Free Family Events in Burlington This Weekend
No-cost things to do with the kids — drop-in storytimes, free festivals, library programs, and open studios in Burlington & Area.
Burlington Farmer’s Market
Burlington Lions Club Farmers Market runs Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burlington Centre. The drizzle forecast is light enough that most vendors will be set up; go before 10 a.m. if you want first pick of baked goods. Ontario produce, local honey, and handmade goods — most kid-friendly items land well under $5.
Sat · 8:00 a.m. · Burlington Centre · Free
Rona Kids Workshop – Build a Piggy Bank
Rona Kids Workshop — Build a Piggy Bank runs Saturday 10 a.m. to noon at participating Rona stores. Reservations opened July 20, so call ahead to confirm your local store has spots. Free hands-on build; good rainy-morning backup if the market feels too wet.
Sat · 10:00 a.m. · Participating Rona Stores · Free
Halton Emancipation Celebration Festival
The Halton Emancipation Celebration Festival marks 192 years since Emancipation across the British Commonwealth, and Burlington was the first city in the world to declare August Emancipation Month — that's the local hook. Spencer Smith Park, Saturday 1–11 p.m., with music, children's activities, food, and cultural art. Bring lawn chairs and something to dance in; no registration needed.
Sat · 1:00 p.m. · Spencer Smith Park · Free
Celebrating Emancipation Day at Fieldcote
Sat · 4:00 p.m. · Fieldcote Memorial Park · Free
Emancipation Day and Soundtrack of the City
Sat · 4:00 p.m. · Fieldcote Memorial Park · Free
Festival of Friends
Festival of Friends turns 50 this year at Gage Park in Hamilton — Canada's longest-running free annual music and arts festival. Sunday all day; lineup details are still rolling out, so check the festival site before you go. Free admission makes it easy to drop in for an hour even if the weather is uncertain.
Sun · 12:00 a.m. · Gage Park · Free
Free Family Open Studio at the AGB
The Art Gallery of Burlington runs a free Family Open Studio Sunday 1–4 p.m. — no ticket, no sign-up, walk in. This session draws on artist Roda Medhat's sculptural environment as a starting point, but kids can go wherever they want with it. Artist-instructors are on hand if anyone needs a nudge.
Sun · 1:00 p.m. · Art Gallery of Burlington · Free
Concerts in the Park – Otis Wonder and the Hustle
Otis Wonder and the Hustle play the Central Park Bandshell Sunday 7–8:30 p.m. as part of Burlington's summer concert series. Free, outdoors, and the Motown-Soul-R&B billing makes it easy listening for all ages. Check the rain forecast before you head out — 45% Sunday means bring something waterproof.
Sun · 7:00 p.m. · Central Park Bandshell · Free
More this weekend in Burlington & Area
Next post drops Monday morning.