Good morning Oakville. Here’s a fun fact to start you day: did you know that we have more than 200 kilometres of scenic trails, making Oakville one of the most walkable towns in Canada?
Here is what to expect in today’s issue:
🎸 Sound of Music, home prices, and a fire ban
🎨 Community donation + art initiatives
📅 A filled week of events for you to enjoy!
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Thanks for being part of our growing community, let’s dive in!
~ Nick
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🎶 Sound of Music Festival Faces Uncertain Future
Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival, Canada’s largest free outdoor music event, may shut down after 45 years unless major sponsors step in. Organizers say rising costs and steep cuts to public arts funding, including a drop in federal support from $200,000 to $50,000, have left the event unsustainable despite $500,000 in cost reductions over the past two years.
The June festival draws 400,000 visitors to Spencer Smith Park, features over 50 artists, and generates an estimated $25 million in economic impact for the region. Without urgent financial backing, organizers warn the tradition that has brought acts from Tom Cochrane to The Offspring to the lakefront could soon play its final note.
🏠 Oakville Home Prices See Sharp Drop
Oakville’s housing market cooled in July, with the average price falling to $1.34 million, down 7.6% from June and nearly 10% lower than last summer. Even with the dip, buyers were more active, as sales jumped almost 23% and listings climbed 37%, giving shoppers more choice than they’ve had in years.
Detached homes saw the steepest dollar drop, now averaging $1.78 million, while condos faced some of the biggest percentage declines. Apartment-style units slid more than 21% in a single month, settling at about $653,000. Prices are still well above 2015 levels, but this summer’s shift shows the market’s heat is finally easing.
🔥 Oakville Issues Townwide Fire Ban
The Oakville Fire Department has banned all open-air burning effective immediately, including for properties with permits, due to extreme fire risk from recent heat, dry weather, and little rainfall. Propane and natural gas barbecues are still allowed, but violations can lead to fines under local bylaws and the Ontario Fire Code. The ban will remain in place until further notice.
🤝 Bronte Village Turns Summer Fun Into Giving
Source: Oakville News
Bronte Village is blending two of its favourite summer traditions with community giving this week. On Thursday, Aug. 14, concertgoers at the Bronte Lake Notes series in Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park can bring non-perishable food items from 6-8:30pm to “Fill the Bin” for Kerr Street Mission, which supports local families with food and essential programs.
Then on Sunday, Aug. 17, the Bronte Farmers’ Market at Bronte Market Square will host a “Fill the Big Yellow Chair” coat drive from 10am-2pm. Gently used coats, hats, boots and gloves will go to The Bronte Coat Drive, a volunteer-run effort to keep residents warm in winter. Organizers say it’s a chance to give back while enjoying Bronte’s best summer events.
🎨 Oakville Showcases Local Creative Talent
This fall, Oakville is offering two chances for residents to share their artistic skills and celebrate community spirit. The Faces of Culture Project invites people of all ages to create portraits exploring identity and diversity, to be displayed at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre from September 19 to October 12. Submissions run September 5 to October 4, with free workshops and awards during Culture Days.
The Youth Mural Project will see 12 teens, guided by local artist Ray Vidal, design and paint a large indoor mural at Iroquois Ridge Community Centre. Open to youth aged 13 to 17, the free program offers 42 volunteer hours and fosters teamwork and creativity. Applications are due September 8, and the Oakville Youth Action Committee is also welcoming new members until August 25.button
Wednesday, August 13
🌦️ Stray morning thunderstorm, then humid with clouds and sunshine breaks
High: 29 °C | Low: 18 °C
Thursday, August 14
☀️ Mostly sunny and less humid
High: 27 °C | Low: 18 °C
Friday, August 15
☀️ Mostly sunny
High: 26 °C | Low: 18 °C
Summer SpeedNetworking – Oakville Edition 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | August 14 (more info)
Location: Gingerman’s, 416 Kerr Street, Oakville
Description: Fast-paced networking event for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Includes light refreshments.
Sip and Mingle Business Networking Social – Oakville 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | August 14 (more info)
Location: The Village Winemaker, 364 Kerr Street, Oakville
Description: Business networking event with wine sampling and light snacks. Ages 19+.
Movies in the Park: Mufasa – The Lion King 6:30 PM | August 14 (more info)
Location: Munn’s Creek Park, 153 River Oaks Boulevard West, Oakville
Description: Free outdoor screening with family activities starting at 6:30 PM, followed by the movie at dusk. Part of the August Movies in the Park series.
Bronte Lake Notes: Dave Murphy 7:00 PM | August 14 (more info)
Location: Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, 2340 Ontario Street, Oakville
Description: Free outdoor concert featuring contemporary music by Dave Murphy. Part of the weekly Bronte Lake Notes series.
Therapy x Yoga: Feel and Heal 9:30 AM - 11:20 AM | August 15 (more info)
Location: Inye Yoga, 2640 Bristol Circle, Oakville
Description: Yoga and therapeutic workshop combining themed flows with mindfulness practices. Ages 16+.
Fresh Air Fitness: Dance Fit 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | August 15 (more info)
Location: Bronte Market Square, 2445 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
Description: Free outdoor Dance Fit class led by Town of Oakville fitness staff. Part of the six-week Fresh Air Fitness series.
Friday Night Jazz in Towne Square 7:00 PM | August 15 (more info)
Location: Towne Square, 94 George Street, Oakville
Description: Live jazz performance by John Canham & Joe Dukes with quartet. Part of the weekly Friday night summer series.
Nineties by Nature West Encore 10:00 PM - 2:30 AM | August 15 (more info)
Location: Dirty Martini Oakville, 2075 Winston Park Drive, Oakville
Description: 90s-themed dance party featuring music by Channel Nine and Kid C. Hosted by Scott Boogie and Mariela Fit.
Warehouse Blowout Multiple Times | August 15-17 (more info)
Location: Snuggle Bugz - Canada’s Baby Store, 2160 South Service Road West, Oakville
Description: Three-day sale featuring open box, overstock, and missing box baby gear and essentials, including strollers, car seats, and more. While supplies last; final sale.
OSC Annual Community Celebration 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | August 16 (more info)
Location: Pine Glen Soccer Centre, 1520 Pine Glen Road, Oakville
Description: Outdoor family-friendly event hosted by Oakville Soccer Club with games, activities, giveaways, and entertainment including magic shows, balloon workshops, and soccer matches. Free food and limited edition OSC merchandise available while supplies last.
12th Annual Corvette Show & Shine 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | August 16 (more info)
Location: Budds' Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, 410 South Service Road West, Oakville
Description: Corvette owners and enthusiasts gather to display classic and modern models. Spectators welcome; RSVP required for vehicle display.
Bronte Community & Connection Market 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | August 16 (more info)
Location: Taste of Colombia - Fair Trade Coffee & Gift Shop, 67 Bronte Road, Oakville
Description: Summer market in Bronte Village featuring local creators, wellness offerings, and intentional gifts. Free to attend and family-friendly.
Zen In The Park 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | August 16 (more info)
Location: Glenashton Park, 1051 Glenashton Drive, Oakville
Description: Outdoor relaxation and meditation session designed to promote inner peace and connection with nature. Suitable for all experience levels.
Salsa Night in Oakville 6:00 PM | August 16 (more info)
Location: Taste of Colombia - Fair Trade Coffee & Gift Shop, 67 Bronte Road, Oakville
Description: Evening of Afro-Cuban rhythms featuring salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, merengue, and more.
The RadioSonics at The Oakville Pump & Patio 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM | August 16 (more info)
Location: The Oakville Pump & Patio, 1011 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville
Description: Classic rock dance party featuring hits from artists like David Bowie, Prince, The Cure, and more, with special guest Eric Axiaq on drums.
TD Summer Music Series 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | August 16-17 (more info)
Location: Various locations in Downtown Oakville
Description: Live outdoor performances featuring Kalia Stapleton, Jessica Sevier, Pulse X, Makinna Givens, Priayana Music, and Merriam School of Music.
Bronte Farmer’s Market 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | August 17 (more info)
Location: Bronte Market Square, 2445 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
Description: Weekly summer market featuring fresh produce, local goods, and live music at the Market Music Hub. Runs July 6 to September 28.
Dinner & Stroll with Alpacas 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | August 17 (more info)
Location: Joshua Farm Gallery, 1086 Burnhamthorpe Road East, Oakville
Description: Outdoor pasta dinner and dessert followed by a guided stroll with alpacas.
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