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Heritage Week 2025 is a time to celebrate the many aspects of Burlington’s various heritages. This special week brings together over 35 individuals and organizations who have collaborated for months to offer residents and visitors a unique program of heritage events.
Annually, a sub-committee led by a member from the City’s Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee, the Burlington Historical Society, the 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 arrange activities during the first full week of August. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check out three displays at City Hall at 426 Brant St. These are located outside City Hall, near Council Chambers and in the lower atrium. Also check out the informative signage at Confederation Square, at the south end of Brant Street. Watch out also for Cogeco’s History Minutes for noteworthy heritage information.
Several events have been brought back by popular demand, along with new additions – totaling 18 events under Heritage Week's theme “Living with Our Natural Heritage, Naturally” and Doors Open Ontario’s “The City is Your Playground: Get Ready to Play.”
See the planned schedule of events below.
All events offer free admission, though some require pre-registration, and have refreshments available for purchase. Non-perishable food donations for the Burlington Food Bank will be accepted. 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).
Stay connected by following @cityburlington on social media for updates and additional activities. If you have any questions, please email hb@burlington.ca.
| Date and time | Event |
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Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 10 - 11 a.m. |
Opening Ceremony Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB), 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Shoreline Room Join Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Indigenous Spiritual Healer White Eagle, Town Crier David Vollick, Art Gallery Executive Director Emma Quin, and other special guests as we launch Heritage Week at the AGB which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The ceremony includes recognition of organizations and businesses marking significant milestones, live music from the Burlington Symphony Orchestra quartet, and light refreshments. In-person. No registration required. Capacity limited to 50 attendees. |
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Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Railway and Historic Houses Walking Tour (start at Art Gallery of Burlington parking lot, 1333 Lakeshore Rd.) Following the Opening Ceremony, join Alan Harrington of the Burlington Historical Society on a walk from the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) along Brock Avenue to Ontario Street and beyond. Along the route, enjoy hearing stories about local history, the community, and locations of interest. Parking lot fees may apply on-street, at the AGB, or in municipal parking lots. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. In-person. Pre-register at hb@burlington.ca. |
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Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 12 to 4 p.m. |
Pop-Up Art Sale and Other Displays Burlington Centre, 777 Guelph Line Join the Burlington Fine Arts Association, the Burlington Historical Society, and the Burlington Lighthouse Association at a ‘pop-up’ event at Burlington Centre that brings together art and history. Since opening in 1968 on the former Fisher family farm, Burlington Centre has focused on community. Its new name reflects its vision to be Burlington’s heart. It also hosts the Lion’s Club Farmers’ Market (June–October), a classic car show on summer Monday evenings, and a range of activities at the Hub. In-person. No registration required. |
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Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 9 to 10 a.m. |
Burlington Horticultural Society’s Maple Park Garden Tour 750 Maple Ave., south of the Mapleview Mall Join an enthusiastic member of the Burlington Horticultural Society on a stroll through their public community garden. The 45-minute walk and talk will focus on the importance of adding pollinator and native plants to gardens for the environment. A 15-minute question period will follow. Please meet on the grass area beside the Maple Community Gardens (just north of the Burlington Gymnastics Club). Parking is available at the south end of Mapleview Mall or in any parking lot nearby. Conveniently located near the bus stop on Maple Ave. (near Richmond) routes 10 or 50. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. Please note the garden path is an unpaved surface (wood chips). In person. Rain or shine. Pre-register at hb@burlington.ca.
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Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 Self-guided |
Release of Third Heritage Driving Tour Focused on Play (parts may also be done by biking or walking) Heritage Burlington is sharing its third self-guided driving tour of Burlington. In commemoration the Doors Open Ontario 2025 theme of “The City is Your Playground: Get Ready to Play” the tour will take you through city locations to play or for recreation. With boundaries extending west to Hamilton, east to Oakville and north-east to Milton, Burlington offers unique landscapes with a variety of cultural and natural heritage. Find the tour route on the Burlington Historical Society’s webpage at burlingtonhistorical.ca. In-person. No registration required. Please safely follow all rules of the road, including parking.
