With GTA’s best conservation areas, farms, and rib fests you will be having a summer full of fun in the Region of Halton!
Hilton Falls – Milton.© Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation
There are art installations, unique markets, and beautiful parks to explore in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville.
I. Events and Festivals
Summer Events at Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens has unveiled a massive lineup of special summer events, including evening parties, music in the garden and more!
- The Enchanted Garden: Young explorers are invited to embark on a whimsical journey through the enchanted pathways, where every step uncovers a new wonder. Discover hidden nooks where fairies dance among the blooms, elves hide among the ancient trees, gnomes protect the garden beds, and playful sprites dart between the leaves. July 12 – 13, 2025
- Music in the Garden: Experience a series of unforgettable performances in the stunning outdoor garden venue. Lineup includes: The East Pointers & Allison Russell, AHI and Logan Staats, Matt Andersen w/ special guest Terra Lightfoot, The Bros. Landreth & Whitehorse, The Strumbellas & Serena Ryder, Jeremie Albino (with Benjamin Dakota Rogers), Begonia (with STORRY), Sloan & Kathleen Edwards.
- Enchanted at Twilight: Stroll amidst the twilight glow while celebrating fantasy, myth, and a touch of magic. Enjoy whimsical music, delightful bites, and spirits, and discover the secrets of Enchanted Garden.
- Hot Summer Sizzle: Get ready to turn up the heat at RBG After Dark Hot Summer Sizzle. Join us for at RBG Rock Garden, where the summer heat fuels our vibrant cuisine, infectious music, and unforgettable atmosphere. While salsa sounds guide you through an unforgettable evening Indulge in fiery flavors, then cool down with our signature beverage of the night. Come hungry, come thirsty, and get ready to feel the sizzle!
- So Long Summer: Join us for one last rock Around the Rock, an electrifying night of good eats, live music, and unforgettable vibes. Set against the stunning backdrop of the RBG Rock Garden, this end-of-season celebration brings together epic tunes, great company, and the perfect summer send-off.
Bronte Lake Notes
Bronte Lake Notes features contemporary music from hot local bands. Dance, sing, and celebrate together while enjoying gorgeous views of the harbour. Details
Thursdays, June 19, 26, June 3, 10 & 17, 2025 @ Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park – Sails Stage, Oakville
Music from the Rooftop
Enjoy listening to local musicians while taking in a beautiful view of Lake Ontario from the rooftop of the Joseph Brant Museum. Each evening will feature a local musician, lawn games, and complimentary iced tea and popcorn. Details
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm on July 11 & 25 and August 8 & 22, 2025 @ Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
Game Changers
Discover how innovation has shaped the video game industry. Game Changers takes you on a fascinating journey, exploring the past and examining how the intersection of audio, storytelling, graphics, and gameplay creates the immersive environment of current video gaming systems. Details
May 10 – September 13, 2025 @ Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
Cruisin’ Car Show
This is a family-friendly environment with music and a lot of great people. You will see cars of all ages and types, from wooden wheel vintage through to modern exotic cars. Special features and draw prizes too! Details
Mondays, May 12– September 29, 2025 (excluding long weekends) @ 777 Guelph Line, Burlington
Revelations | Spring Art Show
See the 2025 Spring Show at Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre, where this season’s theme, “Revelations,” invites artists to share powerful works inspired by personal insights and transformations. Experience a vibrant display of creativity that captures moments of discovery—bold, subtle, and everything in between. Details
May 24 – August 29, 2025 @ Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville
Celebrate Canada Day
Enjoy fireworks and Canada Day celebrations at Spencer Smith Park or Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.
There is also a special event for adults at the Joseph Brant Museum, where they can enjoy the City of Burlington’s fireworks show over Burlington Bay with a rooftop view, live entertainment, hourly draws, jumbo lawn games, and beer tasting.
