Peony Festival
Join Us!
Experience the allure of Oshawa at the award-winning Peony Festival, a captivating free two-day event hosted by the City of Oshawa.
Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden and The Michael and Judi Denny Peony Garden. Visit the peony garden to experience a variety of handmade artisan merchandise vendors, community displays, delicious food, live entertainment and a prestigious judged peony competition featuring breathtaking blooms.
Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden
Address: 155 Arena St.
Save the date: Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: Free to attend
**Note: The arena floor opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, once judging has been completed.
Event Overview
- Festival and gardens opens at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
- Judged flower show in the arena opens at 11 a.m.
- Opening ceremonies: 11 a.m. on the Garden Stage on the north east side of the creek, across the bridge from the Peony Gardens
- Handcrafted market and Artisan zone
- Wide variety of food options for every foodie
- Activities for children
- Live performances
- Live demonstrations
- Experts from Durham Master Gardeners and the Canadian Peony Society will be on hand to answer questions
- Art and photography contests
- No parking onsite except for Ontario issued accessible pass holders may park onsite - ensure pass is visible to attendant prior to entering
Here's what you can expect at the festival!
Call for community non-profits and sponsors!
Community non-profits and sponsors are welcome to apply for event participation. Applications will be carefully reviewed for suitability. Our Sponsorship Manager will reach out to sponsors regarding opportunities. To express interest or request further details, please complete an application.
Deadline for applications: Sunday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m.
10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Sam Ninan
11 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Adam Crossman
12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Ikebana Flower Arranging Demonstration
1:40 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. Swing Street Big Band
2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Swing Street Big Band
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Adam Crossman
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Larra Skye Trio
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Duncan Hopkins
1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Ikebana Flower Arranging Demonstration
2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Duncan Hopkins
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Duncan Hopkins
Market and Food Vendors
We fortunate to have a wide variety of market, artisan and delicious food vendors for you to shop, eat and drink to your hearts content while strolling the gardens.
**Food vendors, applications for this event are closed however, we are collecting food vendor applications for Canada Day until May 12, and for the Bright and Merry Market until September 29.
Market Vendors
3d Forge Shop |
Whimsical 3d printed products. Instagram: @3dforgeshop |
Bunny's Burrow Crochet |
Handmade crochet and felt pieces. Instagram: @bunnysburrowcrochet |
Canadian Peony Society |
Make sure you pick up an arrangement from the Canadian Peony Society. You won't be sorry, unless you get there too late and they are sold out. |
Clarrie's Fine Art |
Original paintings, framed embellished prints. Instagram: @clarrie_art |
Couture Candlelight |
100% Soy candles, hand-poured in a variety of scents. @couturecandlelight |
Creative Novel Art |
Creative re-purposed books are made into beautiful art objectt. View products on Instagram: @creativenovelart |
Creative Wood Products |
Live edge charcuterie boards, end grain and 3D cutting boards. Hand-crafted wood salt and pepper grinders. All made with care and both local and exotic woods. |
Designs by Diane |
Beautiful birdhouses, garden art and screen paintings. View more on Facebook: Designs by Diane @facebook |
Diane Maxwell Artist |
Artistic mixed media and acrylic paintings. View the art on Instagram: @diane.maxwell.75098 |
Eastcliff Farm |
This is where you can find cages to keep your peonies, hydrangea. You can also find arbours, obelisks and topiaries, garden stakes and spheres for your garden. View products on their website: Eastcliff Farm |
Fetching |
Do you have a furry friend? Fetching can have them looking dressed to the nines! Bow ties, tuxedos, collar bows and more! See their products: Instagram: @fetchingwithlm |
HandcraftedJMS |
Handmade art, prints and cards, including embroidered and knitted items. View products on Instagram: @jackie.scott.73550 |
Handmade Simplify |
Beautiful handmade quilts, aprons, dishtowels, tote bags and more. View products on Instagram: @handmadesimplify |
Highlands Soy Candle Co. |
All natural handcrafted soy wax candles, scented with essential oils that are pet-friendly. View products on Instagram: @highlandssoycandle |
Tulips and Twitch Garden Art and Decor |
Gorgeous garden art and decor items all handcrafted by local artists. Sheet metal and rock designs of hummingbirds, herons and more. View products on their website: Tulips and Twitch |
Jackie Warmelink Potter |
Beautiful handcrafted stoneware clay is folded or shaped into functional bowls, serving dishes and vases. View products on Instagram: @jackiewarmelink |
Julieta's Art Corner |
Lovely water colour paintings of peonies including prints, greeting cards and more. View products on Instagram: @julieta3338 |
Just Some Local Artists |
Original artwork and handmade crafts including coasters, planters and crocheted items from local artists. View products on Instagram: @made.by.kc |
Kat's Kreations |
Beautiful upscaled recycled glassware become custom bird baths, feeders, plant stands and garden trellis. There is literally something for every person's budget. |
Market Vendors, continued
KS Creations |
One of a kind functional and whimsical pottery. View products on Instagram: @ks_creations_pottery |
KvH Fashions |
Clothing, knitted items, hats, soap, vinyl items and fascinators. View products on Instagram: @kvhfashions |
Laila Goddess |
Original hand printed textiles and original clothing design for mature women with changing bodies.
