Back to Search
Celebrate Heritage Week 2026 from Aug. 1 – 8, as we showcase the many aspects of Burlington’s various heritages. This year's theme is Waterways of Life: Connecting our Cultures and Heritages.
Heritage Week 2026 is a time to celebrate the many aspects of Burlington’s various heritages. A sub-committee with over 35 representatives from various organizations, departments and individuals has worked together for many months to offer residents and visitors a very special week of heritage events.
Sub-committee members include members from the City’s Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee, Burlington Historical Society, Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington, Burlington Halton Black History Awareness Society, Beach Canal Lighthouse, Kilbride History Group and David Craig of History Pix and many others.
Along with these events, residents and visitors are encouraged to check out three displays including a cabinet outside of the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 426 Brant St. and a series of historical images, from various sources, in the lower atrium. Also check out the informative signage at Centennial Square, at the south end of Brant Street and Cogeco’s YourTV History Minutes for noteworthy heritage information.
A total of 16 events are planned for Heritage Week, with many reflecting the theme of this year, “Waterways of Life: Connecting Our Cultures and Heritages”. The planned schedule of events is included below. We look forward to having you join us for this year’s Heritage Week events.
Get Social! Follow the City’s social media platforms @cityburlington as other activities may be announced. All events have free admission though some require pre-registration or may have refreshments at a cost. Any donations of canned food will be given to the Burlington Food Bank.
Parking at municipal parking lots is free on Sundays, holidays and after 6 p.m. during the week except for certain lots (e.g. the Waterfront lots east and west at Spencer Smith Park and at Beachway Park).
If you have any questions about the celebrations, please email Heritage Burlington.
Heritage Week 2026 Schedule
Opening Ceremony
Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 to 11 a.m.
Location: LaSalle Park Pavillion, 50 North Shore Blvd. East, upper level ballroom, accessible by stairs and elevator
Join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Indigenous Spiritual Healer White Eagle and Town Crier David Vollick and other special guests at the Pavillion as we formally launch Heritage Week 2026.
The ceremony will include organizations and businesses with notable anniversaries including recognition certificates and other activities. Enjoy beautiful music by Olivia Brown, a multi-talented musician, singer and teacher before and after the ceremony, starting at 9:45 a.m.
In-person. Light refreshments. Capacity limited to 60 people.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
LaSalle Park and Waterfront Walking Tour
Saturday, Aug. 1, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (approx. end time)
Location: meet at the ground floor of the LaSalle Park Pavillion
Following the Opening Ceremony, join Alan Harrington of the Burlington Historical Society on a walk through LaSalle Park. Hear about the explorer Rene-Robert Cavalier de LaSalle, the man, the park and the legend…walk in his footsteps.
Along the route, enjoy listening to stories while looking at locations of interest. Learn about the history of this unique natural area and community.
Parking available on site. Maximum of 30 people. Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen or other weather-appropriate wear are recommended for your enjoyment.
Registration: To pre-register, email Heritage Burlington.
Water Themed Pop-Up Art Sale
Starting Saturday, Aug. 1 and all week, when Burlington Centre open
Location: Burlington Centre, 777 Guelph Line
Join Arts Burlington for an all-Guild art sale at the Hub in the Burlington Centre to showcase art with a water theme. Talk with the artists about their artwork and purchase a piece or two for your home. Since first opening its doors in 1968 as the Burlington Mall on the former Fisher family farm, the Burlington Centre has been about community.
Their goal has been to bring together the right mix of retail, services and experiences to meet the needs of residents. The name “Burlington Centre” reflects their vision: to be the heart of the Burlington community.
In addition to being a shopping destination, the Centre hosts the Lion’s Club Farmers’ Market three days a week from June until October, the classic car show on Monday evenings during the summer, and the Hub for other activities.
In-person.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
Halton Emancipation Celebration Festival
Saturday, Aug. 1, 1 to 11 p.m.
Location: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd.
Celebrating the 192nd year of Emancipation throughout the British Commonwealth, the Freedom Festival brings together music, children’s activities, cultural art, food, crafts and heritage, historical, genealogical and multi-cultural groups to promote inclusivity and community integration.