Georgetown Farmers Market
Treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a houseware item handcrafted with the finest materials, while exploring Downtown Georgetown’s wonderful farmers market community. Details
Every Saturday, May 31 – October 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM @ Main Street South, Downtown Georgetown
Live Music at Chudleigh’s
Chudleigh’s Summer Music Nights, also known as Live on the Porch, offer a lively outdoor concert experience on the farm’s backyard stage—complete with string lights, picnic tables, and delicious food & cider under the evening sky. The event features high‑energy tribute bands—like U2’s Desire, The Eagles’ Hotel California, or Bon Jovi—delivering authentic performances that leave crowds cheering well into the night! Details
Various dates in 2025 | 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM @ Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm, 9528 Regional Road 25, Milton
Concerts in the Park
Enjoy free concerts featuring many local artists and bands! Details
Wednesdays and Sundays, June 15 to August 27, 2025. @ Central Park Bandshell, Burlington
Fresh Air Fitness
Join for free Fitness classes in the Square by the Town of Oakville and the Bronte BIA and led by Town of Oakville fitness staff. Details
Fridays, July 4 – August 15, 2025 | 7:00 PM @ Bronte Market Square, Oakville
Walk & Talk History
Put on a comfortable pair of shoes and join the Bronte Historical Society for a free walking tour. Starting at Sovereign House, you’ll enjoy a fascinating and informative tour while you learn about Bronte from a historical lens. Develop an enhanced understanding of where Bronte has been and where it’s going. Details
Wednesdays, June 25 to October 1, 2025 | 3:00 PM @ Sovereign House, 7 West River Street, Oakville
Movies Under the Stars
Enjoy a free movie shown on a big outdoor screen across Burlington parks. Details
Thursdays, July 10 to August 28, 2025 @ Across Burlington
TD Summer Music Series
Enjoy free concerts highlighting local talent and features live performances from more than 15 bands, musicians and singers. Details
Saturdays and Sundays, July and August @ Downtown Oakville
Georgetown Ribfest
Get Ready For Mouth-Waterin’, Finger Lickin’, Belly Rubbin’ Good BBQ! You’re in for a weekend full of food, fun and entertainment. Details
August 29 – 31, 2025 @ Trafalgar Sports Park – 11494 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown
Healthy Parks Healthy People Day
Ontario Parks across the province will offer events and activities that encourage people to visit parks and be active. Explore a new park, sample our facilities and services or enjoy a fun event in a great natural setting! Details
July 18, 2025 @ Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Yoga with a View
Enjoy an early morning yoga session with a premiere view of Burlington’s waterfront! OM Massage & Wellness will be on site to provide an all-levels yoga class from 8:30am – 9:30am, followed by mimosas and a breakfast snack bar featuring delicious scones from COBS Bread. Participants will also have the opportunity to view the museum’s galleries following the event, including featured exhibit “Game Changers.” Details
July 5,2025 @ Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington
Milton Rib & Beer Festival
Enjoy a weekend of mouth-watering, finger-lickin’, belly-rubbin’ good BBQ while listening to live music.
