Good morning, Markham!

Seriously, where’d all the time go? We’re a week away from September! As for me, this is my last week of freedom before I head back to university after Labour Day. So, join me as I soak up these last bits of August.

Note: Events marked with a “➡️” are not in Markham, but they’re too good not to share!

Alright, let’s see what Markham’s got for us.

CITY UPDATES

Main Street Unionville is finally open to pedestrians!

Tired of all those fences blocking your way? From August 25 through November, Main Street (Fred Varley Drive to 166 Main) is closed to cars while Phase 2 of restoration happens, but pedestrians can stroll from Carlton Road to 166 Main, sidewalks and shops are open, and parking’s still available on the west side via a temporary lane.

Plan ahead if you’re driving, and get updates here: http://markham.ca/MainStreetUnionville.

Road Closure

From Saturday, August 23 at 7 AM to Tuesday, August 26 at 7 PM, 14th Avenue (between Donald Cousens Parkway and Reesor Road) will be closed for railway rehab.

Plan ahead and get the latest details here: http://york.ca/RoadClosures

YRT Service Changes

Starting Sunday, August 31, 2025, YRT is making a bunch of service changes to keep up with traffic and rider needs.

Route 2 – Milliken: the 7:25 AM trip will now go by Middlefield Collegiate Institute to match morning bell times, plus some schedule tweaks.

Route 8 – Kennedy: early morning trips will now start from Prospector’s Drive and Major Mackenzie Drive, with schedules adjusted too.

Route 18 – Bur Oak: frequency is being updated to make connecting with GO Transit smoother.

Check out all the updates and see if your route is affected here: http://yrt.ca/ServiceChanges

FESTIVAL CENTRAL

Pacific Mall’s Summer Carnival Vol. 2

📅 Saturday, August 30 – Monday, September 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON M1V 4S4

💸 Free

Pacific Mall is closing out summer with round two of its outdoor carnival!  Three days of live performances, games, and food that’ll take you around the world without leaving Markham. Bring the whole crew, because this one’s all about family fun and big festival vibes. More here. 

Uptown Asian Festival ➡️

📅 Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025 | Times vary (see schedule)

📍 1300 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill’s Uptown Asian Festival is four days of food, music, and traditions spanning Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures. It’s a vibrant, immersive way to experience the diversity and unity of the Pan-Asian community. More here.

2025 Toronto Dragon Festival ➡️

📅 Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31, 2025

📍 Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON

💸 Free

Lion and dragon dances that soar sky-high, street food you’ll line up twice for, and a night show that literally lights up the skyline, the Toronto Dragon Festival is back and bigger than ever. Three days, all ages, and absolutely free to get swept up in the magic. More here. 

Toronto International BuskerFest ➡️

📅 Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025

📍 Woodbine Park, Toronto, ON

Acrobats, clowns, jugglers, comics. BuskerFest turns Woodbine Park into a four-day circus of the weird, wacky, and wonderful. It’s Toronto’s most entertaining fundraiser, with every laugh and gasp supporting Epilepsy Toronto. Details here. 

Flavours by Fire: Street Eats Market ➡️

📅 Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025

📍 Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON

Harbourfront is heating up with four days of smoky meats, fire-roasted veggies, and all the bold, charred flavors foodies dream about. If it tastes better on the grill, you’ll find it here. Details here. 

T.U. Jazz Fest 2025 ➡️

📅 Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025

📍 Mel Lastman Square, Toronto, ON

Get ready to vibe with some of Canada’s best emerging jazz talent at the 11th Annual T.U. Jazz Fest! Award-winning artists, JUNO winners, and over 150 amazing musicians from across the country are bringing the soundtrack to your Labor Day weekend. Details here.

FOR THE KIDDOS

Preparing for a Healthcare or Medical Career: Tips for High School Students

📅 Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Online Event

💸 Free

Thinking about a career in healthcare or medicine? Join education coach Imbert Fung for insider tips on university paths, overlooked opportunities, and high school moves that can set students up for success. Perfect for students, parents, and educators alike. Register here. 

Downtown Markham Kids Block Party

📅 Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Pride of Canada Carousel, 8080 Birchmount Rd, Markham, ON

💸 Free

Think unlimited carousel rides, all-you-can-eat popcorn, balloon animals, brain games, and a community mural that’ll let your little ones leave their mark on Downtown Markham. More here. 

Youth Summer Market with 105 Gibson Centre

📅 Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 105 Gibson Drive, Markham, ON

💸 Free

Dive into a wave of fun at the Youth Summer Market, where young creatives and explorers take center stage. Affordable, inclusive, and full of vibrant experiences. Details here. 

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Mahjong Social Night ➡️

📅 Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

📍 SUGAR Cafe & Lounge, 550 Hwy 7, 2nd Floor, Richmond Hill, ON

Flip tiles, make new friends, and soak up all the energy at Mahjong Social Night, beginner or shark, everyone’s welcome. When you’re off the tiles, keep the fun going with board games, karaoke, and Nintendo Switch. Details here.

