Good morning, Markham!
Hello Markham is back! I hope everyone had an amazing winter break. I went MIA for a bit while I was halfway across the world, but I’m back and ready to bring you all the best of Markham.
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
Be Part of the Action! Call for Vendors – Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham
Green Savoree Toronto ULC is seeking vendors and service providers — from audiovisual and crowd control to tents, furniture, and sanitation — to help make the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy (August 14–16, 2026) a success. Don’t see your service listed? Pitch your idea and reach out early at [email protected] as most vendors will be selected before May 1, 2026. Learn more here.
Blue Box Program Now Managed by Circular Materials
On January 1, 2026, Ontario’s residential blue box program got an update! Producers of recyclable materials will now take care of funding and running the program, making recycling simpler for residents and reducing costs for municipalities. Learn more here.
Markville Mall Gets a Makeover: High-Rise Towers Coming
Markham council has given the green light for the first phase of the Markville Mall redevelopment, turning parts of the parking lots into condos, parks, and public spaces. The first phase will see five new residential towers with nearly 1,900 units, with future phases depending on city approvals for roads and utilities. Learn more here.
FEATURED EVENT: SHErides Summit
Located at Joyride 150 Indoor Bike Park - 150 Bullock Dr #1, Markham, ON
On February 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Joyride150 Indoor Bike Park in Markham will host a full day dedicated to women and girls on bikes! With skill-building workshops, confidence-boosting challenges, and a supportive, inclusive community, the summit is all about riding, connecting, and celebrating women who love to ride. Learn more here!
WHAT’S HAPPENING MARKHAM: THIS WEEK’S EVENTS
FOR THE KIDDOS
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the LEGO Group
📅 Wednesday, January 21 to Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
📍 CF Markville Mall - 5000 Hwy 7, Markham, ON
🎟️ Free
A hands-on Lunar New Year celebration featuring LEGO free-building, festive displays, photo opportunities, and a Wishing Tree experience for all ages. Learn more here.
Family Literacy Day
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Milliken Mills Community Centre — 7600 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON
🎟️ Free
Celebrate literacy with a fun-filled day of storytimes, hands-on activities, crafts, games, and prizes for the whole family. Bring your friends and family to enjoy creative learning, interactive challenges, and a day packed with excitement for all ages. Learn more here.
Pajama Pizza Party
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Begins at 12:00 PM
📍 Boston Pizza - 7680 Markham Rd & 14th Ave, Markham, ON
☎️ Reserve Now: (905) 201-0477
Kids can make their own pizzas at the table, enjoy a movie on the big screen, and snack at the popcorn station. A cozy, fun-filled lunchtime event that’s perfect for families to kick off the New Year together! Learn more here.
The Arms Trivia Night
📅 Every Monday | Begins at 7:00 PM
📍 Unionville Arms Pub & Grill - 189 Main St, Unionville, ON
Enjoy a weekly night of pub trivia with half-price wings and $6 pints of Toogood Lager. Call (905) 470-8831 to reserve a spot for you or your team. Learn more here.
Cougars and Cubs Speed Dating Toronto ➡️
📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 7:30 PM–9:30 PM
📍 Rama Gaming House - 991 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON
🎟️ From $14.87
A lively speed dating event bringing together older women and younger men for quick, structured dates in a fun social setting, with the chance to meet up to 20 singles in one evening. Tickets here.
Afternoon Tea in Richmond Hill ➡️
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM
📍 Richmond Hill Heritage Centre - 19 Church St N, Richmond Hill, ON
🎟️ $24.85 + HST
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats in the Gardenview Room, overlooking Amos Wright Park—reservations required. Learn more here.
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Aaniin Community Centre - 5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON
🎟️ $15.18
The Afghan Network’s inaugural social brings the community together for an evening of games, trivia, Afghan food, and connection in a fun, welcoming space—open to all. Tickets here.
Seasons YAJI｜Hanfu & Chinese Culture Gathering
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 1:00 PM–7:00 PM
📍 Crystal Fountain Event Venue - 60 McDowell Gate, Markham, ON
🎟️ From $19.56
A Four Seasons–themed cultural gathering celebrating Hanfu fashion, traditional arts, tea culture, and immersive performances. Tickets here.
Plain Tea and Murukku
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 3:00 PM–4:30 PM
📍 Aaniin Community Centre - 5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON
🎟️ Free | Drop-in
A relaxed social gathering for older adults to enjoy tea, murukku, card games, and light activities in a friendly community setting. Register here.
SHOWTIME IN MARKHAM
Markham at The Movies presents DJ Ahmet
📅 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | Begins at 7:00 PM
📍 Flato Markham Theatre - 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON
🎟️ $15
A coming-of-age film about a 15-year-old boy who finds freedom through music while navigating tradition, family expectations, and first love in a remote village in North Macedonia. Learn more here.
Wintersong Music Festival ➡️
📅Thursday, January 22 to Saturday, January 24, 2026 | Hours vary
📍 Various Venues - Stouffville, ON
🎟️ Varies
A multi-day music festival featuring 100+ bands across 18+ venues, plus industry panels, a gear swap, silent disco, and a dedicated youth stage. Learn more here.
Ballet Jörgen – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026 | 7:30 PM–10:00 PM
📍 Flato Markham Theatre - 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON
🎟️ $15–$78
A magical, family-friendly ballet reimagining Shakespeare’s classic comedy, set to Mendelssohn’s iconic score and inspired by Canada’s wilderness. Tickets here.
MAC Live Music presents Lennon.Live ➡️
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM
📍 City Playhouse Theatre - 1000 New Westminster Dr, Thornhill (Vaughan), ON
🎟️ $49.42
A live concert celebrating the music and legacy of John Lennon, featuring iconic hits from The Beatles and his solo career performed by a world-class seven-piece band. Tickets here.
