Good morning, Markham!

You spoke, I listened.

Huge thank you to everyone who filled out last week’s survey. Seriously, you’re the best. I’ve gone through all your responses, and here’s what you told me you want more of: kid-friendly ideas, cool classes & workshops, ways to get involved in the Markham community, and of course… food recs!

I’m already working on new ways to bring all of this into our weekly newsletter, so stay tuned. Big love and thanks again for being here!

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

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

Apply Here.

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!

Learn more here.

FOR THE KIDDOS

DTM Kids’ Block Party

📅 Thursday, July 24 | 11 AM - 2 PM

📍 Pride of Canada Carousel, Downtown Markham

Bring the kiddos and come hang out! It's gonna be a fun day with games, creative stations, and good vibes all around. Downtown Markham is teaming up with Creative Genius and Brain Power to make it extra awesome. You’ll definitely want to swing by for this one! Learn more here. 

Splash Pad Day with PUSH Markham

📅 Friday, July 25 | 10 AM – 11 AM (or stay and play 'til noon!)

📍 Boxgrove Splash Pad – 26 Pagnello Ct, Markham

It’s a free morning of water fun, learning, and connecting with other families! Kids can splash around while you meet other parents, and everyone gets a little surprise gift for joining (while supplies last). Register here. 

Markham Sports Dome Open House

📅 Saturday, July 26 | 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

📍 5300 14th Ave, Markham

Bring the kids out for a fun-filled day of soccer, volleyball, team games, and more! Perfect for ages 4 to 14, and there’s even pizza on-site 🍕 Adults can come watch and cheer for free. It's just $5 per kid for all the fun and a slice. Great way to get active, burn some energy, and meet other local families! Learn more here. 

ARTS & CULTURE

The All-New Royal Canadian International Family Circus 2025

📅 Thursday, July 24 – Tuesday, July 29 | Times vary

📍 Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket

Get ready for an amazing show with thrilling acts, crazy cool visuals, and interactive moments that’ll keep everyone entertained. It’s a classic big-top circus adventure that’s perfect for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Learn more here. 

Zentangle Drawing Workshop

📅 Saturday, July 26 | 10 AM – 12 PM

📍 TCCSA York Centre (Metro Square, Markham)

Take a breather and try something new. This guided Zentangle session is all about slowing down, getting creative, and letting your mind relax. Whether you're totally new to drawing or just want a calm space to create, you’re welcome to join in. All materials provided! Learn more here. 

Landscape Painting Weekend

📅 Saturday & Sunday, July 26–27 | 10 AM - 3:30 PM

📍 Varley Art Gallery, Markham

Ready to dive into the world of landscape painting? Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you’ll get step-by-step guidance, hands-on practice, and tips to level up your painting game. Just bring your own materials and all the creativity is waiting for you here! Learn more here.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Studio Ghibli Movie Marathon

📅 Wednesday, July 23 | 7 PM to Midnight

📍 Sugar Cafe Lounge, Richmond Hill

Looking for cozy movie night vibes? Grab dinner, sip on cocktails, and chill out with some of your fave Studio Ghibli films on two massive 10-foot screens. Come through for the magic! Learn more here. 

Night at the Museum: Outdoor Movie Night

📅 Thursday, July 24, 2025 (Inside Out 2)

📍 Markham Museum

Bring your lawn chairs and cozy up under the stars for a free outdoor screening of Inside Out 2! Gates open at 8:45 PM, movie starts at 9:30 PM. Registration required—visit MarkhamMuseum.ca to save your spot!

*EDIT: There are no more registration spots! However, they will admit walk-ins after ticketed guests have been checked in, if space permits.

BUSINESS BOOST

2025 Top 40 Under 40 Awards

📅 Thursday, July 24 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 York University Markham Campus

Here’s a chance to celebrate the city’s rising stars, the young professionals making big moves and shaping our community’s future. Join the Markham Board of Trade for the annual Top 40 Under 40 Awards and cheer on the amazing nominees. It’s a night of inspiration, connection, and celebration you won’t want to miss! Learn more here. 

Empowering Financial Literacy: Community Networking & Workshop

📅 Saturday, July 26 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 1 West Pearce St #203, Richmond Hill

Let’s talk money (minus the awkward vibes)! This free event is all about leveling up your financial game with tips on saving smart, investing wisely, dodging unnecessary taxes, and knowing your worth in the workplace. You'll also get to meet other like-minded folks who care about building wealth and community. Ages 18+ welcome! Tickets here. 

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

Virtual Volunteer Networking Event

📅 Wednesday, July 23 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

📍 Online

Hop online for a fun and inspiring afternoon with youth from across York Region! Hosted by YRES, this virtual event is your chance to hear from awesome guest speakers, connect with other volunteers, and discover new ways to get involved in your community. Learn more here. 

MARKHAM BITES

VINES & VIBES: Caribbean Cuisine & Wine Tasting

📅 Saturday, July 26 | 3 PM – 6 PM

📍 Laz Authentic Cuisine, 48 Main Street N, Markham

This is all about tasting amazing Caribbean flavours paired with some awesome Ontario wines. Plus, you get to munch on tasty Caribbean bites while soaking up the good vibes. Perfect way to spend a chill afternoon. Come sip, savor, and just enjoy the vibes! Learn more here. 

La Dolce Vita

📅 Sunday, July 27 | 12 PM – 4 PM

📍 Love Gelato, Markham

Love Gelato is bringing Europe to you! Come spend a sunny afternoon the Italian way — with fresh pizza, Italian bombes, dreamy gelato, affogatos, live music, and even a special book signing with @frankmoyomusic.

It’s gonna be chill, delicious, and full of good vibes. Grab your friends and come hang out! Learn more here.

GETTIN’ SPORTY

Puppy Yoga with Yoga Kawa: Markham Dachshunds

📅 Sunday, July 27 | 12:30 PM & 2:15 PM

📍 F45 Training Markville

This is not a drill; you can do yoga with dachshund puppies. You'll stretch for about 35 minutes while they roam around, then spend the rest of the time cuddling, snapping pics, and soaking up the puppy love.

Mats are included. Just show up, breathe, and try not to melt from the cuteness. Tickets here. 

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Fionn MacCool | Open Mic | July 22nd | 7PM-10PM

🎤 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts | Open Mic | July 23rd | 6:30PM-9PM

🎵 The Owl: A Firkin Pub | Ian Marc & Sara Perez | July 24th | 8PM-10PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | July 24th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | July 24th | 10PM to Close

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | July 25th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Varley Art Gallery Courtyard | Music on the Street | July 25th | 5PM - 8PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | July 25th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | July 25th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Times Square Richmond Hill | Music Fest | July 25th | 12PM-11PM

🎵 Rouge River Brewing Co. | Paul Noonan | July 25th | 7PM-9PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | TBA | July 26th  | 8AM-1PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | July 26th | 10PM to Close

🎵 DTM Music Nights | TBA | July 26th | 7:30PM-10PM

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Kalye Luna | July 27th | 6PM-9PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees | July 21st

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees | July 22nd

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees | July 23rd

🏈 Toronto Argonauts v Winnipeg Blue Bombers | July 26th

🚴 Supertri Toronto | July 26th

🎾 Canadian Open Day 1 | July 27th

🎾 Canadian Open Day 2 | July 28th

THANKS FOR READING!

Thanks for catching up with Hello Markham today! If you learned something new, please share it with your hobby buddies!

👉 Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here!

👉 Want to feature your business in Hello Markham? Let's talk!

👉 Did we miss something? Send tips to [email protected]