
Credit: Pickering Village JAMFest
100 Things to Do this Summer in the Durham region – 2019
You’ll never be bored this summer when you have options like spending the weekend camping, hand gliding and exploring trails including the longest recreational trail in the world. So let the fun begin with this list of 100 things to do in the Durham region this summer of 2019. Whether you are looking for a summer’s day date idea, food events or outdoor adventure, you are sure to find something in this list!
1. Ride a Tank
Visit the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum in Oshawa and join for Tank Saturdays. This museum is the only place in Canada where you can have an up-close unique Armour Experience including Tank rides. Enjoy a live vehicle demonstration with Tanks and Armoured vehicles! Followed by a knock-out finale and simulated Tank Battle!
Aquino Tank Weekend: June 8 & 9, 2019
Blitzkrieg!: Saturday July 6, 2019
Desert Warfare: Saturday August 10, 2019
The Ontario Regiment: Saturday September 7, 2019
2. Bowmanville’s Rockin’ Ribs & Brews
Enjoy the best ribs, local food, craft beer, musical entertainment, and family activities at the Ribs & Brews.
June 7 to 9, 2019 at 2375 Baseline Road, Clarington
3. Food Truck Friday
Food trucks from across Ontario will roll into historic downtown in Bowmanville. Sample the gourmet street food offerings for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack.
Friday, June 14 | 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM @ Downtown Bowmanville.
4. Peonies!
See more than 300 Peony plants in glorious bloom in the gardens, and the same number of cut blooms on display during the Ontario Peony Society’s judged flower show.
June 15 – 16, 2019 @ The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, 155 Arena St, Oshawa
5. Pickering Village JAMFest
Experience the top shelf talents of local musicians and eclectic bands who are literally taking it to the street! Explore music, art, dance, sports, fashion and food the in Historic Pickering Village.
June 14 – 16, 2019 @ Pickering Village, Greenwood, Ajax
6. Durham Carifest
Experience island vibesat Ajax Downs. Experience a day filled with fun, sun, food and music and stimulate your senses in the Cari-Marketplace–from jewelry to clothing to art, there will be more than 70 vendors to choose from.
Saturday, June 15th, 2019 | 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM @ Ajax Downs
7. Celebrate Canada Day!
Sing Happy Birthday Canada at your favourite location!
8. Durham Caribbean Festival
Celebrate the sights, sounds, colours and cultures of the Caribbean at the Durham Caribbean Festival.Experience the warmth, sights and sounds of Caribbean culture when street performers, entertainers, dancers, cultural and heritage groups come together to celebrate the diversity at the festival’s Multicultural Appreciation Day. A Caribbean breakfast; food, arts and craft, and kids’ and stage zones offer activities for all.
Saturday, June 29, 2019 @ Pickering High School, Ajax
9. The BMW M Festival
The first-ever BMW M Festival will be coming to Canada this summer. Join for weekend filled with adrenaline, emotions and pure driving pleasure that is guaranteed to make your pulse race at the speed of M. In the evenings enjoy concerts by Serena Ryder, Felix Cartel, Dear Rouge, and Jane’s Party.
July 13 to 14 @ Canadian Tire Motorsport Park — 3233 Concession Rd 10, Bowmanville
10. Downtown Oshawa Summer Fest
Don’t miss the 1st annual Downtown Oshawa Summer Fest.There will be Food Trucks, Craft Beer, Live Entertainment in the Band Shell, Kids Zone, Vendors and more!
Saturday July 6th 2019 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM @ Memorial Park, Oshawa
11. Old Flame Brewing Company
Go on a free brewery tourof the award winning Brewery in Port Perry. Old Flame Brewing Company won Gold Medal for their Brunette Munich Dunkel in the North American Amber to Dark Lager category and a Silver Medal for Raven the Black Lager in the European Amber to Dark Lager category at the 2019 Canadian Brewing Awards.
12. The Automotive Walking Tour
Go on an Automotive Walking Tourthat highlights the history of auto manufacturing in downtown Oshawa. Oshawa has been home to the McLaughlin Carriage Company, McLaughlin Motor Company, and General Motors of Canada, but today only a few remnants of the city’s former industrial past remain in the downtown core. Expert guides will explore the streetscape and bring to life the people and places that made Oshawa “Canada’s Motor City.”