Women's tops, dresses, jackets, coats, pants, and accessories. View products on Instagram: @lailagoddess |
Linda Baker Cole Fine Arts |
Original paintings in watercolour, oil and acrylic. Prints from original paintings. Cards from original paintings |
MLL Apparel by My Legging Lady |
MLL Apparel (by My Legging Lady) customizes yoga band leggings and apparel as well as comfy pants, tops, summer dresses and more! New this year pet attire! View products on Instagram: @mllapparel |
Nostalgia91 |
Handcrafted nostalgic soy-based candles to inspire memorable moments and joy. View products on Instagram: @nostalgia91 |
Olivia Leigh Designs |
Gorgeous functional resin art made with preserved florals including tables, coasters, bookmarks, jewelry trays, ring holders, bottle stoppers, keychains, bookends, and display pieces. View products on Instagram: @olivialeighdesigns |
PaPaw's Bakery |
Delicious homemade, all natural treats for both dogs and cats. View products on Instagram: @papawsbakery |
Phoenix Soap Company |
Specializing in artisan hot process soap and soy candles with a product range of 10 soaps and 13 candles, and new products being created regularly. Soaps are cruelty-free, vegan friendly and handmade in Seagrave, ON. View products on Instagram: @phoenixsoapcomany |
Pink Squirrel |
Fun and unique handmade jewelry and accessory items. Glass tiles that are embellished with multi-media to make pendants, earrings, bracelets and keyrings. Unique beaded earrings, bracelets and necklaces, as well as items using upcycled dominoes, Scrabble/game pieces, guitar picks and more. View products on Instagram: @pink.squirrel.accessories |
Rose Swan |
Beautiful handmade cosmetic/travel bags, sizes, small medium and large. Peony flowers purses and storage pods. View products on Instagram: @roseswan.co |
Rotary Club of Oshawa Parkwood |
Does your garden need a feed? The Rotary Club of Oshawa Parkwood has got you covered with their 100% composted livestock manure. They also have handcrafted unique birdhouses. Proceeds from sales help fund their work in the community. |
Rustic Path Studio |
Handcrafted jewelry crafted with semi precious stones, Swarovski crystals, glass beads, copper and silver. View products on Instagram: @rusticpathstudio |
The Hemp Spot |
All Canadian Hemp products: lotions, creams, pain sticks, candles, hemp hearts, vegan protein, pet shampoo, pet balm, leashes, collars, tea towels, and face cloths. View products on Instagram: @thehempspot |
Wall Naturals |
Handmade soaps and lip balms and wooden soap dish trays. View products on Instagram: @wallnaturals |
Wool 4 Ewe Fiber Mill |
Wool fiber items and needle felting supplies as well as wool felted soaps, dryer balls, insoles, blankets, roving, felted sheets, trimmed mittens, hats and headbands. View products on website: Wool4Ewe |
Food Vendors
Coal Pot Jerk |
Delicious jerk chicken cooked on-site with rice and beans. You'll love Rayon's traditional foods. Instagram: @chefrayoncampbell |
Coco Fresh Tea and Juices |
Refreshing cool drinks for everyone's taste buds. If you haven't tried their fresh drinks you are missing out. |
Coffee Brake |
Enjoy a delicious artisan coffee or pastry from this trendy vendor! Instagram: @coffeebraketruck |
Eat My Shortbread |
If you are looking for shortbread and butter tarts, this is a must! Stop by and have a look! Instagram: @eatmyshortbreadcompany |
Golden Grill |
Do love Korean street food? This is where you will find tasty kimchi fries, bulgogi tacos and so much more! Check them out on Instagram: @goldengrillfoodtruck |
Kopi Thyme |
Kopi Thyme helps you bring the taste of authentic take away home. Their sauces and spice blends will help you create incredible meals for your family. You can find them on Instagram: @kopithyme |
Masala Food Box |
Do love Spicy Affairs in Oshawa? Do you love the authentic flavours of India? This is the food truck for you! Johny and his crew have a tasty menu waiting for you. Check out their Instagram: @masalaboxft |
Food Vendors, continued
Newfound Flavours |
If you like making tasty charcuterie boards, with spicy and tasty jams, or making meals with new flavours Newfound Flavours has you covered! View their products in Instagram: @newfoundflavours |
Smokes Poutinerie |
