Big events, food and fun are in full bloom this summer at Royal Botanical Gardens, spanning Burlington and Hamilton.
Known as the biggest botanical garden in Ontario and all of Canada, RBG is gearing up for another season of all-ages outdoor entertainment, featuring everything from yoga to 19+ evenings to live concerts under the sun.
Accentuated by beautiful gardens and nature trails, here’s a look at everything happening at Royal Botanical Gardens this summer:
Concerts in the Garden
Location: Hendrie Park, Mitchell’s Field (680 Plains Road W., Burlington)
A variety of major concerts are planned at RBG this summer, bringing live music and entertainment to these picturesque gardens. Bring a lawn chair a blanket, grab a cold drink, and enjoy performances from these award-winning musicians:
- July 9 – AHI & Logan Staats
- July 24 – The Bros. Landreth & Whitehorse
- 14 – Jeremie Albino (with Benjamin Dakota Rogers)
- 20 – Begonia (with STORRY)
Fall Concert: Under the Harvest Moon with Rufus Wainwright
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Location: Hendrie Park, Mitchell’s Field (680 Plains Road W., Burlington)
Celebrate the arrival of fall with a night of remarkable music from talented singer and songwriter Rufus Wainwright, who will grace the autumn air under the harvest moon. Bring a lawn chair, pack a cozy blanket and enjoy fall-inspired food and drinks in the lovely garden.
The Enchanted Garden
Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13 – 9 am to 3 pm
Location: Rock Garden (1185 York Boulevard, Hamilton)
For an upcoming weekend in July, witness the historic Rock Garden transform into a world of magic and mischief, where gnomes, elves, fairies, pixies, and sprites reside in hidden nooks around every corner.
Recommended for families with kids aged 4-7, young explorers are invited to embark on The Quest for Lost Magic—a whimsical journey where enchanted pathways hold secrets waiting to be uncovered, and every step brings you closer to restoring the garden’s lost magic. Attendees are invited to come dressed in their most enchanting costumes!
RBG After Dark
Location: Rock Garden (1185 York Boulevard, Hamilton)
For the adults looking for a good time, RBG After Dark is a 19+ after-hours event series that transforms the gardens into the perfect social evening spot. This summer, enjoy monthly themed events that will feature the best in food, music and entertainment:
- Jul 10 – Enchanted at Twilight
- Aug 21 – Hot Summer Sizzle
- Sept 25 – So Long Summer
Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey
Sept. 12 to Sept. 21
Location: RBG Centre (680 Plains Road W., Burlington)
This September, world-renowned flower show Fleurs de Villes arrives at Royal Botanical Gardens Canada with their stunning floral exhibition, Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey – a spectacular fresh floral celebration inspired by the famed period drama, created by talented floral artists from the GTA.
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Yoga at the Gardens
Saturdays, June 28 to Sept. 27
Location: Hendrie Park (680 Plains Rd W., Burlington)
There’s nothing quite as relaxing and invigorating as some outdoor yoga surrounded by beautiful nature. Join yoga instructor Pamela every Saturday until Sept. 27 as she focuses on a blend of movement and stillness, strength and flexibility, breath and awareness.
These programs are suitable for all levels, and attendees are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.
Summer Discovery Camp
June 30 to Aug. 29
Compared to regular summer camps, RBG’s Summer Discovery Camps are all about fun, education and respect set in one of the most biologically diverse natural areas in Canada. Campers will spend their time outside relaxing by a campfire, playing games, and learning about the nature around them through first-hand discovery and exploration.
Each week, camp organizers create an exciting new program that suits the needs of each camp group and adapts to the natural processes taking place throughout the summer, with the goal of creating the most memorable summer camp experience possible.
Dining in the Gardens
No matter when you visit RBG or what you’re doing, visitors can satisfy their cravings at the Rock Garden Bistro, serving up dishes made with only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Brunch is served exclusively on Sundays.
The bistro’s outdoor patio provides a great view of the garden’s rejuvenated lower bowl, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the summer.
Reserve your space at the newly renovated Tea House overlooking Hendrie Park’s Rose Garden, an ideal place to enjoy nature’s tranquility while having lunch, afternoon tea, or a sweet treat. The Tea House is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.
RBG is the biggest botanical garden in Canada, with 2,400 acres of gardens and beautiful nature spanning Burlington and Hamilton.
For a full look at the packed schedule of events happening this summer at Royal Botanical Gardens, visit RBG’s website.
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