Various Dates.
13. York Durham Railway
Ride the heritage train through Oak Ridges Moraine! Hop on board and enjoy a ride in one of the heated/air conditioned heritage coaches from the 1950’s and enjoy our doors open baggage car. For extra fun ride the teddy bear train, you might even get a free pizza or an ice cream!
You may like: Scenic Train Tours in Ontario
Select days in Summer. The train departs Uxbridge Station at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm and from Stouffville at noon.
14. Whitby RibFest
For a day full of live entertainment, award-winning ribs, eating contests and family fun, check out this awesome event.
July 12 to 14, 2019 at Victoria Fields, Whitby
15. Free Outdoor Concerts
Pickering: Spend an evening being entertained at during free summer concert.
Sundays and Wednesdays at Millenium Square or at One The Esplanade, Pickering
Oshawa: Head on over to Memorial Park Bandshell for free outdoor concerts of various music styles including jazz, rock, pop and country.
Wednesdays & Thursdays at Memorial Park Bandshell, Oshawa
Ajax: Enjoy free entertainmenton Wednesday nights including live concerts and children’s performances.
Wednesdays at 65 Harwood Ave S., Ajax
Whitby: Enjoy musical performances of various genres throughout the summer like country rock, blues and children’s music.
Wednesdays at Rotary Centennial Park, 800 Brock Street South
Thursdays at Grass Park, 41 Baldwin Street
16. Historic Church Open Door Tuesdays
Explore the St. George’s Anglican Churchbuilt around 1859 on Tuesdays.
Tuesdays | 12:30 PM. to 2:30 PM @ 77 Randall Drive, Ajax
17. Free Outdoor Movies
Ajax: Spend the evening watching a movie outdoors on a giant inflatable screen.
Aquaman on Friday, July 19, 2019 | 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. @ Miller’s Creek North Diamond – 95 Magill Dr, Ajax
Grease on Thursday, July 25, 2019 | 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. @ Pat Bayly Square, 55 Bayly St. West, Ajax
Jumanji on Friday, August 16, 2019 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. @ Ajax Community Centre South Field – 75 Centennial Road, Ajax
Jurassic Park on Thursday, August 22, 2019 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. @ Pat Bayly Square, 55 Bayly St. West, Ajax
Whitby: Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy some great movies this summer. @ Whitby Civic Park (behind Town Hall).
July 12 – The Lego Movie: The Second Part
July 26 – How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
August 9 “Flashback Friday” – Back to the Future
August 23 – Dumbo
Pickering: Watch great movies all summer.
2019 TBA at One The Esplanade (Pickering)
18. Ajax Ribfest & Craft Beer Festival
Enjoy full weekend of food, fun, and entertainment as you enjoy all the event has to offer. Wash it all down at the Craft Beer Marketfeaturing the top brewers from across Ontario! With over 35 different beers on tap you won’t leave thirsty.
July 5 to 7, 2019 @ Casino Ajax
19. Explore Thomas Foster Memorial

Credit: Durham Tourism
Visit Durham Region’s Taj Mahal. Explore the building built in 1936 by the former mayor of Toronto inspired by Taj Mahal mixed with Byzantine Architecture, with solid bronze doors, stain glass windows hand painted and fired. Concerts are held every Friday night in summer with the admission a donation all residents can enjoy the concerts with local, professional guest entertainers. In July & August, the Memorial is open for Tours on Wed, Thurs, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Concerts on Fridays, May to September | 7:30-8:30 PM @ Thomas Foster Memorial, Uxbridge
20. Show and Shine
See the best vintage automobiles every week! Local classic car enthusiasts bring their prized possession down to the City Hall staff parking lot.
Every Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m. until the first Wednesday after Labour Day @ City Hall staff parking lot, Oshawa
21. We Grow Food Urban Farm Tour
Meet some local urban farmers and visit some of the most unique and beautiful vegetable gardens in Oshawa. There will also be a Harvest Feast with live entertainment and locally sourced food.
