The Burlington Public Library is introducing an exciting lineup of Valentine’s Day events, activities, and book displays at library branches across the city next month. From February 1 to 14, visitors will find playful programs, cozy reading inspiration, a creative bookmark contest, and more special events and activities to celebrate.

“We’re bringing a little extra love to Burlington this February with free Valentine’s Day events and activities for all ages,” says Tammy Csajaghy, Manager of Programming & Partnerships at Burlington Public Library. “We’re especially looking forward to the Valentine’s Day edition of our open mic event for singers, writers, and musicians to share their talents and stories.”

Free Fun Activities 

From February 1 to 14, all BPL branches will have a Blind Date with a Book display of books in brown paper bags. Each surprise book comes with a short description but no title or author. It’s like a literary blind date!

Visitors can also participate in the annual Burlington Bookmarks Contest for all ages. Pick up an entry form at any library branch and create an original, hand-drawn submission inspired by a book you love. Winning designs will be professionally printed and distributed in library branches throughout 2026. Kids can also jump into the fun with a drop-in Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt and colouring activities at library branches from February 1 to 14.

Free Valentine’s Day Events 

All programs are FREE and do not require a library card to attend. Check out the library’s website for a full list of all love inspired programs and events in February.

Farah Heron Talks Romance

Critically acclaimed author Farah Heron, Just Playing House, talks about writing romantic comedies.
Tue February 10, 7-8pm. Register. Central Branch .

Love, Hate & Popcorn Teen Movie Night

Celebrate an early Valentine’s Day with friends at a screening of the cult-classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Thu February 12, 6:30-8:30pm. Central Branch.

Romance the Open Mic

Singers, writers, poets, and musicians, share your talents—and speak your heart! Appreciative audience members are welcome.
Sat February 14, 1-2:30pm. Doors open at 12:30pm for sign-up. Central Branch.

The Story of Aida

Sabatino Vacca, Artistic Director of Southern Ontario Lyric Opera, talks about Verdi’s passionate opera masterpiece, Aida.
Tue February 17, 7-8:30pm. Register. Central Branch.

For more information about programs, events and things to do for Valentine’s Day, visit Burlington Public Library’s website.

Look Local invites you to support these businesses which have recently opened in our community! Check them out and pay them a visit!

502 Urban Coffee
2362 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
www.502urbancoffee.com

502 Urban Coffee opened in beautiful Bronte this summer, after their initial success selling coffee at the Bronte Farmer’s Market.  The owner, Leticia, is originally from Guatemala, and is delighted to bring the rich aroma and heavenly fragrance of delicioso café to the local community.  She sources her coffee from small coffee growers with artisanal methods who craft exceptional coffee infused with love.

Drop in to enjoy a hot drink on site, or shop from a selection of beans to take away. Leticia will be happy to welcome you and explain your options.

Café De Madrid
137 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
www.cafedemadrid.ca   

This authentic Spanish style café opened in Downtown Oakville this summer, and has been getting rave reviews ever since.  With a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of warmer climes, and friendly personal service, the stage is set for a memorable visit.  Drop in for a delicious coffee, or stay for a pastry, lunch or dinner.

Their menu stays true to their Spanish roots, with a selection of shared plates, open face sandwiches (pintxo classico), tapas and salads.  For dinner, the star of the show is their Paella de Mar Clasico, served with tiger shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams and peas.

Lunula Self Care Studio
355 Plains Road East # B9, Burlington
www.lunulaselfcare.com 

Lunula opened in Aldershot in September, offering a full array of services to enhance your natural beauty, including manicures, pedicures, eyelash treatments, and waxing. They use non-toxic, certified organic, and cruelty-free products, and offer a community space to connect, catch up, and feel like you belong.

Fully wheelchair-accessible spaces, adaptive service areas, and flexible seating make everyone feel welcome – perfect for self-care, beauty, and even a craft cocktail. The space is beautifully decorated – and don’t miss the fantastic mural at the rear of the building exterior if you are taking photos!

Tabule Oakville
234 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
www.tabule.ca   

The first Tabule opened on Yonge Street in midtown Toronto in 2005, and quickly earned a reputation for being one the finest Middle Eastern restaurants in Toronto.  From there, they have grown to 5 locations, with the latest venue opening in downtown Oakville in the fall of 2025.

