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- Ease Into the School Year: Your September 1st to 8th Markham Guide
Ease Into the School Year: Your September 1st to 8th Markham Guide
From back-to-school kids’ meal deals to fun local events, we’ve got everything you need to slow down and enjoy the season with your family!
Good morning, Markham!
Things are finally starting to slow down here in Markham. My heater’s been on for the past couple of days, so you know fall is creeping up. This week, Markham itself is a little quiet, but don’t worry ‘cause the surrounding areas are still buzzing with fun events.
⚠️ Heads up! This post may be a bit long. If you can’t see the full content, check out the complete post on the Hello Markham website.
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
🏙️ Upcoming Markham Development Meetings – Get the Scoop
When: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Council Chamber, Markham Civic Centre
1️⃣ “Phase 1 Lands” at 5000 Highway 7 (CF Markville) Markham is looking at turning part of the southeast corner of CF Markville Mall into five high-rise towers—30 to 39 storeys tall, with around 1,881 new residential units in Phase 1 alone!
Curious? Check out all the details here.
2️⃣ Accessory Residential Units (ARUs) Proposal Markham is also proposing up to 3 ARUs (4 units total) on lots zoned for single, semi-detached, or townhouses. Want to weigh in? Attend in person at the Civic Centre or join online via Zoom. Learn more here.
BACK TO SCHOOL SZN: WHERE DO KIDS EAT FREE?

In honour of back-to-school, we wanted to share a few spots where kids can eat free (or almost free!) with the family.
🍽️ Mandarin Markham
📍 7660 Woodbine Avenue, Markham, ON L3R 2N2
Kids 5–12: 50% buffet discount
Kids 4 & under: eat FREE from the buffet (up to 2 kids per paying adult)
🦪 Diana’s Oyster Bar Markham
📍 7501 Woodbine Avenue, Markham, ON L3R 2W1
Sundays: kids 10 & under eat FREE with an adult entrée
🍗 Swiss Chalet Markham
📍 3 Locations: Markham Rd, Hwy 7, Woodbine
Wednesdays: Kids Eat Free with the purchase of an adult entrée
Dine-in only
☕ Symposium Cafe Restaurant Markham
📍 9990 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L6C 0M4
Sundays: Kids Eat Free
With adult food item purchase of $15.99 or more
EVENTS, EVENTS & OH, EVENTS.
FOR THE KIDDOS
Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival 2025
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
📍 Outside Aaniin Community Centre, 5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON
A full day of free family fun at the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival, presented by Tim Hortons! Expect STEM activities, arts & crafts, storytime, scavenger hunts, a recreation trailer, plus magic, science, and animal education shows. Perfect for kids of all ages!
Family Fun Fair
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 St. Patrick's Parish, Markham, ON
Bring the whole family out for a day packed with games, activities, and community fun! A perfect way to spend your Saturday together.
FESTIVAL CENTRAL
The World Food and Cultural Festival 2025 ➡️
📅 Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
📍 Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
🎟️ Free
Celebrate global flavors, sounds, and traditions at this family-friendly festival with food, performances, cultural exhibits, workshops, and fun activities for all! Details here.
Trinbago Toronto Festival ➡️
📅 Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7, 2025
🕔 Fri 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sat 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sun 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
🎟️ Free
Dive into the vibrant culture, flavors, and island vibes of Trinidad and Tobago at Canada’s largest festival celebrating the nation’s food, music, and traditions. Details here.
Toronto Cha Raja Fest – Ganesh Festival 2025 ➡️
📅 Friday, September 5 - Saturday, September 6
📍 Mel Lastman Square, Toronto, ON
🎟️ Free
Celebrate the arrival of Lord Ganesha with family and friends at Toronto Cha Raja Fest! Enjoy vibrant performances, a Dhol Tasha procession, multi-cuisine food stalls, a craft bazaar, kids’ activities, and workshops for a day full of culture, community, and joyful spiritual vibes. More here.
Cabbagetown Festival 2025 ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6 – Sunday, September 7, 2025
🕚 Sat 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sun 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Parliament Street & Carlton Street, Toronto, ON
🎟️ Free
The 46th annual Cabbagetown Festival is back with food, music, street performers, artisan stalls, giant outdoor games, a kids’ zone, and so much more! More here.