22Annual Sidewalk Sale
Come kick off Summer during Historic Downtown Bowmanville’s Annual Sidewalk Saleshopping extravaganza! You’ll find great deals and special offers from our unique businesses and services lining the streets.
Saturday, July 20th, 2019 @ Downtown Bowmanville
23. Classic Movie Night
Head over to Regent Theatre for an enjoyable evening of classic film or car themed movies. There will also be door prizes.
Various Dates at Regent Theatre 50 King ST. E, Oshawa
24. Bikes on Bond
How many motorcycles can you count at the annual Bikes on Bond?
Saturday, 10 August, 2019 @ downtown Oshawa
25. Day Out with Thomas
Spend the afternoon on a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt. The fun doesn’t stop there; there will also be live entertainment, storytelling and so many other fun activities.
August 9-11 and 16-18, 2019 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm at Uxbridge Train Station
26. Pickering Food Truck Festival
Check out this delicious event that features Canadian arts, great activities and of course food trucks.
August 9 to 11, 2019 at Esplanade Park
27. BluesBERRY Festival
Celebrate music and fruit at this unique festival. Enjoy great Blues music and delicious blueberry pancakes, pies, tarts and much more. There will also be a pie eating contest, great activities for kids and a bike parade.
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 at Historic Downtown Bowmanville
28. Craft Brewery Day
Watch Live racing while enjoying samples from local Craft Breweries!
July 21, 2019 @ Ajax Downs
29. Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Do not miss any of the exciting events at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park from Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix to NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series. Children 16 and under are free with paid adult admission.
30. Oshawa RibFest
Try out tasty ribs from popular food vendors including the best 10 from Canada and the U.S. There will also be great music throughout the day to keep you entertained.
August 16-18, 2019 at Lakeview Park
31. Rainy Summer?
Is it raining cats and dogs? No worries, from Reptilia to awesome arcades, Durham region has plenty of fun indoor attractions.
32. 5k Foam Fest
5k Foam Fest has 22 of some of the best and most exciting Obstacles in the world including the worlds largest inflatable waterslide, slip and slides, and mucky mud pits! Combine these with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam that is pumped out and you are destined to have a awesome day!
Saturday, July 27th, 2019 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Dagmar Resort – 1220 Lake Ridge Road, Ashburn
33. City Centre Farmers Market
Check out this community market for local produce, other fresh foods and art in the heart of the city.
Every Tuesday from June 4, 2019 to October 1, 2019 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM @ next to the Civic Complex, Pickering
34. Wooden Boat Festival
Enjoy the Annual Wooden Boat Festival at the Port of Newcastle Marina. Free admission, boat and vendors display, children’s games and more!
Saturday, July 20, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM @ Port of Newcastle Marina, 377 Balwin St., Newcastle
35.Pickering Museum Village
Take a 1.5 hour guided tour of the museum village or explore the village on your own and learn about the days gone by.
During summer months, kids can join a costumed interpreter for an hour and a half interactive Kids in the Village program. Children will learn and play old-fashioned games, followed by a heritage-inspired craft they can take home.
36. Oshawa Wine Tasting Festival
Taste the best of Ontario wines! A number of wineries will be participating, and you can try their wines and order the wine directly from the winery.
Thursday July 11, 2019 | 5 pm to 9 pm @ Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa
37. Archery
Learn archery to help improve coordination and balance. There are several programs and camps for all ages!
38. Brock Farmer’s Market
Shop around for fresh produce, maple syrup, teas and baked goods at this weekend farmers market.
Saturday mornings | 9:00 AM. – 2:00 PM @ 91 Elliot Street
39. Annual Brock’s Big Bite
This festivalof food and friends features musical entertainment throughout the day. There will be face painting, balloon animals, a petting zoo, museum tours and much more. The Marketplace will feature A L’Arte Entertainers as well as local artists working with a variety of media.
Saturday, August 10, 2019 | 10:00 AM. – 4:00 PM @ Downtown Beaverton ( Rain Venue: Thorah Community Centre Arena.)
40. Culture in the Square
Check out Celebration Square for live entertainment, theatre productions, art as well as a children’s carnival.
Tuesdays at Celebration Square Downtown Whitby
41. Eternal Light Yoga
Try out these yoga classes for all experience levels to help reduce stress and build flexibility. Don’t forget your yoga mat and water.
