classics from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, The Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and more. There will also be performances by the TABB 5 vocal group celebrating the voices of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

Where: 130 Navy St.
When: Oct. 20, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost:

• $59 Regular Seating
• $53 Big Ticket Members
• $48 Big Ticket Plus Members
• $50 Groups (10+)

Special Talk with Olympian Maya Meschkuleit

Kick off Ontario Public Library Week with a special visit from Olympian silver medalist Maya Meschkuleit at Oakville Library’s Central Branch. Meschkuleit, who recently represented Canada in rowing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will share her Olympic journey and reflect on how public libraries helped shape her path to success. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session, photo opportunities and a chance to hold her silver medal.

Where: 120 Navy St.
When: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

—Cover photo via Soul of Motown @experiencemilton.com