Arts and Culture

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The snow may not be fully melted yet, but the emerging sun is reflecting on the white surface, promising brighter days ahead. Like the green grass hidden beneath the snow piles, Burlington’s… Read more: Burlington’s March Theatre Lineup Offers Mystery, Music, and Family Fun

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Burlington is one of the mid-sized cities in the GTHA that holds magic in its everyday stories — something bestselling author Michael Perry is well aware of. His work centres on small towns;… Read more: Small Towns, Big Stories: Michael Perry in Conversation at Burlington Public Library This Week

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Some of the most remarkable works in the Western world have been inspired by the East — though “inspired” may be too generous. In many cases, motifs and styles were taken, distorted, and… Read more: Phuong Nguyen Challenges Colonial Narratives at Art Gallery of Burlington

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter This one’s for the history buffs: retro miniskirts, Edwardian black satin with silver embroidery, ermine-lined Revolution-era cloaks, it’s all there. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Burlington’s theatregoers packed into Drury Lane Theatre… Read more: Drury Lane’s 45th Annual Music Hall is a Refreshing and Riveting Romp

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Burlington Concert Band filled the Holiday Inn Burlington with the sounds of soul, steel pan, and spirituals on Sunday afternoon, presenting “Roots, Rhythm, and Resilience: A Tribute to Black Music.” The February… Read more: Burlington Concert Band Celebrates Black Music with Roots, Rhythm, and Resilience

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From January 17 to April 26, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is the home of Roda Medhat’s first solo exhibition in a public institution, “Things I Can Fold, Deflate and Break.” The… Read more: Folding Memory at the Art Gallery of Burlington: Roda Medhat’s First Solo Show

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Shell shock hasn’t even touched him yet, and yet he is terrified of the explosive sound of thunder. She has never ventured far beyond her sheltered home life, and yet she extends… Read more: Riding Through Grief in Theatre Burlington’s Mary’s Wedding

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On Wednesday, February 11, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre came alive as Jully Black launched her Jully Black Live Experience Tour in front of a hometown crowd that has long embraced her artistry.… Read more: From Ceiling to Sky: Jully Black Opens Her Live Experience Tour in Burlington

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On February 9, the City of Burlington hosted its monthly Committee of the Whole meeting, where council and staff discussed various items relevant to the city and its residents. Adam Vickers, sales and… Read more: Council Debates Parade as MRG Unveils Plans for 2026 Lakeshore Festival

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Love is a wide spectrum. We feel romantic affection for our partners. We feel camaraderie with our friends. With our family, we feel safe and protected. With our pets, we enjoy playing… Read more: Heart to Heart Variety Show Celebrates All Types of Love in Burlington

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Burlington Performing Arts Centre was alive with colour, culture, and celebration on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as Redleaf Cultural Integration (RCI) hosted its annual Lunar New Year Spring Festival, welcoming the Year… Read more: A Galloping Start to the Lunar New Year: Burlington Celebrates the Year of the Horse

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On February 6, the Ireland House Museum hosted one of its After Dark tours, this one themed around Victorian courtship, in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The tour began in the museum portion of… Read more: How Victorians Fell in Love: Ireland House After Dark Explores Courtship Customs

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Grade 6 to 8 students and their families gathered at P. L. Robertson Public School in Milton on Feb. 5 for an evening of storytelling, imagination, and reflection during a special Family Literacy… Read more: Lawrence Hill Inspires Young Readers at Milton Literacy Night

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and all that precedes it, the Burlington Public Library is hosting an author talk with critically acclaimed author Farah Heron on Tuesday, February 10. Heron will discuss… Read more: Farah Heron on Romance, Representation and Realism Ahead of Burlington Public Library Talk

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Burlington residents are invited to welcome the Lunar New Year at the Year of the Horse Celebration, presented by Redleaf Cultural Integration, taking place this Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Burlington Performing… Read more: Year of the Horse Celebration Brings Lunar New Year Traditions to Burlington

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Toto, we’re not in Burlington anymore. Or maybe we are. Maybe we’re in Bloomland in Oz, and the staff and volunteers at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) are magicians with flora, transforming… Read more: Royal Botanical Gardens Welcomes Visitors Into the Land of Oz

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Taste of Burlington returned on January 26 and runs until February 28, bringing a variety of local restaurants together to serve carefully curated prix-fixe menus across the city. The event encourages visitors to… Read more: Inside 400 Brant’s Culinary Vision as Taste of Burlington Returns

