Good morning, Markham!

Can you believe we’re already halfway through August? Someone recently told me we’re in the final stretch of summer, but I refuse to believe it. Sure, the sun’s setting earlier these days, but the heat hasn’t gone anywhere. So, whatever the calendar says, we’re making the most of it and getting out there to enjoy every moment!

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.

Road Closure Notice

Heads up! Castlemore Ave. (between Fred McLaren Blvd. and Roy Rainey Ave.) will be closed August 13 for emergency repair work.

Detours will be in place.

For questions, contact: 📧 [email protected] or 📞 905-475-4714

Volunteer for Two Exciting Markham Events!

The City of Markham is seeking enthusiastic volunteers for the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival (Sept. 6, 10 AM to 6:30 PM) and Doors Open Markham (Sept. 20, 10 AM to 5 PM). Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun.

Apply by Sept. 2 at markham.ca/Volunteering.

FESTIVAL CENTRAL

Markham Jazz Festival

📅 Saturday, August 16 & Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 12 PM - 9:15 PM

📍 Main Street Unionville

The Markham Jazz Festival is back with over 30 free performances from top Canadian and international jazz, blues, and soul artists. Enjoy the music, explore Main Street, and take advantage of the free shuttle service. Learn more here. 

Lucky Lion Night Market Markham

📅 Friday, August 15 to Saturday, August 17, 2025

🕓 Fri: 4 PM – 11 PM | Sat: 2 PM – 11 PM | Sun: 12 PM – 8 PM

📍 8 The Seneca Way, Markham (Seneca Polytechnic College Markham Campus)

🎟️ Free Admission

Celebrate diversity at Lucky Lion’s 4th annual Asian Night Market with 100+ food items, vendors, entertainment, photo ops, and nightly Chinese lion dance performances by Hong Luck Kung Fu Association. Details here. 

Richmond Hill Craft Beer Festival ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

Enjoy craft beers, ciders, live music, and tasty eats at the 14th annual Richmond Hill Craft Beer Festival. Tickets are $25 and support Hill House Hospice. Tickets here. 

Taste of Manila 2025 ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 16 | 9 AM – 11 PM

📅 Sunday, August 17 | 9 AM – 6 PM

📍 Corner of Bathurst St. and Wilson Ave., Toronto, ON

Celebrate the 12th year of Taste of Manila! Enjoy a growing festival with vendors and visitors from around the world, bringing you unforgettable Filipino food, culture, and fun.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Your Library, Your Voice: Public Consultation Meeting

📅 Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Markham Pan Am Centre

Markham Public Library is creating its new Strategic Plan and wants your input! Share your ideas for the future of library services, enjoy free refreshments, and enter to win a $20 Loblaws Gift Card. No registration required! Learn more here. 

Moonlight Madness ➡️

📅 Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 19 Civic Avenue, Stouffville, Whitchurch-Stouffville L4A 1G5

Moonlight Madness is a summer evening celebration bringing energy and excitement to the Village of Stouffville! Enjoy a vibrant open-air experience with local businesses, artisan vendors, sidewalk sales, and more as you explore downtown and shop local. Details here.

MP Helena Jaczek’s Community BBQ ➡️

📅 Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 Memorial Park (near Latcham Hall, 8 Park Drive, Stouffville)

Bring the family for an afternoon of good food, performances, and kids’ activities! Vegetarian and halal options will be available, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Details here.

Night at the Museum: Outdoor Movie Night

📅 Thursday, August 14th, 2025 | Opens at 8:45pm

📍 Markham Museum

Bring your lawn chairs and cozy up under the stars for a free outdoor screening of Paddington in Peru! 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.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Markham Speed Dating & Comedy Magic (Ages 30s & 40s)

📅 Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Laz Authentic Cuisine Inc, Markham

Enjoy a night of mingling, speed dating with up to 20 singles, and a hilarious comedy magic show! Your ticket includes the speed dating session and admission to the performance. Meet new people in quick 4-minute conversations, and if there’s a mutual match, you’ll get each other’s contact info the next day. Tickets here.

QE Trivia Night

📅 Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 6:30 PM

📍 Rouge River Brewing Co.

Grab your friends and put your pop culture knowledge to the test! Compete for fun beer prizes in a lively and friendly atmosphere. Tickets here. 

Laugha-Cadabra: Comedy & Magic

📅 Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM

📍 Laz Authentic Cuisine Inc.

Enjoy an evening of laughter and illusions with top comedians and a finale by comedy magician Kensington Ken, known for his high-energy, interactive shows across Canada and Las Vegas. Tickets here. 

Hello Kitty Rave ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM

📍 Sugar Cafe & Lounge, Richmond Hill

Get ready for a bass-heavy, Sanrio-themed night! Expect DJ sets, themed drinks and snacks, a Best Dressed contest, surround mirror photo area, kandi-making station, and giveaway prizes. Tickets here.

