Good morning, Markham!

Oh man, we’re really in August. I started this newsletter back at the beginning of May, and I can’t believe it’s already been almost four months! Huge thank you to everyone who’s been reading, sharing, and supporting along the way, it truly means a lot.

Every week, I’m working to bring you the most interesting, fun, and meaningful things happening in our community. As always, if you have any suggestions, events to share, or just want to say hi, hit reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you!

Note: Events marked with a “➡️” are not in Markham but they’re too good not to share!

Alright, let’s get into it.

CITY UPDATES

Civic Holiday Transit Services

On Monday, August 4, 2025 (Civic Holiday), all YRT services and TTC routes within York Region will follow a Sunday/holiday schedule. The Contact Centre and Live Chat will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn more here.

Thinking of starting or growing a business?

Markham’s Starter Company Plus program is now open! If you’re launching, expanding, or even buying a small business, you could qualify for a grant of up to $5,000. 🗓️ Applications close August 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Apply Here.

Calling All Aspiring Filmmakers!

The Markham Public Library is launching its first-ever Short Film Festival, happening Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Markham Village Library. Show off your creativity and storytelling — the theme? The library! 🗓️ Submissions due by September 1, 2025 🎥 Don’t miss this chance to shine!

Learn more here.

FOR THE KIDDOS

Storytime with York Regional Police

📅 Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

📍 Markham Public Library, Cornell Branch

Bring the kids for a special storytime with a York Regional Police officer! Enjoy a fun read-aloud session while learning about local police services and youth engagement in the community. More details here. 

 FERN Youth & Community Day

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 10761 Victoria Square Blvd, Markham, ON

A youth-led outdoor market featuring buy/sell/swap booths, educational resources, and community connections. Whether you're a parent, teacher, tutor, or homeschooler, this is a great chance to discover learning tools and connect with groups like Making Small Talk in a vibrant, family-friendly space. Learn more here. 

Wearable Culture: Fashion & Carnival Arts (Bridging Generations Workshop)

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 Markham Public Library, Milliken Mills Branch

Celebrate culture and creativity at this interactive workshop led by acclaimed BIPOC women artists. Youth and families are invited to explore fashion, carnival arts, and storytelling as a means of self-expression, connection, and healing through art. Register here. 

Summer Carnival: Support Gifted People Services

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 10 AM – 2 PM

📍 455 Ferrier St, Markham

Join a free family-friendly carnival to raise awareness for autism and support local programs. Enjoy a kids flea market, bouncy castle, games, hot dogs, drinks, and live music—all for a great cause! Learn more here.

ARTS & CULTURE

SZ Private Fashion Show

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors at 5:30 PM)

📍 152 Main Street Markham North

Experience a night of glamour and sophistication with stunning designs and fabulous models bringing the hottest looks of the season to life at Main Street Markham’s Fashion Haus. Don’t miss this private fashion event, an unforgettable showcase you’ll want to see! Tickets here. 

Re: Creativity Expression Art Workshop

📅 Sunday, August 10, Saturday, August 16, Sunday, August 31, 2025

🕒 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM

📍 Markham Wesley Café, 22 Esna Park Drive, Markham

Take a break with this healing workshop that combines creative activities like collage, clay, and mixed media with spiritual exploration led by a registered art therapist and pastor. No judgment, just reflection, creativity, and calm. Register here.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Night at the Museum: Outdoor Movie Night

📅 Thursday, August 7th, 2025 (Moana 2)

📍 Markham Museum

Bring your lawn chairs and cozy up under the stars for a free outdoor screening of Moana 2! Gates open at 8:45 PM, movie starts at 9:30 PM. Registration required—visit MarkhamMuseum.ca to save your spot!

*EDIT: There are no more registration spots! However, they will admit walk-ins after ticketed guests have been checked in, if space permits.

Florals & Fashion: Terrera’s 5th Birthday Event

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 37-145 Royal Crest Court, Markham, ON

Celebrate five stylish years of Terrera with an afternoon of flowers, fashion, and community! Enjoy a DIY flower bar, personal styling sessions with Suzanne from Your Shop Girl, light refreshments, and exclusive birthday-only deals on Terrera’s sustainable fashion. A perfect way to unwind, connect, and treat yourself! Tickets here. 

Richmond Hill Speed Dating (Women 40–55, Men 45–59) ➡️

📅 Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 6:30–8:30 PM

📍 Fionn MacCool’s Richmond Hill

Meet local singles in a fun, relaxed speed dating event with appetizers included. Enjoy quick mini-dates and open mingling. Mutual matches get contact info the next day. Book your spot here!

BUSINESS BOOST

How To Buy Real Estate in the USA From Canada!