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter He calls it an arrangement. She calls it a marriage. Their family and friends, as well as the audience, call it the most dysfunctional case of “Golden Age Syndrome” they’ve ever seen.… Read more: Toxic Nostalgia Deconstructed in Dundas Little Theatre’s “Home, I’m Darling”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It starts, as most period dramas do, with the clomp-clomp of horses’ hooves. The curtains open upon an elegant English drawing room. First-world problems ensue. Too many bottles of expensive champagne were… Read more: BurlOak Theatre Group Brings British Wit to Oakville Centre in Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Taste of Burlington is set to return in 2026 with its most interactive format yet, inviting residents and visitors to explore more than 40 restaurants across the city during what is typically a… Read more: Taste of Burlington 2026 Returns with New Digital Trail — and an Opportunity for Greater Culinary Inclusion

Burlington Public Library is introducing an exciting lineup of Valentine’s Day events, activities, and book displays at library branches across the city next month. From February 1 to 14, visitors will find playful programs, cozy reading inspiration, a creative bookmark… Read more: Have A Sweet Time At the Library This February

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On February 1, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) will host 2026’s first installment in its Live and Local series, a recurring concert event that features Burlington artists performing at the venue. February’s… Read more: BPAC’s Live and Local Opens 2026 with a Homegrown Lineup

Calling all artists and book lovers, young and old — Burlington Public Library’s annual Burlington Bookmarks Contest is underway! Every year, local residents are invited to break out the crayons and markers and design a bookmark based on a literary… Read more: Burlington Bookmarks Contest Is On

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter She collaborated with Neil Young and Dolly Parton. She helped found The Eagles. She starred in The Pirates of Penzance, a hit adaptation of a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera. She dated… Read more: Drury Lane Theatre Honours Linda Ronstadt’s Legendary Scope and Versatility

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On January 13, the Burlington Public Library hosted a virtual author talk with political and cultural commentator David Brooks to discuss his latest book, How to Know a Person. The event was facilitated… Read more: How to Know a Person: David Brooks Explores Connection in a Burlington Public Library Talk

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) time-travelled back to war-torn Napoleonic Italy last year with its successful execution of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. Now, in the year 2026, the company is travelling back… Read more: SOLO Prepares to Stage a Classic Italian Tragedy Set in Ancient Egypt

Make it your resolution to read more in 2026—and Burlington Public Library will help you get over the finish line! January is the official kick-off month for BPL’s twelve-month BPL Reading Challenge, but you don’t have to wait to start.… Read more: Make 2026 Your Best Reading Year 

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life.”— Oscar Wilde People crave entertainment. It’s wired in humanity to seek… Read more: Curtain Call for Courtesy: Burlington Theatre Pros on Audience Etiquette

Emily Zarevich has returned to Burlington’s Got Talent with another set of poems on reflection, life, and writing. She also offers some insight on why poetry and creation is so meaningful, particularly in this time where artificial intelligence is becoming… Read more: Burlington’s Got Talent: Human Writing — The Irreplaceable Art 

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Dried-out whiteboard markers and frog dissections are the stock-in-trade of the modern classroom. Now, so are the staggeringly low reading levels.  In an assessment by the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, it is estimated… Read more: Reading in Decline: Schools and Libraries Work to Inspire a New Generation

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Around Valentine’s Day, people are always drawn towards love stories, new and old. Bumping into someone cute on the street, dating hijinks, long conversations, meeting the families, confronting rivals, and a wedding,… Read more: Theatre Burlington’s Mary’s Wedding: A Story of Love and Loss Outside of Time

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter If you recognize Gregory Flis’s name or his photograph, it means that you are either a regular reader of his theatre reviews or you are a frequent attendee of productions at local… Read more: Local Theatre Critic on Reviewing, Show Business, and Burlington’s 2025 Highlights

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Earlier this month, the City of Burlington announced that its search for a new organization to run a music festival at Spencer Smith Park was over. The city previously decided in October to… Read more: As Burlington Names a New Music Festival Operator, City Leaders and Residents Weigh In

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Founded in 2017 with a debut performance alongside the Burlington Symphony Orchestra, the Myriad Ensemble has grown into a defining force in Halton’s choral community. What began as a small summer project has… Read more: Raising Voices Together: Myriad Ensemble’s Resonant Place in Halton’s Cultural Soundscape