🍽️ NEED A QUICK FOOD REC?
Hello Markham subscriber Ava recommends Jeonjuhyang Korean BBQ in Sherwood Plaza — high-quality, well-prepared food at a great price. She says their spicy fried chicken is a must-try! Thanks for the recommendation, Ava!
SHOPPING BUZZ
Moose Knuckles Warehouse Sale 2026 ➡️
📅 January 19–22, 2026 | Hours vary
📍 The Terrace - 1680 Creditstone Rd, Vaughan, ON
Save up to 70% on men’s, women’s, and kids’ parkas, puffers, vests, and accessories at this Toronto warehouse sale. Open Monday to Thursday with extended hours, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on winter essentials. Learn more here.
BUSINESS BOOST
Turn Ideas into Impact: Funding & Finance for Young Innovators
📅 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 6:00 PM–7:30 PM
📍 Online Event - Hosted by Markham Public Library
🎟️ Free
An interactive session for youth exploring grants, funding opportunities, and smart money strategies to bring ideas to life. Learn how to research grants, pitch confidently, fundraise effectively, and use bootstrapping, crowdfunding, and equity financing to support your startup journey. Register here.
Canadian Tax-Advantaged Financial Tools (Mandarin)
📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
📍 Online Event - Hosted by Markham Public Library
🎟️ Free
Learn how to use Canada’s tax-free and tax-deferred tools to build wealth strategically, even with limited funds. This Mandarin workshop also covers first-time home buyer programs, real estate tax benefits, and tax-efficient insurance strategies for long-term planning. Register here.
MBT January After 5 Networking
📅 Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
📍 Courtyard & TownePlace Suites — Toronto Northeast/Markham
🎟️ FREE (MBT Members) | $45 + HST (Non-Members)
An evening of relaxed networking and refreshments as part of MBT’s After 5 series. Reconnect with fellow members, meet new professionals, and expand your business network in a welcoming setting. Register here.
All About Setting Up Your Business
📅 Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Online Event - Hosted by Markham Public Library
🎟️ Free
Thinking of starting a business? Learn how to choose the right business structure and understand key tax and legal responsibilities. This session covers business registration, CRA accounts, payroll, WSIB, and annual requirements—giving you the tools to launch and run your business with confidence. Learn more here.
ARTS & CULTURE
Portrait Sculpture Workshop
📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
📍 Dopapen Coffee - 8200 Birchmount Rd, Unit M, Markham, ON
🎟️ DM @dopapencoffee_markham to Register
A guided, beginner-friendly portrait sculpture workshop led by artist Cui Yu, where participants work in pairs using ultra-light clay to create a one-of-a-kind sculpted portrait through quiet observation and creative connection. Learn more here.
Paint Nite: Prairie Snowscape
📅 Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM (EST)
📍 Rouge River Brewery — 50 Bullock Dr, Unit 8, Markham, ON
🎟️ $45 (supplies included)
A relaxed paint night led by a local artist, where you’ll enjoy drinks while being guided step by step through a winter-inspired painting—perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Tickets here.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Let's Talk – Walk-In Counselling Sessions
📅 Monday, January 19, 2026 | 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
📍 Aaniin Community Centre — 5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON
🎟️ Free
Walk-in counselling sessions offer residents of York Region the chance to speak with a professional counsellor without a long wait. Focused on short-term planning, these sessions help you navigate life transitions using your current strengths, resources, and supports. Learn more here.
Minds in Motion: For People Living with Early-Stage Dementia and Caregivers
📅 Monday, January 19, 2026 | 1:30 PM–3:30 PM
📍 Angus Glen Community Centre - 3990 Major Mackenzie Dr E, Markham, ON
🎟️ Free
An eight-week program offering gentle physical activities, mental stimulation, and social opportunities for individuals living with early-stage dementia and their care partners. Learn more here.
Free Workshops by Hers Kickboxing
📅 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 5:30 PM - Team Katty Training
📅 Friday, January 23, 2026 | 7:30 PM - Self Defense with Karyn
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM - Self Defense with Karyn
📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM - Team Katty Training
📍 Hers Kickboxing Markham - 5051 Hwy 7 #9, Unionville, ON
🎟️ Free
Join expert instructors for action-packed kickboxing and self-defense workshops. Learn basic but effective strikes, situational awareness, and real kickboxing techniques while building fitness, confidence, and a fighter mindset. Learn more here.
Meal Planning and Prepping
📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 5:30 PM–6:30 PM
📍 Online Event - Hosted by Markham Public Library
🎟️ Free
A 60-minute virtual session with a Holistic Nutritionist from Silver Spruce Naturopathic, covering meal planning, healthy eating guidelines, and tips for budget-friendly grocery shopping. Register here.
WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎤 Fiona MacCool’s Richmond Hill | Open Mic | January 20th | 7PM-10PM
🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | January 22nd | 8PM-11PM
🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | January 22nd | 10PM to Close
🎤 Col. Mustard Sports Bar | Karaoke | January 23rd | Begins at 9PM
🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | January 23rd | 8PM-11PM
🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | January 23rd | 7PM-10PM
🎵 The Duchess of Markham | Live Music | January 24th | Begins at 4PM
🎵 The Arms Unionville | Live Music | January 24th | Begins at 8PM
🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | January 24th | 10PM to Close
🎤 Rouge River Brewery | Open Jam | January 25th | 2PM to 5PM
🎵 Costa Sorrento | Pierina & Ivano | January 25th | 6PM-9PM
SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK
🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Minnesota Wild | January 19th
🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Detroit Red Wings | January 21st
🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Vegas Golden Knights | January 23rd
🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs v Colorado Avalanche | January 25th
🤼♂️ WWE Raw | January 26th
THANKS FOR READING!
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