Good morning, Markham!

Ahh, I’ve been thinking… what are the top three chain restaurants Markham needs right now? Here’s my list:

1. Jollibee (if you know, you know 😉)

2. Krispy Kreme 

3. Wing Stop 

What’s on your dream list? I want to hear your picks!

Alright, I’ve got quite a few events for you guys, so let’s get into it!

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

CITY UPDATES

Curbside Giveaway Day on Saturday, September 20th

Got stuff you don’t need anymore? Put your gently used items at the curb, slap a “FREE” sign on them, and give them a second life! Just remember to pick up anything left by the end of the day.

For more information: http://markham.ca/CurbsideGiveawayDay

Markham’s Ward 7 By-Election

Register to vote in the 2025 Markham Ward 7 By-Election, it’s quick and easy.

Ensure your information is current by checking, updating, or adding your details to the voters’ list at ElectionsMarkham.ca/Register.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Doors Open Markham 2025

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Various Locations Across Markham

🎟️ Free

Step inside Markham’s most fascinating buildings, from cultural landmarks to hidden gems, for one day only! Get free access, go behind the scenes, and discover the stories that shaped our city. Must-see attractions here. 

Markham Animal Adoption Events

📅 Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Markham Animal Adoption and Education Centre (MAAEC)

Find your new furry best friend at MAAEC’s adoption event and learn more about pet care and education! Learn more here.

Celebrate 50 Years with Thornhill Community Centre Library

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Markham Public Library, Thornhill Community Centre Branch

Join the party as Thornhill Library celebrates 50 years with storytime, arts & crafts, a giant community puzzle, and more. Plus, enjoy face painting, dance demos, BBQ, and cake at the Community Centre! More here. 

Markham Pan Am Centre 10th Anniversary Celebration

📅 Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Markham Pan Am Centre - 16 Main Street, Unionville

🎟️ Free

Celebrate 10 years of sport, community, and unforgettable moments! Enjoy live music, food vendors, face painting, games, and free “try-it” sports activities for the whole family. Learn more here. 

Active Community Engagement (A.C.E.) Park Cleanup

📅 Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 John Button Park, Markham

Get outside and give back! Join your community to help clean up the park and make our spaces shine. Register here. 

FESTIVAL CENTRAL

Toronto Water Lantern Festival ➡️

📅 Friday, September 19, 2025 & Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 4:30 PM

📍 Downsview Park, North York

🎟️ $47.99 (34% off until September 19, 2025) | $67.99 at the event (if not sold out)

Watch thousands of glowing lanterns float across the water in a breathtaking celebration of hope, love, and connection. Perfect for a reflective, magical night out. Tickets here.

Fall Festival at the Village ➡️

📅 Saturday, September 20 – Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, North York/Vaughan

🎟️ $21.40 – $26.15

Celebrate the harvest season with two days of cozy fall fun! Explore autumn crafts, vote for the best pumpkins and squash, enjoy toe-tapping folk music, sample traditional treats, and even try butter churning, quilting, and candle dipping. Register here. 

Aurora’s Multicultural Festival ➡️

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Aurora Town Park (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) & Aurora Town Square (12:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

🎟️ Free

Start your morning at Aurora Town Park for back-to-back performances, then head to Aurora Town Square for more shows, workshops, and even a screening of the award-winning documentary Honeyland (registration required). More information here. 

VegTO Fest ➡️

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

📅 Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON

Toronto’s biggest vegan festival is back for its 40th year! Come enjoy delicious plant-based eats, live entertainment, and all the good vibes. Learn more here.

Thai Fest ➡️

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

📅 Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

📍 Sankofa Square, Toronto, ON

Get a taste of Thailand in the heart of Toronto! Enjoy delicious street eats, lively Muay Thai demos, and colourful traditional performances all weekend long. Learn more here. 

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Vaughan & Woodbridge Speed Dating (Ages 35–48) ➡️

📅 Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Doors at 7:15 PM)

📍 St. Louis Bar & Grill

🎟️ $43.63

Meet up to 15 singles in one night with a fun, streamlined speed dating experience. Appetizers included! Matches are handled digitally, so connecting afterward is super easy. Tickets here.

QE Trivia Night

📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 6:30 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewing Co., Markham

🎟️ $6 per person (19+)

Grab your crew (up to 6 players) and put your pop culture knowledge to the test; movies, music, TV, and more! Winners score a 4-pack of beer each. Arrive early to snag a table, check in at the bar, and order your pizza and drinks before the games begin! Tickets here. 