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter January is always a listless month. The holidays come to an end. The rush of the Boxing Week shopping frenzy passes quickly. People have to ease back into their school and work… Read more: January 2026 Will Usher in a Rousing New Year of Entertainment in Burlington

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As winter settles in, Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders has once again transformed the gardens into a glowing gathering place for the community, inviting visitors to slow down, connect, and experience nature through… Read more: Connection in the Cold: Tree Love Grows at RBG’s Winter Wonders

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The holiday season often brings moments of gathering and reflection, as well as remembrance. For Ralph and Susan Sgro, that reflection has taken shape over recent months through a community fund via Burlington… Read more: Lindsay’s Loves: A Family’s Gift to Inspire Creativity and Connection

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On December 12, the Ireland House Museum hosted its final After Dark event of the year, themed around Victorian Christmas. The tour began in the museum portion of the property, where a tour… Read more: Victorian Christmas Comes Alive at Ireland House Museum’s After Dark Event

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Cinderella has never been sillier. The ugly stepsisters have cellphone-wielding influencers acting as their personal PR team. The evil stepmother has a special bell to summon her so she can be booed… Read more: Fun, Laughs, and Slippers Made of Glass in Drury Lane Theatre’s Cinderella Pantomime

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Over the weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, West-End Mums (WEM) welcomed approximately 150 elegantly dressed guests to their second annual WEM Gala, a vibrant celebration of culture, community and motherhood. The atmosphere… Read more: Community, Culture, and Empowerment Take Centre Stage at WEM Gala

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Burlington Performing Arts Centre was alive with soul, nostalgia, and pure joy on Saturday, November 29, as Legends of Motown brought their signature sparkle back to the city. The acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, often… Read more: December Magic in Halton: Music, Markets, Memories, and More

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On November 27, the Burlington Public Library (BPL) hosted an author talk with Souvankham Thammavongsa, focused on her new book and first novel, Pick a Colour. The event was part of the fifth… Read more: Giller Winner Thammavongsa Reflects on Her Bold New Novel At Burlington Public Library

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 is recognized around the world as a time to confront the realities of gender-based violence and strengthen collective efforts to… Read more: Festival of Inner Lights Marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in Burlington

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Kevin’s family is very industrious and high-spirited. One morning, his father’s innocent pastime of constructing paper airplanes before work becomes an improvised family competition. Kevin’s dad makes one, and it soars. Kevin’s… Read more: Robert Munsch’s “The Perfect Paper Airplane” Celebrates Kids’ Unstoppable Creativity

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The original fairy tale novel by Italian author Carlo Collodi came out in 1883, and since then, it has been teaching children all over the world a valuable lesson: lying to other… Read more: Director Tyler Collins Tells No Lies About Theatre Burlington’s Unique Take On “Pinocchio”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Well, we’ve already had our first snowfall of the year, and our first early experiences of slipping and sliding on the ice! The shopping centres are filled with Christmas decorations, and the… Read more: Local Shows, Local Spirit! The Christmas Theatre Season is Approaching Fast in Burlington

We don’t often picture the author of the next best-selling spy thriller to be a local Burlington doctor. But that’s exactly Dr. Ray Torbiak, debut author of Novichok: The Novice Assassin and local radiologist in our very own Joseph Brant… Read more: A Doctor’s Journey: From Narrative Medicine to Spy Thriller Author

Ahead of his BurlLITFest event This Weekend, the author discusses the themes driving his latest novel. By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “How did we go from conquerors to Uber delivery, from emperors to 7/11?” This is an excerpt… Read more: Adnan Khan Explores Ambition, Race, and Reinvention in “The Hypebeast”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When do women ever get to talk without being interrupted? When do they ever get to converse in peace? With the demands of children, household duties, partners, and bosses always cutting in,… Read more: Village Theatre Waterdown’s 20th Century Blues Lets Women Finally Finish Their Conversation

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Author Joseph Lee was hosted online by Burlington Public Library (BPL), for a discussion centred around his new memoir, Nothing More of This Land, earlier this month. The talk was facilitated by the… Read more: Joseph Lee Discusses Identity and Belonging in BPL Virtual Event