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa, 8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, ON

This in-depth seminar will walk you through how to invest in off-market U.S. properties without using your own money. Learn how to secure funding, manage renovations, and build systems to run everything remotely, all from the comfort of your home in Canada. Learn more here. 

Plan, Protect, Prosper: Smart Financial Strategies for Everyday Canadians

📅 Monday, August 11, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Milliken Mills Branch, Markham

Take charge of your financial future with this empowering seminar. Learn how to protect your loved ones, build wealth, eliminate debt, and create multiple streams of income. Walk away with practical tools and strategies to help you plan smarter and prosper with confidence. Register here.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

VJ Day: Battle of Hong Kong Commemoration

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 Markham Veterans Square and Cenotaph

Join the solemn ceremony at the Markham Cenotaph to honor the brave individuals who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong and all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. This event is a meaningful tribute to past and present heroes protecting our country. Details here.

Active Community Engagement (ACE) Park Cleanup

📅 Sunday, August 10, 2025 | Begins at 9:00 AM

📍 Ashton Meadows Park, 202 Calvert Rd, Markham

Join ACE for a community park cleanup! Help keep our neighborhood beautiful and enjoy some fresh air while giving back. All are welcome! Register here. 

Markham-Unionville Terry Fox Run Book Sale

📅 Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10, 2025

⏰ 9 AM – 1 PM

📍 1 Jolyn Court, Markham

Markham-Unionville’s beloved community book sale is back! Browse through a great selection of books priced at just $1–2 each, with all proceeds supporting the Terry Fox Foundation. Come find your next favorite read while helping a great cause! Learn more here. 

Train the Next Hero! Free First Aid & CPR Workshop ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Mel Lastman Square, North York

Join Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics for a free, all-ages workshop teaching essential life-saving skills in First Aid and CPR. Help raise awareness, learn how to respond in emergencies, and be part of setting a record for Canada’s largest life-saving workshop. Learn more here. 

Antique & Classic Car Show ➡️

📅 Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre

The longest-running family event in Whitchurch-Stouffville is back! Enjoy a showcase of over 400 vintage vehicles, live music, food, kids’ activities, performances, and the chance to explore the Museum’s historic buildings and scenic Vandorf Community Park. Details here. 

FESTIVAL CENTRAL

Stouffville Ribfest 2025 ➡️

📅 Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025

📍 Memorial Park, Stouffville

Get ready for a finger-lickin’ weekend of ribs, craft beer, food trucks, live music, a kids zone, local vendors, and more! Whether you grab a table or bring your own lawn chair, come enjoy a picnic in the park and all the delicious fun Stouffville Ribfest has to offer. Learn more here.

GETTIN’ SPORTY

Glow Ride Bike Rave

📅 Friday, August 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 Millennium Bandstand, Main Street Unionville

In partnership with Markham After Hours, this music-fueled bike rave invites you to light up your ride and join a glowing dance party on wheels through the city. Meet at 7 PM with your bike decked out in lights and gear up for a night of fun, movement, and music. Learn more here. 

Active Living Fair: Senior Persons Living Connected ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 3333 Finch Ave E, Scarborough, ON

This free wellness event is tailored for adults 55+ and features a day of fun, movement, and learning. Enjoy seated dance, chair yoga, health quizzes, and talks on topics like brain and heart health. Browse over 15 exhibits, enter a lucky draw, and enjoy light refreshments while discovering local supports and services for seniors. Learn more here. 

Free Guided Walk at Rouge National Urban Park – Invasive Plants: Identification and Impact

📅 Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 7277 14th Avenue, Markham, ON, L6B 1A8

Explore the natural, cultural, and agricultural stories of Rouge National Urban Park on this free guided walk led by knowledgeable Parks Canada volunteers and staff. Learn how to identify invasive plants and understand their impact on the park’s ecosystem. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages! Learn more here. 

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Fionn MacCool | Open Mic | August 5th | 7PM-10PM

🎤 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts | Open Mic | August 6th | 6:30PM-9PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | August 7th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | August 7th | 10PM to Close

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | August 8th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Varley Art Gallery Courtyard | Music on the Street | August 8th | 5PM - 8PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | August 8th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | August 8th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | TBA | August 9th | 8AM-1PM

🎵 Main Street Markham | Music on Main | August 9th | 6PM-9PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | August 9th | 10PM to Close

🎵 DTM Music Nights | Hit Pop Dance Showcase Night | August 9th | 7:30PM-10PM

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Giordano Cattonar  | August 10th | 6PM-9PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

🎾 Canadian Open Day 9 | August 4th

🎾 Canadian Open Day 10 | August 5th

🎾 Canadian Open Day 11 | August 6th

🎾 Canadian Open Day 12 | August 7th

🏈 Toronto Argonauts v Ottawa Redblacks | August 9th

⚽  York United v Forge | August 9th

THANKS FOR READING!

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