The team at Tabule pride themselves on creating fresh interpretations of traditional dishes, offering some of the best Middle Eastern cuisine in the area.  You can expect vibrant, flavourful, authentic cuisine, served in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.  Join them for lunch or dinner 7 days a week!

Wellness by Flea
64 Hamilton Street North # 18, Waterdown
www.wellnessbyflea.com 

Wellness By Flea opened in the heart of Waterdown in the fall of 2025, with a mission to empower their members to reach their full potential, both physically and mentally, inspiring a balanced and healthy lifestyle. They have a team of dedicated professionals to support and guide their members on their fitness journey.

They offer a diverse range of programs in order to cater to a range of fitness goals and preferences. Options include the Youth Athletic Training program, the Adult Fitness program, and their innovative Parent Combined Fitness program for families. Wellness By Flea also aims to be more than a fitness sanctuary, engaging with the local community to host events and drive initiatives aimed at promoting holistic health and wellness.

The Mule Oakville
191 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
www.themuleoakville.ca 

The Mule opened their first restaurant on King William Street in downtown Hamilton, and enjoyed immediate success.  You can now enjoy The Mule in 6 locations, including Downtown Burlington, and since the fall of 2025 in downtown Oakville.

The vibe is most definitely hip, laid back and Mexican.  Come here for a fabulous selection of chef-inspired tacos, traditional guacamole and salsa, and of course Tequila cocktails. The menu is also 100% gluten free, with many vegetarian options.

NEWLY INHERITED
422 Pearl Street # 23, Burlington
newlyinherited.ca

This curated boutique opened in Burlington’s Village Square last year, with a vision inspired by a French market and the romance of a life well lived. You will find a selection of fashion and home décor items, as well as gift ideas and resort wear. Female-owned and family-inspired, this is a gathering place for pieces that speak to both past and present. Canadian-made garments crafted from natural fibres, sustainable décor from local artisans, and vintage treasures with character, are all carefully chosen to reflect a thoughtful lifestyle

WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING
133 Bronte Road Suite B1-B, Oakville
woofgangbakery.com

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming opened in Bronte Village late last year, offering full-service pet grooming and a wide selection of nutritious pet treats and food. They also carry stylish essentials, fashionable accessories, and a wide variety of toys and doggie spa products. The team at Woof Gang treat every pet as family, giving them special care so that they feel loved, and they leave looking and feeling their absolute best.

12 Months, 12 Themes, 12 Adventures for Readers!

The Burlington Public Library (BPL) is inviting the community to make 2026 a year of adventure and discovery by joining the BPL Reading Challenge! Online registration is now open for the free 2026 challenge. The goal of the challenge is to read one book on a featured theme each month starting in January 2026. 

The challenge isn’t just about reading more—it’s about reading differently. Choose your own book each month while using the themes to explore genres, styles, and topics you might not pick otherwise. In 2025, over 750 people signed up for the challenge to discover new authors, new voices, and new perspectives.

How it Works:

The 2026 BPL Reading Challenge is easy to join and take part in:

1. Register for free online or at any Burlington Public Library branch. Anyone with a library card from Burlington or our Halton Region, Hamilton, and OverDrive partner libraries can join the challenge. Getting a BPL library card is free if you live, work, or attend school in Burlington.

2. Read one book each month based on a theme. Pick any title that fits the theme. The Library provides recommendations through booklists for print books as well as eBooks and eAudiobooks, to help you choose from a wide variety of options! 
3. Check in online via the library website to track your progress and have a chance to win prizes! Every completed month earns you an entry into a monthly prize draw and a grand prize at the end of the challenge.

Reading Challenge Themes:

• January: A book about a journey 
• February: A book that makes your heart skip a beat 
• March: A book that makes you laugh out loud
• April: A book published at least 25 years ago
• May: A book with extraordinary or magic elements 
• June: A book that explores identity and acceptance 
• July: A book with a number in the title
• August: A book about a real person or event
• September: A book by an Indigenous author
• October: A book that features a library 
• November: A book that sends shivers down your spine
• December: An old favourite or a new discovery

So what are you waiting for? Join the adventure and make 2026 your best year of reading yet!

The Burlington Public Library belongs to everyone in the community, providing open and equitable access to information, digital & print collections and resources, public computers, and a vast array of programs and services. Six full-service branches and a rural lending location offer welcoming spaces where visitors can explore, discover, reflect, learn, improve, create, and connect with others. Stay in touch with us online at bpl.on.ca, and on Instagram and Facebook @BurlONLibrary.