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On November 22 and 23, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) will host the Arts Burlington Holiday Sale. The sale is organized by Arts Burlington, which is the committee that represents the six… Read more: Festive Finds and Local Talent Shine at Arts Burlington Holiday Sale

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Dr. Frederick “Fronkensteen” is the most well-regarded and respected brain expert in the world. He’s engaged to be married to a beautiful woman. He’s got a glittering future ahead of him. But… Read more: Drury Lane Theatre’s Young Frankenstein is Electric and Full of Life

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Festival of Lights will once again transform Burlington’s waterfront into a glowing winter wonderland from November 28, 2025, to January 8, 2026, marking its 30th year of lighting up Spencer Smith Park.… Read more: Burlington’s Festival of Lights Marks 30 Years with New Indoor Events

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Late last month, the Burlington Public Library hosted an author talk with education activist Malala Yousafzai, where she spoke about her new memoir Finding My Way. The online event was facilitated by the… Read more: Malala Yousafzai Joins Burlington Public Library for a Talk on Growth and Finding Her Way

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Last week, in good time for Halloween, the Ireland House hosted one of its “After Dark” events, this one themed around Victorian mourning. The Museums of Burlington website described the house as being… Read more: After Dark at Ireland House: Victorian Mourning Comes to Life

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Happy Halloween, Burlington! There’s a show coming up in town that will satisfy appetites for fun and costumes after the spooky season is officially over and the stores fill up with Christmas… Read more: Drury Lane Theatre’s Eastman Welsford Prepares to Play Dr. Frankenstein — Sorry, Dr. “Fronkensteen”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter I push up my mask over my light brown hair to show my creamy skin, my secretive smile.  “And you can take that look off your face,” Anne says, throwing back her… Read more: The Queen of Historical Fiction Holds Court Online for the Burlington Public Library

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As the weather cools and Burlington residents turn to indoor spaces for learning and connection, the Burlington Public Library’s newest branch is settling into its role at the heart of a growing community… Read more: A New Chapter for Connection at New Appleby Branch

By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter What began as one man’s healing journey in Winnipeg has now blossomed into a national movement of love, art, and mental health awareness, and this year, it’s finding a new home in Halton.… Read more: Love Notes Comes to Halton: Spreading Compassion Through Art and Conversation

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Village Theatre Waterdown, located on 317 Dundas Street East, is preparing to present Susan Miller’s 20th Century Blues. Directed by Jerrold Karch and produced by Ilene Elkaim, this fast-approaching and ambitious play… Read more: Burlington Actress Offers a Snapshot of Her Upcoming Lead Role in “20th Century Blues”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It’s only 9:00 a.m., and 38-year-old Sarah just can’t catch a break. Her life is in shambles. A turkey farmer freshly split from her emotionally and physically distant husband, her wallet is… Read more: Theatre Burlington’s “The Birds and the Bees” is a Sticky and Sweet Affair

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Jessica Clement, born in Burlington and currently residing in Dundas, has been in the acting business for 25 years. Her first acting credit was a small role as an actor’s daughter in… Read more: From Aldershot to the Big Screen: Jessica Clement Reflects on “Dream Scenario” and Filming in Burlington

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Earlier this fall, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) showcased its new exhibit, “Gikinoo’amaatowin — This Is All Learning,” exploring Anishinaabe knowledge and practices through two artists: Jean Marshall and Nicole Richmond.  The… Read more: Anishinaabe Artists Bring the Magic of Their Communities to Fall/Winter AGB Exhibit

Oct. 11, 2025 — Arts Burlington We’re excited to announce the return of the Arts Burlington Holiday Sale, taking place Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Burlington.… Read more: Arts Burlington Holiday Sale Returns November 22 and 23 at the Art Gallery of Burlington

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “Pop! I’m a dime a dozen, and so are you!” “I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman, and you are Biff Loman!” On October 17, 2025, we will… Read more: Dundas Little Theatre Refocuses “Death of a Salesman” Through Lens of Men’s Mental Health

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On October 6, the City of Burlington held their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss various items relevant to the city and its residents. Item 8.2 on the meeting’s agenda was… Read more: Sound of Music Faces Uncertain Future After City Vote

Now in its fifth year, Burlington Public Library is excited to announce its 2025 Burlington Literary Festival lineup. BurlLITFest is a celebration of authors, books, and creativity that runs the entire month of November — and it’s FREE to attend! Last year’s events filled… Read more: Booklovers and Writers, Get Ready for BurlLITFest 2025