Need we say more? Smokes is the quintessential poutine provider in Durham. They have the fries! You can view their menu on Facebook: Smokes Poutinerie Oshawa |
Sunny Hotdog |
The name says it all! Hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, and drinks. Loving cooked over a BBQ while you wait. It wouldn't be an event without Sunny Hotdog! |
The Ice Cream Man |
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! Nothing is better on a hot and steamy day like an old fashioned dipped cone from an ice cream truck. |
Whimsical Crispie Co. |
If you haven't heard of Whimsical Crispie Co. where have you been? Susan makes artisan rice crispie treats that are beautiful and tasty enough to be gifts or a treat for you! Don't miss her booth! You can see her products on Instagram: @whimsicalcrispie |
Parking and Event Shuttle
Parking:
Parking at 155 Arena St. is for those holding an Ontario issued accessibility parking pass. It must be prominently displayed so our attendants can provide access to the lot.
There is off-site free parking at:
- City Hall parking lot: 50 Queen St.
- Parkade 2: 117 Bond St.
- On-street parking where permitted by law
- Grass lot east of Arena St. and west of Kaizer Crescent on the north side of Adelaide St.
Shuttle: Provided by OSCC+55
Stops:
- 155 Arena St. Peony Festival
- Parkwood Estate (**last pick up 4:05 p.m.)
- Bond and MacMillan Dr. (north west corner)
- 65 Queen St. at pick up sign by the main sidewalk
Contests
Photography Contest
Pictured above are last years first and second place winners!
Top left picture 1st place taken by Nandhini Ravichandran
Bottom centre 2nd place picture taken by Luba Platkin
Every year we hold an open all-ages photography contest. This year we are fortunate to have the Oshawa Camera Club judge the photo contest for us!
You could win one of the following prizes:
- $150 Gift card to Henry's Camera Store
- $100 Gift card to Henry's Camera Store
- $50 Gift card to Henry's Camera Store
Contest opens Saturday, June 8 and closes Sunday, July 14 at 11:59 p.m.
Art Contest presented by:
This year the Peony Festival art contest is open to all ages (with parental consent).
Our guests choose on their favourites!
You could win one of the following prizes:
- First prize: "You Pick Two for a Year" coupon from Panera Bread (approximate value of $320)
- Second prize: "Salad for a Year" coupon from Panera Bread (approximate value of $180)
Contest terms and conditions
Frequently asked questions:
Accessibility - parking, venue and shuttle |
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Service animals and pets |
Please keep in mind this event is extremely busy with guests, we welcome your furry friends as along as they are friendly, leashed and under the control of an adult at all times.
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Washrooms |
Available:
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Companion Event
The Matsuyama Bonsai Society are offering a free show and demonstrations at Parkwood Estate, 270 Simcoe St. N., Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The shuttle from the Peony Festival will make regular stops at Parkwood Estates throughout the day from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (sharp).
Be sure to check out this cool attraction!
Photography at City of Oshawa events
The City of Oshawa hosts open, free public events. Photographers will be present taking photos and video footage at these events. These images may be used without further notification on City-owned and non-City-owned property, print media, digital media, the Internet, social media sites, media releases and broadcasts. By attending, you consent to such use.
Peony advice and virtual tours
Peony Advice |
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Watch these how to videos on all types of peonies, planting, dividing and designing! |
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Virtual Tours 2020/2021 | ||||||
Check out these virtual tours from the comfort of your home.
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2024 Sponsors
Partners
Centennial Sponsors of this event
Award-winner
Designation
Winner of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario! That's 11 years in a row! You don't want to miss this festival!