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- Keeping It Chill: Your July 28th to August 4th Markham Guide
Keeping It Chill: Your July 28th to August 4th Markham Guide
Not much happening this week in Markham, but don’t worry, we’ve got a curated list of fun things to do and explore. Keep reading for your weekend plans and city updates!
Hello Markham
July 28, 2025
Good morning, Markham!
Okay, I’ll be honest, it’s a pretty quiet week ahead. Sorry about that! But don’t worry, if you keep scrolling to the end, I’ve got a handy list of things you can do to keep busy.
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
Road Closure
York Durham Line from 19th Avenue to Main Street (Stouffville) will be closed starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, for paving and culvert work.
Intersection Upgrade
In August 2025, York Region is upgrading the intersection of 14th Avenue and 11th Concession from a two-way stop to an all-way stop.
All-way stops help reduce collisions and improve visibility and safety.
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
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!
WHAT’S NEW: STEPH’S BAKERY
Check this out at @stephsbakeryy on Instagram!
This tiny but mighty local gem is making major waves in Markham’s dessert scene and for good reason. Steph’s Bakery keeps it simple with one specialty: banana pudding. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. From the rich, creamy layers to the wild flavour drops (Dubai Chocolate Kunafa, anyone?!), each cup is pure indulgence. I tried that exact flavour, and it was absolutely heavenly. Trust me, you’ll want to snag a jar before they sell out.
EVENTS, EVENTS & OH, EVENTS.
FESTIVAL CENTRAL
Caribana Toronto: North America’s Largest Caribbean Carnival ➡️
📅 Thursday, July 31 – Monday, August 4, 2025
📍 Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Boulevard, 15 Saskatchewan Road, Toronto, ON
Get ready to experience the vibrant energy of Caribana Toronto, North America’s biggest Caribbean festival with over a million attendees each year!
From the iconic carnival parade and King & Queen show to nightlife parties, pool events, and so much more, Toronto will be alive with infectious vibes and culture all summer long! Learn more here.
Toronto Food Truck Festival ➡️
📅 Friday, August 1 – Monday, August 4 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Woodbine Park, 1590 Lake Shore Blvd E
Woodbine Park is about to smell really good.
The Toronto Food Truck Festival is back and serving up a weekend full of flavour, fun, and free vibes. Admission? Free. Food? Fire. Entertainment? Local talent, live-eating challenges, and games for the kids. Learn more here.
ARTS & CULTURE
Museum Pottery: 4-Week Beginner Wheel Throwing Course
📅 Wednesdays: July 30, August 6, 13, 20 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Markham Museum
Always wanted to try pottery? Here’s your chance!
In this 4-week beginner course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing and build the skills to create your own tumblers, bowls, and vases — no experience needed.
Your registration includes up to 5 kg of clay, firing, and access to glazes and underglazes. Come get your hands messy and make something beautiful! Learn more here.
The Heritage Antique Market: Outdoor Edition ➡️
📅 Sunday, August 3 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Centerpoint Mall, 6464 Yonge Street @ Steeles Ave
Vintage lovers, this is your Super Bowl.
The Heritage Antique Market is setting up shop outside under the big tents at Centerpoint Mall! Expect 39,000 square feet of antique treasures, unique finds, and collectible gems all laid out across the South/East parking lot just off Yonge Street.
If you’re into vintage décor, one-of-a-kind pieces, or just love the thrill of a good treasure hunt, this one's a must. Learn more here.
Free Guided Walks at Rouge National Urban Park
📅 Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3
📍 Various Trailheads at Rouge National Urban Park
Looking to get outdoors this weekend? Take a free guided walk through Rouge National Urban Park and explore everything from butterflies to native trees to the mighty Oak Ridges Moraine. Here’s the lineup:
🟢 Saturday, August 2
Discovering the Carolinian Life Zone
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Bob Hunter Memorial Park
How is the Oak Ridges Moraine Connected to the Rouge?
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Black Walnut Day Use Area
🟢 Sunday, August 3
Butterflies of the Rouge
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Bob Hunter Memorial Park
Native Trees of the Rouge
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Black Walnut Day Use Area
Let’s get walkin’! Learn more here.
Jewish Speed Dating & Magic Show (Ages 20s–30s) ➡️
📅 Saturday, August 2 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club – 115 York Blvd Unit 9, Richmond Hill
Looking to meet other amazing Jewish singles in a fun, low-pressure setting? You’re in luck.
This night kicks off with social speed dating. Meet at least 15 eligible singles in your age group then wind down with an epic magic show featuring some of the best Jewish magicians in the city.
One ticket gets you both experiences. Register here.
