Cosmic Creativity in Downtown Oshawa: Convergence Festival Returns

The third annual Convergence Music & Art Festival takes place in Oshawa Sept 19 & 20 2025. The festival centred in the city’s downtown core has extended across three days from its inaugural one-day event and includes art displays, markets and live performances by Asynabee, K-OS, Skydiggers, and Valley. Many of the activities and events are free but there are some ticketed events.

This exciting innovative experience showcasing the best of what Oshawa is and the talent it attracts

kicks off on Friday with a diverse array of performers on the Main Stage located at the corner of King

and Celina. Featured artists include Indigenous Dancers Memengwe Kwe, Beatboxin’, Afiwi Groove Dancers, a tribute to KRSOne, a celebration of women in HipHop, a drum circle by Afiwi Groove,

break dancing, Spoken Word, a graffiti workshop, and DJs.

Check out Afiwi Groove on the Main Stage Friday September 19!

Also on Friday the Biltmore Theatre located at 39 King Street East launches its Convergence content

with alt-country Canadian icons The Skydiggers. Formed in 1990 the Skydiggers have released 19

studio albums including the fan fave debut self-titled which included the hit ‘I Will Give You Everything’ and their sophomore album ‘Restless’ and the hit single ‘A Penny More’. The Skydiggers were an influence on Oshawa raised country outfit Cuff The Duke who will play a Convergence throwback party on Sept 26 along with troubadours Matt Holtby, and Darren Roy Clarke. CTD are touring their latest album, their first in a decade, titled ‘Breaking Dawn’. Also on Friday at 6 p.m. Kops Records on King St. hosts singer/ songwriter Gary LaRocca who spent some of his youth on Scugog Island First Nation. Opening will be emerging artist Matteo Braccia.

Don't miss Matt Holby and Darren Clarke at The Biltmore w/ Cuff The Duke

Saturday is the main event with an explosion of arts and music throughout the downtown. The core of

the city will be pedestrianised and there will be several zones featuring the best of what makes Oshawa such a great city to be in. Zones include Nerd Alley, Punk Rock Flea Market, a Kids Zone, and Street Food Zone. The retail, cafes, clubs, and bars which form the downtown core will also be opening and offering their own array of activities and celebrations.

There's something for everyone at Convergence Music & Art Festival!

There are two stages, The Cosmic and the Anti-Gravity and there will be musical performances throughout the day on both. The fabulous Anishinabek drum and choir act from Nimkii and the Niniis

introduce the festival on the Cosmic Stage followed by Oshawa rockers Blamethrower. Toronto based

Indie rocker Frank Mighty brings his upbeat vibes next followed by the Billie Eilish/ Wet Leg like sounds of Charlie Houston from Toronto and signed to Arts & Crafts. The legendary Hamilton entertainer BA Johnston is guaranteed to get the crowd in a party frame of mind with his sparklers and acrobatic antics.

Catch Nimkii and the Niniis on the Cosmic Stage on Saturday September 20!

Next up is another Oshawa rock band Lear Haven who combine soul and country in their tracks, Toronto based hip hop artist Zakisha Brown and Oji-Cree singer- songwriter Aysanbee, one of the most powerful spiritual voices in the modern musical landscape and a perfect pick for this city with its deep Indigenous heritage, including the name of the place itself. Toronto band Valley will close out the fest with a set filled with their dance pop bangers. The Anti-Gravity stage takes off with the classically trained vox rock of Rory Taillon, followed by the alt-rock of Madame Psychosis, the R&B of Avery Raquel, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

RON, Anishinaabe singer-songwriter from Northwestern Ontario Natalie Fisher, Toronto based Sri

Lanka urban artist Spike, and punks Nothing Serious bring it home. But we’re not home yet! The party moves from outside to inside with HipHop icon K-OS making a rare live performance at BondSt Main Stage, 44 Bond Street East. Having recently seen K-OS at the Whitby Fest I guarantee this will be one not to miss. He was fire as the kids say at the Whitby fest and an absolute gem of a performer. This will be part of the venue’s block party celebrations with all-day DJs and an eclectic mix of vendors in its parking lot running until midnight. During the day there will be a music summit hosted by D.R.E.A.M.S featuring industry speakers and performances.

K-OS will take the stage at the Offical Convergence After-Party at BOND ST. Event Centre on Saturday September 20!

The Biltmore also has an after-party with local faves The Professors of Funk mixing up all the best of

70s era soul, funk, and disco. And those looking for something a little harder, a little more Shwarock City can settle in at the Atria 59 King Street East with The Commune, Superstar Crush, and Proof of Dog. The Regent Theatre will also be open with a tribute by Almost Hip to the very popular Canadian band

the Tragically Hip on Sept 20 and Its Too Late To Stop Now, a tribute to Van Morrison Sept 19. And for those who don’t want it to stop can take in the D.R.E.A.M.S award show at Bond St on Sunday Sept 21. This event honours the best of Durham Regions music makers in a variety of categories including best album, single, and venue.

Perhaps there should be an award for best fest and I’d nominate Convergence 2025 for sure for that one.