Good morning, Markham!

Apologies for going MIA last week. I was up north with my family, and the hotel Wi-Fi was not having it. Definitely should’ve been better prepared.

If you’re celebrating Halloween this weekend, this issue is for you. We’ve got tons of Halloween fun lined up (and of course, even more to come!).

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

Have Your Say – Additional Residential Units

The City of Markham is hosting Public Meeting #2 on Tuesday, October 21 at 7 PM about adding more residential units to homes.

They’re thinking about allowing up to three extra units (so four total) on properties like detached houses, semi-detached homes, or townhouses—up from the current limit of two extra units.

You can drop by in person at the Civic Centre or join online via Zoom.

More info: http://markham.ca/ARU

Heads Up – Road Work for Indy 2026

Markham is getting ready for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy 2026, and that means some road work is coming your way.

From October 20 to December 25, expect lane restrictions on Enterprise Blvd, University Blvd, and YMCA Blvd. Don’t worry—there’ll always be at least one lane open on each street.

Thanks for your patience!

Details: http://markham.ca/Indy

HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES

ScaryFest presented by The Friends of Markham Museum

📅 Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Markham Museum

🎟️ $14.00

Get ready for a frightfully fun weekend where history meets Halloween! Explore live Mad Scientist shows, hop aboard the trolley for a spooky ride, snap costume photos, and discover hands-on exhibits and eerie activities throughout the museum grounds. Tickets here. 

Halloween at the Village ➡️

📅 Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 The Village at Black Creek, Toronto, ON

🎟️ $21.40 - $26.15

Step into The Village for a spooktacular weekend filled with monster houses, witches’ lairs, slimy science, and trick-or-treating among heritage buildings. Enjoy eerie tales, hands-on experiments, and frightfully fun crafts for the whole family! Get tickets here. 

Aurora’s Haunted Forest (20th Anniversary) ➡️

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Aurora Family Leisure Complex & Sheppard’s Bush, Aurora, ON

🎟️ $5.00 - $6.00

Celebrate 20 years of frights and fun as Aurora’s Haunted Forest transforms into a night of eerie adventures! From spooky crafts and ghostly tales to haunted cabins and decorated trails, there’s something for every level of bravery. More information here. 

Pumpkins and Porsches Diecast Car Show

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Porsche Centre Markham (NW corner of McCowan Rd & Bullock Dr, near CF Markville Mall)

🎟️ Free Admission

Experience a unique automotive event featuring diecast car vendors, Porsche displays, a kids’ play area with Hot Wheels tracks, Halloween candy, contests, and boutique shopping. Fun for the whole family, rain or shine—don’t miss this one-of-a-kind car show! More information here.

JOYRIDE 150’s Halloween Jam

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 10:00 AM)

📍 Joyride 150 Indoor Bike Park

🎟️ $15.49 - $36.49

Get ready for the most Halloween fun you can have on two wheels! From the Jump Line Contest and Haunted Hunt to the Costume Parade, Little Ghouls Limbo, and the Pumpkin Long Jump, this jam-packed day guarantees spooky excitement for riders of all ages. Learn more here. 

Trick or Treat on Main Street

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 102 Main Street, Markham

🎟️ Free

Main Street transforms into a Halloween haven as local shops hand out treats to costumed kids and families. Enjoy candy, costumes, and a special visit from Batman himself—along with the iconic Batmobile—for a day full of spooky fun and community spirit. More information here.

First Markham Place – Halloween Event

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 First Markham Place

🎟️ Free

Dress up as your favorite character and enjoy indoor trick-or-treating with over 10,000 treats and gifts waiting to be claimed! With face painting, costumes, and endless Halloween cheer, it’s a family-friendly celebration you won’t want to miss. Learn more here. 

Halloween on Main Street Unionville

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Main Street, Unionville

🎟️ Activity Fees Vary

Bring your spooky squad for a fang-tastic afternoon of pumpkin pottery painting, face painting, and live Halloween entertainment. Celebrate the season with family fun, festive creativity, and support for the charming local shops along Main Street! Learn more here.

