Toronto 
Ontario has various festivals celebrating its flowers – from tulip and lilac festivals in May to sunflower festivals in August; there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to experience Mother Nature’s “smile.”
To Do Canada
The most populous province offers many opportunities for those who want to enjoy peonies. Whistling Gardens has the largest collection of peonies in North America, and Toronto Botanical Gardens and Royal Botanical Gardens also feature many species.
For a u-pick experience, head to Fleur de Roy, the province’s largest pick-your-own peony garden in Dover Centre.
If you want to enjoy a festival celebrating peonies, including getting expert advice on growing and maintaining peonies (ever wondered why your rare flower-colour peony turned white after dividing?), head to Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden.
Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden has over 300 varieties of peonies blooming from late May to the third week of June.
The eagerly awaited Peony Festival, loved by flower and garden enthusiasts alike, promises a delightful experience for all. With a wide range of attractions, including live entertainment, market vendors, delicious food options, and captivating peony displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
Colourful Peonies:
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the festival and gardens will be open for you to explore and immerse yourself in a sea of colourful peonies. With over 300 varieties on display, prepare to be dazzled by their beauty and fragrant aromas. And don’t miss the judged flower show floor, which opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, and from 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 7.
Live Performances and Activities:
Families can meet Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy Children’s Zone activities and catch performances around the gardens. Highlights include Sam Ninan on violin, Litmus Chinese Dance Association, Just Us Jazz, Swing Street Band, Theatre on the Ridge and a Sunday Ikebana floral demonstration.
You can also join Forestry staff for guided tours through the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days. Stroll the Michael and Judi Denny Peony Garden, where winding paths showcase over 300 varieties of fragrant blooms.
Food & Market:
As you wander through the festival grounds, be sure to check out the Artisan and Market Vendors offering handcrafted treasures, botanical creations and garden-inspired finds, then stop by the Street Food Hub for local eats, refreshing drinks, sweet treats and savoury favourites.
You can also explore community displays that connect visitors with local services, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Oshawa Peony Festival – Trip Planning:
Get ready for a blooming good time at the Peony Festival in the charming City of Oshawa.
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Peony Festival.
This delightful event has become a favourite among enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why! With live entertainment, an artisan market, a mouthwatering food court, a judged peony flower show, and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The festival weekend welcomes many visitors to Oshawa.
When: June 6 & 7, 2026 | 10 AM to 4 PM
Stage Entertainment | Saturday, June 6
- Just Us Jazz | 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
- Opening Ceremonies | 11:30 a.m.
- Just Us Jazz | 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Theatre on the Ridge | 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Sam Ninan | 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- Theatre on the Ridge | 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- Adam Crossman | 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Stage Entertainment | Sunday, June 7
- Swing Street Band | 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
- Ikebana Floral Demonstration | 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Swing Street Band | 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Theatre on the Ridge | 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Sam Ninan | 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- Theatre on the Ridge | 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- Adam Crossman | 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
By the Rock Garden
- Sam Ninan (Saturday and Sunday) | 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
- Courtney Bowles (Saturday only) | 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Adam Crossman (Saturday and Sunday) | 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Courtney Bowles (Saturday only) | 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Litmus Chinese Dance Association (Saturday and Sunday) | 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
How Much: Free
Where:
Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden is part of Kinsmen Valleyview Park.
Parking
The main parking lot for accessing Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden is the Children’s Arena parking lot at 155 Arena St., Oshawa. During the festival, this lot is reserved for accessible parking.
There is off-site free parking at:
• City Hall parking lot:45 Queen St.
• Parkade 2: 117 Bond St.
• On-street parking where permitted by law
• Grass lot east of Arena St. and west of Kaiser Cres. on the north side of Adelaide Ave. W.
Free Shuttle:
A free shuttle is available and will stop at:
• Peony Festival
• Parkwood Estate, 270 Simcoe St. N.
• The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, 72 Queen St.
• Arts Resource Centre, 45 Queen St. (parking)
• Parkade 2 (north west corner of Bond St. W. and McMillan Dr.)
The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days.
Road Closures:
Saturday, June 6, from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, June 7, the following roads are closed:
- Elgin St. from Park Rd. to Arena St.
- Colborne St. from Park Rd. to Arena St.
- Punshone Ave. from Park Rd. to Gladstone Ave
- Warren Ave. from Bond St. to Elgin St.
- Gladstone Ave. from Bond St. to Arena St.
Local traffic is allowed.