Rougetoberfest

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewing Co., Markham

🎟️ Free

It’s that time of year again, Rougetoberfest is back! Expect 4 brand-new beer releases, a special Oktoberfest menu (yes, sausage pizza + bratwurst!), a stein-holding competition, new glassware drops, and all-around good vibes. Learn more here. 

Comedy Night

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 8 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewing Co., Markham

🎟️ $14.64

Laugh the night away with Darryl Purvis, Jesse Ralph, and Jwalit Bharwani. Tickets here. 

Plain Tea and Murukku

📅 Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

📍 Markham Public Library, Aaniin Branch

Sip some tea, snack on murukku, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon playing cards, carom, ludo, and more with friends. No registration needed, just drop in and join the fun! Register here. 

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

Youth Entrepreneurship Essentials: Mastering the Business Model Canvas

📅 Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Online | Free

Learn the blueprint for your business! Map out ideas, value, customers, and revenue in this interactive workshop for young entrepreneurs. Register here. 

York Education Youth Networking

📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 YRES Markham Office, 605-3100 Steeles Ave E

Connect with fellow youth, explore volunteer opportunities, and earn some hands-on experience. Come to meet, mingle, and maybe even lend a hand with setup and wrap-up! Learn more here. 

ARTS & CULTURE

Where the heART is – Art Show & Sale

📅 Wednesday, September 17 – Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

📍 McKay Art Centre, Markham

🎟️ Free

Step into a world of colour and creativity! Explore bold car portraits, dreamy landscapes, vibrant florals, and abstract works by five local artists. Meet the creators, soak in the inspiration, and maybe even take home a piece that speaks to you. Learn more here. 

Honey Crisp Opening

📅 Friday, September 19, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Organics Family Farm, 7550 19th Ave, Markham, ON

It’s Honey Crisp season! Swing by to pick the first of the 2025 crop and enjoy goodies from the market and bakery all day long. More information here. 

True Card North Expo

📅 Saturday, September 20 – Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Markham Fairgrounds, Building 1, Markham, ON

Calling all collectors! From sports cards to Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Funko Pop figures, and more, the True North Card Expo is your chance to hunt rare finds, connect with fellow fans, and score some epic collectibles. Learn more here. 

ArtWalk 2025 ➡️

📅 Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Richmond Hill, ON

Check out Richmond Hill’s ArtWalk! Explore indoor and outdoor booths from local artists and artisans, discover unique handmade pieces, and maybe even snag some early holiday gifts. Learn more here. 

Plant Nite: Amethyst in Rose Bowl

📅 Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 2 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewing Co., Markham

🎟️ $59 per person/supplies included

Sip, plant, and craft your own beautiful rose bowl creation at this hands-on workshop. Tickets here. 

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Patient & Family Education Fair by Oak Valley Health

📅 Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM

📍 Cornell Community Centre

🎟️ Free

Explore 20+ booths with health pros, get tips on mental wellness, seniors’ support, and community resources. Perfect for all ages and stages of life. More information here. 

Alzheimer Society York Region – Active Living Program

📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 Markham Public Library, Milliken Mills Branch

Get moving, stay social, and enjoy creative activities designed for people living with dementia and their care partners. Register here. 

Robert Davidson Walk for Pulmonary Fibrosis

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 TooGood Pond Park, Markham, ON

Join the 4th annual walk for pulmonary fibrosis! Bring the crew, enjoy some activities, cheer on walkers, and cap it off with a free lunch at the Unionville Arms Pub & Grill. More information here.

LEARN & GROW

Tips to Avoid Tax Scams

📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

📍 Online

Learn how to spot tax scams and make the most of CRA digital services, plus tips for filing safely and using programs like CVITP. Register here. 

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | September 18th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | September 18th | 10PM to Close

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | September 18th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | September 19th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 Rouge River Brewery | Ruby Tuesday | September 19th | 7PM-9PM

🎤 Col. Mustard Sports Bar | Karaoke | September 19th | Begins at 9PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | Live Music | September 20th | Begins at 4PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | Live Music | September 20th | 8AM-1PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | September 20th | 10PM to Close

🎵 DTM Music Nights | Los Moralitos  | September 20th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Alessandro Battaglia | September 21st | 6PM-9PM

🎤 Rouge River Brewery | Open Jam | September 21st | 2PM-5PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

🏈 Toronto Argonauts v Montreal Alouettes | September 19th 

🤼 All Out | September 20th

⚽ AFC Toronto v Halifax Tides FC | September 21st

THANKS FOR READING!

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