The City of Oshawa is returning to in-person events kicking off with the 18th annual Peony Festival on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 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 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and 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.
The City of Oshawa has proclaimed 2022 The Year of the Garden in celebration of the contribution of gardens and gardening to the development of Oshawa and the lives of community members. Celebrate the benefits of gardening, learn more about growing, enjoying and experiencing gardens, and all the vital quality of life benefits they provide.
Activities for all ages
Admission to the festival is free. The Peony Festival features activities for all ages, including:
- Garden inspired works by painters, sculptors and artisans
- Light jazz by local musicians on the Garden Stage
- Children’s Garden featuring an educational bug display and garden inspired crafts
- Local food vendors
Parking and Free Shuttles
Parking is available on-street, at the City Hall employee parking lot (45 Queen Street, off King Street and west of Centre Street, Saturday only) and at the McMillan parkade (on McMillan Avenue between King and Bond Streets). A free shuttle will stop at the Arts Resource Centre (45 Queen Street), Parkwood National Historic Site & Heritage Gardens, and on the north/west corner of Bond Street West and McMillan Drive.
The shuttle bus will depart every 20 minutes between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on both festival days. Shuttle service will be provided courtesy of Harmony Hill Retirement Community.
Please note that the shuttle bus is not accessible; the parking lot at 155 Arena Street 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. Create your own interpretation of the flower in celebration of the peony flower. Participants must be 18 years and older, and drop off their peony art at Children’s Arena, 155 Arena St., on Friday, June 10 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm The submissions will be judged (People’s Choice) during the two-day festival by more than 7,000 festival-goers from across Ontario. The winner will receive a $350 Gift Certificate from Curry’s Artists’ Materials.
Plan to enter the Peony Photo Contest for the chance to win an amazing prize! The contest begins on June 13 at 12:00 pm and closes July 15. The Grand Prize is a $350 gift certificate for Henry’s. Second Place receives a $150 gift certificate for Henry’s. Winning photographs will be selected for their artistic and technical merits as assessed by Harmony Hill Retirement Community Garden Club.
Explore the Gardens
Use your smartphone camera to scan Quick Response (QR) codes placed on signage throughout the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens to learn more about the park, points of interest and utilize a navigation guide between landmarks.
This Augmented Reality (AR) wayfinding tool was developed in 2019 by Durham College students as part of a TeachingCity Oshawa partnership between the City of Oshawa and Durham College’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and School of Media, Art and Design. For more unique ways to experience the Festival, visit Oshawa.ca/Peony.
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