Weather not a concern as award-winning Peony Festival brightens Oshawa for 22nd year

The threat of thunderstorm did not scare away enthusiasts of one of Oshawa’s longest running and most popular festivals, with big crowds in attendance for the 22nd annual Peony Festival June 6-7 at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens.

Named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events for 13 consecutive years, the festival features one of Canada’s largest contemporary peony collections, with more than 300 varieties, along with hundreds of cut blooms displayed inside Children’s Arena during the Canadian Peony Society judged show.

“The City of Oshawa was proud to welcome thousands of visitors from across the city, region and beyond,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, who was spotted walking through the grounds. “The Peony Festival continues to showcase the very best of the great City of Oshawa. I invite everyone to return next year to walk among the many blooms and enjoy family‑friendly activities and live entertainment.”

The Oshawa Peony Festival, which went off with sunny skies and perfect weather conditions on both days, is a free two-day event that also boasts family activities, garden-inspired works by painters, sculptors at an artisan market, local musicians, food vendors, children’s activities and educational talks and exhibits.

The festival also welcomed the annual appearance from the Livingroom Community Art Studio, with children and adults alike encouraged to create their own peonies as well add their artistic touches to the Livingroom’s iconic bus.

A free shuttle was available to take flower lovers to the event from various locations around the city’s downtown.