Фестиваль Convergence возвращается в Ошаву: 34 тысячи посетителей и яркие субкультуры

The Convergence festival returns to downtown Oshawa for its fourth year on Sept. 19 and 20. The free street festival hosts attractions and activities that highlight Oshawa’s subcultures — from musical and visual arts to comic books, wrestling, fashion and even circus performers. These and hundreds of vendors will crowd the downtown streets, with a diverse lineup of local and national-level musicians. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW “Convergence is a festival like you would see in Toronto or other major cities,” said Krista Licsi of Oshawa Tourism, who has been involved in organizing Convergence since its first year. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Oshawa Tourism launched the festival in 2023 as a way of attracting visitors into downtown Oshawa. Licsi said she had her fingers crossed for a turnout of 5,000 that year. Instead, the festival attracted 14,000 visitors and grew to 34,000 in 2025. It aims to demonstrate Oshawa’s cultural richness by showing off local talent and businesses. It highlights “underground subcultures” like punk rock and alternative sports. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW “(We wanted to) lean into that authentic version of what Oshawa is and use that as a reason to bring people to the community,” she said. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW “Arts and culture are at the centre of what makes Oshawa such a great place to exist, so it’s only natural that Convergence fits right in with what we’re building here in this community.” The festival is funded by the city and region, along with grants from the provincial and federal governments. What to do at Convergence The lineup of activities and events will differ slightly on Saturday and Sunday, so be sure to check out both days to catch it all. For a comprehensive schedule, check the Convergence website.  In addition to the list below, hundreds of vendors will be present across both days, some from Durham and some from outside the community. Local businesses are invited to set up shop on the street for free. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Saturday events DimensionX (immersive art display) at Albert and King streets from noon to 7 p.m. Pro Wrestling Eclipse at Simcoe and King from 1 to 5 p.m. Punk Rock Flea Market on King (east of Celina Street) from noon to 7 p.m. Nerd Alley (nerd culture market and attraction zone) on King (west of Simcoe) from noon to 7 p.m. LivingRoom Community Art Studio (interactive art activities) on Albert from noon to 7 p.m. Vital! Contemporary Circus performs in the community zone at various times Durham Region Roller Derby performances on Victoria Lane at various times Sunday events DimensionX (immersive art display) at Albert and King from noon to 7 p.m. Pro Wrestling Eclipse at Simcoe and King from 1 to 5 p.m. LivingRoom Community Art Studio (interactive art activities) on Albert from noon to 7 p.m. Creativity Corner (interactive art activities) in Veterans Square from noon to 7 p.m. Vintage market on King (east of Celina) from noon to 7 p.m. Vital! Contemporary Circus performs in the community zone at various times Durham Region Roller Derby performances on Victoria Lane at various times Music lineup Licsi said the festival aims to prioritize local musicians and at least half of the lineup will be made up of Durham residents. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Saturday’s headliners include I Mother Earth, Reuben and the Dark and the Bullhorn Singers on the main stage. Black Paint is on the antigravity stage. Sunday’s headliners on the main stage are Jeremie Albino and Maestro Fresh Wes. Hellaphant rounds things out on the antigravity stage. A full list of performers and the schedule are  on the Convergence website. Both days will feature up-and-comers and dance performances on the rising star stage. “The opportunity to grow your reach is really valuable to up-and-coming artists,” Licsi said. Road closures There will be closures on Sept. 18 as well as both official days of the festival: Sept. 19 and 20. These are listed below. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Sept. 18 (8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.) Athol Street will be closed between Centre Street and Albert Street Celina Street will be closed between King Street and Athol Sept. 19 and 20 (6 a.m. to 12 a.m.) King will be closed between Centre and Mary Street South Victoria Street will be closed between King and Bond Street Prince Street will be closed between King and Bond Simcoe will be closed between Bond and Bruce Street Athol will be closed between Centre and Albert Albert will be closed between Athol and King Celina will be closed between King and Athol Ontario Street will be closed between King and Bond