Celebrate freedom, culture and community at Oakville’s annual Emancipation Day Picnic on August 4, 2025

Additional free events will be held on August 3

The Town of Oakville and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) invite residents and visitors to come together for the annual Emancipation Day Picnic, taking place on Monday, August 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the scenic grounds at the Oakville Museum’s Erchless Estate.

This annual tradition commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and honours the legacy, resilience and contributions of Black Canadians — stories that are deeply rooted in Oakville’s own history and identity.

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy the captivating sounds of the CCAH Steelpan Band, and the electric African drumming rhythms of Drums et al, along with fun family activities and inspiring cultural programming.

Enjoy Caribbean flavours from Shandra’s Roti with a pre-purchased meal ticket. Only 250 meals are available, so reserve yours early! Tickets must be purchased online in advance of August 4.

Tracing the roots of freedom in Oakville at the Oakville Museum

Explore the powerful stories behind Emancipation Day and the legacy of Oakville’s

Black Community with a range of engaging heritage experiences:

• Join outdoor guided walking tours at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to learn about early Black residents and Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad
• Visit the Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History exhibit inside the Oakville Museum
• Watch the multi-media presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom and hear contemporary perspectives in Legacy Voices I and II
• Families can also enjoy Storytime with Kesha Christie, an accomplished storyteller who uses African and Caribbean folktales to connect people and cultures.

Getting there

The Oakville Museum is located at 8 Navy Street in downtown Oakville, easily accessible on foot, by bike, or via public transit. Visit the Oakville Transit website for holiday schedules. If you plan to drive, check the online downtown Oakville parking map to plan ahead.

Expand your Emancipation Day experience – August 3 events

In partnership with the Oakville Public Library, the Oakville and Bronte Historical Societies, and the Oakville Museum, residents are also invited to participate in two special tours exploring Oakville’s Black heritage:

• Bronte Bike Tour – Sunday, August 3, 12 to 1:30 p.m.
• Kerr Village Walking Tour – Sunday, August 3, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

These free guided tours offer a deeper look into local stories of migration, community and legacy. Registration is required for these events.

For full event details or other programs and activities, please visit the Town’s events calendar page, the Oakville Museum page or the CCAH website event page.

Background

• Emancipation Day is officially recognized across Canada on August 1, as this is the date in 1834 when slavery was officially abolished across the British Empire. It is a day of reflection and celebration, recognizing the enduring struggles and achievements of Black Canadians and their path to freedom.
• Oakville has a proud connection to this history as a former port of entry along the Underground Railroad. The first Emancipation Day Picnic in Oakville dates to 1850, when Black Canadians from across Ontario would gather in George’s Square to honour their journey and community.

Quotes

“Emancipation Day reminds us of the importance of continuing to build a community grounded in equity, inclusion, and respect for all. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve together. I invite all Oakville residents to the Emancipation Day picnic at the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate on Monday, August 4.”

— Mayor Rob Burton

“At the CCAH, we're dedicated to fostering a richer understanding of our community through our core pillars of education, culture, community engagement, and harmony. As we commemorate Emancipation Day, we honour the profound contributions Black families have made to shaping Oakville and Halton Region's vibrant heritage. While this day holds significant importance, our commitment to exploring and celebrating the full breadth of Oakville's history remains a year-round endeavour, driven by our pursuit of unity and mutual understanding."

— Sheldon Williams, President, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton