Good morning! This is The Oakville Digest, your trusted guide to everything happening in the beautiful town of Oakville, Ontario.

Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

• 🎭 A sneak peak at Matilda the Musical

• 🎉 Oakville students raise money for a cause

• 📅 Tons of events this weekend!

Thanks for being part of our growing community. Let us know what you loved in today’s issue by replying to this email, and….

Let’s dive in!

News

🎭 Matilda Lights Up the Oakville Stage

Burloak Theatre Group’s Matilda the Musical has taken over the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts with a high-energy, heartwarming production—and it’s already selling out. Running until April 13, this ambitious show features a cast of 38 local performers, including 15 children, bringing the beloved Roald Dahl story to life.

At the centre is young Celine Jung, who shines as Matilda in her lead role debut. “Getting to be on stage is so much fun because the acting is really cool,” she says. Director Tim Cadeny praises her performance, calling it full of “bravery, heart and fun.” The production was originally scheduled for 2021 but delayed due to the pandemic—making this long-awaited debut even more meaningful.

With colourful characters, show-stopping songs, and a vibrant community spirit, Matilda is already one of BOTG’s top-selling musicals in nearly 50 years. A true celebration of local talent and the magic of theatre.

🏒 Rising Stars Hit the Ice in Oakville

Some of Canada’s top young hockey talent will gather in Oakville this weekend as Hockey Canada hosts a short training camp at Sixteen-Mile Sports Complex from April 12–16. The camp serves as a final evaluation for players hoping to make the national U-18 Men's team ahead of the World Championships in Texas.

This isn’t the first time Oakville has welcomed Hockey Canada—Sixteen-Mile was the site of the World Junior Selection Camp in 2023. Among those invited this year is local standout Michael Misa, fresh off a record-breaking OHL season. “If I am able to play [in the tournament] I would like to go,” Misa shared in a recent interview.

If selected, Misa is considered a top contender for team captain. The camp kicks off Saturday as Team Canada sets its sights on defending its gold medal.

Community Spotlight

⛸️ Halton Skater Nears Olympic Goal

Milton’s Lia Pereira and partner Trennt Michaud took a major step toward the 2026 Winter Olympics with an 11th-place finish at the ISU World Championships in Boston—earning Canada a second Olympic spot in pairs figure skating.

Despite battling illness and travel setbacks, the duo delivered under pressure. “Whatever was thrown our way, we were still able to put out two really good skates,” said Pereira, a University of Guelph student and former singles standout.

The pair now joins the Stars on Ice tour, with upcoming stops in Toronto and St. Catharines, offering a chance to build chemistry before Olympic season ramps up. “It’s quite exciting and motivating,” Pereira added.

🎉 Oakville Students Rally for a Cause

Oakville School’s March assembly turned into a powerful show of community spirit, led by Grade 8 student Daniel Tully. Daniel shaved his head in front of the school, raising over $3,000—triple the original goal—for classroom games and Central Plains Cancer Services.

His younger brother Greyson, a Grade 4 student, raised $675 and earned the honour of starting the head shave. “It was such a great family moment,” said Principal Mark Sokolowski.

Grade 7 student Merideth Bell presented a $2,000 donation to the cancer organization during the event. The school also unveiled a new sensory path, providing students a calming space to self-regulate.

Weather

Friday, April 11
🌧️ Cloudy with light rain.
High: 4°C | Low: 3°C.

Saturday, April 12
⛅ Clouds giving way to sun.
High: 6°C | Low: 3°C.

Sunday, April 13
🌤️ Warmer with a mix of sun and clouds.
High: 11°C | Low: 5°C.

Events

• Spring Home & Garden Show Multiple Times | April 11-13 (more info)

  • Location: Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line, Oakville

  • Description: Three-day showcase featuring home and garden exhibits, live music, and food offerings.

• The Psalms Project Concert 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM | April 11 (more info)

  • Location: Chartwell Church, 228 Chartwell Road, Oakville

  • Description: An evening of music inspired by the Psalms, featuring the Mike Janzen Trio with special guests.

• Mother's Day High Tea & Puppies 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | April 12 (more info)

  • Location: Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, 152 Wilson Street, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Mother's Day with tea service, sweet treats, and puppy cuddles. Two seatings available (9:30AM & 11:30AM).

• Music by Candlelight: Oakville Symphony 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | April 12 (more info)

  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Park Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville

  • Description: Candlelit concert blending classical masterpieces with modern pop hits. Features string orchestra performing works from Brahms to Taylor Swift and BTS.

• Bronte's Spring Handmade Market 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | April 13 (more info)

  • Location: 79 Jones Street, Oakville

  • Description: Discover unique handmade goods from local artisans. Enjoy free soup with purchase, live music, and chances to win gift baskets. Food and drinks available.

