Live music, car shows and historical events set for Oshawa this summer

Summer in the city is a chance for residents and visitors to enjoy everything Oshawa has to offer, from concerts in the park to museums, music, miles of trails, shopping for days and international culinary delights to suit every taste and palate.

To make it easier, the City of Oshawa has compiled a Top Ten list of things to do in the city this summer.

Make a splash – Oshawa has plenty of outdoor options for staying cool and having fun this summer. You can spend the day at Lakeview Park beaches, take the plunge at Camp Samac outdoor or several indoor pools at local recreation centres or visit a splash patio to enjoy fun for the while family.

Catch a live show – Dive into downtown Oshawa’s vibrant night life, where you’ll discover a range of live entertainment and performance venues, from music halls like to the Regent Theatre, BOND|ST Event Centre and the Biltmore Theatre to the Tribute Communities Centre, which hosts concerts, major events and conventions on a grand scale.

Parkwood Estate

Learn about the past– Celebrate the city’s centennial by visiting one of Oshawa’s museums and heritage sites, such as the Canadian Automotive Museum, which takes visitors on a ride through our auto history; the Oshawa Museum, a trio of historic homes in Lakeview Park that showcase life in the 1800s; Parkwood National Historic Site, the impressive mansion and gardens of the late Col. Sam McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada; and the newly re-named Canadian Tank Museum, which houses the country’s largest collection of operational military vehicles and puts Oshawa’s rich military history on blast, with Aquino Tank Weekend – the biggest event on the museum’s calendar, coming up July 26-28.

Experience City events – Mark your calendars for Kars on King, a popular event returning on August 23, featuring hundreds of classic vehicles that take over the downtown streets. You can also bring a lawn chair or blanket for Events in the Park, a family-friendly series of events held at various city parks all summer long.

Explore the great outdoors – Oshawa’s trail system encompasses almost 410 hectares of parkland and more than 27 kilometres of paved surface, offering plenty of opportunities for walking, running and cycling. You can also visit the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, home of the annual Peony Festival, or stroll the path through scenic Lakeview Park. Nearby is Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park, the city’s newest addition to the waterfront parks system, featuring an expansive Garden of Human Rights, amphitheatre stage and the best views of Oshawa’s harbour and port lands

Immerse yourself in art and imagination – You can give your imagination a stretch by visiting your local library branch or spend some time getting to know Oshawa’s art scene by exploring the modern and contemporary exhibits at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. You could also create your own downtown art crawl searching out the city’s murals and works of public art that highlight our Oshawa’s history, culture and significant milestones. If you want to contribute to Oshawa art scene, consider the How Many Hearts Mural Project, led by local artist Mary Krohnert and the LivingRoom Community Art Studio, which will welcome artists of all skill levels July 20 to help create of a mixed media felted paper quilt that will exhibited at Delpark Homes Centre.

Shop eclectic downtown spots – Discover unique shopping in downtown Oshawa, from record stores like Kops Records and Another Spin to collectable shops and everything in between. There is a wide range of shopping options and plenty of hidden gems to be found.

Sit on a sunny patio – Whether you’re craving lazy afternoons with refreshing sips or are eager to indulge in mouth-watering bites under the sun, Oshawa is home to some of the best summer patios in Durham Region. From charming street-level cafes perfect for people-watching to eclectic outdoor eating experiences like North Oshawa’s Food Truck Alley, Oshawa has a lot to offer. For a complete guide, check out the Oshawa Culinary Compass developed by Oshawa Tourism.

Explore other local eats – Reflecting the growing diversity of our city, Oshawa’s food scene has something for every taste. From multicultural and fusion cuisine to cozy local eateries and popular food places, foodies will find it all in Oshawa.

Savor fresh finds – Shopping at a farmers’ market is a great way to purchase local, fresh, in-season produce and support our farming community. Oshawa is home to several local farmers’ markets available throughout the growing season.