Searching for ideas for a fun-filled summer staycation in Markham?
Credit: City of Markham
Enjoy Markham’s signature events like Markham Village Music Festival, Taste of Asia, and Markham Jazz Festival or rediscover the city this summer in Markham.
Here are 25+ fun things to do this summer in Markham:
Fun Summer Festivals & Entertainment – 2026
1. 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 craft and food booths, Barkham, farmers’ market, and more.
June 19 & 20, 2026 @ Main Street, Markham
2. 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 26 to 28, 2026 @ Kennedy Rd & Steeles Ave E, Markham
3. Celebrate Canada Day
Join the City of Markham for the official Canada Day celebration.
July 1, 2026 @ Markham Centre, Birchmount Road/Enterprise Boulevard
4. YONEX Canada Open
The 2026 edition of the YONEX Canada Open will bring together the world’s best badminton players for an unforgettable week of electrifying matches, world-class competition, and cultural celebrations.
June 30 to July 5, 2026 @ Markham Pan Am Centre, 16 Main Steet, Unionville
5. Night at the Museum
On four different summer nights, bring your lawn chairs and watch a family-friendly movie under the stars.
Cars: Thursday, July 9th
Bolt: Thursday, July 23rd
The Bad Guys 2: Thursday, August 13th
Zootopia 2: Thursday, August 27th @ Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Road, Markham
6. One Love Festival
This vibrant weekend brings people together through music, art, and food in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy live performances, creative activities, and opportunities to connect with artists, neighbours, and community partners.
August 1 & 2, 2026 @ Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 216 Main Street Unionville
7. Royal Canadian International Circus
Royal Canadian International Circus
The Royal Canadian Circus is coming to Markham with an electrifying all-new production that blends world-class acrobatics, breathtaking visuals, and the heart of timeless circus tradition. Inspired by the excellence of classic European circus arts and elevated with cutting-edge lighting, immersive surround sound, and dynamic staging, this spectacular experience transforms the venue and places you right at the center of the action.
July 30 – August 3 @ Pacific Mall, Markham
8. Thursday Nights at the Bandstand!
Enjoy an evening of incredible tribute bands that will have you singing and dancing all night long.
Thursdays, July 2 to August 6, 2026 | 7.30 – 10 PM @ Millennium Bandstand (Corner of Main Street & Fred Varley Drive), Unonville, Markham
9. Sunflower Fields of Markham
Explore over 20 acres of vibrant sunflower fields in Markham, home to 400,000+ blooms. Located on Highway 48, north of Major Mackenzie, it’s the perfect summer spot for scenic walks, memorable photoshoots, and outdoor fun with friends, family, or your partner. Soak up the sun and capture your dream sunflower moment in this stunning natural setting.
Late July to August@ 10378 ON-48, Markham
10. Honda Indy Markham
Markham is getting a downtown adrenaline jolt with the Honda Indy’s 3.52-kilometre, 12-turn street course, designed by Tony Cotman. Framed by Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, GO tracks and Highway 407, the event blends racing spectacle, food, Thunder Alley activities and free general admission for kids 12 and under, with adults.
August 14 to 16, 2026 @ Downtown Markham
11. Kaya Fest
Kaya Fest makes its debut at Markham Fairgrounds, bringing Stephen, Damian, Julian and Ky-Mani Marley together with Shabba Ranks, Lila Iké and Jesse Royal. Founded by Stephen Marley, the festival blends reggae, culture and awareness under its “Education Before Recreation” message, with Marley third-generation performance.
Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham
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12. Markham Jazz Festival
The Markham Jazz Festival is an exciting and vibrant five-day event featuring well-known professional jazz musicians performing on three stages.
August 21 to 23, 2026 @ Main Street Unionville, Markham
13. 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 12, 2026 @ Aaniin Community Centre & Library, 5665 14th Avenue, Markham
Nature Fun & Farm Fun
1. Go Berry Picking
Visit Reesor’s Farm Market, which has been in operation since 1804. Pick your own strawberry fields, which are typically open from late June to early July. They also sell a variety of 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.
2. And some goats and pigs!
Carma Farms invites families to slow down and meet the barnyard crowd: cows, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, geese and plenty of pigs. Entry is $2/person, with babies under 12 months free. Feed buckets cost $10 upfront, including a $5 refundable deposit. Last animal admission and feed sales close one hour before closing time.
3. 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 to the Reesor Day Use Area.
4. Do a Forest Therapy Walk
Deepen your connection with nature by going on a Shinrin Yoku at Pomona Mills Park. (244 Henderson Ave, Markham).
5. 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.
6. Milne Dam Conservation Park
Spend the afternoon bird-watching, cross the suspension bridge, and explore its trails by biking, hiking, or cycling. It also has a leash-free dog area.
7. 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.
8. Get Farm Fresh Produce
Get locally grown fruits, vegetables, and treats from Main Street Markham ( Saturdays, from 9am – 1pm until Saturday, October10th) Farmers Market.
8. Go Golfing
Tee off at Angus Glen Golf Club.
They also have a beautiful patio overlooking the golf course and a delightful Sunday brunch.
Walking Tours, Museums & More!
1. Pride of Canada Carousel
Check out this beautiful art tribute to iconic Canadians and their rich culture and history. Cool fact: It was built with recycled and repurposed objects.
2. Do a Heritage Tour
Rediscover Markham’s heritage and history with 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Walking tour of historic Thornhill
Take a walking tour of historic Thornhill and explore the village library, notable houses, streets, parks and much more!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Old Firehall Confectionery
Head over to this confectionery for a variety of homemade treats including truffles, macarons, ice cream, pastries, and so much more!
10. Markham Public Library
Markham Library offers plenty of free, low-cost events throughout the summer. Register for them in advance.
11. 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 a World Cup party.
12. Unionville Tennis Club
Have a family tennis tournament at this tennis club. They have a variety of programs, lessons, social events and tournaments.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Markham Golf Dome
Head over to Markham Golf Dome for a day of family fun golfing. They have an indoor dome and an outdoor range, as well as lessons.
16. 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.
17. 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.