• Easter Parade with Duran Place for Kids 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | April 13 (more info)

  • Location: Sheridan College Athletics Field, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville

  • Description: Free family event featuring an Easter parade, children's characters, emergency vehicles, marching band, and the Easter Bunny. Food donations accepted for Fare Share Food Bank.

• Spring Fling Dumpling Popup 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | April 13 (more info)

  • Location: 550 Speers Road, Oakville

  • Description: Enjoy freshly made dumplings and spring-inspired drinks at this lively popup event. Features chicken soup dumplings and mocktails.

• Parent & Kid Pasta Making Class 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | April 13 (more info)

  • Location: Mercato Sociale, 257 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Interactive cooking class where families make gnocchi and farfalle pasta together. Includes full meal (pizza, salad, dessert) and non-alcoholic drinks. Nut-free.

• Monday Coffee & Conversation 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | April 14 (more info)

  • Location: The Women's Centre, 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville

  • Description: Weekly casual meetup for women to connect over coffee. Meet others and learn about center programs in a welcoming space.

• Meditation Mondays: Guided Session 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | April 14 (more info)

  • Location: Central Branch Library Auditorium, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Morning meditation session featuring breathwork and chakra awareness. Includes Q&A. Chairs provided or bring your mat. Ages 18+.

• Monday Night Trivia at The Tipsy Fox 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | April 14 (more info)

  • Location: The Tipsy Fox Pub & Grill, 478 Dundas Street West, Oakville

  • Description: Free visual pub trivia with digital scoring and prizes. Teams welcome. Great food/drinks in a lively atmosphere.

• Easter Egg Hunt at Amazing Playland 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | April 15 (more info)

  • Location: Amazing Adventures Playland, 333 Wyecroft Road, Oakville

  • Description: Indoor Easter egg hunt with hundreds of hidden eggs. Each child receives a chocolate bunny. Bring your own basket.

• Adult Book Club: The Woman on the Ledge 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | April 15 (more info)

  • Location: Glen Abbey Branch Library, 1415 Third Line, Oakville

  • Description: Discuss Ruth Mancini's thriller with fellow book lovers. Copies available at the branch. No registration required. Ages 18+.

• Jack's Tuesday Night Trivia 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | April 15 (more info)

  • Location: Jack Astor's (Dundas & 403), 3047 Vega Boulevard, Mississauga

  • Description: Free weekly trivia using mobile devices (no app needed). Play solo or in teams with prizes. Two sessions at 7:30PM & 8:30PM.

• Lululemon Oakville Run Club 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Starting April 15 (more info)

  • Location: lululemon Oakville Lakeshore, 291 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Weekly free running group for all levels. Meet at the store for social runs every Tuesday evening. Bring your own water bottle.

• Jim Cuddy in Concert 8:00 PM | April 15 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Centre for Performing Arts, 130 Navy Street, Oakville

  • Description: Canadian music legend performs songs from his new album "All The World Fades Away" and beloved classics.

• LeadTribes Networking Lunch 12:15 PM | April 16 (more info)

  • Location: Milestones Restaurant, 3051 Vega Boulevard, Mississauga

  • Description: Professional networking event for Ontario entrepreneurs to build connections and leadership skills. Refunds available up to 7 days prior.

• Fitness Class: Ballet-Inspired Workout 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | April 16 (more info)

  • Location: Taste of Colombia, 67 Bronte Road, Oakville

  • Description: Ballet-based fitness class focusing on strength, flexibility and posture using barre exercises. Suitable for all levels. Refunds available up to 7 days prior.

• Theatre Sheridan Gala: Heathers The Musical 6:30 PM | April 16 (more info)

  • Location: Sheridan College, Macdonald Heaslip Hall, Oakville

  • Description: Celebratory gala featuring 80s-themed reception, alumni tributes, and closing performance of Heathers: The Musical. Supports student arts education. Age 14+.

• Film Screening: The Grand Seduction 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | April 16 (more info)

  • Location: Film.Ca Cinemas, 171 Speers Road, Oakville

  • Description: Free screening of the award-winning Canadian comedy about a fishing village's scheme to keep their doctor. Includes live Q&A with actor Liane Balaban.

• Oakville Speed Dating (Ages 35-48) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | April 16 (more info)

  • Location: Paradiso, 125 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

  • Description: Meet up to 15 singles in a fun, structured speed dating event. Includes appetizers.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading The Oakville Digest! We hope you found this edition helpful and insightful. We’d love to hear your feedback or any event suggestions you’d like us to feature in future issues. Don’t forget to share with friends and family, and we’ll see you Monday!

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