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On October 8, 2025, Groundwood Books is set to publish Home for Margaret, a children’s book by Burlington-based, award-winning reporter Denise Davy, aimed at readers aged 3 to 6. A bold venture… Read more: Empathy Begins Early: Denise Davy’s Home for Margaret Teaches Kids About Homelessness

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On Friday, September 19, 2025, more than 300 guests dressed in their best, fashion-forward looks to step into the world of Burlington fashion designer Joseph Tassoni for his Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter immersive fashion… Read more: Joseph Tassoni’s Immersive Fashion Show Stitches Together Sustainability and Style

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Paquette Productions, an entertainment company that puts together tribute shows for nostalgic music lovers, is currently travelling around Ontario with Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers Story. On Friday, September 26, 2025,… Read more: Walk Right Back Delivers a Nostalgic Jam Fest for Die-Hard Fans

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From October 4 to October 5, the Royal Botanical Gardens’ (RBG) Hendrie Park will host the 17th annual Telling Tales Festival. Previously held at Westfield Heritage Village, the event was split with the… Read more: A Storybook Stroll Through the Telling Tales Festival at RBG

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Joe Lapinski is a musician and producer who hails from St. Catharines. As an intrepid artist, his keen focus is on using the power of music to develop community and bring people… Read more: Allyship Through Music: A Conversation With Joe Lapinski On “The Secret Path”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Riotous musicals. Gut-busting comedies. Compelling and tear-jerking dramas. A soulful Puccini opera. Fall 2025 in Burlington promises an eventful stage season this year, with a welcoming variety at all the local venues.… Read more: The Curtain Rises on Burlington’s Fall Theatre Season

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Capillary Wave Community’s recent fundraiser, Laughing Heals Comedy Night, proved that laughter can spark more than joy — it can build lifelines. Held at The Black Swan, the evening brought together comedians Casey… Read more: Laughing Heals Comedy Night Brings Laughter and Lifelines to the Community

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington is starting off the fall of 2025 fresh and opulent with Downton Abbey by Fleurs de Villes, a florist organization founded by Karen Marshall and… Read more: Upstairs, Downstairs, and in Bloom: Downton Abbey at the RBG

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On September 24, the Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable (HEDR) will host a Truth and Reconciliation Summit at the Central Branch of the Burlington Public Library. The event will feature three speakers, each… Read more: Learn and Build Commitments at HEDR’s Truth and Reconciliation Summit

By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter This Sunday, the Navratri Bazaar returns, bringing with it the colours, sounds, and warmth of community connection. Hosted once again by mother-daughter duo Sita Jayaraman and Tarini Sharma, the bazaar has quickly become… Read more: Navratri Bazaar Returns to Oakville This Sunday

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It’s the age-old story of Canada’s growth as a country. Hopeful families from abroad pack up their belongings, say goodbye to their loved ones, board a plane, and arrive on Canadian soil… Read more: Holding on to Home, Finding a New One: A Review of Wendy J. Whittingham’s “The Last Last”

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The accomplished and Burlington-based children’s book author Lana Button has successfully completed her first collaboration with another author. On September 2, 2025, her book One Can, co-authored with the esteemed Canadian writer… Read more: Lana Button on Food Insecurity and Her First Co-Authored Book

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Art Gallery of Burlington is about to wrap up its 50th anniversary All Guilds Show, held from August 23 to September 7, 2025. This milestone exhibition carried extra weight — it may… Read more: 117 Local Artists Shine at AGB’s 50th Anniversary All Guilds Show

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A careful elastic band stretching between dynamic characters and leaving readers aching for more is Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s twisted specialty. Maehrer is the New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed series Assistant… Read more: From BookTok to Bestsellers: Hannah Nicole Maehrer Brings Villainous Romance to Burlington

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From August 23 to 24, Central Park was home to the second annual Burlington Latin Festival. The event expanded from one to two days for this year’s edition and was filled with food,… Read more: Latin Festival Fills Central Park with Food, Dance, and Community Spirit

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On August 20, the Burlington Public Library hosted a Virtual Author Talk through the Library Speakers Consortium, with New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston. The talk, hosted by Brandon Adler of the… Read more: Virtual Author Talk Brings McQuiston’s Rom-Com to Burlington Readers