42. Canadian Automotive Museum
Visit Canadian Automotive Museum and discover unique Canadian cars! Learn about the automotive pioneers, success stories and scandals.
Full sized Lightning McQueen will be leaving the display this Fall. So Ka-chow to the museum now!
43. Orono Antique Street Festival
Get to Orono for this popular festival and scavenge for antiques, vintage furniture, collectables and retro finds.
Saturday, August 10, 2019 @ Main Street in Orono
44. Wiener Dog Races
Watch Wiener dog races at Ajax Downs.
July 14, 2019 | 3:55 pm – 6:00 pm @ Ajax Downs
45. Bard’s Bus Tour
Driftwood Theatrepresents their 24th annual Bard’s Bus Tour with Rosalynde (or, As You Like It), a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare about one woman’s search for agency over herself, her body and her life.
Saturday, July 20 – OPENING NIGHT – Parkwood Estate – Oshawa
Sunday, July 21 – Esplanade Park – Pickering
Tuesday, July 23 – Celebration Square – Whitby
Sunday, August 11- Scugog Shores Historical Museum – Port Perry
Wednesday, August 14 – Visual Arts Centre of Clarington – Bowmanville
46. Family Fun Day
Have a fun family day at the races!
August 18, 2019 @ Ajax Downs
47. Tapas and Tastings
Bistro ‘67offers guests a memorable field-to-fork dining experience within Durham College’s award-winning W. Galen Weston Centre for Food. Have a delightful summer evening on featuring tapas and locally sourced beverages.
Friday June 21, Friday July 19 and Friday August 23 | 3 to 7 p.m. @ Durham College’s Centre for Food 1610 Champlain Ave. Whitby
Visit Bistro ‘67 for a dining experience that will delight your palate while supporting the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Friday for lunch and Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.
48. Autofest outdoor classsic
26th Annual Autofest outdoor classicfeatures over 1400 cars and trucks with plenty of children activities including face painting, Bouncing Castle, etc. This is a First Canadian AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) judged show.
August 24 & 25, 2019 @ Lakeview Park, Oshawa
49. Rouge National Urban Park
This urban park has great trails and forest areas filled with wildflowers and other plants. You can spot great wildlife including birds like hawks and swans. The scenic landscapes also provide great photo opportunities.
50. Ajax Waterfront
This scenic waterfront, which borders the shores of Lake Ontario, is great for walking or cycling. There are also great spaces for picnics to take in the beautiful views.
51. Beaver River Wetlands Conservation Area
This conservation area is great for cycling and wildlife. Along the trail you could see a variety of bird species and perhaps even beavers.
52. Frenchman’s Bay Marina
Enjoy the gorgeous lake views while watching the sun go down. It’s also a great place for walking and you may even get to try food from the chip truck.
53. Pickering Markets
Shop around and find just about anything. This market is filled with accessories, clothes, jewellery, games, books, home decor items, food and a lot more.
54. Bonner Boy’s Cruise-In
The incredibly popular Bonner Boy’s Cruise-In every Thursday night at Elgin Park. See custom hot rods and vintage classics to enjoy live entertainment!
Thursdays through August 29th, 2019 @ Elgin Park in Uxbridge.
55. Beachfront Park and Millenium Square
This is a great place to spend the day. It has a main public square,a beach, great children’s play area. Enjoy some beach volleyball, fishing and bird watching or if you prefer relaxing, take in the stunning Lake Ontario views.
56. Treetop Eco-Adventure Park
Want to try something new? Spend the day zip-lining, axe throwing and trying out combat archery at this adventure park.
57. Jungle Cat World
Check out this wildlife park for unique experiences and an incredible look at species from all around the world. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the environment and wildlife.
58. Petticoat Creek Conservation Area
Spend the morning cycling or running the waterfront trail, the afternoon by the pool followed by a picnic and end the day enjoying views of Lake Ontario and various wildlife.
59. Historic Downtown Port Perry
Visit this beautiful area for shopping, great food and drinks, golf clubs and much more. Don’t forget to check out Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area, which is a great place for fishing, canoeing and of course, seeing wildlife.