404 Halloween SpookFest

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EDT)

📍 Hwy 404 & Steeles Flea Market, 2900 Steeles Ave E, Markham/Thornhill

🎟️ Free Admission & Parking

Celebrate Halloween with a full day of free family fun featuring trick-or-treating, live shows, crafts, and costume parades. From magic and superheroes to pumpkin decorating and train rides, SpookFest offers non-stop excitement for ghosts and goblins of all ages! More information here.

LEARN AND GROW

Building Your Brand Using Social Media

📅 Monday, October 20, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Online Event

🎟️ Free

Learn how to harness social media to grow your business in this workshop for young entrepreneurs. Explore platforms, master content creation, and discover strategies to engage your audience and boost brand awareness. Register here.

Raising Kids in a Digital World – TELUS Wise for Parents

📅 Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Online Event by Markham Public Library

🎟️ Free

Learn how to guide children in becoming responsible digital citizens with this TELUS Wise workshop for parents. Topics include screen time, gaming, cyberbullying, sexting, and practical tools to support kids’ safe and positive online experiences.

Understanding Crypto Assets and Gaming

📅 Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Online Event by Markham Public Library

🎟️ Free

Explore the world of cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and their role in gaming and online betting. This session covers crypto assets, blockchain, wallets, and the risks and impacts of crypto investment and gaming, including insights into GameFi, P2E games, and the influence of crypto marketing. Register here.

How Birding Makes Us Better People – Dr. Julia Zarankin

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

📍 Markham Public Library – Markham Village Branch

🎟️ Free

Discover how birding can positively impact our lives with award-winning author Dr. Julia Zarankin. Drawing from her book Field Notes from an Unintentional Birder, she explores the ways connecting with nature through birds fosters mindfulness, curiosity, and well-being. Learn more here.

Fall Car Care Clinic

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

📍 Markham Auto & Repair

🎟️ Free

Learn how to get your vehicle ready for winter with hands-on demos covering tires, batteries, fluids, lights, and wipers. Take home practical checklists, enjoy coffee, and discover how the MyRide901 app can help track maintenance and reminders. Learn more here.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Board Game Meetup

📅 Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 Markham Public Library - Unionville Branch

🎟️ Free

Unleash your playful side at this casual board game meetup with classics and intermediate games for all skill levels. An expert gamer from WoodForSheep Hobbies Ltd. will be on hand to guide, recommend, and join in the fun. Register here.

Rouge River Brewery 9-Year Anniversary Party

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewery

🎟️ Free Admission

Celebrate 9 years of craft beer and community with new releases, prizes, live music, and special events. Join the festivities for a full day of fun, food, and craft beer experiences!

Richmond Hill Speed Dating (Ages 39–55) ➡️

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (EDT)

📍 Fionn MacCool's Richmond Hill

🎟️ $49 – $59

Meet new singles in a fun, relaxed setting with structured mini-dates followed by open mingling. Enjoy appetizers, socializing, and a private match system that helps spark connections for those ready to meet someone special. Tickets here.

BUSINESS BOOST

MBT October After 5 Networking

📅 Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (EDT)

📍 Volvo Cars Markham

🎟️ MBT Members: Free | Non-Members: $45 + HST

Connect, mingle, and unwind with local professionals at this evening of networking and refreshments. Enjoy great conversation, door prizes, and the perfect opportunity to strengthen business relationships in a relaxed setting. Learn more here.

Fall 2025 Women's Networking Luncheon

📅 Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM (EDT)

📍 Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa

🎟️ Members: $70 + HST | Non-Members: $85 + HST

Spend an inspiring afternoon connecting with women in business while enjoying networking, local vendors, and an empowering panel of female entrepreneurs. Hear real stories, gain valuable insights, and take part in an engaging Q&A session with industry leaders. Register here.