Afro-Laughs: A Black Comedy Revue ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

📍 Jokers Theatre and Comedy Club, 115 York Blvd #Unit 9, Richmond Hill, ON

Get ready to laugh until it hurts with four of Canada’s funniest Black comedians, all on one stage at Jokers Theatre. It’s a night of sharp wit, big jokes, and pure comedy vibes you won’t want to miss. Tickets here. 

Persian White Party Night ➡️

📅 Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM

📍 Marlowe Restaurant & Bar, 155 York Blvd, Richmond Hill, ON

Toronto’s top Persian DJs are turning Marlowe Lounge into an all-white, all-night party. Book a table for dinner or hit the dance floor standing, either way, it’s the spot to be this long weekend. Tickets here. 

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

 Your Library, Your Voice: Public Consultation Meeting

📅 Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 Markham Village Branch, Markham, ON

💸 Free

Have your say in shaping the future of your library! And yes, there’s free refreshments to fuel your ideas. Bonus: share your thoughts and you could snag a $20 Loblaws gift card! Register here.

ARTS & CULTURE

Canadian International Air Show ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 30 – Monday, September 1, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:40 PM

📍 Marilyn Bell Park, Toronto, ON (ticketed viewing) + free shoreline spots

Look up! The Canadian International Air Show is back, filling Toronto’s skies with high-flying stunts, roaring jets, and serious “did you see that?!” moments. Catch it with a ticket at Marilyn Bell Park (CNE admission included) or for free along the shoreline and islands. Details here. 

WakuWakuKon Video Game & Toy Show

📅 Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Monte Carlo Inn & Suites – Downtown Markham, 7255 Warden Ave, Markham, ON

Retro games, rare finds, and rad collectibles. WakuWakuKon is basically a treasure chest for gamers, toy lovers, and anime fans alike. Bring your inner kid (and maybe a tote bag), because you never know what gem you’ll score. Details here.

SHOPPING BUZZ

Crocs Back to School Sale

📅 Thursday, August 28 – Monday, September 1, 2025

📍 Markham Fairgrounds, Building 1

Step into the school year with style (and serious savings) ‘cause Crocs and more are up to 60% off. Because nothing says “back to school” like shoes you can actually run to class in. Details here. 

Work N Wear – Warehouse Sale

📅 Thursday, August 28 – Monday, September 1, 2025

📍 Markham Fairgrounds, Building 2

Gear up for less at the Work N Wear Warehouse Sale, your one-stop shop for boots, gear, and everything a Canadian worker needs. Big savings, tough essentials, all under one roof. Details here. 

LEARN & GROW

MBT August After 5 Networking

📅 Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Vaultra Storage, Markham, ON

Mix, mingle, and make connections at MBT’s After 5. It’s an evening of networking, refreshments, with a few chances to snag door prizes. It’s the perfect way to catch up with fellow members and wrap up your workday on a high note. Tickets here.

Health & Wellness: Reset. Refocus. Rise. ➡️

📅 Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 9251 Yonge Street, Unit 5, Richmond Hill, ON

Step into an evening designed to fuel your mind, body, and soul. Perfect for founders, creatives, and pros ready to ditch the burnout. Expect real talk, resources, and community vibes that go way beyond smoothies and gym tips. Tickets here. 

GETTIN’ SPORTY

Silent Partner Open

📅 Monday, August 25 – Friday, August 29, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Markham Tennis Club, Markham, ON

Game, set, match. The Silent Partner Open is serving up a full week of national-level tennis right in Markham, with Canada’s top-ranked players chasing big points (and bragging rights). From rising stars to seasoned pros, every rally is a front-row seat to the future of Canadian tennis.

Canada Markham International Championship Cup

📅 Saturday, August 30 – Monday, September 1, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

📍 447 The Bridle Walk, Berczy Village, Markham, ON

💸 Free

Soccer meets culture at the Canada Markham International Cup — a premier amateur tournament drawing teams and fans from across Ontario, Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Three days of competition, community, and international vibes right in the heart of Markham. Details here.

Puppy Yoga Markham

📅 Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM & 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 F45 Markville, 5051 Hwy 7 Unit 2-4, Unionville, ON

Stretch, breathe, and maybe fall in love… with the puppies. This beginner yoga session comes with cuddles, snuggles, and plenty of photo ops. Yoga mats included, fun guaranteed. Tickets here. 

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | August 28th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | August 28th | 10PM to Close

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | August 28th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Varley Art Gallery Courtyard | Music on the Street | August 29th | 5PM - 8PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | August 29th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | Live Music | August 30th | Begins at 4PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | Live Music | August 30th | 8AM-1PM

🎵 Main Street Markham | Music on Main | August 30th | 6PM-9PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | August 30th | 10PM to Close

🎵 DTM Music Nights | The OCMS Orchestra | August 30th | 7:30PM-10PM

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Alessandro Battaglia | August 31st | 6PM-9PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins | August 25th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins | August 26th

⚾Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins | August 27th 

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Milwaukee Brewers | August 29th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Milwaukee Brewers | August 30th

⚽ Toronto FC v CF Montréal | August 30th 

⚽ AFC Toronto v Calgary Wild FC | August 30th 

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Milwaukee Brewers | August 31st

THANKS FOR READING!

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