The Loyal Love Labubu Professional Dating Party + Complimentary Roses ➡️

📅 Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 3:00–5:30 PM

📍 Ryu Izakaya, Richmond Hill

Meet high-caliber singles at this romantic cocktail reception, complete with a rose ceremony and a chance to win a Labubu from Pop Mart. Tickets here. 

BUSINESS BOOST

Markham Board of Trade - August Breakfast Networking

📅 Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

📍 Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa

Start your morning with networking and a delicious breakfast! Reconnect with fellow MBT members and enjoy chances to win door prizes, thanks to generous sponsors. Tickets here. 

Salary Negotiation - Know Your Worth

📅 Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

💻 Online Event

Learn key strategies to confidently negotiate your salary, handle counteroffers, and maximize your total compensation package. Take charge of your career growth and get the offer you deserve! Register here. 

GETTIN’ SPORTY

Puppy Yoga by Yoga Kawa (Markham Mudi Puppies)

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 12:30–1:30 PM • 2:15–3:15 PM • 4:15–5:15 PM

📍 F45 Training Markville

Enjoy 35–40 minutes of beginner yoga with adorable, free-roaming Mudi puppies, followed by cuddle time, photo ops, and connection with fellow animal lovers. Yoga mat included. Tickets here.

Free Guided Walks at Rouge National Urban Park

Get outdoors this weekend and explore the Rouge! From forest ecosystems to wildflowers to an 8K hike, these free guided walks are a great way to connect with nature and learn something new.

🟢 Saturday, August 16

Predator and Prey!
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 16th Avenue Trailhead – Rouge National Urban Park

Forest Regions: The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Forest
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Black Walnut Day Use Area – Rouge National Urban Park

🟢 Sunday, August 17

Summer Flowers
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Bob Hunter Memorial Park – Rouge National Urban Park

The 8K Harvest Hike
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Black Walnut Day Use Area – Rouge National Urban Park

Let’s get walkin’! Learn more here. 

ARTS & CULTURE

2nd Under the Stars: Poetry & Live Music

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 7:30–10:00 PM

📍 Laz Authentic Cuisine Inc

Experience a soulful summer evening on the patio with poetry, live music, and an open mic under the stars. Tickets here. 

Wheels on the Danforth ➡️

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

📍 3495 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON

Toronto’s best outdoor car show returns! Enjoy live music on multiple street corners and the main stage, check out amazing cars, browse vendors, and enjoy family-friendly activities all day long on Danforth Ave. Details here.

Ghibli Summer Market ➡️

📅 Saturday & Sunday, August 16–17, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

📍 Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto

Step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli at this enchanting market! Enjoy artisan stalls with handmade crafts and Ghibli-inspired art, delicious themed treats, cosplay and photo ops, live performances, workshops, a kids zone with bouncy castles, and even an escape room adventure. More here. 

Hogtown Cards Sports and TCG Show

📅 Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa

Get ready to dive into a world of sports and trading card games at the Hogtown Cards Sports and TCG Show. It’s going to be a blast! Tickets here.

WEEKLY MUSIC & SPORTS

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎤 Fionn MacCool | Open Mic | August 12th | 7PM-10PM

🎤 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts | Open Mic | August 13th | 6:30PM-9PM

🎵 19 on the Park | The British Invasion | August 14th | 7:30PM-9PM

🎤 The Duchess of Markham | Open Mic | August 14th | 8PM-11PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | August 14th | 10PM to Close

🎵 Rouge River Brewing Co. | Elusive Soul | August 15th | 7PM-9PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | August 15th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Varley Art Gallery Courtyard | Music on the Street | August 15th | 5PM - 8PM

🎤 Monte Carlo Inn | Open Mic | August 15th | 7PM-10PM

🎵 The Duchess of Markham | TBA | August 15th | 8PM-11PM

🎵 Village Organic Market and Music | TBA | August 16th | 8AM-1PM

🎵 Main Street Markham | Music on Main | August 16th | 6PM-9PM

🎤 Main’s Mansion | Karaoke | August 16th | 10PM to Close

🎵 DTM Music Nights | Motel California | August 16th | 7:30PM-10PM

🎵 Rouge River Brewing Co. | Jazz Sunday | August 17th | 2PM-4PM

🎵 Costa Sorrento | Pierina & Ivano  | August 17th | 6PM-9PM

SPORTS HAPPENIN’S THIS WEEK

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Chicago Cubs | August 12th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Chicago Cubs | August 13th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Chicago Cubs | August 14th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Texas Rangers | August 15th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Texas Rangers | August 16th

⚽ Toronto FC v Columbus Crew | August 16th

⚾ Toronto Blue Jays v Texas Rangers | August 17th

⚽ AFC Toronto v Vancouver Rise FC | August 17th

THANKS FOR READING!

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