Good morning, Markham!

Summer has officially begun! As I write this, it is insanely hot and I believe this will continue for the next few days. But I know heat is not gonna stop us from having fun. Let me tell you what Markham’s got in store for us this week. 

Alright, let’s get into it. 

FESTIVAL CENTRAL

🍜 Taste of Asia Festival

📅 Friday–Sunday, June 27–29

📍 Kennedy Rd & Steeles Ave E, Markham

Canada’s largest Asian food and culture fest is taking over Markham! With 150+ vendors, live music, dance performances, and endless street eats (hellooo, skewers + bubble tea), this is the summer hangout. Bring your friends, your appetite, and your best stretchy pants. Admission is free! Learn more here. 

⛵ Toronto Waterfront Festival ➡️

📅 Saturday & Sunday, June 28–29 | Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM • Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Sugar Beach, 11 Dockside Drive

Climb aboard majestic Tall Ships, enjoy a sail along the lake, and dive into a weekend of live entertainment, hands-on fun, and delicious eats! 

Whether you're a sailor at heart or just here for the vibes, there's nautical magic for everyone! Learn more here.

🏳️‍🌈 Toronto Pride Parade ➡️

📅 Sunday, June 29 | Parade starts at 2:00 PM

📍 From Rosedale Valley Rd & Park Rd → Church St → Yonge St → Nathan Phillips Square

Join over 25,000 marchers and 250+ groups in one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world!

Expect bold floats, big energy, and a beautiful show of love, pride, and community in every colour. Learn more here.

ARTS & CULTURE

🥁 Big Drum Celebration

📅 Tuesday, June 24 | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd

Join us for a moving morning of Indigenous ceremony, music, and community connection. Experience powerful drumming, storytelling, cultural teachings, and a live performance by 3-time JUNO-nominated band Sultans of String. 

Come reflect, learn, and celebrate the rich traditions and voices of Indigenous communities in a spirit of truth and reconciliation. Learn more here. 

🌍 Multicultural Day Festival 2025

📅 Friday, June 27 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

📍 Milliken Mills Community Centre, Markham

Celebrate diversity, inclusion, and culture at this vibrant festival featuring youth artists, local entrepreneurs, cultural groups, and more from across the GTA! 

Come connect, create, and enjoy the spirit of multiculturalism through arts, performances, and community vibes . Everyone’s welcome! Learn more here. 

🧵 Tapestry of Multiculturalism

📅 Friday, June 27 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Aaniin Community Centre, 5665 14th Ave, Markham

Celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day with a fun, hands-on art event for all ages! Hosted by Patrick de Belen, this free drop-in gathering features storytelling, poetry, a colouring corner, and a collage station. All designed to highlight the cultures that shape us. 

Enjoy free snacks, get creative, and connect with your community through art and expression. No registration needed! Learn more here. 

🎨 Collaborative Creature Drawing Workshop with Z’otz* Collective

📅 Saturday, June 28 | 2:00 PM

📍 Varley Art Gallery of Markham

Get creative with the Z’otz* Collective in this fast-paced and fun drawing workshop! Using markers, collage, and your wild imagination, you get to build wacky creatures with other participants. Oh, and it’s free! All you have to do is register. 

Open to all ages and skill levels. Just bring your playful side! Register here. 

🌏 Celebrating Multiculturalism at TCCSA

📅 Saturday, June 28 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Metro Square, 3636 Steeles Ave E, Markham

Come for an unforgettable afternoon packed with fun, food, and culture! From Indigenous printmaking to henna art, aerial yoga to international snacks, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy live drama performances, balloon creations, prizes, and tons more!

Let’s come together to celebrate the diversity that makes our community so special. Everyone’s welcome! Learn more here. 

🌼 Summer in the Garden ➡️

📅 Saturday & Sunday, June 28–29 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Toronto Botanical Garden

Soak up the sun at this free outdoor market packed with garden vibes, live music, family-friendly activities, and 30+ local vendors to explore.

Bring the whole crew, enjoy hands-on workshops, and celebrate summer in full bloom! Learn more here. 

🍁 Canada Day Celebration in Markham

📅 Tuesday, July 1 | 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM

📍 Markham Centre (Birchmount Rd. & Enterprise Blvd.)

Alright, this is a little early, but I wanted to make sure you guys had your Canada Day plans set up. So, prepare for a full day of family fun with live entertainment, kids’ activities, inflatables, onsite parking, and an epic fireworks show to end the night! 

It’s Markham’s biggest birthday bash and it’s totally free! Learn more here. 

THE SOCIAL SCENE

🎨 Paint Nite at Rouge River Brewing Co.

📅 Thursday, June 26 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewing Company

Unleash your inner artist! Join Rouge River Brewery for a fun and laid-back night of painting, sipping, and creating your very own masterpiece. An instructor will guide you step-by-step, no experience needed!  Just good vibes and a drink in hand. Tickets here. 

🔥 Hot Like FYAH – Patio Party Kickoff

📅 Friday, June 27 | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM

📍 Boston Pizza Markham & 14th

Patio season is on and we’re turning up the heat with DJ @fyahblaziin spinning all night long! Come for the vibes, stay for the Fishbowl Friday specials, summer eats, and electric energy.

Let’s start summer right. See you on the patio! Learn more here. 

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

🎪 Summer Kickoff Kids Carnival at Boston Pizza

📅 Sunday, June 29 | 12PM to 2PM

📍 Boston Pizza – Markham & 14th Ave

School’s out and summer is ON! Bring the kiddos to Boston Pizza’s carnival-themed party packed with a bouncy castle, fun games, and awesome prizes. Top it all off with your fave lunch bites and good vibes all around.

 Call (905) 201-0477 to book your spot! Learn more here.

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Stay informed on what’s happening at City Hall. Here are this week’s public meetings:

📅 June 24

🕘1:00 to 4:30 PM - Council Meeting

📅 June 25

🕘9:30 to 4:30 PM - Special Development Services Committee Meeting

🕘7:00 to 11:50 PM - Electronic Committee of Adjustment Meeting

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Fionn MacCool's | Open Mic Night | June 24th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 The Owl: A Firkin Pub | Uncle Bevy | June 26th | 8PM-10PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | June 26th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | June 27th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Varley Art Gallery Courtyard | Music on the Street | June 27th | 5PM - 8PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | June 27th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | June 27th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Rouge River Brewing Co. | Courtney & Graham | June 27th | 7PM-9PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | Marzio Pelu | June 28st | 8AM-1PM

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Alessandro Battaglia | June 29th | 6PM-9PM

🎤 Rouge River Brewing Co. | Open Mic | June 29th | 2PM-9PM

🎵 Laz Authentic Cuisine | Gavin of OMG Band | June 29th | 11AM-4PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

⚽ Toronto FC v New York Red Bulls | June 25th

⚽ Canada Women v Costa Rica Women | June 27th

⚽ Toronto FC v Portland Timbers | June 28th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees | June 30th

THANKS FOR READING!

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