Oakville Museum Programs and Events

Knitting Basics Demonstration

Saturday, October 8 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Free drop-in event

Knitting has been a popular craft throughout time. Drop-in and learn simple knitting stitches with instructor Kathryn Currie. The basics of casting on, the knit stitch, purl stitch and binding off will be demonstrated. Knitting samples will be on display.

Homemade Musical Instrument Workshop

Saturday, October 15 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Free event, registration details coming soon

Join Bandology and learn how to build homemade instruments using everyday household objects. From elastic band guitars to paper straw panpipes, these basic instruments will introduce young participants to the joy of music. All materials provided. Plus, play music trivia throughout the workshop and learn a little bit more about the wonders of music making!

Porcelain Doll Making Demonstration

Saturday, October 15 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Free drop-in event

Go behind the scenes with artist Celia Desmond of Tradition Dolls and Watches to learn how handcrafted porcelain dolls are made. Get an overview of the process from start to finish, including creating parts using molds, painting faces, sewing the body and dressing the dolls. Plus, discover some of the different doll types including antique, vintage, reproduction and modern styles.

Culture Days: Oakville Choral

Sunday, October 16
Free event

Meet Oakville Choral to learn more about choral singing and watch past performances. Schedule and event details coming soon!

Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Saturday, October 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $11.70

This unique indoor/outdoor tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Underground Railroad in Oakville. Begin with an introduction to the exhibit 'Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville's Black History' and watch the exciting multi-media presentation 'The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom', a true story of heroic flight from a life of slavery. Weather permitting, the tour finishes with an outdoor walk that details some nearby locations that highlight the local history surrounding Oakville and the Underground Railroad. Please dress appropriately for outdoor walk and note that climbing a flight of stairs is part of the tour. Age: 18+. Registration opens August 24.

Museum Christmas Tour

Sunday, December 11 from 1:30-2:30 and 3-4 p.m.
Fee: $6.22

Your visit includes a guided tour of the elegant Erchless Estate beautifully decorated for the Christmas season and a feature exhibit with a focus on typewriters and sewing machines. Delight in nostalgic toys and reproduction historic ornaments. Join our group tour and enjoy a glimpse into Christmases past at the Oakville Museum! Please note climbing a flight of stairs (17 steps) is part of the tour. Age: 18+. Registration opens August 24.

Craft and Tour at the Oakville Museum

Wednesday, December 28 from 1:30-2:30 and 3-4 p.m.
Wednesday, January 4 from 1:30-2:30 and 3-4 p.m.
Fee: $6.69. Age: 4-9 plus participating adults.

Join us for an hour in the afternoon to make a craft with your child and take a guided tour of the Oakville Museum. Fee applies to participating children only, but children must be accompanied and assisted by an adult. Each session will make the same craft and take the same tour. Registration opens August 24.

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
General admission by donation
(Suggested $7 per person)

Join our expert staff for a fun and fast-paced guided tour of the beautiful Erchless Estate. Learn about the Chisholms, Oakville's founding family who called the museum home for six generations. Gain insight into the history of the town and Oakville's Black History. 

Walk-in visits and guided tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us to confirm group rate and availability. Group tours must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance.