What’s Up in August: Top Burlington Events You Can’t Miss 

July 28, 2026

August is the perfect time to get out and explore Burlington. With warm summer evenings, waterfront views, live entertainment, and exciting community events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city all month long. 

Burlington’s August lineup is filled with memorable experiences, including festivals, food events, nature adventures, and unique ways to connect with the community. 

Table of Contents 

  1. Heritage Week
  1. Doors Open Burlington
  1. Burlington Food Tours
  1. Lakeside à la Carte
  1. Jazz on the Plaza
  1. Burlington Butter Tarts & More Market
  1. RBG After Dark: ANCHORBALL (19+)
  1. Burlington VegFest
  1. Burlington Latin Festival
  1. Concerts in the Garden – BADBADNOTGOOD
  1. Music in the Garden – The Sheepdogs with Chloë Doucet
  1. Music from the Rooftop
  1. eat make share Speaker Series: Amina Al-Saigh
  1. Wonders of Raptors
  1. Concerts in the Park Series
  1. Movies Under the Stars
  1. Movies by the Lake
  1. Sturgeon Moon Waterfront Experience

1. Heritage Week 

Date: August 1–8 
Address: Multiple locations across Burlington 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Celebrate Burlington’s rich history and heritage during Heritage Week, a citywide celebration featuring events, activities, and experiences that showcase the stories, people, and places that have helped shape the community. 

2. Doors Open Burlington 

Date: Saturday, August 8 | 10AM–3PM 
Address: Citywide 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Discover Burlington’s hidden gems during Doors Open Burlington, an annual event inviting visitors to explore unique buildings, cultural spaces, and historic locations throughout the city. This self-guided experience provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of Burlington’s most interesting places while celebrating local architecture, history, and community stories. 

3. Burlington Food Tour 

Date: Saturday, August 8 | 2PM–5PM 
Address: Joe Dog’s, Radius, Blk Swan, Crooksy’s & Bardō 
Ticket Details: Tickets required 
Website: Learn more 

Taste your way through Burlington’s vibrant culinary scene with the Burlington Food Tour. This guided experience takes guests on a delicious journey through some of the city’s favourite local restaurants, featuring signature dishes, hidden gems, and stories behind the flavours. 

4. Lakeside à la Carte 

Date: Sunday, August 9 | 1PM–4PM 
Address: Spencer Smith Park 
Ticket Details: Tickets required 
Website: Learn more 

Experience an unforgettable afternoon of food, community, and waterfront views at Lakeside à la Carte. This signature culinary event brings together some of Burlington’s best restaurants and chefs for an elevated outdoor dining experience along the shores of Lake Ontario. 

5. Jazz on the Plaza 

Date: Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9 
Address: Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Outdoor Plaza 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Enjoy a summer weekend filled with live music and smooth sounds at Jazz on the Plaza. Taking place outdoors at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, this free concert series brings talented musicians and the community together for an unforgettable celebration of jazz. 

6. Burlington Butter Tarts & More Market 

Date: Saturday, August 8 | 10AM–4PM 
Address: Art Gallery of Burlington – 1333 Lakeshore Road 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Burlington Butter Tarts & More Market. Featuring delicious treats, local vendors, and unique finds, this market celebrates one of Ontario’s most beloved desserts while showcasing the creativity of local makers. 

7. RBG After Dark: ANCHORBALL (19+) 

Date: Saturday, August 8 & Saturday, August 22 | 6:30PM–10:30PM (Last admission 9:30PM) 
Address: Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park (680 Plains Road West) 
Ticket Details: Tickets required (19+) 
Website: Learn more 

Experience Royal Botanical Gardens after dark with RBG After Dark: ANCHORBALL, an unforgettable 19+ evening event that transforms Hendrie Park into a vibrant nighttime adventure. Enjoy the magic of the ANCHORBALL outdoor art exhibition alongside live entertainment, food, drinks, and a unique atmosphere under the stars. Perfect for a night out with friends, this adults-only experience blends art, nature, and summer fun for an evening unlike any other in Burlington. 

8. Burlington VegFest 

Date: Saturday, August 15 | 11:30AM–6:30PM 
Address: Spencer Smith Park 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Celebrate plant-based living, sustainability, and community at Burlington VegFest. Located along the waterfront at Spencer Smith Park, this vibrant festival features local vendors, delicious food, educational experiences, live entertainment, and activities for visitors of all ages. 

9. Burlington Latin Festival 

Date: Saturday, August 22 & Sunday, August 23 
Address: Central Park 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Celebrate the vibrant culture, music, and flavours of Latin America at the Burlington Latin Festival. This lively community event brings the sounds, tastes, and traditions of Latin cultures to Burlington with live performances, authentic cuisine, dancing, and family-friendly activities. 

