Explore Richmond Hill this summer! From great food festivals to an exquisite view of the heavens up close, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a staycation this summer in Richmond Hill!
Photo Credit: Town of Richmond Hill
Here is a list of 25+ things to get a head start on a great summer in Richmond Hill.
1. Celebrate Canada Day
The Canada Day celebrations will amaze you once again with a vibrant day of live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, artist exhibits, a midway, and a spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m.
July 1, 2026 @ Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
2. Jurassic Kingdom
Follow a curated trail of moving, roaring dinosaurs set amid natural landscapes this summer. Realistic robotic movements, including swaying tails, moving heads and opening jaws, bring each creature to life. Informational panels accompany each dinosaur, blending learning with the experience.
Jurassic Kingdom
July 23 to August 10, 2026 @ Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, 123 Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill
3. Jefferson Forest
Hike or bike the trails in Jefferson Forest. Enjoy wildlife, wildflowers or forest bathe as you explore the large wooded area on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
4. Fun at Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts
Enjoy free concerts and open mic nights at the plaza.
- Live in the Plaza — Tuesday evenings, July 7,14, 21and August 4, 11, 18 | 7 – 9 p.m. | Free
- Open Mic Night — Wednesday evenings, July 8, 15, 22 and August 5, 12, 19 | 7 – 9 p.m. | Free
5. Retro Ribfest & Craft Beer festivals
Enjoy delicious ribs from professional rib teams travelling to Richmond Hill from across North America. In addition to the many delicious food options, enjoy the live entertainment, children’s and toddlers’ Midway, an indoor children’s activity area and play all day in one of the region’s largest midways!
July 17 t0 19, 2026 @ Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill Craft Beer Festival
Have a great day supporting Hill House Hospice and discover great Ontario craft beers, ciders and spirits.
Live entertainment with Flyball Governor Band, The Band Excel.
August 15, 2026 @ Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill</p?
6. Moonlight Movies
On select Mondays in August and September, the town of Richmond Hill will have a pop-up community movie. Bring blankets, camp chairs and some snacks and enjoy free movies at a park near you.
August & September
7. Explore the Museum of the Streets
Go on a free, self-guided tour of Richmond Hill’s heritage sites. Green and tan signs will guide you through the streets of Old Richmond Hill.
8. David Dunlap Observatory
Join the astronomy programs at David Dunlap Observatory, which hosts the largest telescope in Canada. It’s also a great venue for an evening stroll!
Photo Credit: Town of Richmond Hill
Get introduced to the wonders of astronomy through an indoor planetarium experience, activities for younger visitors and stargazing during select nights. You can spend time at both the main building and the Observatory to visit the 74″ telescope to learn its history and experience stargazing celestial targets first hand.
You can also join and enjoy free self-guided tours of the Administration Building and Observatory Dome.
- Tour Hours: Spring Hours – May 30 to June 28Saturdays and Sundays: 1 – 5 p.m.
Summer Hours – July 2 to August 30Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 1 – 7:30 p.m.
Fall Hours – September 5 to October 25Saturdays and Sundays: 1 – 5 p.m. - Astronomy Family Nights: June 19, July 4, July 17, 18, August 7, 8, September 5, 2026
- Stargazing Parties: June 22 – 25
July 27 – 23
August 30 – September 2
Special “Watch the Perseids” Party – Wednesday, August 12, 9 – 11 p.m.
9. Afternoon Tea @ Richmond Hill Heritage Centre
Celebrate summer with a full-service tea at the Heritage Centre. Enjoy a platter of dainty sandwiches and tasty sweets, accompanied by scones, clotted cream, and preserves.
10. Fishing
Go fishing at the many venues around the town, including Lake Wilcox, Haynes Lake, Humber River, Rouge River, and Don River!
11. Lake Wilcox Park
This is a great place to spend the afternoon, with many amenities like a playground, splash pad and waterfront area.
Suspended 130 metres long and 3 metres wide, the crescent-shaped pedestrian walkway – Lake Wilcox Park boardwalk is an excellent place to take a stroll.
12. Eyer Homestead Ropes Challenge Course
Set goals with your group and begin working together on various challenges and activities in the beautiful Eyer Homestead Park.
13. Free Summer Concerts
Enjoy exquisite musicians that showcase a variety of music styles from Blues, Country, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Celtic, Tribute bands and more at this free event.
Thursday, July 9 to August 27, 2026 | 7 – 9 p.m. @ Mill Pond Park, 321 Mill St, Richmond Hill
14. Splash Pads
Spend the day at one of the many splash pads around the town, like Rouge Crest Park, Grovewood Park and Newberry Park.
15. Barbecue at Phyllis Rawlinson Park
Pack a picnic and utilize the park’s fire pits to prepare a meal. On-site are also the George Forster House and the Robert Holland Interpretative Centre.
16. Cycling Parks
Explore some of the best cycling routes around town with this map of great parks and cycling tips. Some parks worth checking out include Crosby Park and Bayview Hill Park.
17. The city offered programs
Try out some of the many summer camps and programs offered in Richmond Hill, like sports camps, leadership programs, computer classes and many more!
18. The Wave Pool
Photo Credit: Town of Richmond Hill
Spend the day enjoying waves, waterslides and a warm water swirl pool at this indoor facility.
19. Richmond Hill Public Library
Visit the libraries to read great books, meet new people and participate in their programs.
20. Play tennis
Spend the evening at one of the many tennis courts around town, such as Mount Pleasant Park, Brickworks Park, and Newberry Park.
21. Richmond Green Sports Centre
This sports centre and park have just about everything, including a skateboarding park, art exhibition space, splash pad, barn, basketball court, and so much more!
22. Mill Pond Park
Share a picnic, walk or enjoy a summer evening at this popular park in Richmond Hill!
25. Beaufort Trail
Explore 5 of Richmond Hill’s parks through the Beaufort Trail, which connects Beaufort Hills Park, Black Willow Park, Willow Hollow Park, Pine Needle Park, Raccoon Park and Russell Tilt Park.
24. Richmond Hill Farmers Market
Check out various vendors at this farmers market offering local organic produce, flowers, baked goods, crafts and much more.
Sundays, May 25 to October 5, 2025, 10 am-4 pm at Hillcrest Mall, Richmond Hill
25. Splitsville Richmond Hill
Spend a rainy summer day at this premier family entertainment centre, which offers a range of modern amenities that combine the best in 10-pin bowling, casual dining, arcades, laser tag, and other entertainment options for a unique and unforgettable experience.
View Comments (2)
The Wave Pool is not open due to COVID.
Cool! A telescope like Hubble. I've always wanted to see space through a telescope like this. Is there really one in Richmond Hill? If so, then I'm already leaving)