Culture Days festival returns to Oakville September 19 to October 12

Culture Days returns to Oakville from September 19 to October 12, 2025! Residents and visitors are invited to explore creativity and share artistic expression during three weeks of free arts and culture events that celebrate what makes Oakville a vibrant and inclusive community.

This year, the Town of Oakville is proud to serve as an official Ontario Culture Days Festival Hub. Local artists, creators and community groups will present more than 150 free programs and activities that showcase Oakville’s rich cultural landscape.

As part of this year’s celebration, residents of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in Faces of Culture: A Community Sketchbook Project, a portrait exhibition exploring identity through the lens of culture. Submit original artwork or join free drop-in workshops led by local artists. Portraits submitted by October 4 are eligible for awards, presented on October 5. Full details are available on the Faces of Culture page.

Other highlights include:

• Flag raising and kickoff: Town Hall, Friday, September 19, from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Exhibitions, workshops and performances: Glen Abbey Community Centre, Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Heritage activities: The Crossing at Lions Valley Park (Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen) on September 20 from 11:30 to 4 p.m.
• Tours and hands-on activities: Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and Heritage Square (Kerr Street), on Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Historical programming: Palermo School House (Trafalgar Township Historical Society), Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Exhibitions, workshops, and performances: Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, Sunday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cultural dance performances: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Saturday, October 11, from 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Family-friendly activities: Oakville Public Library branches, ongoing throughout Culture Days
• Art installations: Connextions window murals at each of the Town’s recreation centres and Faces of Culture in the Main Gallery of Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre for the duration of Culture Days.
• Colouring contest: Colour the illustration designed by artist Yen Linh Thai and submit it to the front desk of your local community centre by Sunday, October 12 at 4 p.m. for a chance to win exciting prizes!

For a complete list of free programs and events, visit the town’s Culture Days page or search “Oakville” on the Culture Days website. 

Background

• Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture that invites the community to go behind the scenes and experience the creative process through free, hands-on activities.
• In 2024, Oakville was ranked the number one overall participating community in Culture Days and, for the third consecutive year, recognized as the top mid-size city. The Town was celebrated for its vibrant and inclusive programming.
• Among the highlights was JazzYat, a concert that brought together Arab and Canadian musicians in a soulful celebration of Arabic jazz. The performance blended the improvisational spirit of jazz with the rich traditions of Arabic music and was named runner-up for the People’s Choice Award in the Ontario Culture Days’ 2024 Spotlight Awards.

Quote 

"Oakville’s thriving arts and culture scene is part of what makes our town so vibrant. Being recognized as an official Culture Days Hub highlights the incredible talent of our local artists, creators and community organizations. I invite all residents to explore and take part in the Culture Days activities and inclusive programming the Town is offering.”
- Mayor Rob Burton