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Events Description
The Halton Emancipation Celebration Festival takes place on the Saturday of the August long weekend at Spencer Smith Park (1400 Lakeshore Rd) in Burlington, Ont. Canada. Burlington, Ont. is the first city in the world to proclaim August as Emancipation Month.
This family-friendly event runs from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Bring a lawn chair.
Spencer Smith Park has child-oriented amenities.
Halton Emancipation Celebration Festival features a broad spectrum of musicians. Soak up sweet sounds of blues, reggae, R&B, gospel and more to celebrate Emancipation and Canada’s diverse Black music scene. Be prepared to dance.
All great festivals feature great street food. A variety of food trucks at Halton Emancipation Celebration Festival will satisfy your cravings for Caribbean, Canadian delectable delights. Please support the vendors. Many of them are Canadian small business owners.
Looking for the one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir? Check out the local vendors. Whether you are searching for Black books, funky T-shirts, or skin care, you’ll leave being glad you came. Please support the vendors. Many of them are Canadian smail business owners.
HBHAS Emancipation Gala
The annual HBHAS Emancipation Gala, July 31, 2026, will be held at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre at 440 Locust St., Burlington.
It will be an evening of entertainment, award and speaker presentations plus opportunities to celebrate our community’s achievements together.
Enjoy an experience which will be a milestone ceremony celebrating 192 years of Emancipation, awarding our 2026 Local Lens’ narrative winners on Halton’s multicultural history, learning from inspiring keynote presentations, dancing to live music, and being inspired by exquisite ambience and networking with HBHAS members, community leaders, and Halton’s aspiring youth.
Who is it for?
All Ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets:
HBHAS Emancipation Month Kick-off & Fundraiser Gala – Buy Tickets
WHEN & WHERE
Date:
HBHAS Emancipation Gala | Friday, July 31, 2026 @ The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St, Burlington
Halton Emancipation Celebration Festival | Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM @ Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
Venue & Address
Various locations
Things to Do this Weekend in Hamilton