Share in the joy with the Halton Black History Awareness Society, as Burlington was the first city in the world to proclaim August as Emancipation Month. Bring lawn chairs, sunshade, an appetite and dance wear for optimal enjoyment!
For more information, visit Emancipation Celebration Festival.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
Hike the Twelve Mile Creek Valley on the River and Ruin Trail
Sunday, Aug. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Kilbride Park parking lot
Join Joe Borges, the Hike Director for the Iroquois Bruce Trail Club for a special journey along the River and Ruin trail through the Twelve Mile Creek Valley. This area is one of Burlington’s most historically rich landscapes, where the natural drama of Twelve Mile Creek meets the traces of Burlington’s early settlement history.
Along the way, we will explore the stories of Kilbride, Lowville, and the Cleaver family, whose mill and homestead helped shape this valley nearly two hundred ago. From the limestone ruins and historic mill site to the creek that powered early industry and settlement, the route reveals how farming, waterpower, and pioneering families transformed the area into one of Burlington’s most fascinating heritage corridors.
If you enjoy trails with a strong sense of place, local history, and a great story under your boots, this is the hike for you. Dogs are not permitted. Parking at the Kilbride Park parking lot behind the school.
Maximum of 35 people. Wear weather and hiking appropriate boots and clothing. Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray and water.
Registration: To pre-register online, visit River and Ruin Trail Hike.
Release of Fourth Heritage Driving Tour Focused on the Waterfront
Sunday, Aug. 2, self-guided
Location: starts at Burloak Drive and Lakeshore Road (parts may also be done by bike or walking)
Heritage Burlington is sharing its fourth self-guided driving tour of Burlington. This tour starts at Burloak Drive and Lakeshore Road and ends along Plains Road highlighting how the lake and waterfront has played a role in the City’s growth and enjoyment.
Learn more about the waterfront community along with historic places of interest and related stories. Find the tour route online starting on Sunday, Aug. 2 on the Burlington Historical Society website.
In-person and self-guided. Please safely follow all rules of the road, including parking.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
Spencer Smith Park and Waterfront Walking Tour
Monday, Aug. 3, 10 to 11 a.m.
Location: Meet at the end of Brant Street by the historical informative signage
Join Alan Harrington from the Burlington Historical Society on a walk from Spencer Smith Park to the Beach Canal/Lighthouse. Enjoy hearing stories along the route and looking at locations of interest. The beauty of the walk is that much of it takes place in the shade along a paved trail.
Hear about the history of this unique natural area and community. Meet at the end of Brant Street by the historical informative signage. The walk can end at the canal bridge or may be extended to a visit outside of the lighthouse and its associated keeper’s cottage which has just been refurbished by the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group and the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority.
Maximum of 30 people. The walk will proceed rain or shine, so appropriate dress required.
Registration: To pre-register, email Heritage Burlington.
Presentation by Mark Zelinski on “Niagara Escarpment: Land Between Waters"
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd. East
Enjoy Mark Zelinski's presentation of his most recent book “Niagara Escarpment: Land Between Waters” released in 2026. This book brings exquisite focus to the environmental treasures of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and to the diverse Indigenous and settler communities that thrive along its rugged, curving path.
The show includes photos and stories from his global travels and also features Mark’s stunning photography of the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), considered the plant and wildlife biodiversity hotspot of Canada. Mark Zelinski trained as an artist and a designer graduating from the Ontario College of Art and Design.
His diverse career as a professional photographer has taken him across 80 countries, with clients ranging from The National Film Board of Canada to Panasonic. He is also a publisher, writer, painter, filmmaker, Fellow of Royal Canadian Geographic Society, member of The Explorer’s Club and winner of the Canadian Governor General’s Medal. Purchase and signing of books will be available.
Maximum of 50 people. In person. Parking on-site or at the municipal parking lot at Brock Avenue and Lakeshore Road.
Registration: To pre-register, email Heritage Burlington.
So You Think You Know Burlington Trivia Night
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Community Studio, 440 Locust St.