For further information, please contact:

Krista Schwab (she/her)
Manager, Marketing and Communications 
Burlington Public Library
Office: (905) 639-3611 ext. 1303
Cell: (289) 962-0390 schwabk@bpl.on.ca

The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is inviting the community to gather one last time for a truly special evening — the final year of the beloved Candlelit Stroll, set to take place on Friday, November 28th, 2025, in Burlington Downtown.

For over 10 years, the Candlelit Stroll has marked the start of the holiday season, filling our downtown streets with the warm glow of candles, festive music, and the joyful spirit of community connection. This year’s event will honour that legacy while celebrating the memories, partnerships, and generations of families who have made the stroll part of their annual tradition.

“The Candlelit Stroll has been such a magical part of Burlington’s holiday experience,” says Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association. “As we bring this cherished event to a close, we want to say thank you to everyone who has joined us over the years — our local businesses, performers, volunteers, and of course, the thousands of residents who made it so special.”

The evening begins at 6:00 PM in Civic Square / City Hall, where visitors can pick up a complimentary candle and enjoy live entertainment before embarking on the stroll through Burlington’s beautifully decorated downtown streets. Festive shop windows, hot cocoa, and live performances will fill the area with holiday cheer, offering a picture-perfect sendoff to this signature community event.

The BDBA will also be looking to the future to highlight new and evolving holiday programming for 2026, ensuring that the downtown continues to shine brightly with new traditions in the years to come.

“While we’re saying goodbye to the Candlelit Stroll, we’re also looking ahead to the next chapter of downtown celebrations,” adds Dean. “We can’t wait to share what’s next.”

We warmly welcome residents, visitors, guests and everyone in between to come celebrate the final Candlelit Stroll — one last magical evening of light, laughter, and community in the heart of Burlington Downtown.

For more information and updates to the event animations and activities please visit burlingtondowntown.ca/candlelit25/

Press information

For media inquiries, please contact:
Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca

For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:
Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca

The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries.

The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services better.

Our efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play.

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from getting out and getting local!

The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is excited to announce the launch of the Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass. This interactive itinerary pass officially debuted on November 1, 2025, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore Burlington Downtown this winter season through a series of curated walking routes.

Developed to encourage off-season exploration and engagement, the Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass offers a fresh way to experience Burlington’s vibrant downtown. Participants can choose from several pre-built routes, each mapped by distance from one to six kilometers. At every one-kilometer marker,  users can check in via GPS and discover nearby businesses and services, making each walk both active  and informative.

To add to the excitement there are 14 participating businesses participating in the pass. All 14 locations  have their own GPS guided check in. While you’re checking in with the pass, make sure to them out! 

The BDBA is proud to feature Craigs Cookies Burlington, Culaccino Bar & Kitchen, Joseph Brant  Museum, Kinetic Physiotherapy, Megs Octopus Garden, Minty Gold & Silver Exchange, The Mule, Off  the Runway, Paradiso Burlington, radius, The Rocca Sisters Team, Simply Gifted Burlington, Village Cigar  Company & Barbershop & Woven Clothing Boutique + Styling.

Thirsty after your first route? Our restaurant menu’s will have you covered! Chilly on your walk? Our retailers incredibly cozy’s will warm you right up! Perhaps you’re a bit sore after all those steps. Not to  fear, our professional service members will be there to count on.

To make the experience even more rewarding, the BDBA has added a gamified element to the pass.  Each check-in earns participants points, which can be accumulated and redeemed for a $50 Burlington  Downtown Gift Card. Accepted at more than 85 local businesses, the gift card provides an opportunity  to support Burlington’s small business community while exploring all that downtown has to offer.

“The Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass is an exciting way to stay active, shop local, and discover  Burlington Downtown in a new light,” said Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director, Burlington Downtown  Business Association. “By combining outdoor exploration with local discovery, this initiative brings our community together even in the colder months.”

The Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass is free and available to all. To learn more and register, visit burlingtondowntown.ca/explorerpass/ for more info.

Press information:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca

For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:

Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca

The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant  Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the  Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the  membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries. 

The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the  use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to  keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained,  to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services  better. 

Their efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making  our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play.