Special Events
Join us for family-friendly community events and activities, and celebrate special holidays with us.
To register, use your Connect2Rec account or call 519-842-2294.
Note: All programs, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the museum at 519-842-2294 for more information.
Culture After Hours
Join Annandale NHS and the Station Arts Centre every first and last Thursday of the month as both locations stay open late until 7:00 PM. Explore exhibitions, local history, and art in a relaxed evening atmosphere.
- Thursday, May 28
- Thursday, June 4
- Thursday, June 25
- Thursday, July 9* (make up for Canada Day)
- Thursday, July 30
- Thursday, August 6
- Thursday, August 27
- Thursday, September 3
Date: Friday, June 19
Time: 6:00 p.m. - midnight
Cost: By donation
TurtleFest - Friday Night
Come kick off TurtleFest with us by an turtle-themed activity —a fun and creative way to start the celebration! We challenge your family and friends to some oversized games.
Grab a bite while you’re here. Food Trucks will be on-site serving up delicious dinner and treats. All materials provided for free while supplies last.
At dusk, grab your blanket or lawn chair and watch “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” on the big screen.
TurtleFest - Saturday
Visit the Museum on TurtleFest to participate in “turtlely” family fun with live turtles, Lego © games, crafts, tours and the popular Turtle scavenger hunt.
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Cost: By donation
Canada Day Open House & Fun Fair
Come celebrate Canada’s Birthday by touring Tillsonburg’s National Historic Site and taking in the fun on the lawn. Games, crafts, cake, snacks and much more.
Date: Wednesday, July 1
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Cost: By donation
Party til the Cows Come Home Festival
Join us for a lively and family-friendly festival that honours Oxford County’s rich agricultural heritage, including a special spotlight on Annandale Farm, once home to dairy cows, pigs, and apple trees!
Date: Saturday, August 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Cost: By donation
Tillsonburg Graveyard Tours: Symbols & Stones
A tour for history and art lovers. Explore the symbolism in grave markers (weeping willow, doves, clasped hands) and how gravestone design evolved over time.
Location: Tillsonburg Cemetery (193 Simcoe St.)
Dates: Thursday, September 24 & Saturday, September 26
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Cost: By donation
Oscar's Puzzles: A Museum Escape Room
Try to escape Annandale House by solving puzzles and following clues that will set you free. Geared towards teens and adults.
Pre-registration is required and all supplies are included.
Date: Friday, October 23
Time: 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. (this is a timed event)
Cost: $25.00 per team (taxes included)
Trick or Treat at Annandale NHS
Come in your costume and trick or treat in each of the rooms on the first floor of the Museum! Open to trick-or-treaters of all ages!
Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Cost: By donation
Monday, November 2 to Wednesday, November 25
Oh Kistchy Tree-Ornament Contest
Do you have what it takes to create the kitschiest, tackiest, most over-the-top Christmas ornament?
Join our festive crafting showdown where glitter, pom-poms, googly eyes, tinsel, and plastic flair reign supreme!
How It Works:
- Create your most outrageous ornament using any materials you wish — the gaudier the better!
- Ornaments must be able to hang on a tree.
- Bring your ornament to the Museum by November 25th.
- Judging categories include:
- Most Kitschy & Fabulous
- Most Creative Use of Glitter
- Retro Throwback
- People’s Choice
Prizes & Bragging Rights await the winner of the Golden Glue Gun Trophies!
Tree Lighting on the Lawn
Watch as Annandale’s lawn decorations are lit up for the season. Then come inside and enjoy visiting Annandale NHS, decorated for Christmas, some warm refreshments, and our seasonal exhibition, “A Kitschy Christmas”.
Date: Friday, November 27
Time: 7:00 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Cost: By donation
Christmas Open House
Come tour the museum decorated for the holiday season by local volunteers and take in the exhibit “A Kitschy Christmas” in the Pratt Gallery. Entry by donation.
Date: Friday, November 27
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, November 28
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, November 29
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.