The Strumbellas wrapped up the inaugural Convergence Music & Arts Festival in 2023. Image Year of the Drone
With live music across various stages, art displays, wrestling on main street, and a punk rock flea market, what’s not to enjoy?
Festival and Events Ontario certainly appreciated it, as the Convergence Music and Art Festival, which has been enlivening Oshawa’s downtown for three Septembers now, was awarded Best New Festival in Ontario.
Created to honor Oshawa’s arts, culture, and creative communities in 2023, Convergence has swiftly made a name for itself as one of the province’s most exciting festivals. The event has earned a spot on Festival and Ontario’s Top 100 list every year since its launch and received an EDCO award last year for best Inclusive Community-based Initiative.
These accolades reflect the festival’s “bold programming, inclusive partnerships and measurable impact” in revitalizing Oshawa’s downtown area, noted Oshawa Tourism Executive Director Krista Licsi.
“This recognition from Festivals and Events Ontario is an incredible honour for our city,” Licsi shared excitedly. “Convergence was designed to showcase Oshawa’s authenticity and creative spirit. From day one, our aim was to create something that truly felt like Oshawa. Being named Best New Festival in Ontario while celebrating our third consecutive year on the FEO Top 100 list speaks volumes about the dedication of our artists, performers, volunteers, sponsors and community partners. This success belongs to all of them.”
The number of attendees has grown each year as Convergence celebrates Oshawa’s unique vibe by highlighting the city’s diverse creative subcultures. The festival brings together indie music scenes; alternative acts; punk rock and vintage markets; comic book enthusiasts; gaming aficionados; cosplay communities through Nerd Alley; professional wrestling entertainment; grassroots visual artists; public art displays; and cultural showcases.
Photo Teddy’s Restaurant
Feedback from visitors at last year’s festival was overwhelmingly positive:
“My wife and I loved the festival! It was so damn good! It’s rare to find a festival with some energy behind it. The wrestling, the music, the food. Absolutely coming next year!” “It was a great crowd down there today! We took our daughter and her friend and it was a great time! 2nd year for us!” “So many new vendors this year, excellent music and good vibes. Loved the art installations.” “Everyone was wonderful … 100 per cent want to go back next year.” “Third year was a bang! My feet are sore and I’m le tired, but it was such a great event.” “I loved it! I went with my daughter, my son-in-law and two grandchildren who made my day a beautiful one!” “An unforgettable experience.”
Since starting up, Convergence has attracted thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Oshawa while boosting foot traffic for local businesses, activating public spaces and enhancing community pride.
“Convergence Oshawa was great! The entire downtown transformed into street vendors selling food while bands played – you name it,” said local resident Catherine Mac Donald Haylock. “It was an incredible time that I’m sure they will just keep building upon. So much fun!”
Together with other award-winning events like the Oshawa Boo Bash, Peony Festival – which has been recognized as a top 100 festival for 13 years straight – along with Indigenous Cultural Celebration events, Convergence is playing a key role in defining a “new era of signature experiences” that highlight the energy, diversity-and authenticity-of Oshawa,” added Licsi.
“As Convergence looks ahead to its next chapter , this provincial recognition affirms what we already know: Oshawa’s creative energy is undeniable , and when it converges , something powerful happens.”
For more details about the upcoming 2026 Convergence Music and Art Festival scheduled for September 19-20 , check out www. convergenceoshawa. com.
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Photo Teddy’s Restaurant
Feedback from visitors at last year’s festival was overwhelmingly positive:
“My wife and I loved the festival! It was so damn good! It’s rare to find a festival with some energy behind it. The wrestling, the music, the food. Absolutely coming next year!” “It was a great crowd down there today! We took our daughter and her friend and it was a great time! 2nd year for us!” “So many new vendors this year, excellent music and good vibes. Loved the art installations.” “Everyone was wonderful … 100 per cent want to go back next year.” “Third year was a bang! My feet are sore and I’m le tired, but it was such a great event.” “I loved it! I went with my daughter, my son-in-law and two grandchildren who made my day a beautiful one!” “An unforgettable experience.”
Since starting up, Convergence has attracted thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Oshawa while boosting foot traffic for local businesses, activating public spaces and enhancing community pride.
“Convergence Oshawa was great! The entire downtown transformed into street vendors selling food while bands played – you name it,” said local resident Catherine Mac Donald Haylock. “It was an incredible time that I’m sure they will just keep building upon. So much fun!”
Together with other award-winning events like the Oshawa Boo Bash, Peony Festival – which has been recognized as a top 100 festival for 13 years straight – along with Indigenous Cultural Celebration events, Convergence is playing a key role in defining a “new era of signature experiences” that highlight the energy, diversity-and authenticity-of Oshawa,” added Licsi.
“As Convergence looks ahead to its next chapter , this provincial recognition affirms what we already know: Oshawa’s creative energy is undeniable , and when it converges , something powerful happens.”
For more details about the upcoming 2026 Convergence Music and Art Festival scheduled for September 19-20 , check out www. convergenceoshawa. com.
Photo Derek GibersonINsauga’s Editorial Standards & Policies
Last 30 Days :32 ,967 Votes
All Time :1 ,258 ,597 Votes798 VOTES
