Discover, explore and celebrate Museum Month with the Oakville Museum!

May is Museum Month across Ontario, and the Town of Oakville is thrilled to offer local opportunities for the community to celebrate. Starting May 1, residents can join in preserving history, celebrating culture and creating lasting memories with the Oakville Museum through a range of engaging exhibits, programs and events. Visit the Oakville Museum Programs and Events page for more information and to purchase tickets where applicable.

Wicket Fun! Cricket in Oakville – Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

Last spring, an official ribbon cutting ceremony was held to open the Town of Oakville’s new cricket field at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, marking an exciting future for the sport within our community. Cricket has a long tradition in Oakville and is one of the earliest played sports in Canada. Learn more about cricket in this new exhibit at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

The Art of Afternoon Tea on May 3

Enter the elegance of the Edwardian era on Saturday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Museum Coach House for a curated afternoon of fine taste and timeless tradition. For $75, guests will try unique tea blends in the Coach House tea bar and enjoy a boxed luncheon of sandwiches, scones and treats. Participate in a workshop led by certified tea sommelier, Tea with Tracie, and learn the health and wellness benefits of tea, how different blends can make you feel and proper brewing techniques for the perfect cup. Plus, there will be a stunning display of tea gowns and accessories from the Museum’s collection, reflecting an era of style, charm and social grace. 

Spring Tea Tour and Treat on May 10

Join the Oakville Museum on Saturday, May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a special spring tour and treat. For $35, participants can enjoy a guided tour of the restored historic Erchless Estate to explore the rich and diverse history of Oakville and takeaway treat box. 

The Spirited Garden: A Victorian Cocktail Affair on May 23

Step back in time on May 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Museum Coach House where adults 19 years and older are invited to enjoy a one-night-only experience where history is stirred, not shaken. For the cost of $90, journey back to the Victorian era, when cocktail culture blossomed alongside the art of herbology. Discover how wild-foraged botanicals and garden herbs, once prized for their healing properties, found their way into the refined libations of the time. Presented in collaboration with local cocktail boutique Flourish and Bask, the evening includes expertly crafted tastings served by Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, engaging storytelling and a celebration of the Golden Age of Mixology. Spots are limited so register now to avoid disappointment. 

The Way of Tea – The Japanese Tea Ceremony on May 31

Experience the art of the Japanese tea ceremony with Momo Yoshida, founder of Momo Tea. On May 31, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Museum Coach House, adults 18 and older are invited to immerse themselves in this timeless tradition. Uncover the rich history, core philosophies and the symbolic meanings behind its rituals. Tickets are just $15! 

Hunting for History Scavenger Hunt at the Oakville Museum  

During Oakville Museum’s opening hours, children of all ages can tour through the museum looking for interesting artifacts and historical features. Complete the scavenger hunt and win a prize! Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult caregiver. Please call 905-338-4400 to book larger groups of 10 or more.

For more events and activities, including the annual Victoria Day opening weekend of Oakville’s First Post Office located in Lakeside Park, visit the Oakville Museum Programs and Events page. 

Background

• Mayor Rob Burton has proclaimed May as Museum Month. 
• Oakville Museum is among the 800 museums across Ontario offering world-class collections and exhibits which contribute to Ontario’s cultural sector.
• International Museum Day is observed around the world on May 18 each year. Since 1977, the International Council of Museums the celebrated this day annually to pay tribute to the international museum community and highlight the important role museums play as institutions that contribute to the vitality and health of communities.