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Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 10 to 11 a.m. |
Greenwood Cemetery Tour Greenwood Cemetery, 1030 Greenwood Dr. Come walk the grounds of Burlington’s largest municipally-owned non-denominational cemetery. Learn about the final resting spot of some of Burlington’s early or prominent citizens. Meet at the hill in the centre of the cemetery beside the large cross. Walk is approximately 1 km on accessible public access and sidewalk mainly on level ground though some may be on uneven ground and grass. Portions will be wheelchair accessible along the paved portion of the route. Dogs are not permitted. Photographs are permitted. Free parking along the laneways in the cemetery. Please be respectful as a funeral may be happening. In-person. Pre-register at hb@burlington.ca. Rain or shine – dress appropriately. Maximum 50 people. |
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Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 4 to 5 p.m. |
Burlington Horticultural Society’s Maple Park Garden Tour 750 Maple Ave., south of the Mapleview Mall Join an enthusiastic member of the Burlington Horticultural Society on a stroll through their public community garden. The 45-minute walk and talk will focus on the importance of adding pollinator and native plants to gardens for the environment. A 15-minute question period will follow. Please meet on the grass area beside the Maple Community Gardens (just north of the Burlington Gymnastics Club). Parking is available at the south end of Mapleview Mall or in any parking lot nearby. Conveniently located near the bus stop on Maple Ave. (near Richmond) routes 10 or 50. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. Please note the garden path is an unpaved surface (wood chips). In person. Rain or shine. Pre-register at hb@burlington.ca. |
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Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 7 p.m. |
Museums of Burlington “Meet Me at the Brant Inn” Film Screening Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd. East Experience Burlington’s Golden Age with a film screening of “Meet Me at the Brant Inn” at Joseph Brant Museum. The Brant Inn was a popular entertainment and dining venue located on the shores of Lake Ontario in downtown Burlington east of the museum. From the 1930s to the 1960s, the biggest names in show business played at the Brant Inn. The 2008 TV documentary brings to life the historic entertainment venue and the remarkable showman behind its success. Attendance includes film screening, light refreshments, and popcorn (while supplies last). The Museum’s galleries will not be open in the evening. In-person. Pre-registration with museumsofburlington.ca is recommended. Maximum 40 people per screening time. Sponsored by Hearing Well Matters. |
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Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 10 to 11 a.m. |
Roseland Park’s Homage to its Natural Surroundings: A Combined Architectural, Urban Forestry and Landscaping Walk Roseland Park Country Club parking lot, 3079 Princess Blvd., west of Port Nelson United Church
Join a City of Burlington Heritage Planner and the Chair of Heritage Burlington for a leisurely walk exploring the various architectural and environmental aspects of the Roseland Park neighbourhood. Most people know planting trees is one of the best ways to combat climate change. Did you know that for a tree to be carbon neutral, it needs to survive for five years after transplanting? Growing trees in an urban environment is tough. Check out how many of these properties still have their one maple tree per lot planted when the development of Roseland Park began 100 years ago. Learn how builders included natural elements in several of the 1900s building styles. This walk will last approximately 45 minutes along mainly sidewalks and will conclude with a questions and answers session. Comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat, sunscreen, insect spray, and other weather-appropriate wear is recommended. In-person. Pre-register at hb@burlington.ca.
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Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 7 to 9 p.m. |
So You Think You Know Burlington Trivia Night 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. Registration required. Maximum 160 participants. |
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Wednesday, Aug. 6 & Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
1967 Centennial and Other Special Quilts Exhibit and Presentations Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd. East, Shoreline Room Judy Lyons, appraiser, author and collector will be available in the morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on both days to showcase and speak about the Burlington Teen Tour Band quilt and the Netherlands D-Day quilt. In the afternoon, from 1 to 2 p.m., a second presentation on the Centennial quilts will start with an introduction to Judy’s book, which will be available for sale ($45) and signing. After 2:30 p.m. to site closing, there will be drop-in for quilt consultations at no cost. If interested, please bring in a beloved quilt. In-person. Pre-registration required at hb@burlington.ca. NOTE: If you wish to visit other exhibits, Museum admission will apply. |
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Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 10 to 11 a.m. |
Burlington Horticultural Society’s Maple Park Garden Tour 750 Maple Ave., south of the Mapleview Mall Join an enthusiastic member of the Burlington Horticultural Society on a stroll through their public community garden. The 45-minute walk and talk will focus on the importance of adding pollinator and native plants to gardens for the environment. A 15-minute question period will follow. Please meet on the grass area beside the Maple Community Gardens (just north of the Burlington Gymnastics Club). Parking is available at the south end of Mapleview Mall or in any parking lot nearby. Conveniently located near the bus stop on Maple Ave. (near Richmond) routes 10 or 50. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. Please note the garden path is an unpaved surface (wood chips). In person. Rain or shine. Pre-register at hb@burlington.ca.
