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:

  • 🌲 Free entry to Ontario parks this Friday

  • 🎶 New youth orchestra launching in Halton

  • 📅 Lots of events happening this week!

Want to be featured on the Oakville Digest? Submit an event or news story!

Thanks for being part of our growing community, let’s dive in!

~ Nick

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🌲 Free Entry to Ontario Parks July 18

All provincial parks across Ontario, including nearby Bronte Creek and Kelso, will offer free admission on Friday, July 18 as part of the Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative. The goal is to encourage residents to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of outdoor time, whether through hiking, paddling, or simply relaxing in nature.

Visitors are encouraged to book a daily vehicle permit online up to five days in advance, especially for busier parks. Ontario Parks also notes that activities in natural settings can reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lower heart attack risk by 50 percent. A peaceful day in the woods might be just what the doctor ordered.

📋 Town Seeks Input on Event Plan

Oakville is asking residents, vendors, and event organizers to weigh in on its draft Special Events Plan, open for public feedback until August 1. The plan aims to guide how local events are delivered, ensuring they support community connection, local businesses, and the town’s cultural vibrancy.

Key priorities include improving accessibility, simplifying support for organizers, encouraging community-led programming, and enhancing public spaces. The final version is set to go before Council this fall.

🎻 New Youth Orchestra Launching in Halton

Paul Barna, a seasoned musician and educator, is launching the Halton Symphony Youth Orchestra this fall to give young musicians in the region a free, high-quality orchestral experience. Funded entirely through donations and fundraisers, the program removes financial barriers for students aged 8-18 who are eager to learn and perform at a high level.

The orchestra will run weekly from September to June in Burlington and feature two groups based on age and skill. Students will work alongside professional musicians, explore a diverse range of music, and gain real-world experience through masterclasses and performances. A welcome addition to Halton’s cultural scene.

Monday, July 14
🌦️ Hazy sun, humid
High: 28°C | Low: 21°C

Tuesday, July 15
⛅ Hazy sunshine, smoky
High: 29°C | Low: 22°C

Wednesday, July 16
☀️ Mostly sunny, afternoon storm
High: 29°C | Low: 21°C

  • Golden Morning Walks 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | July 15 (more info)

    • Location: Oakville Public Library, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

    • Description: Weekly morning walk through Downtown Oakville offering gentle exercise and social connection. Registration encouraged. Ages all

  • Strawberry Pot Workshop 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | July 15 (more info)

    • Location: The Floral Collective Inc., 335 Kerr Street, Oakville

    • Description: Paint a container and plant a real strawberry to take home in this guided, all-ages workshop. Materials provided. Ages all

  • Forest Bathing 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | July 15 (more info)

    • Location: Bronte Bluffs Park, 35 West River Street, Oakville

    • Description: Mindful, guided nature walk inspired by Shinrin-yoku to promote relaxation and sensory awareness. Ages 55+

  • lululemon Oakville Lakeshore Run Club 6:30 PM | July 15 (more info)

    • Location: George's Square, Sumner Avenue and Reynolds Street, Oakville

    • Description: Weekly all-levels group run hosted by lululemon’s Oakville team. Free to join; registration required. Ages all

  • Oakville Wind Orchestra 7:00 PM | July 15 (more info)

    • Location: Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park (Butterfly Gazebo), 2409 Ontario Street, Oakville

    • Description: Free weekly summer concert series by Canada’s oldest community band, held under the gazebo at Bronte park. Ages all

  • LeadTribes Oakville 12:15 PM | July 16 (more info)

    • Location: Milestones Restaurant, 3051 Vega Boulevard, Mississauga

    • Description: Weekly in-person networking event supporting Ontario entrepreneurs through leadership and relationship development.

  • Big Ass Fans | Open House BBQ 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM | July 16 (more info)

    • Location: Big Ass Fans, 2180 Winston Park Drive, Oakville

    • Description: Open house BBQ with lunch, live product demos, and industry networking. Features a scavenger hunt and fan giveaway. (Free)

  • Summer Splash at Wynten Park 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | July 16 (more info)

    • Location: Wynten Park, 2495 Wynten Way, Oakville

    • Description: Family-friendly event with Oakville Fire crews featuring fire truck tours and safety activities. Rain date: July 17, same time.

  • Dance Essentials Class 6:30 PM | July 16 (more info)

    • Location: Taste of Colombia - Fair Trade Coffee & Gift Shop, 67 Bronte Road, Oakville

    • Description: Weekly conditioning class focused on ballet foundations, flexibility, and technique. Not a dance class; open to movers of all levels. Ages all

  • Moss Art Workshop 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | July 17 (more info)

    • Location: The Floral Collective Inc., 335 Kerr Street, Oakville

    • Description: Create a care-free moss and flower art piece using dried botanicals and hot glue. Ages 10+

  • Thursday Coffee & Conversation Oakville 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | July 17 (more info)

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

    • Description: Weekly coffee group to connect with other women and learn about Women's Centre programs.

  • Thursday Night Trivia at The Hungry Italian 7:00 PM | July 17 (more info)

    • Location: The Hungry Italian, 1911 Ironoak Way, Oakville

    • Description: Visual trivia game with digital scoring hosted by Jamie Bernard. Free to play with prizes. All ages

  • Thursday Night Hit Music Video Bingo 7:00 PM | July 17 (more info)

    • Location: Boston Pizza, 499 Dundas Street West, Oakville

    • Description: Interactive music video bingo with host Neal McFarlane in a casual, family-friendly setting. All ages

  • Bronte Lake Notes: The James Anthony Band 7:00 PM | July 17 (more info)

    • Location: Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, 2340 Ontario Street, Oakville

    • Description: Free outdoor concert featuring soul, blues, and roots music by The James Anthony Band.

  • MosaicMic Open Mic 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | July 17 (more info)

    • Location: Iroquois Ridge Branch (Creation Zone), 1051 Glenashton Drive, Oakville

    • Description: Open mic night celebrating global literary voices through shared poetry and prose. Ages 18+

  • Sunset Kino Film Festival 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM | July 17 (more info)

    • Location: Oakville Galleries in Gairloch Gardens, 1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

    • Description: Outdoor avant-garde film screening featuring works by Renèe Helèna Browne, introduced by the programmer. Bring seating and dress for weather.

  • Healthy Parks Healthy People Day 2025 8:00 AM | July 18 (more info)

    • Location: Bronte Creek Provincial Park (Breckon Shelter), 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville

    • Description: Free admission day with self-guided activities including geocaching, animal visits, and nature exploration.

  • Therapy x Yoga: Feel and Heal 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM | July 18 (more info)

    • Location: Inye Yoga, 2640 Bristol Circle, Oakville

    • Description: Themed yoga and therapeutic workshop integrating movement, breathwork, and inner healing. Ages 16+

  • Macrame Workshop 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | July 18 (more info)

    • Location: The Floral Collective Inc., 335 Kerr Street, Oakville

    • Description: Kids create a custom hanging planter using macrame techniques with provided materials. Ages 12+

  • Fresh Air Fitness: Body Conditioning 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | July 18 (more info)

    • Location: Bronte Market Square, 2445 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville

    • Description: Outdoor body conditioning class led by Town of Oakville fitness staff. Part of a free six-week fitness series—bring water and dress to move.

  • Friday Night Jazz in Towne Square 7:00 PM | July 18 (more info)

    • Location: Towne Square, Oakville

    • Description: Live jazz performance featuring John Canham and a classic quartet. Part of a weekly summer music series running every Friday night.

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 Wednesday.

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NICK POLLOCK
Editor / The Oakville Digest
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