Oshawa Peony Festival blooms into its 20th year

The City of Oshawa is thrilled to present the 20th annual Peony Festival on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens located adjacent to Children’s Arena (155 Arena St.).

Named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events, the festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features one of Canada’s largest contemporary peony collections in bloom in the gardens, in addition to hundreds of cut blooms displayed inside the arena during the Canadian Peony Society judged peony show.

Activities to enjoy

Admission to the festival is free. The Peony Festival features activities for all ages, including:

• Garden-inspired works by painters, sculptors and artisans
• Vendor market
• Local musicians on the stage
• A variety of food vendors to suit anyone’s taste
• Educational talks and exhibits
• New for the 100th anniversary year!
  • Expanded event footprint with vendors and a children’s area
  • Live theatre
  • Photo booths inside and outside
  • Buskers throughout the event space

Parking and Free Shuttles

Parking is available on-street where permitted, at the City Hall employee parking lot (45 Queen Str., off King St. and west of Centre St.) and at the McMillan Parkade (on McMillan Dr. between King St. and Bond St.). A free shuttle will stop at the Arts Resource Centre (45 Queen St.), Parkwood National Historic Site & Heritage Gardens, and on the northwest corner of Bond St. W. and McMillan Dr.

The shuttle bus will depart every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both festival days. Shuttle service is courtesy of the Oshawa Senior Community Centres, OSCC55+.

Please note that the shuttle bus is not accessible; the parking lot at 155 Arena St. is reserved for those with an accessible parking pass from the Ministry of Transportation.

Contests

Calling all artists! Take part in the Peony Festival Art Contest presented by Panera Bread. Create your own interpretation of the flower in celebration of the peony flower. Participants must complete an entry form online at Oshawa.ca/Peony. The submissions will be judged (People’s Choice) during the two-day festival by more than 9,000 festivalgoers from across Ontario.

Plan to enter the Peony photo contest for a chance to win an amazing prize! The contest begins on June 8 at 12 p.m. and closes on July 12 at 11:59 p.m. Winning photographs will be selected for their artistic and technical merits as assessed by Oshawa Camera Club. Details about the contest and the prizes can be found on the webpage: Oshawa.ca/Peony.

More information

The City of Oshawa would like to thank the following Peony Festival sponsors for their generous support:

• Canadian Peony Society
• TD Bank
• Panera Bread
• CKDO – Durham’s Classic Hits
• Magic Windows
• Vandermeer Nursery
• Gervais Party & Tent Rentals
• Ontario Motor Sales
• Oshawa Senior Community Centres (OSCC+55)

Our Centennial Event Sponsors:

• Durham College
• Renewal by Andersen

In addition, The City of Oshawa would like to thank the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for providing additional funding for the Peony Festival through the Experience Ontario 2024 Grant.

For more information, including parking, shuttle service, the art competition and photo contest, visit Oshawa.ca/Peony, call 905-436-3311 or email [email protected].

Oshawa’s Centennial

This year, the City is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a city. To mark the centennial, various new events and initiatives will take place throughout the year as well as enhancements to existing events. For the latest updates on the Centennial year celebrations, you can visit Oshawa.ca/100 or send an email to [email protected].

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Quotes:

"As we mark the 20th Peony Festival, join us on June 8th and 9th at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens to celebrate nature's beauty and artistic expression. From the vibrant blooms of the peonies to the creative works of local artisans, there's something for everyone to enjoy,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “Come and be part of a weekend filled with community, culture, and the vibrancy that is Oshawa."

"The Peony Festival remains one of Ontario’s most highly anticipated and popularly attended events that attracts visitors from across Canada and around the world to our dynamic city,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair of Economic and Development Services. “It is a tremendous honour to have the Oshawa Peony Festival named to the list of the province’s most prestigious festivals and events along with the CNE, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Ottawa Jazz Festival, Boots and Hearts and many more. Discover the beauty of Oshawa's Peony Festival, where you can admire over 300 varieties of peonies in full bloom. This event is a true feast for the senses, with talented artisans, live music, and exciting competitions!"

"Come experience the magic of Oshawa's premier festival! Enjoy vibrant gardens, artistry, music, and tasty treats. Join us for a celebration of beauty and community," said Councillor Bob Chapman, Vice-Chair of the Economic and Development Services Committee.