That April heat wave had all of us swapping our winter footwear for running shoes and sandals. Summer officially arrives later this month but the mood has already swung in favour of long walks on the lakefront and other outdoor pleasures during these longest days of the year. The Burlington social calendar has something for everyone. The sound of rubber soles soon will fill the streets!
June is the Month of Long Days and Burlington excels at getting the most out of gorgeous, sunset-bathed evenings on the waterfront and beyond. Here at the Molinaro Group we’re busy prepping the site for Paradigm Grand’s Finale, the transformative final stage of our iconic Paradigm lifestyle condo project on Fairview St. It will be one of our busiest seasons ever, but our residents and employees will still be in the midst of everything that’s going on around us.
Movement is the theme at this time of the year. While we move the heavy equipment, Burlington residents are hitting the streets, local trails, outdoor attractions, and pouring their energy into good causes. One of the early premier events of the season happens on the evening of Saturday, June 10th. The Moon in June Road Race is a chance to run, jog or walk to fund-raise for a great cause. Register now for a 1K, 5K or 10K walk or run in support of Radius Child & Youth Services. Read here about what this organization does to support abused and neglected children in our area, and more about the event’s 30-year history.
All ages are welcome (kids under 8 accompanied by an adult). The event traces a flat course through downtown, beginning and ending at the waterfront. No pressure; choose the distance and pace that works for you knowing that all entry fees go directly to the charity. With luck, the night will be capped with a glowing Lake Ontario sunset. Consider it a warm-up for the Canada Day 5K/10K Race at Spencer Smith Park on July 1.
You won’t get much of an argument from anyone in Burlington in response to this statement: The Sound of Music Festival is the city’s biggest event of the year. Four consecutive days of live outdoor music featuring a cross-section of classic rock, pop, folk and blues begin Thursday, June 15 and end on Father’s Day, June 18th. Spencer Smith Park becomes a heaving mass of happily grooving humanity, soaked in sunscreen and basking in the sounds of bands, new and old, performing their past and current hits. Click here to see the complete lineup.
More than just music, the Festival appeals to all ages with food vendors, the Streetfest, a parade and the Midway featuring classic carnival rides. The kicker; all events are FREE, courtesy of the volunteer staff and local business sponsors.
Here’s a sampling of what else is happening in June on a recurring basis:
- Concerts in the park beginning Sunday, June 18 and running Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. through August.
Burlington Centre Lions Farmer’s Market in the Centre parking lot on Friday, June 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuing Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month. Shop for locally-sourced fresh produce, bread and other food products in support of Lions Club projects.
National Indigenous Peoples Day, Wednesday, June 21 at Spencer Smith Park. The event schedule is TBA.
Go to the Burlington Events Calendar for a complete daily listing of times and details.
Everywhere you look, gardens are in bloom, shade trees are filled out and grass has turned that shade of emerald green that signals a healthy blend of moisture, sun, cool nights and warmer days. Where better than at a local horticultural landmark to see nature in its full, lovingly maintained glory:
Royal Botanical Gardens
June highlights include:
Iconic Plant Tours: Iris and Peonies of Laking Garden, June 1, Laking Garden (1221 Spring Gardens Rd.)
Not Just a Birding Club, June 3, 2023, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Paddling in Paradise: Spring Canoe Tours, Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Road)
Discovery at the Fishway, Sunday, June 18; 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Some events recur throughout the month. Visit the RBG website for full details and daily listings.
It’s a quieter time for the Burlington Performing Arts Centre as it prepares to launch its new 2023 season with a formal, members-only event at the end of May.
Visit the BPAC website for a current list of event dates and ticket information.
As our company President, Vince Molinaro is fond of saying, “life is better in Burlington.”