July 25 to 27, 2025 @ Community Sports Park, 805 Santa Maria Blvd, Milton
Burlington Food Truck Festival
Canadian Food Truck Festival
30 Food Trucks will be serving up some of the best food from the country, this is a festival you won’t want to miss! Details
July 18 to 20, 2025 @ Burloak Waterfront Park, 5420 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
Talons and Tailfeathers
If you’re looking to get closer to Mountsberg’s raptors then you’ll love Talons & Tailfeathers. This small-group experience offers an opportunity to meet a few of our birds of prey while learning all about them. Details
Various dates @ Mountsberg Park, 2259 Millburough Line, Campellville
Halton Freedom Celebration Festival
This festival brings together musical acts, children’s activities, cultural art, food, crafts, and multi-cultural groups promoting inclusivity and community integration and celebrating 189 years of Emancipation which started by Upper Canada’s Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe. Details
Saturday, August 2, 2025 @ Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
Oakville Latino Festival
Explore the richness of Latin American culture through food, dance, music, and art exhibitions. Details
July 25 to 27, 2025 @ Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park
The bicentennial of Leathertown
Don’t miss a special live event at the Rotary Bandshell in Prospect Park, where Scott Brooks will take you on a captivating journey through time, tracing the footsteps of the Adams brothers who settled Acton in 1825. With historic photos illuminating the story, this immersive presentation brings local history to life under the summer evening sky. Details
Sunday, June 29, 7:00 p.m. @ Rotary Bandshell at Prospect Park, Halton Hills
Ice Cream Trolley Folly nights
Head to Halton County Radial Railway for a historic streetcar ride and enjoy some ice cream under the stars. Details
July 10 & 24, 2025 @ Halton County Radial Railway, 13629 Guelph Line, Milton
Burlington Butter Tarts & Sweet Treats Festival
Enjoy 2 hours of Princess Bliss as our 7th annual Princess Festival returns with big princess meet and greet and plenty of photo opportunities.
July 26, 2025 @ Knox Oakville, 89 Dunn Street, Oakville
Acton Leathertown Festival
Visit Acton for a wonderful weekend of fun celebrating Canada’s Original Leathertown. Details
Sunday, August 10, 2025 @ 19 Willow Street North, Acton
Burlington VegFest
This event welcomes any and all – from the plant-based-curious to the long-term committed vegans – to join for a day celebrating a way of living that is centred on compassion, health, and sustainability, all while supporting local businesses, organizations, and other causes. Details
Saturday, August 16, 2025 @ Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
Emancipation Day Picnic
The annual Emancipation Day Picnic returns to the beautiful grounds of the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate on August 4th! Join the community in commemorating this historic day—the abolition of slavery in Canada and across the British Empire—while honoring Oakville’s vital role in the Underground Railroad as a key port of entry to freedom. Details
August 4, 2025 @ Erchless Estate, Oakville Museum, 8 Navy St., Oakville
Burlington Latin Festival
Experience the vibrant rhythms and colors of Latin America right here in our community. Whether you’re a salsa enthusiast, a foodie craving authentic Latin cuisine, or a family looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone at our festival. Details
August 23 – 24, 2025 @ Central Park 2299 New St, Burlington
Run away to the Circus
Royal Canadian International Circus
Come under the Big Top and get a glimpse into a traditional circus world. Jam-packed with explosive live entertainment, featuring high-flying acrobatics, death-defying tricks, t
owering feats of strength, teetering towers of balanced bodies, extreme bending and devilishly precarious aerials! Details
August 21 to September 1, 2025 @ Burlington Centre, 777 Guelph Line, Burlington
Canada’s Largest Ribfest
Say goodbye to summer with a tummy full of good eats! Ribfest will be four days of free family fun, jam-packed with a lineup of incredible musical entertainment, an artisan fair, activities for the kids, your favourite food vendors, and, of course, messy, mouth-watering ribs! Details
August 29 to September 1, 2025 @ Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
II. Activities in (and near) the Halton Region
Kelso Cove Water Park
Kelso Cove Waterpark is set to open this summer at Kelso Conservation Area, featuring a giant inflatable structure with slides, climbing towers, obstacle courses, and bounce pads – a total of 26+ water features spread across an area of 50′ x 170′.
Visit the Best Nature Parks and Hiking Spots
These outdoor gems in Halton Region are perfect for a hike against the backdrop of some of Ontario’s best landscapes.
From Gairloch Gardens to Lucy Maud Montgomery Children’s Garden of the Senses, there is plenty to explore!
