Oshawa Peony Festival blooms for its 22nd year

The City of Oshawa is excited to present the 22nd annual Peony Festival on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens.

Named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events for the 13th year running, the festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features one of Canada’s largest contemporary peony collections, along with hundreds of cut blooms displayed inside the Children’s Arena during the Canadian Peony Society judged show.

Activities for all ages

• Garden-inspired works by painters, sculptors, and artisans
• Local musicians
• Variety of food vendors
• Children’s activities, including a meet and greet with Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”
• Educational talks and exhibits

Parking and Free Shuttles

Parking is available on-street where permitted, at the City Hall employee parking lot (45 Queen St.), and McMillan Parkade (McMillan Dr.). A free shuttle will stop at the Arts Resource Centre (45 Queen St.), Parkwood National Historic Site, and the northwest corner of Bond St. W. and McMillan Dr. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

Note: The shuttle bus is not accessible; accessible parking is located at 155 Arena St. and is reserved for those with an accessible parking pass from the Ministry of Transportation.

Contests

Calling all artists! Take part in the annual Peony Festival Art Contest. Create your own interpretation of the flower using any art medium. Participants must complete an entry form online at oshawa.ca/Peony. The submissions will be judged (People’s Choice) during the two-day festival by more than 9,000 festivalgoers from across Ontario. The contest features two categories: Youth (17 years and under) and Adult (18 years and over). Winners in each category will receive a Michaels gift card.

Plan to enter the Peony Photo Contest for a chance to win an amazing prize! The contest begins on June 6 at 10 a.m. and closes on July 12 at 11:59 p.m. Winning photographs will be selected for their artistic and technical merits as assessed by the Oshawa Camera Club. Details about the contest and the prizes can be found at oshawa.ca/Peony.

Sponsors

The City of Oshawa would like to thank the following Peony Festival sponsors for their generous support:

• TD Bank
• Durham Radio
• Ontario Motor Sales
• Circular Materials
• Vandermeer Nursery
• Gervais Party & Tent Rentals
• Costco

Additionally, the City of Oshawa extends thanks to the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming for additional funding through the Experience Ontario 2026 program.