BUSINESS BOOST
Email Automation Essentials | Learning Series
📅 Monday, July 28 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
📍 Online – Hosted by Whiteboard Studio
Trying to keep in touch without sounding salesy? This free seminar is all about using email automation to build real relationships and stay top-of-mind (without the awkwardness).
Perfect for business professionals who want to turn networking into meaningful (and revenue-generating) connections. Register here.
EMERGE NIGHTS: Elite Exchange Networking Event ➡️
📅 Thursday, July 31 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 9251 Yonge Street Unit 5, Richmond Hill
Where ambition meets alignment.
This isn’t your average networking mixer. Emerge Nights: Elite Exchange is a curated evening for entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals ready to build deeper connections and bigger ideas.
Expect smart convos, strategic intros, and a room full of people who get it. Register here.
IT’S SHOWTIME
Spirited Away: Live on Stage ➡️
📅 Friday, August 1 | 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
📅 Saturday, August 2 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor Street West
Miyazaki fans, this one’s for you.
The magical world of Spirited Away comes to life in its first-ever stage adaptation, featuring breathtaking sets, music, and puppetry. Directed by Tony Award winner John Caird (Les Misérables), this show was filmed during its 2022 Tokyo run and stars Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro.
In Japanese with English subtitles. A rare and beautiful way to experience this iconic story on the big stage! Tickets here.
I-Sing Canada Singing Competition: Semi-Finals
📅 Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3 | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📍 570 Alden Rd #2, Markham
Get ready for two nights of powerhouse vocals, electric energy, and pure talent as Canada’s top singers hit the stage to earn their spot in the grand finale.
This isn’t just a competition. It’s a celebration of music, passion, and the diverse voices that make Canadian artistry so special. Come cheer them on! Learn more here.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Your Library, Your Voice: Public Consultation Meeting
📅 Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Thornhill Community Centre Branch
Markham Public Library is crafting its new Strategic Plan, and they want your input! Come share your ideas and hopes to help shape the future of library services in our community.
Why join?
✔️ Have your say in what the library offers next
✔️ Enjoy free refreshments
✔️ Enter to win a $20 Loblaws Gift Card
Your voice matters so don’t miss out! Learn more here.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
I know, I know… it’s kinda quiet on the event front. But hey, I don’t want you ending up bored or disappointed! So, here are a few fun things you can try in Markham this week or honestly, any week:
Visit the Sunflower Fields of Markham: Walk through over 400,000 sunflowers and snap those perfect summer pics. The photo ops are endless!
Try Tennis at Joy Tennis: A self-paced tennis training hub designed for solo practice and lessons. Perfect if you want to sharpen your skills at your own speed.
Check out Denthreesixty Arcade: GTA’s first video game console arcade with N64, Sega, Xbox, and more. It’s a family-friendly spot great for birthday parties, corporate events, or just casual gaming. Retro consoles + classic arcade machines = good vibes and great memories.
Explore Local Farmers’ Markets: Hit up the 19th Avenue Farmers Market, Main Street Markham Farmers Market, or even the Stouffville Market for fresh finds and local flavors.
Youth Roller Skate Nights at Memorial Park Multi-Purpose Trail (Stouffville): No registration needed. Bring your own gear and just show up ready to roll!
So don’t sweat the slow week ‘cause there’s plenty to explore around here anytime!
WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎤 Fionn MacCool | Open Mic | July 29th | 7PM-10PM
🎵 The Owl: A Firkin Pub | StarMap | July 31st | 8PM-10PM
🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | July 31st | 8PM-11PM
🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | July 31st | 10PM to Close
🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | August 1st | 8PM-11PM
🎵 Varley Art Gallery Courtyard | Music on the Street | August 1st | 5PM - 8PM
🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | August 1st | 7PM-10PM
🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | August 1st | 8PM-11PM
🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | TBA | August 2nd | 8AM-1PM
🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | August 2nd | 10PM to Close
🎵 DTM Music Nights | Still Rock In Roll | August 2nd | 7:30PM-10PM
🎵 Costa Sorrento | Alessandro Battaglia | August 3rd | 6PM-9PM
SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK
🎾 Canadian Open Day 1 | July 27th
🎾 Canadian Open Day 2 | July 28th
🎾 Canadian Open Day 3 | July 29th
🎾 Canadian Open Day 4 | July 30th
🎾 Canadian Open Day 5 | July 31st
🎾 Canadian Open Day 6 | August 1st
⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Kansas City Royals | August 1st
⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Kansas City Royals | August 2nd
🎾 Canadian Open Day 7 | August 2nd
⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Kansas City Royals | August 3rd
🎾 Canadian Open Day 8 | August 3rd
🎾 Canadian Open Day 9 | August 4th
THANKS FOR READING!
Thanks for catching up with Hello Markham today! If you learned something new, please share it with your favourite barista!
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