Oshawa’s Convergence named ‘Best New Festival’ in Ontario
With music on multiple stages, art installations, wresting on main street and a punk rock flea market, what’s not to like?
Festival and Events Ontario certainly liked, with the Convergence Music and Art Festival, an event that has been taking over Oshawa’s downtown for the past three Septembers, named Best New Festival in Ontario.
Launched to celebrate Oshawa’s arts, culture and creative communities in 2023, Convergence has quickly established itself as one of the province’s most dynamic festivals. The event has made Festival and Event Ontario’s Top 100 list for all three years and won an EDCO award last year for best Inclusive Community-based Initiative.
The accolades are a testament to the festival’s “bold programming, inclusive partnerships and measurable impact” in energizing Oshawa’s downtown core, said Oshawa Tourism Executive Director Krista Licsi.
“This recognition from Festivals and Events Ontario is an incredible honour for our city,” Licsi enthused. “Convergence was built to reflect Oshawa’s authenticity and creative spirit. From day one, the goal was to create something that felt distinctly Oshawa. To be named Best New Festival in Ontario and to celebrate our third consecutive year on the FEO Top 100 list speaks to the passion of our artists, performers, volunteers, sponsors and community partners. This achievement belongs to all of them.”
The numbers of visitors have increased each year, with Convergence becoming a celebration of Oshawa’s unique vibe by spotlighting the city’s diverse creative subcultures. The festival brings together indie, alternative and emerging music scenes; punk rock and vintage vendor markets; comic book, gaming and cosplay communities through Nerd Alley; professional wrestling entertainment; grassroots visual artists; public art installations; and cultural showcases.
Feedback from visitors was almost universally positive at last year’s event:
- “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 its launch, Convergence has drawn thousands of residents and visitors to downtown Oshawa, driving foot traffic to local businesses, activating public spaces and building pride of place within the community.
“Convergence Oshawa was great! The entire downtown was converted into street venders, food, bands playing, wrestling, you name it,” declared Oshawa resident Catherine MacDonald Haylock. “It was an incredible time that I’m sure that they will just continue to build upon. So much fun!”
Along with other award-winning events like the Oshawa Boo Bash, the Peony Festival – a top 100 festival for 13 straight years – and the Indigenous Cultural Celebration, Convergence is helping to define a “new era of signature experiences” that reflect the energy, diversity and authenticity of Oshawa, noted Licsi.
“As Convergence looks ahead to its next chapter, this provincial recognition affirms what the community already knows: Oshawa’s creative energy is undeniable, and when it converges, something powerful happens.”
For more information about the 2026 Convergence Music and Art Festival, taking place September 19-20, visit www.convergenceoshawa.com.
By Glenn Hendry, insauga