10. Concerts in the Garden – BADBADNOTGOOD 

Date: Thursday, August 20 | Doors open 6:30PM, show begins 8PM 
Address: Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park (680 Plains Road West) 
Ticket Details: Tickets required 
Website: Learn more 

Spend a summer evening surrounded by nature and live music at Concerts in the Garden featuring BADBADNOTGOOD. Known for their unique blend of jazz, hip-hop, and experimental sounds, this internationally recognized group brings an unforgettable performance to the beautiful setting of Hendrie Park. 

11. Music in the Garden – The Sheepdogs with Chloë Doucet Presented by Noisemaker 

Date: Thursday, August 13 | Doors open 6:30PM, show begins 8PM 
Address: Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park (680 Plains Road West) 
Ticket Details: Tickets required 
Website: Learn more 

Enjoy an evening of live music under the stars as The Sheepdogs take the stage at Royal Botanical Gardens alongside Chloë Doucet. Presented by Noisemaker, this outdoor concert combines incredible performances with the natural beauty of Hendrie Park. 

12. Music from the Rooftop 

Date: Friday, August 7 & Friday, August 21 | Doors open 6:30PM, performances begin 7:30PM 
Address: Joseph Brant Museum 
Ticket Details: Tickets required 
Website: Learn more 

Enjoy a unique evening of live music with stunning views at Music from the Rooftop. Hosted at Joseph Brant Museum, this special concert series combines incredible performances with a beautiful rooftop setting overlooking Burlington. 

13. eat make share Speaker Series: Amina Al-Saigh 

Date: Tuesday, August 18 | 6PM–8PM 
Address: Joseph Brant Museum 
Ticket Details: Tickets required 
Website: Learn more 

Join Joseph Brant Museum for an inspiring evening as part of the eat make share Speaker Series featuring Amina Al-Saigh. This engaging event brings the community together through meaningful conversations, storytelling, and shared experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and connection. 

14. Wonders of Raptors 

Date: Fridays | 1:30PM, Saturdays & Sundays | 2PM & 3:30PM 
Address: Mountsberg Conservation Area 
Ticket Details: Included with admission 
Website: Learn more 

Discover the incredible world of birds of prey at Mountsberg Conservation Area’s Raptor Centre. The Wonders of Raptors experience offers visitors the chance to learn about local and native raptor species through engaging demonstrations and educational presentations. 

15. Access Storage Concerts in the Park 

Date: Every Wednesday and Sunday evening until August 30 | 7PM–8:30PM 
Address: Central Park Bandshell 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Enjoy the sounds of summer with Burlington’s Concerts in the Park Series. Featuring live performances from talented local musicians, this free outdoor concert series is the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening with family and friends. 

16. Access Storage Movies Under the Stars 

Date: Every Thursday until August 20 
Address: Various locations across Burlington 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Make your summer evenings extra special with Movies Under the Stars, a free outdoor movie series bringing family-friendly entertainment to neighbourhoods across Burlington. Grab a blanket, bring some snacks, and settle in for a fun night under the stars while enjoying a favourite film with the community. 

17. Movies by the Lake 

Date: Every Tuesday from July 7 – August 18 | Arrive at 7PM, movies begin at sunset 
Address: Spencer Smith Park 
Ticket Details: Free admission 
Website: Learn more 

Enjoy a classic summer tradition with Movies by the Lake at Spencer Smith Park. Set against Burlington’s beautiful waterfront backdrop, this outdoor movie series offers the perfect evening activity for families, friends, and visitors looking to enjoy the city’s lakeside atmosphere. 

18. Sturgeon Moon Waterfront Experience 

Date: Friday, August 28 | 7:45PM 
Address: Beachway Park, Burlington Beach 
Ticket Details: Tickets required 
Website: Learn more 

Experience the magic of the Sturgeon Moon with a transformative experience by the water at Burlington Beach. This unique waterfront evening invites guests to connect with nature, enjoy the beauty of the lakeshore, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of a summer moonlit evening. 

Explore More August Events 

August is the perfect time to get outside, discover new experiences, and enjoy everything Burlington has to offer. From waterfront festivals and outdoor concerts to culinary adventures, and nature experiences, the city is filled with opportunities to make lasting summer memories. 

Looking for even more things to do? Explore the Discover Burlington Events Calendar for a full list of upcoming festivals, performances, activities, and community events happening throughout the city. 

Looking for an affordable and convenient way to get to Burlington? 

Skip the traffic, sit back, relax and enjoy the FREE WiFi on GO Transit to Burlington.  And there are lots of ways to save on your travel — from the One Day Weekend pass to Weekday Group Passes, and kids 12 and under always ride for FREE. Plan your trip to Burlington with GO Transit here