Top 10 things to do in Oshawa this summer

Experience City events

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to join us for free events in the park all summer long! Presented by TD Bank, Events in the Park is a family-friendly series of events held at various Oshawa parks this July and August. Mark your calendars for Kars on King, another popular City event returning to downtown Oshawa on August 23, featuring hundreds of classic vehicles dating back to 1991 and older. For more information about these and other free City events, visit the City’s website.

Explore the great outdoors

Oshawa’s trail system encompasses almost 410 hectares of parkland and more than 27 km of paved surface, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor physical activities like walking, running and cycling. Visit our feature gardens in Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, home to the City’s award-winning annual Peony Festival, or stroll the path through scenic Lakeview Park where you could spend the entire day at the beach or play areas. You won’t want to miss Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park, the City’s newest addition to the waterfront parks system, featuring an expansive Garden of Human Rights, amphitheatre stage and the best views of the vibrant Port of Oshawa.

Make a splashThe City of Oshawa has plenty of outdoor options for staying cool and having fun this summer! Spend the day at Lakeview Park Beach, take the plunge at Camp Samac outdoor pool or visit a City splash pad. More information about leisure swim schedules is available on the City’s website. 

Catch a live showDive into Downtown Oshawa’s vibrant night life, where you’ll discover a wide range of live entertainment and performance venues, from music halls to concert stadiums. Tribute Communities Centre, one of the world’s top-rated venues of its size, hosts concerts, acts and conventions on the grand stage. Intimate venues like Regent Theatre, Biltmore Theatre and BOND|ST Event Centre offer a variety of one-of-a-kind live performance experiences.

Learn about the pastCelebrate our 100^th anniversary as a City by visiting one of Oshawa’s museums and heritage sites. Oshawa Museum, a trio of historic homes in Lakeview Park, displays life as it was for prominent Oshawa families in the 1800s. You won’t want to miss Parkwood National Historic Site, the impressive mansion and gardens of the late R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors of Canada. The Canadian Automotive Museum also takes a spin through automotive history featuring many unique vehicles, while the Canadian Tank Museum puts Oshawa’s rich military history on blast.

Immerse yourself in art and imagination

Give your imagination a stretch by visiting your local branch of the Oshawa Public Libraries, which offers a wide range of free programming and events for all ages this summer. Or spend some time getting to know Oshawa’s art scene by exploring the modern and contemporary exhibits at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. Or create your own downtown art crawl by searching out the City’s murals and works of public art that highlight our City’s history, culture and significant milestones. For more information and a list of public art locations, visit the City’s website.

Shop eclectic downtown spots

Discover unique shopping in Downtown Oshawa, from record stores to collectable shops and everything in between! Our Local Business Guide offers a wide range of shopping options and many hidden gems in Downtown Oshawa and across the city.

Sit on a sunny patioWhether you’re craving lazy afternoons with refreshing sips or are eager to indulge in mouth-watering bites under the sun, Oshawa is home to some of the best summer patios in Durham Region. From charming street-level cafes perfect for people-watching to eclectic outdoor eating experiences like North Oshawa’s Food Truck Alley, Oshawa has it all. For a complete guide, check out the Oshawa Culinary Compass developed by Oshawa Tourism.

Explore other local eatsReflecting the growing diversity of our city, Oshawa’s food scene has something for every taste. From multicultural and fusion cuisine to cozy local eateries and popular food places, foodies will find it all in our city. The Oshawa Culinary Compass takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect place to eat in Oshawa for every occasion.

Savor fresh findsShopping at an Oshawa farmers’ market is a great way to purchase local, fresh, in-season produce and support our farming community. Oshawa is home to several local farmers’ markets available throughout the growing season. For locations, visit the City’s website.