Searching for ideas for a fun-filled summer staycation in Markham?
Enjoy Markham’s signature events like Markham Village Music Festival, Taste of Asia, and TD Markham Jazz Festival or rediscover the city this summer in Markham.
Here are 25 fun things to do this summer in Markham:
1. Welcome Summer at the Night Market
Get ready for a foodie frenzy because CF Markville is back with the Lucky Lion Night Market! This four-day culinary extravaganza will have you drooling with delight as 40 food vendors and trucks serve up mouthwatering and unique dishes right before your eyes.
June 15 to 18, 2023 @ CF Markville Mall, Markham
2. Markham Village Music Festival
Markham Village Music Festival is set to be an incredible event with over 50 artists performing across five stages, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres. In addition to the amazing performances, attendees can enjoy various attractions like the Kidz Zone, vendor village, beatbox battle, craft and food booths, Barkham, farmers’ market, and more. The festival will feature renowned performers such as Haviah Mighty, Maestro Fresh Wes, Wild T & The Spirit, Pan Fantasy Steel Band, Junestone, and the Blackboard Blues Band.
June 16 & 17, 2023 @ Main Street, Markham
3. Celebrate Canada Day
Join the City of Markham for the official Canada Day celebration.
July 1, 2023 @ Markham Centre, Birchmount Road/Enterprise Boulevard
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4. Get Farm Fresh Produce
Get locally grown fruits, vegetables, and treats from Main Street Markham ( Saturdays, from 9am – 1pm until Saturday, October 7th) Farmers Market.
5. Go Berry Picking
Visit Reesor’s Farm Market which has been in operation since 1804. Pick your own strawberry fields are typically open from late June to early July. They also sell various produce and berries. You can get fresh Ontario fruits & vegetables, baked goods and more year-round at the market or Reesor’s Online Market.
Another option is Organics Family Farm, located at 7550 19th Avenue at Reesor Rd. Markham. Organics Family Farm is a health-conscious farm offering fresh and organic strawberries and apples for you to pick since 2001.
6. Taste of Asia
Markham sees the coming together of dazzling cultural performances, culinary artists, iconic celebrities, dignitaries, sports fans, artisans and food connoisseurs. This year’s event will fill the streets with three days of non-stop multicultural performances for families and friends.
June 23 to 25, 2023 @ Kennedy Rd & Steeles Ave E, Markham
7. Music on the Main
Listen to free concerts by talented musicians every weekend.
Every Friday night starting June 23 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm. @ Main Street, Markham
8. Sips & Songs
Enjoy a sensational outdoor summer concert series celebrating talented female musicians, complemented by the refreshing local craft beer from Rouge River Brewery. As you enjoy the incredible music, don’t forget to explore the mini artisan market featuring unique and handcrafted treasures. Tickets are only $5, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Yellow Brick House.
June 16 to September 24, 2023 | 10am – 2pm @ Eight On Main Backyard , 8 Main Street N, Markham
9. Movies on Main
Enjoy movies outdoors this summer. On July 4, buckle up for “Top Gun: Maverick,” followed by the delightful “Turning Red” on July 18. Then, on August 1, brace yourself for the thrilling “The Batman,” and get ready for some furry fun with “Superpets” on August 15. Finally, on August 29, witness the ultimate showdown in “Godzilla vs Kong”!
July 4 to August 29, 2023 | Dusk @ Millennium Park
10. Bike Rouge Valley Trail
Bike or hike the 15km Rouge Valley Trail which follows the Rouge River along Toogood Pond, continues south to Austin Drive Park and connects to Milne Conservation Park.
11. Go Golfing
Tee off at Angus Glen Golf Club.
They also have a beautiful patio overlooking the golf course and have a delightful Sunday brunch.
12. Old Firehall Confectionery
Head over to this confectionery for a variety of homemade treats including truffles, macarons, ice cream, pastries and so much more!
13. Do a Heritage Tour
Rediscover Markham’s heritage and history by going on a self-guided walking tour. There are two tour stops to choose from – the Markham Remembered Plaque Tour which commemorates stories of people and places of special historical significance throughout the City, and the Markham Village Heritage Tour, where you can learn about the history of Markham Village.