The Mill Street Cheese Market
Get a picnic box filled with a delightful assortment of cheese, meats, olives, dried fruit, nuts, and bread for your picnic at a park (check the above list for inspiration) from the Mill Street Cheese Market located in Downtown Georgetown. Details
Visit a Farm
Escape to a beautiful escarpment countryside. Andrew’s scenic offers walking trails, wagon rides, a playground, animal corral, straw mountain climb, a miniature straw maze, corn walk, and great photo opportunities year-round. Details
Shop at the Farmers’ Market
Get fresh produce and browse through artisan wares at Farmers’ markets:
Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate
Erchless Estate was the home of Oakville’s founding family and overlooks the harbour and Lake Ontario. Enjoy stunning views and explore the gardens and grounds at Erchless Estate. The museum houses many artifacts used by the family in the 1920s. Details
Enjoy Walking Tours
There are many trails that one can check out in the Halton region. Check out some of them:
- Milton Historical Society Guided Walking Tour
- Heritage Walking Tour
- Heritage Downtown Walking Tour
- Downtown Burlington Public Art Walking Tour
Explore Bruce Trail
Explore and hike various trails viewing caves, swamps, old forests and cobble beaches. You could also camp in some of their designated campground areas. Check for updates and trail closures before starting. Details
Visit your Favourite Patio
Savour a bite of everything! Dine outdoors at the patios this summer!
Rock Climbing
Experience the thrill of rock climbing at these locations. Details
- Rattlesnake Point
- Kelso
- Mount Nemo
Spray Pads
Cool off at Milton Community Centre, Sunny Mount Park, or any of the other splash pads around your area. Check out the list of Milton splash pads!
Get Activated
Play arcade-style games, dive through lasers, and climb glowing walls at Activate.
Enjoy Fishing
Have a fun time fishing!
- Conservation Halton Parks
- Conservation Hamilton Parks
- Ontario Parks
Enjoy Ontario Family Fishing Days from June 28 – July 6, 2025.
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Go for a hike at this scenic park, or for something a little more adventurous, try out rock-climbing. Details
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Spend the weekend camping, cool off at one of the largest man-made swimming pools in North America, check out the children’s farm, picnic shelters, and nature centres at this provincial park. Details
Brant Street Pier
Take an evening stroll and head over to the waterfront in downtown Burlington for stunning sunset views over the lake. Details
Chudleigh’s
Visit this farm to pick your own apples and don’t forget to check out the children’s play area and see what farm events are happening. Details
Limehouse Conservation Area
Bring your dog for a walk, do some bird watching and explore the Bruce trail at this conservation area. Details
Enjoy a Hike
Use the maps to plan your next hike.
- Heritage Trails in Oakville
- Oakville Active Transportation Map
- Oakville Recreational Trails
- Cycle Trails in Oakville
- Interactive bike map
Fallbrook Trail Ranch
Try horseback riding at this ranch, which also offers various summer camps. You can also host a birthday party here so you can ride horses with your friends! Details
A Night of Stargazing
Watch the stars and wonder at the celestial splendour. Stargazing is not fun but also relaxing. Lie back in your backyard or a dark sky area near you and take in the awe-inspiring star-filled night sky.
You might like: Where to Stargaze in Ontario: Dark Sky Areas and Observatories
Valleyridge Park
Visit this imaginative playground and splash pad for an afternoon full of family fun. Details
Twin Valley Zoo
Take your kids to this 25-acre, family-run, wildlife park to see over 80 species of animals, including Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Birds, Bears, Deer, Alpaca, Primates, and so much more! Details
Royal Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the beautiful garden areas of Royal Botanical Gardens. Explore the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, Hendrie Park, the Arboretum, Laking Garden, and the RBG trails. Light grab and go fare will be available at the Rock Garden as well as at the Turner Pavilion Teahouse in Hendrie Park. Once the garden is open fully, you can take part in biodiversity programs, music and art exhibitions as well as bloom celebrations. Details
Cycle the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
Passing through Burlington and Oakville, the trails offers a quick cycle or a longer journey along the Lake Ontario shoreline:
Rattlesnake Point
Head on over to this beautiful park to see thousand-year-old cedars, camp under the stars, practice yoga, and even rock climb! Details
Beach Day
With Lake Ontario and various small lakes only from your backyard, a trip to the beach is as easy as packing that beach towel and rounding up kids into the car!