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Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 7 to 9 p.m. |
First Nations Before the Tall Ships Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, 2331 New St., Centennial Hall An immersive and enlightening presentation on the rich history and vibrant culture of Canadian Indigenous peoples before European contact. Coast Ts’msyen First Nation, Elder, Pacific Northwest British Columbia – Lax Kw’alaams Band, Royal House of Niis’gumiik, Giluts’aaw Tribe, Gispudwada Clan (Orca) and Indigenous educator Kate Dickson aim to deepen our understanding of the profound impact of colonization by exploring the life, traditions, and wisdom of First Nations communities. Through engaging slides and interactive discussions, Dickson will delve into the daily lives, spiritual practices and social structures that define Indigenous existence. The presentation includes hands-on experiences with smudge items, animal skins, and the medicine wheel, offering a tangible connection to the past. With a blend of humour and informal storytelling, this session promises to be both education and thought-provoking. In-person. Pre-register at bpl.on.ca. |
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Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 12 to 4 p.m. |
Heritage Fair - Celebrating Burlington’s Organizations, Community Service and Local History Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, 2331 New St., Centennial Room 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 speakers. In-person. No registration required. Maximum 70 seats. |
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Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 1:30 to 3 p.m. |
Special Presentations Burlington Public Library, Central Branch, 2331 New St., Centennial Hall Listen to several special talks from a number of businesses and organizations including BackedByBees, City of Burlington Heritage Planning, Royal Botanical Gardens, History Pix, and others with a focus on the preservation of cultural heritage landscapes, buildings and objects. In-person. No registration required. Maximum 70 seats. |
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Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Lion’s Club Farmers Market Booth Burlington Centre, 777 Guelph Line, south-west corner with entrance from either Prospect St. or Guelph Line Celebrating its 100th birthday and the 65th anniversary of the Lion’s Club Farmers Market, visit Heritage Burlington’s display of activities and antique items/photographs and more, while you stroll through the farmers market. In-person. No registration required. |
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Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 9:30 a.m. |
Kilbride History Talk and Walk (details at pre-registration) Join us at the Kilbride United Church for a talk about the history of Kilbride. Learn about the founders, Panton and Baker, the hotel, evaporators, woolen mill, and more. Following the talk, there will be a walk through the village for those interested and weather permitting. In-person. Pre-registration with a signed waiver is required at kilbridehistory.com/category/events/. Seats are limited.
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Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Doors Open Burlington Explore Burlington’s culture and heritage during Doors Open Burlington by travelling around our great 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. Tour the Burlington Lion’s Club, celebrating its 100th anniversary, along with the Lowville School and St. John’s Anglican Church each celebrating its 190th year, and other locations.
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Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Art Gallery of Burlington Activities and Exhibits 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Join us in the Lee-Chin Family Gallery to view the 50th Anniversary Permanent Collection Exhibition, A Curve, Not a Line. The result of a dynamic collaboration between the gallery’s curatorial and education teams who worked with staff and community members to select a changing rotation of artwork. Exploring thematic and material connections that speak to slowness, playfulness, resourcefulness, and time, with both historical and ancestral traditions and contemporary innovations. At its heart is a fully functioning clay studio offering a unique and immersive experience. For more information, visit agb.life/visit/exhibitions/a-curve-not-a-line Volunteer Gallery Guides will also be present to provide informal exhibition tours and answer visitors' questions throughout Doors Open. In-person. Registration not required.
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Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Celebrating Burlington’s Artistic Guilds Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Arts Burlington is the committee that represents the six guilds that have studios in the AGB. Six dynamic and independently operated Guilds call Burlington home. These artist-led organizations unite creators of all skill levels and backgrounds, each promoting creativity, learning, and collaboration within their respective disciplines. The studio of these guilds will be open to the public during the Doors Open event. In-person. Registration not required.
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