Classic Moments, New Memories in Oshawa

It is August in Oshawa and I can’t help but wonder: is there any interest in Oshawa having a drive-in movie theatre? Oshawa’s last drive in closed in the 1980s, and since then, we have seen a surge in online streaming. I think certain movies, such as Jurassic Park or Forrest Gump, would be so cool to watch with the ambient night sky in the background. The same is true for Christopher Nolan’s box-office hit, The Odyssey. The epic with masterclass outside shots made me nostalgic for a movie going experience steeped in vintage screens alongside state-of-the-art sound systems. August, the month named after Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, evokes in me feelings of retro arts, technology, and of course, cars. 

Kars on King transforms downtown Oshawa into a celebration of classic cars, live entertainment, local food, and community.

It’s time for one of Oshawa’s biggest events: Kars on King! Taking place on August 21^st from 3:30 to 9pm, head over to Memorial Park (110 Simcoe Street South) for the free outdoor festival that brings vintage cars, gearheads, and families together. Given Oshawa’s deep roots in the automotive manufacturing industry, namely GM existing in Oshawa since the late 1870s, there is a strong sense of pride in Oshawa for what this city has contributed to automobile innovation. At Kars on King you can expect live music, excellent street food, and crowds of people coming together to support local businesses. During the event, head over to Tribute Communities Centre for the 12^th annual Touch a Truck event, presented by Oshawa Power and taking place from 4 to 8pm. This great event is in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Durham and Northumberland, which has seen over $42,000 of support since the start of Touch a Truck. The free event allows interactive access to over 40 vehicles of various shapes and sizes. Donations are welcome at any of the Oak View Group booths, while face painting and BBQ are addons that come with a fee. 

Kars on King is also taking place in partnership with Oshawa’s Automotive Museum (99 Simcoe Street South). Check out the permanent collection of cars made in Canada as well as exhibits that are both kid-friendly and rich with history. Kars on King is a great opportunity to take a gander around Oshawa’s Automotive Museum, but they are also open year-round. Grab a friend and take a look! 

The Canadian Automotive Museum showcases Canada's automotive story through its collection of historic vehicles and exhibits.

The union supporting auto workers in Oshawa, Unifor Local 222, also deserves some shine for their contributions to making Oshawa – this place and its people – the city it is today. It is telling that a popular local hangout is paying homage: TwoTwoTwo Bond Street. Head to TwoTwoTwo (44 Bond Street East) throughout August to catch karaoke, DJ Jam sessions, pop culture trivia, open mics, date nights, acoustic sessions, and some sip and spins on select Saturdays. The vibe has always been right when I was at TwoTwoTwo Bond Street. I will definitely be there more in the dog days of summer. 

TwoTwoTwo is one of BOND|ST Event Centre's two dedicated live music venues in Downtown Oshawa.

If you are interested in spending more time outside before we all head back to school, bring your people over to the various parks around Oshawa. In August, the Events in the Park series heads to Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park (169 Harbourd Road). Every Tuesday in August, this park will act as host to a different live musical performer from 7 to 8:30pm. August 4^th will feature four-piece Indie folk band, I, the Mountains. Donkey Kone, Sanny Hotdog, and True North Lemonade Co. will be there for all of your local food and drink needs!

Then, on August 11^th, Oshawa’s Little Theatre will offer live music and theatre. Lastly, August 25^th will include the duo of Candice and Michael who make alternative folk music. This act especially is on the brink of making it big in the Canadian music and streaming worlds. August 25^th will also see James Wilson, an Irish-born and Canadian-raised harmonizer who is sure to get us in our feelings. It is summer nights like these, close to home, hearing stories both personal and universal, that make music in the park that much more special.  

Events in the Park brings free outdoor entertainment to Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park every Tuesday in August.

While Canada enjoys a civic holiday on August 3^rd, Oshawa has its own special celebration on August 4^th: McLaughlin Day. The McLaughlin family were groundbreaking in Oshawa’s automotive industry, and this day is an opportunity to learn more about the history, struggle, economics, and culture that weave together to make city the gem that it is. 

It is during this month that Parkwood Estates, the mansion belonging to the McLaughlin family, hosts its coveted basement tours. On August 1^st and 2^nd, Parkwood Estates (270 Simcoe Street North) has a guided tour of the home’s basement, offering patrons insights to the mechanics, industrialism, design, and function of the home. Seeing the innovation of the past is sure to inspire ideas about how homes of the future may operate more efficiently, sustainably, and equitably. Or at the very least, act as inspo for our own aspirational wine cellar collections. There are only a few spots left for this ticketed event, so be sure to book in advance. Fo just under $30, patrons will be able to get their fill for the hour and a half-long tour.

Parkwood Estate's Basement Tours return August 1 and 2, offering a rare look below one of Oshawa's most iconic historic homes.

If you are like me and need to ease your way into the upcoming overload of nostalgia, grab your crew and make your way over to the Regent Theatre (50 King Street East) for another Classic Movie Night. On August 6^th from 7 to 9pm check out Predator, a horror flick from 1987 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime and directed by John McTiernan. For less than $10, moviegoers can look forward to door prizes and having their say on future films. Snacks will be available for purchase, and children and students are free. Predator is another film that would be epic to experience at a drive-in theatre, but in lieu, the Regent is also dripping in vintage flare and is an excellent venue.  

Classic Movie Night returns to the Regent Theatre on Thursday, August 6 with a screening of Predator (1987).

Summer is far from over. Get all your retro vibes now because September’s Convergence festival is sure to transport us into futuristic dreamscapes and out of this world sound experiences. No matter what you get up to this August, I hope to see you out and about, building community, reminiscing about years gone by, reliving childhood memories, or doing something new for the first time.