- Beachway Park, Burlington
- Brant Street Beach, Burlington
- Bronte Beach Park, Oakville
- Coronation Park East & Coronation Park West, Oakville
- South Shell Park Beach, Oakville
- Kelso Beach
- Prospect Park Old Beach, Acton
You might like: Beaches in Greater Toronto Area
Kelso Conservation Area
Try out some new sports like mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, challenge courses, yoga, swimming, and more. You can explore the lake on a boat, or play volleyball while your children use the play area. Details
Springridge Farm
Check out this fun farm and pick your own strawberries or pick up a ready basket. This farm also offers a petting zoo, escarpment lookout, antique tractors and so much more! Details
Play tennis in Oakville
Oakville has over 60 tennis courts around the town. Why not check some of them out this summer and have a family tennis tournament? Details
Coronation Park
Have a family picnic at this park, which features designated picnic and shelter areas, complete with picnic tables and barbecue pits. Details
Rotary Park Outdoor Pool
Spend the afternoon cooling off at this outdoor pool in Milton with four lanes, a lap pool and water spray features. Details
Hilton Falls Conservation Area
Visit the famous falls, and try out some fun activities at this conservation area including mountain biking, bird watching, geocaching, fishing, and hiking. Details
Willow Park Ecology Centre
Have a fun summer afternoon at this lovely 5-acre biodiverse nature park in Norval! Details
Visit Ontario Parks
Be it to enjoy a walk or just relax in the outdoors, fish or enjoy boating, provincial parks are great places to spend your time.
You can now visit Ontario parks for free by borrowing day-use permits from participating Ontario libraries.
Stay in Cabins at KOA
Bring the whole family and spend the weekend in cabins at this campground facility. They offer great outdoor activities including weekend recreation programs. Details
Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Mountsberg Raptor Centre
Visit the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, and walk along the Wildlife Walkway for a visit and get to know resident raptors, like Pip the American Kestrel, or Chomper the Great Horned Owl. Details
Explore Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg Conservation Area is a delight to explore with its play barn, sugar bush and mountain bike trails, reservoir, the Raptor Centre, fishing opportunities, and lookout trail. Details
Pick-Your-Own Strawberries/ Cherries
Delicious strawberries or cherries are ready for picking. Head over to your nearby U-pick Farms and enjoy ‘Pick-Your-Own’ berries!
Geocaching
For a treasure hunt-like experience, try geocaching! Chances ar,e there are some geocaches near you. Create a free account to get started. Details
Go Apple Picking
There are many farms in the region that offers apple picking. Apple picking season usually starts mid-late August/early-mid September. Do call the farms to confirm their hours before starting. Check out these farms for some great options:
- Williams’ Orchards
- Andrew’s Farm and Winery
- Wheelbarrow Orchards
- Applevale Orchards
- Chudleigh’s Farm
- Willis Family Fruit Farm
See Sunflower Fields and Mazes
A visit to a sunflower farm is surely a cause for a smile, photo ops, and plenty of sunshine. Walk on a path through a sea of yellow flowers and purchase a specialty product from a store on-site to commemorate your summer experience. In Ontario, these flowers bloom for about two weeks only from early to late August/early September.
Explore Halton’s Regional Forests
Halton Regional has many regional forests including wetlands, meadow, and wooded areas and are home to rare wildlife species. These areas can be explored by the public. Details
See a Lavender Farm
Enjoy a calming, meditative walk amongst lavender flowers at Kelso Lavender Farm
- Lochland Botanicals (Closed for 2023)
Enjoy Camping
Experience nature and camp outside!
- 25 Places to Go Camping Near Toronto
- 25 Places to Go Backcountry Camping in Ontario
- 25 of the Best Ontario Parks to go Camping