14. Do a Forest Therapy Walk
Deepen your connection with nature by going on a Shinrin Yoku at Pomona Mills Park. (244 Henderson Ave, Markham).
15. Markham Public Library
Markham Library offers plenty of free, low-cost events throughout the summer. Register for them in advance.
16. Rouge National Urban Park
Hike through Rouge National Urban Park enjoying wildflower meadows, wetlands and urban parkland. Visit Bob Hunter Memorial Park and hike the northbound 5.1 km trail that connects 19th Avenue Day Use Area from Reesor Day Use Area.
17. Pride of Canada Carousel
Check out this beautiful art tribute to iconic Canadians and its rich culture and history. Cool fact, it has been built with recycled and repurposed objects.
18. TD Markham Jazz Festival
The TD Markham Jazz Festival is an exciting and vibrant five-day event featuring well known professional jazz musicians performing on three stages.
August 18 – 20, 2023 @ Main Street Unionville, Markham
19. Milne Dam Conservation Park
Spend the afternoon bird watching, cross the suspension bridge, and check out its trails biking, hiking or cycling. It also has a leash-free dog area.
20. Mayfair Clubs
Head over to Mayfair Clubs to play your favourite sports or try out some new fitness activities. They have lots of great things to do for kids, youth and adults. They also have summer camps and you can even host your birthday with cool themes like a spa party or world cup party.
21. Toogood Pond Park
Visit Toogood Pond Park for a family picnic and enjoy the wildlife. You could take a walk, relax by the water and don’t forget your camera, as the scenery is beautiful.
22. Go on a public art tour
Discover Markham’s public artworks. See the Cloudflower by Douglas Walker, Gambrel Journey by kipjones, Henderson Bridge Mural (2013) by Andrea End, Robin Hesse, Matthew Moloney, Glen Ou and Susan Weisz. Mentored by Katharine Harvey, Quarry by Mary Anne Barkhouse and more at locations around Markham.
23. Markham Museum
This museum offers great learning opportunities about how we have adapted to our changing world. There are also different exhibits, programs, events and research facilities.
24. Unionville Tennis Club
Have a family tennis tournament at this tennis club. They have a variety of programs, lessons, social events and tournaments.
25. City Programs
The City of Markham offers great summer programs and fitness classes for different age groups. They also offer family programs so you have the opportunity to learn archery, tennis and even practice Taekwondo.
26. Outdoor Pools
Check out some of the indoor and outdoor pools around the city, like Rouge River Pool, Markham Pan Am Pool and Centennial Pool.
27. Markham Golf Dome
Head over to Markham Golf Dome for a day of family fun golfing. They have an indoor dome, and outdoor range as well as lessons.
28. Downtown Markham
Visit Downtown Markham for a day full of exploring art, theatres and shopping. Don’t miss the Street Art Wall and Remington Contemporary Art Gallery.
29. Explore Unionville
Visit historic main street Unionville and check out their boutique shops, learn more about history and culture, dine at unique restaurants and so much more in this heritage village.
30. Walking tour of historic Thornhill
Take a walking tour of historic Thornhill and explore their village library, notable houses, streets, parks and much more!
31. Varley Art Gallery
Explore Varley Art Gallery, register for an art class, join for drop-in studio programs at this art gallery named after Frederick Varley, an artist from the Group of Seven.
32. Indoor Sports Dome
Check out this Indoor Sports Dome that offers various programs and summer camps for kids, they also have drop-in programs for adults.
33. Rainy Summer?
Do you think that it is going to be a rainy day? Here are all the fun indoor places to check out in Markham.
34. Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival
The Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival is the party kids wait for all summer! Festival highlights include a variety of free play zones, gigantic inflatables, arts & crafts, educational and engaging activities, food from around the world, live entertainment, popular kids characters and much more.
Saturday, September 9, 2023
35. Markham Fair
Welcome Fall with a trip to Markham Fair.
September 28 to October 1 @ Markham Fairgrounds