Spring into Oshawa: Local Adventures, Mom’s Day Out & Patio Cheers

Spring in Oshawa is always so beautiful. Even as the rain pours down onto us, I rejoice in knowing that the water and sunlight are preparing the peonies to bloom next month.

May 1 to 7 is National Youth Week, which hosts many opportunities for youth and families around the city to explore the fun events Oshawa has to offer. From a youth social, paint night, swimming, and basketball, the folks over at Oshawa Youth Council and BGC Durham have made a week full of ways to get outside and make new friends. This time between March Break and the end of the school year can be a slog, but for those with kids, there is at least something the kiddos can get up to this week.

Oshawa Tourism’s Hometown Tourist Challenge has kicked off for its third year. The Hometown Tourist Challenge is a City-wide scavenger hunt and exploration game that provides a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy sometimes hidden and always interesting places and spaces in Oshawa. One spot I am excited to visit is Alexandra’s Bounty Garden (360 Simcoe Street North). Years ago, I did a crawl of Oshawa’s community gardens because it is crucial that people have access to fresh herbs and vegetables. I wanted to see and learn more about how our city provides space and access to growing crops and sharing the harvest. Alexandra’s Bounty Garden is particularly interesting to me because it is the Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council Community Garden, and it offers free vegetables, berries, and herbs during the summer months to Métis citizens and members of the community in need. This is one of the reasons I love Oshawa: there is a real consideration for how we treat each other, our neighbours, the next generations, and all of our relations. There is serious work being done to give credit to Indigenous teachings and to treat both our environments (both natural and built) with respect. This is one of the stops featured in The Hometown Tourist Challenge that I hope gets lots of attention, reflection, and introspection.

Alexandra's Bounty Garden, located at 360 Simcoe St. N, is a beautiful stop on The Hometown Tourist Challenge.

Another location that I am particularly excited about is the artwork called Turning the Wheel by visual artist Dani Crosby (110 King Street West). “This new temporary public artwork was installed in September 2024. Commissioned at the site of the former John Borlase Warren Flour Mill, it reflects the history and legacy of the historical mill and its relationship to the Oshawa Creek. Follow it up with a walk along Oshawa Creek. This is a beautiful walk, especially this time of year, as it is an excellent spot for birdwatching, dog walking, and seeing all of the nature about to bloom. Discovering even more about Oshawa at each new event is something that keeps me very proud to be so connected to Oshawa and its people.  

Next, we can’t forget Mother’s Day. If you haven’t already, check out Parkwood Estates on May 10 for free entry to their pop-up market. While the Oshawa Centre also has some cool stuff planned for Mother’s Day, I have to admit that Oshawa is one city that has some excellent vendor game. Nobody supports local small businesses quite like the proud patrons of Oshawa, who keep events like these in demand. These historic grounds, famous for their botanical gardens and scenic views, are also having a plant sale, which is perfect for the season. This Mother’s Day, give mom her flowers. 

"Turning the Wheel" by Dani Crosby.

And when the day is done, whether it was filled with buying more plants, planting new seeds, or taking mom to high tea, make your way to All or Nothing Brewery (439 Ritson Road South). As patio season peaks its head around the corner, it is time to get reacquainted with Oshawa’s best craft beers. This is a go-to spot for a warm day with their welcoming patio, pet-friendly atmosphere, and delicious beer. As farmer’s market season starts, keep an eye out for local spots that share their bounty and invite the community in for a nice, cold drink. 

As Oshawa continues to announce more plans for growth and development, I am glad to see that our city is not losing its spark or edge. There is something grounding and uplifting about being at home in the city and seeing some city mainstays do what they do best. Warmer weather means festival season is gearing up. Before we get into the full swing of summer, check out some of Oshawa's hot spots you might not have known about.

I hope to see you there!