 SHOWTIME IN MARKHAM

Love Story – A Tribute to Taylor Swift (Starring Rikki Lee Wilson)

📅 Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham

🎟️ Adults: $65 | Children (12 & under): $45

Step into the dazzling world of Taylor Swift with Rikki Lee Wilson’s award-winning tribute performance. From chart-topping hits to unforgettable stage energy, this show captures the heart, sound, and sparkle of a true pop icon. Tickets here. 

Amir Amiri Ensemble: Echoes of Persia

📅 Friday, October 24, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON

🎟️ $40

Journey through the soul of Persian music with Amir Amiri and his ensemble as they blend ancient melodies with modern expression. Echoes of Persia reimagines the region’s timeless soundscapes, offering a moving exploration of culture, identity, and connection through music. Tickets here.

Tribute to Elton John ➡️

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 7:30 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM)

📍 NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, Newmarket

🎟️ $50 + tax

Experience the magic of Elton John like never before with Elton Rohn, the ultimate tribute band delivering every hit with live harmonies, energy, and flair. From “Crocodile Rock” to “Rocket Man,” this world-class performance captures the true spirit of an Elton John concert. Tickets here. 

Flato Markham Theatre 40th Anniversary Gala: Good Witch and Bad Witch

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON

🎟️ $125 – $150

Broadway magic comes to Markham as Alli Mauzey and Alyssa Fox—two powerhouse stars from Wicked and Frozen—share the stage for one enchanting night. Expect soaring vocals, iconic show tunes, and plenty of sparkle in this unforgettable 40th anniversary celebration. Tickets here.

ARTS & CULTURE

Paint Nite: Red Autumn Barn

📅 Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 7:00 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewery

🎟️ $45 per person (supplies included)

Unleash your creativity at this Original Paint Nite with local artist Odette Wells guiding you step-by-step from blank canvas to finished masterpiece. Enjoy drinks, food, and a fun, relaxed evening of connection, creativity, and memories. Register here.

Vines & Vibes II

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (EDT)

📍 LAZ Authentic Cuisine Inc.

🎟️ $65.68 | Ticket Includes Wine Samples & 15 Food Tokens

Sip, savor, and celebrate the bold flavors of the Caribbean at LAZ Authentic Cuisine’s Vines & Vibes II. Meet local wineries, enjoy curated wine pairings, and indulge in delicious small bites for a vibrant afternoon of taste and discovery. Tickets here.

Candle Maker: Fall Candles

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 2:00 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewery

🎟️ $55 per person (supplies included)

Spend a cozy afternoon crafting three custom fall-inspired candles with soy wax, seasonal scents, and decorative accents. Enjoy craft beers, pizza, and a fun, interactive atmosphere with games, icebreakers, and good vibes—perfect for friends or a creative solo outing. Tickets here.

No One Rides Alone – Cycle for Healing Ink

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 CycleBar Markham

🎟️ $65.00 + tax

Ride for confidence, connection, and community at this powerful fundraiser supporting The Healing Ink Collective. With high-energy rides, music, and pink-themed spirit, every pedal helps breast cancer survivors heal through restorative paramedical tattooing and renewed self-confidence. Learn more here. 

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Fiona MacCool’s Richmond Hill | Open Mic | October 21st | 7PM-10PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | October 23rd | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | October 23rd | 10PM to Close

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | October 23rd | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | October 24th | 7PM-10PM

🎤 Col. Mustard Sports Bar | Karaoke | October 24th | Begins at 9PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | Live Music | October 25th | Begins at 4PM

🎵 Col. Mustard Sports Bar | Something Free | October 25th | Begins at 8PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | Live Music | October 25th | 8AM-1PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | October 25th | 10PM to Close

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Giordano Cattonar | October 26th | 6PM-9PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Seattle Mariners | October 20th

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v New Jersey Devils | October 21st

🏀 Toronto Raptors v Milwaukee Bucks | October 24th

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Buffalo Sabres | October 25th

🎾 PSA Squash Toronto Open Day 1 | October 25th

🎾 PSA Squash Toronto Open Day 2 | October 26th

THANKS FOR READING!

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