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On August 16, Spencer Smith Park was host to the fifth annual Burlington VegFest, a vegan festival in the city. Booths were set up throughout the park, housing vendors who sold vegan food,… Read more: Plant-Based Tastes and Local Talent Take Centre Stage at Burlington VegFest

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It’s a collaboration between three luminaries timed to usher in the new school year. Its central lesson has never been more relevant in a reality where the gap between those who have… Read more: How to Give: Lessons from Lana Button and Eric Walters’ “One Can”

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On August 16, Spencer Smith Park will host the fourth annual Burlington VegFest. It will be the first time the festival will be held at the location, with the three previous VegFests being… Read more: Burlington VegFest at Spencer Smith Park Promises Bigger Crowds and Fresh Flavours

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On August 23, the Elizabeth Gardens Creative Collective (EGCC) will host its fifth annual Art Walk at Burloak Waterfront Park. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is… Read more: Fifth Annual Art Walk to Bring Art, Music, and Community to Waterfront

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Do you know which lone train station in Burlington was available in the 1960s? Did you ever dine at the Ben-Hur restaurant and if you did, do you know what is at… Read more: Burlington Brains Put to the Test at Heritage Week Trivia

By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “We’re still about 20 years behind where we should be when it comes to supporting Black-owned businesses,” says Kezia Royer-Burkett. That’s the reality driving this year’s Black Business Awareness Month initiative in Halton.… Read more: Black Business Awareness Month: Bridging the Gap Between Visibility and Support

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter On August 2, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) hosted the opening ceremony of the city’s Heritage Week. Marsha Paley, chair of the Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee, acted as emcee for the event… Read more: Heritage Week Launches at AGB with Reflections, Milestones, and Community Pride

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Jazz on the Plaza has become a staple of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s summer lineup. Every year, jazz enthusiasts gather on the corner of Elgin and Locust streets to enjoy the… Read more: Bringing Bublé to Burlington: An Interview with Jay Davis

By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Families from across the Halton region gathered at Kelso Conservation Area on Saturday, July 26, for a full day of fun, food, and connection at the 4th annual Cookout Campout Weekend, hosted by… Read more: Community Comes Together for Halton Black Voices’ 4th Annual Cookout Campout Weekend

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From August 2 to 9, 2025, Burlington will celebrate Heritage Week. The celebration brings together over 35 individuals and organizations who help create the week’s itinerary of events. According to the City of… Read more: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present: Burlington’s Heritage Week Returns Aug. 2–9

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter This weekend, residents from across Halton Region will be heading down the QEW into Toronto to take part in one of Toronto’s largest and most spirited celebrations of Black culture: Toronto Caribbean Carnival,… Read more: From Carnival to Commemoration: Caribbean Culture Celebrated Across the Region

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canadian fashion designer Joseph Tassoni is once again turning heads and raising expectations as he prepares to debut his Spring/Summer Fall/Winter 2026 (SS/FW 2026) collection on September 19, 2025, at Arcadia Earth in… Read more: The Future, Tailored: Tassoni to Unveil 2026 Collection in Immersive Tech-Driven Fashion Show

By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Theatre Burlington triumphantly ended its spring 2025 season with Bluebirds, a poignant wartime tragedy. Now the venue’s 2025 fall season is fast approaching and is set to start off with something a… Read more: Director Francesca Brugnano Talks The Birds and the Bees, Theatre Burlington’s First Fall Offering

By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A quiet hum of anticipation filled the room during the recent fireside chat at Le Germain Hotel on Mercer’s library, hosted by award-winning Burlington fashion designer Joseph Tassoni alongside his guest Danielle Graham,… Read more: Fashion Forward: Tassoni Event Explores Tech, Design, and Burlington’s Creative Future

By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter As video games increasingly gain recognition as cultural and artistic works, spawning shows, movies, and critical acclaim, Museums of Burlington is embracing this evolution through “Game Changers,” a hands-on travelling exhibit currently on… Read more: Press Start: Joseph Brant Museum Explores Gaming History in ‘Game Changers’

By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From May 1 to 31, 2025, the Burlington Public Library (BPL) hosted its annual writing contest, titled “Write Here Write Now,” with submissions coming in from across the city. Entries could be in… Read more: Write Here Write Now Contest Winners Share Stories of Identity, Vulnerability, and Belonging