Burlington’s Past Comes Alive! Join us for Heritage Week’s most popular event. Curious about Burlington’s rich history? Test your local knowledge and learn surprising facts at our annual Burlington History Trivia Night!
Hosted by Don Thorpe and David Craig, this lively evening features brand-new questions, historical tidbits, and stories that will have you laughing and guessing. Do not miss out—this event fills up fast. Individuals or groups welcomed.
In-person with a maximum of 148 participants.
Registration: To pre-register online, visit Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
The Meaning of Water for the Six Nations, Joseph Brant and Burlington’s History
Thursday, Aug. 6, 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, Centennial Hall, 2331 New St.
Dr. Rick Monture, Professor at McMaster University, member of the Mohawk nation and Turtle Clan, explores the legacy of influential Mohawk military and political leader Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea). Monture provides historical insight into Brant’s contributions to shaping Indigenous-settler relations, military campaigns, water rights and the founding of the Six Nations of the Grand River.
Dr. Monture examines the unique role Brant played in Indigenous history and the impact he left on the region and beyond. If available, Lindyn Hill, a Research Fellow will speak about resources being developed on Haudenosaunee teachings of water and a digital story on the history of the Grand River and Six Nations.
In-person. Maximum capacity of 70 seats.
Registration: To pre-register online, visit the Burlington Public Library.
Heritage Fair - Celebrating Burlington’s Organizations, Community Service and Local History
Friday, Aug. 7, 12 to 4 p.m.
Location: Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, Centennial Hall, 2331 New St.
Spend an afternoon immersed in Burlington’s history! Meet with local organizations and community groups to learn about their history and the part they play in preserving Burlington’s rich heritage.
Explore informative exhibits and displays, talk with members, and listen to special speaker presentation (see below).
In-person. Maximum capacity of 70 seats.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
Special Presentations on the Water Around Us
Friday, Aug. 7, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Location: Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, Centennial Hall, 2331 New St.
Listen to two special talks from:
- Mark McNeil, former journalist with The Hamilton Spectator, who will share stories about Burlington Bay/Hamilton Harbour
- Kellie McCormack, Acting Senior Director Watershed Management and Climate Change at Conservation Halton, who will share about the past and the future of the conservation authority.
In-person. Maximum capacity of 70 seats.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
Lowville History Talk
Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.
Location: Lowville United Church, 5800 Guelph Line
Join us for a talk on the rich history of Lowville, its beginnings and early residents. Enjoy a PowerPoint presentation exploring the village’s history with some never-before-seen early photos.
In-person. Seats are limited. Parking on site, west of church on Brittania Road.
Registration: To pre-register online, visit the Kilbride History Group
Doors Open Burlington
Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Citywide
Explore Burlington’s culture and heritage during Doors Open Burlington by travelling around our wonderful city and discovering its stories.
All in-person Doors Open Burlington sites offer free admission and onsite activities. Doors Open Ontario is a Province-wide program under the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Self-guided.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
Burlington Beach Litter Cleanup and Other Water Related Activities
Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 1094 Lakeshore Rd.
Join BurlingtonGreen for a Burlington Beach litter cleanup with the ever popular nurdle hunt activity. Children will be able to make eco pledge buttons about conserving and protecting water.
Other water protection/conservation tips and resources will also be available.
Payment for parking may be required. This is an outdoor event, please be weather conscious and prepare accordingly.
Registration: No pre-registration needed.
Open Mic – Special History Edition
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, Centennial Hall, 2331 New St.
Do you have a story, poem, song or anecdote about living in Burlington past or present? Share it at this Burlington-themed Open Mic taking place as a part of Burlington’s Heritage Week 2026.
Whether you are an artist, speaker or appreciative audience member, this open mic is for you! Here is the opportunity:
- 250 words or five minutes
- Sign up when you arrive – participants will appear on stage in the order they registered. We will do our best to accommodate everyone on the list in the 90 minutes.
- Please ensure content shared is respectful and does not include hateful, offensive or discriminatory language.
Share your talents or just come and watch performers in a warm, friendly and supportive space.
In-person. Parking on site. Maximum capacity of 70 seats.
Registration: Registration on site.
Subscribe