Summertime in Burlington is an exciting time of year for local residents. With a variety of fun and exciting events hosted in the city, amazing weather and waterfront activities, there’s plenty to see and do. As we’re gearing up for fall, let’s reflect on all the exciting festivals we visited this summer!
For Car Enthusiasts: Downtown Burlington Car Show
Each year downtown Burlington is flooded with cars lining Brant Street for the annual Downtown Burlington Car Show and this summer was no exception. With everything from classics, muscle cars, cruisers, sports cars, tuners and exotic sports cars, it was an enthusiast’s dream.
The festival featured over 100 vehicles for the public to enjoy, as well as a sidewalk sale, children’s activities, live music and local merchants and automotive vendors. The Downtown Burlington Car Show was the perfect way to connect with community members, while also taking in the beautiful sites of downtown Burlington.
The event supports the Burlington Lions Club, a humanitarian group that works to serve the local and global community. The Lions have worked with local youth and health organizations and even helped develop the world’s first Dialysis Camp for kidney care in Ontario, as well as a Dog Guide School.
Photos courtesy of Gus Sarino
For Music Lovers: BPAC Jazz Fest and the Sound of Music
Not only is Burlington known for its amazing waterfront and exquisite neighbourhoods, but it’s also popular for hosting iconic music events like the BPAC Jazz Fest and Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival. Both of these events are popular summer favourites and offer locals a taste of exceptional live music.
The BPAC Jazz Fest was put on by the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and hosted a variety of incredibly talented jazz musicians. Best of all, the event was FREE and featured acts such as; the Shirantha Beddage Quintet, Elise Legrow, Coco Love Alcorn, and the Mike Downes Quartet. The Burlington Sound of Music on the other hand offers musical acts for all types of music lovers. The Festival remains an annual event and is the region’s biggest event of the year, lasting a total of nine days and generating $12.5 million in economic activity and playing host to well over 200,000 visitors. Past attendees have included Simple Plan, The Arkells, Tom Cochrane and Carly Rae Jepsen.
Photos courtesy of Tourism Burlington.
For Foodies: Food Truck Fest & Burlington Ribfest
Burlington foodies can rejoice! The city was a happening place in the summer for delicious food events like Food Truck Fest and Burlington Ribfest, also known as the largest Rotary Ribfest in Canada. Both located at Spencer Smith Park, these summer food events impress all gluttons alike.
The Burlington Food Truck Festival expanded over three days and offered patrons 40 different food trucks from across the country. With free admission, a children’s midway, local performers and cold beer, there was something for everyone.
What better way to end off the summer than a cold beer, saucy ribs and live music? Canada’s Largest Ribfest returned to Burlington this summer to end off the season with a BANG. Located at Spencer Smith Park, the event was organized by the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore, and the annual Ribfest is one of the largest and most successful community events hosted by the organization with all the proceeds donated to charity.
Photos courtesy of Tourism Burlington.
To learn more about Everything Burlington from Carriage Gate, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.