Oshawa’s award-winning celebration of spring returns on June 6 and 7, 2026, when the 22nd annual Peony Festival takes over the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens and Children’s Arena at 155 Arena Street. The free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and kicks off Recreation and Parks Month with over 300 varieties of peonies at peak bloom.
The grounds will feature a juried flower show led by the Canadian Peony Society, alongside an artisan market, cultural performances, live music, and food vendors. Young families can enjoy a Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse meet-and-greet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, plus a Children’s Zone with bug displays, planting activities, and an art bus. Art and photography contests offer prizes, including $150 gift cards from Michaels and Henry’s.
The festival’s roots run deep. The peony garden began in fall 2001 when the Canadian Peony Society donated 100 plants from the Wally Gilbert Collection, which preserves cultivars from 19th-century breeder William Brown. Today, the garden holds more than 275 plants and 250 different cultivars. It was officially named the Michael and Judi Denny Peony Garden in 2014 in honour of the couple who helped rescue and care for the historic collection.
This year’s sponsors include TD Bank as stage sponsor, with additional support from Ontario Motor Sales, Circular Materials, and local nurseries. The event has been named to the Festivals and Events Ontario Top 100 for 14 consecutive years, most recently recognized in February 2026.
Beyond the blooms, the City of Oshawa opened summer camp registration on April 7, 2026, for families planning ahead. Day camps begin June 29 and continue throughout the summer. Details are available on the city’s recreation camps page.