Maha Onam 2025 ➡️
📅 Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
📍 Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON
🎟️ Free
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Kerala and South India with cultural showcases, traditional music and dance, authentic cuisine, and a lively marketplace. Details here.
Vinyl & Board Game Nights ➡️
📅 Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Harmony Hall, 14663 Woodbine Ave, Gormley, ON
🎟️ Free Admission
Spin records, roll dice, and chill in a retro-friendly vibe! Bring your favorite vinyl or board games, explore the collection on-site, and hang out with fellow music and game lovers for a fun, laid-back evening. Learn more here.
Mindful Indie Board Game Night Social (17+) ➡️
📅 Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 SUGAR Cafe & Lounge, Richmond Hill, ON
Discover new indie board games from around the world in a fun, welcoming space. No experience needed. Just bring good vibes and get ready to play, laugh, and connect. Register here.
Dinner at Fashion Haus
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Doors at 7:30 PM)
📍 152 Main Street Markham N
An evening of elegance featuring live music, gourmet dining, and the chance to mingle with designers and models while exploring the latest fashion trends. Tickets here.
Wine Tasting Mixer for Singles (Ages 39–55) ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Vin Bon Richmond Hill
Come sip, chat, and mingle with fellow singles aged 39–55 at this relaxed wine tasting mixer. Who knows? Maybe a glass of wine might be the start of something special! Tickets here.
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Richmond Green Park
🎟️ Free Admission
The annual RH Blooms Garden Social is back! This free, booth-style interactive event offers the chance to connect with fellow gardeners, chat with exhibitors, play fun environmental games (with prizes!) and enjoy complimentary snacks. Register here.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
NewBarket 2025 ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6 – Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Ray Twinney Recreation Complex Parking Lot, 100 Eagle Street West, Newmarket, ON
🎟️ Free Admission
Paws, play, and people-watching! NewBarket 2025 is the ultimate dog-filled weekend with wagging tails, fun activities, tasty treats, and plenty of cute pups to pet. Details here.
Beechgrove Park Tree Planting Event ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Beechgrove Park, 182 Beechgrove Dr, Scarborough, ON
🎟️ Free Admission
Help grow the urban forest by planting native trees and shrubs at Beechgrove Park! A hands-on, family-friendly way to connect with nature and make a lasting impact in your community. More here.
MPP Paul Calandra's Community BBQ ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Stouffville Memorial Park, Stouffville, ON
🎟️ Free Admission
A fun-filled afternoon with free food, live music, face painting, and even an ice cream truck. All are welcome to join the community celebration! Details here.
SHOWTIME IN MARKHAM
An Intimate Evening with Alan Cross ➡️
📅 Thursday, September 5, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
📍 Harmony Hall, 14663 Woodbine Ave, Gormley, ON
🎟️ $30 – $40
Get up close and personal with one of the most influential voices in the music industry at Harmony Hall. A rare chance to connect with music expert Alan Cross and hear stories and insights from his career. Tickets here.
Cinema Reloaded ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
📍 SUGAR Cafe & Lounge, Richmond Hill, ON
🎟️ Free Admission
Sing, dance, and vibe to live covers of your favorite movie, TV, and anime soundtracks in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese! 🎶 After the performances, the guest DJ keeps the party going late into the night. Details here.
York Region Classical Music Festival – Concert 1: String Trio ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – Lexus
Enjoy an afternoon of world-class music featuring Violist and Music Director Rivka Golani, Cellist Roman Borys, and more! Tickets here.
Aurora’s Saturday Night Fever: Maple Leaf Fever ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Yonge Street (between Wellington St E & Mosley St), Aurora, ON
Celebrate Canadian music legends under the stars! From Neil Young and Shania Twain to The Tragically Hip tributes, Aurora’s “Maple Leaf Fever” promises a night of iconic hits, dancing, and delicious eats from local vendors. Details here.
Celebrating 50 Years of Chinese Opera in Canada ➡️
📅 Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM (Doors open at 1:00 PM)
📍 Toronto Public Library – Fairview Branch
Experience the artistry of Jingju Theatre (Peking Opera) with masterful performances and timeless classics in celebration of 50 years of Chinese opera in Canada. Tickets here.
