City of Oshawa
A diverse economic sector, one of the top 7 intelligent communities in the world, close proximity to the largest city in the nation – there are so many benefits to living in Oshawa. On top of career-advancing opportunities (thanks to being home to large employers like Ontario Power Generation, General Motors, Lactalis, and more), Oshawa is also a great place to have fun, meet new friends, and become part of a dynamic community.
Home to Trent University Durham GTA, the City of Oshawa provides so many opportunities to enjoy fun, culture, food, and entertainment outside of class. Read on for a sampling of the options available.
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Entertainment
Are you a sports fan? Do you want a team to root for? Oshawa is home to the Ontario Hockey League’s five-time Memorial Cup champions, the Oshawa Generals. The Generals have produced legendary hockey players including John Tavares, Eric Lindros, and Bobby Orr. You never know, maybe you’ll be cheering on the next all-star. The Generals play at the Tribute Community Centre, which also holds other events including concerts.
The one-stop-shop for Friday night fun, Neb’s Fun World is the largest five-pin bowling centre in the world. If you’re a 10-pin fan, don’t worry, they have that too. Their arcade has more than 120 games, plus they have various attractions on site, and offer food. It’s a great place to spend an evening on a budget.
The perfect spot for a beer enthusiast, the All or Nothing Brewhouse has a retail store, as well as a German-style beer garden where guests can sit and sample drinks. In the warmer months, take your drink outside to enjoy it on their covered patio. When it’s colder, keep yourself warm by their fire pit and roast some smores.
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Food
Bring some friends, pick a board game, and get ready for a night full of laughter, snacks, and friendly competition. New to Oshawa? Brew Wizards is the perfect place to make friends through weekly game tournaments, including Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. They offer fair-trade coffee and the perfect game-night snacks.
Located across the street from Trent Durham’s Advanced Learning Centre, Cork and Bean is the perfect spot to get a study session snack. Cork and Bean specializes in top quality drinks, fresh baked pastries, soup, sandwiches, and charcuterie. Finished class and ready to start the evening? Walk over and join their frequent events like trivia nights, drag bingo, open mics, and wine and paint.
Opened by a Trent alumna, Isabella’s Café is a couple-minute walk from the Advanced Learning Centre, making it a great place to study and snack with friends. And if you need a pick-me-up before class, stop and get your fresh morning coffee and pastry.
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Arts & Culture
Ready for a good laugh? Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club in downtown Oshawa hosts local and critically acclaimed comedians who are ready to get you smiling. Invite a friend, grab a drink, get some food, and brighten up your evening at Yuk Yuk’s.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) connects the local community through art. Located in downtown Oshawa, only a few minutes from Trent Durham’s Advanced Learning Centre, students can immerse themselves in the local art scene, and engage their community by attending various events. This includes RMG Fridays, a free monthly event that brings together various art forms like live music, performances, film screenings, exhibition tours, artist talks, and highlights of community partners and local businesses.
Parkwood Estate National Historic Site
Discover the rich history of Oshawa’s historic McLaughlin family by visiting the centennial mansion. Explore stunning architecture, take a walk through the lovely gardens, experience an afternoon tea in the faithfully preserved sunroom or tea house, and take a tour of the property to learn more about the city’s history.
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Annual Events
The annual Oshawa Orientation Experience welcomes new post-secondary students to the city’s downtown core with a free scavenger hunt and dance party. The scavenger hunt encourages students to explore downtown Oshawa by making stops at local businesses on their quest, with chances to win unique prizes.
Convergence Music and Arts Festival
The annual Convergence Music and Arts Festival brings Oshawa together for a weekend of events celebrating the unique artistic talents of our community members. Shop at the Punk Rock Flea Market, visit Nerd Alley for all things nerd culture, and get a front stage seat for the free Convergence concert.
Oshawa’s Fiesta Week celebrates the city’s diversity with a week-long showcase of cultural traditions, music, food, and entertainment. Grab a Fiesta Week Passport and take a trip to all the pavilions around the city to immerse yourself in a new culture. The event aims to foster an inclusive atmosphere, where everyone can come together to enjoy the festivities and embrace the multicultural essence of Oshawa.
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Shopping
With 260 stores, the Oshawa Centre is where you will find must-have brands, great food, and unique gifts. A short walk from Trent Durham’s Thornton campus, you and your friends can visit in between classes to pick up whatever you need (or maybe just want).
Music enthusiasts have found their new favourite shop. Kops Records, only a short walk from the Advanced Learning Centre, Trent Durham students can look through thousands of vinyls from every genre. Whether you’re looking for a vintage title, or you want the newest Taylor Swift album, Kops will have whatever you’re looking for and more.
Oshawa Markets is home to various local, independent businesses from across the Greater Toronto Area that sell food, collectibles, antiques, crafts, and more every weekend. Find something truly unique at Oshawa Markets.