July feels like a Saturday, and August feels like a Sunday. It’s that part of the summer when you can feel the end is near. Soon, students will be going back to school, teachers will be going back to work, and before we know it, the weather will be cooling down. But not yet! We still have a few more hurrahs before we are back into the regular groove, so let’s make the most of it!
First, come out on August 13 to Oshawa’s Memorial Park (110 Simcoe Street South) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to see the Rock Steady Tribute Band, hailed as “Canada’s tribute to Paul Rodgers.” Rodgers has been commemorated by heavy hitters such as Rolling Stone, John Mellencamp, and Queen’s Freddie Mercury as one of the best rock singers ever. Check out Oshawa’s tribute at Rockin’ The Park, where you can hear hits such as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Making Love,” “Bad Company,” and more. The ensemble of “[five] veteran musicians, each with over 40 years in music, bring a high energy rock and roll show to the big stage that guarantees to have the crowd on their feet clapping, dancing and singing along to all of their favourite hits.” Check out the Events in the Park website to see who else is coming to Oshawa for the rest of the summer.
It’s Leo season, symbolized by the lion, the king of the jungle, and a time when we are encouraged to beam with pride as we shine in the sunlight. By the time you read this, it will also be the birthday of Jason Momoa, my favourite Leo, a huge car enthusiast. Join the rest of the Oshawa community on August 23 for one of Oshawa’s biggest festivals, Kars on King. The annual event is an opportunity to showcase classic cars and appreciate the workmanship from years gone past. Come out to enjoy the display of vintage muscle, retro style, and classic models. As an event that attracts thousands of patrons every year, Kars on King is definitely the pride of Oshawa, a city built on the back of car manufacturing.
The main stage will include live entertainment, and a Family Zone will feature crafts, inflatables, community attractions, and fun for the little ones. As hundreds of classic cars line the streets of downtown Oshawa, there is much history to relish in, community to be built, art to admire, and ingenuity to be inspired by. Start your engines, and be sure to make it downtown on August 23 for Kars on King. Remember, August 5 is a Civic Holiday, so most businesses will be closed, but it is also the last day to register your vehicle to participate in the event. See the event website to register your classic car.
When I was a kid, the firetruck was always a fascinating mystery to me. Where do they keep the water? And what about ambulances? What do they have in there? Is it just like the movies? Now that I am older, the mystery has been solved, but the wonder remains. Keeping up with the gearhead weekend, the tenth annual Touch-a-Truck event is also happening on August 23. From 4 to 8 p.m., the free, family-friendly event allows kids to see cool trucks up close and personal. Hosted outside of the Tribute Communities Centre (99 Athol Street East), all different kinds, shapes, and sizes of trucks will be on display for kids to learn about and enjoy. According to the Tribute Communities Centre, “While admission to the event is complimentary for all community members, Oak View Group encourages attendees to contribute whatever they can to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-West Durham and Northumberland at one of their booths. Indulge your taste buds with our charity BBQ, as we gather to make a difference. While Touch-a-Truck offers free entry, certain activities, such as face painting and the BBQ, may involve nominal fees.” Please share what you can to support this great cause and inspire youth to continue making big differences in our community.
After enjoying a day of fun with the family, leave the kids at home and check out the Brew Wizards Big Bad Birthday Bash. A punk-lover’s dream, August 24 promises to be a night of vibes with the crew and some stone-cold brews. There is no cover charge for the entertainment taking place at 7 p.m. with performances by Oshawa’s very own Poison Fountains, as well as The Mendozas, and Wasting Time, both hailing from Toronto. The end of summer is gearing up to be a weekend full of cool rides, local draught, and raging tunes.
The fun in the sun doesn’t stop there. As summer wraps up and we head into September, the party continues with the 2nd Annual Convergence Music and Art Festival. Featuring a punk rock flea market, the cosplay cup, ONITA Inc. (Canada's favourite itasha and theme car collective), live music, and food provided by Oshawa’s favourite Portobello Road, Oshawa adds another crown jewel to its list of eye-bulging festivals. Get your taste buds dancing and your earholes happy by joining us at the upcoming Convergence Festival. Follow the festival on Instagram for the latest announcements.
In the coming weeks, you may not see the real Jason Momoa in Oshawa, but you will likely see the best Aquaman or Khal Drogo impersonators. Oshawa loves its cosplay, its nerd breweries, its car collectors, and its punk and rock musicians. No matter which events you attend, I hope to see you there and keep the good times rolling as Oshawa rolls out the red carpet for the biggest events of the year.
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