SHOPPING BUZZ
Estée Lauder MAC Warehouse Sale – September 2025
📅 September 5–7 & 11–14, 2025
🕘 Thu–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON
Snag makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance & more at 50% off or more. Don’t miss this huge Toronto warehouse sale. Tickets required! Register here.
Cardchella Night Market & Pokémon Tournament ➡️
📅 Friday, September 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 105 Gordon Baker Rd, North York
🎟️ General Admission: $5
Step into Cardchella for an exciting evening filled with vendor tables from top-tier sellers, plenty of opportunities to buy, sell, and trade cards, and free prize giveaways throughout the night. Tickets here.
LEARN & GROW
Women Entrepreneur Tea and Chat Meetup
📅 Thursday, September 4, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Markham Public Library - Angus Glen Branch
Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to connect with fellow side hustlers and business owners? Join this casual tea and chat meetup to network, share ideas, and build community. Register here.
Nature of Chi: Tai Chi & Qigong at the Garden (10 sessions) ➡️
📅 Thursdays, September 4 – November 6, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
📍 Toronto Botanical Garden
🎟️ Public $150 | TBG Member $120 (+ taxes/fees)
Ease into your mornings with Tai Chi and Qigong among the beauty of the garden. These 10 sessions guide you through breath work, gentle movements linked to the 5 elements, and short meditations. Details here.
The Plummet Summit
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Varley Art Gallery
🎟️ Free Admission
An immersive gathering for creatives and changemakers to connect, dream, and grow with Shadowpath. Through collaborative creation and wellness modules, explore opportunities as an apprentice, performer, volunteer, or audience member. Register here.
Honey Harvest at the Garden ➡️
📅 Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Toronto Botanical Garden
🎟️ Public $65 | TBG Member $55 (+ taxes/fees)
Spend the day learning how to go from hive to jar with expert beekeepers. All materials are provided, and don’t forget to pack a lunch for this sweet full-day adventure! Register here.
ARTS & CULTURE
At the Movies: ROM Hunt ➡️
📅 Friday–Sunday, September 5 – 28, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, Toronto, ON
🎟️ $10 (museum admission required)
Step into the spotlight and channel your inner director! Solve movie-themed clues, snap fun photos, and explore blockbuster-worthy artifacts as you wander through ancient sets and nature’s greatest epics. Tickets here.
FOC Annual Golf Tournament 2025 Fundraiser ➡️
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📍 Royal Stouffville Golf Course
Spend the day on a beautiful golf course filled with fun, games, and laughter! Whether hitting the links, trying bingo, dominoes, or mini putt, enjoy a delicious sit-down dinner, celebrate the day’s achievements, and grab a chance to win exciting raffle prizes. Tickets here.
Paint & Sip Sunday: Drinks, Appetizers & Cap Painting ➡️
📅 Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 3:30 PM (Doors open at 3:15 PM)
📍 Thornhill Pub, 7756 Yonge Street, Vaughan, ON L4J 1E9
Looking for a Sunday plan with a twist? Come for a cozy Paint & Sip experience at Thornhill Pub, where you’ll enjoy a free afternoon appetizer, your first drink on the house and a fun, hands-on creative activity! Tickets here.
WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | September 4th | 8PM-11PM
🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | September 4th | 10PM to Close
🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | September 4th | 8PM-11PM
🎵 Varley Art Gallery Courtyard | Music on the Street | September 5th | 5PM - 8PM
🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | September 5th | 7PM-10PM
🎵 The Duchess of Markham | Live Music | September 6th | Begins at 4PM
🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | Live Music | September 6th | 8AM-1PM
🎵 Main Street Markham | Music on Main | September 6th | 6PM-9PM
🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | September 6th | 10PM to Close
🎵 DTM Music Nights | Big Shiny 90s | September 6th | 7PM-10PM
🎵 Sugar Cafe & Lounge | Cinema Reloaded | September 6th | 8PM-10PM
🎵 Costa Sorrento | Pierina & Ivano | September 7th | 6PM-9PM
SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK
⚽ York United v Cavalry | September 5th
THANKS FOR READING!
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