60. Pig Out BBQ
This restaurant was featured on “You Gotta Eat Here”. Check it out to see for yourself if it is worth the hype.
61. Darlington Provincial Park
Spend the weekend camping, hiking on nature trails and lounging by the beach at this provincial park in Bowmanville.
62. Oshawa Zoo
Spend the day with all kinds of animals from exotic creatures like lemurs to farm animals like sheeps and cows.
62. Greenwood Conservation Area
Explore the forest by hiking the trails in this conservation area. Don’t forget your fishing gear as it’s also an amazing place for fishing.
63. Visit Parkwood Estate
Take a house and garden tour of this stunning national historic site. Learn more about the design, construction and the social and family history.The site was part of the movie set for films like X-Men, Amelia, and T.V series like Anne of Green Gables and Murdoc Mysteries.
64. Cedar Park Resort
Enjoy a weekend away at this campground and trailer park. Spend some time at the water park, play mini golf and have some fun at the playgrounds.
65. Altona Forest
Learn more about this forest and its wildlife through a guided tour where everyone is welcome. Quick fact, this habitat is home to various wildlife including foxes, hawks and rare amphibians.
66. L’Artisan Gallery
View extraordinary art pieces from across Canada and uniquely hand-crafted gifts. This is truly an exceptional experience for art lovers.
67. Lynde Shore Conservation Area
This area is great for viewing wildlife, canoeing, hiking and exploring trails. It’s also great for talking an evening stroll and bird watching.
68. Tyrone Mills
Travel back in time as you visit Tyrone Mills, Clarington’s traditional water-powered mill built in 1846. Don’t forget to sample their famous apple cider doughnuts.
69. Gold Point Marsh
Check out this coastal wetland for unique views and don’t forget your camera.
70. Ajax Community Centre
This community centre has a pool, various fitness classes, tennis courts, soccer fields and so much more, you just have to check it out for yourself.
71. Explore Durham’s Trails
Spend the summer hiking through beautiful trails throughout the Durham region. This guide highlights the best trails of each region including harbour front areas, wildlife reserves and creek trails.
72. Historical Walking Tour of Uxbridge
37 destinations await you as you pass through residential neighbourhoods and the historic downtown core. You’ll see where merchants, doctors, beekeepers, carriage makers, shoemakers, masons, and politicians lived. Take a break to shop and dine, and soak up the architecture that holds the stories of years gone by.
73. Beaches
Spend the day at a beach dipping your toes in Lake Ontario, enjoying a picnic and a walk along the water.
74. Nebs Fun World
Spend the day in the arcade, on go karts, rock climbing, in the play centre or any of their other activities. Check out their website for all the fun things you could be doing this summer.
75. Sidewalk Cafes
Try some unique foodie hotspots in Downtown Oshawa.
76. Durham Cycle Tours
Love cycling? Check out some awesome areas throughout the Durham region in this guide of 14 cycling routes:
77. Splash pads
Cool off at one of the many splash pads in Whitby like Darren Park or Willow Park. Check out the full list:
78. Aspire Acrobatics
Head over to Aspire Acrobatics to try out their various programs or camps. They offer a variety of aerial arts and dance classes.
79. The Rock Oasis
The Rock Oasis is a great rock-climbing adventure for both new climbers as well as experienced climbers. They also offer holiday camps and summer youth programs.
80. Leash-free dog parks
Spend the afternoon letting your dog run free in any of the leash-free areas around the Durham region.
Bowmanville Off-Leash Dog Park
Newcastle Leash-Free Dog Park
Greenwood Conservation Area: Located north on Westney Road, north of Taunton Road
Westney Road South & Clements Road: Located on the west side of Westney Road South, north of Clements Road
81. Pick your own fruit
Pick your favourite produce at some of the markets and orchards around the Durham region like Watson Farm Market and Tallbots Farm. Many pick your own farms also offer other fun activities for kids.
82. Art Gallery/Museum
Spend the day exploring one of the many art galleries viewing contemporary and traditional art around the Durham region.
83. Ajax Skateboard Parks
Check out over 70 playgrounds and skateboard parks in various neighbourhoods around Ajax like Cedar Park, Terry Fox Park and Mullen Park.
84. Picnic in Whitby
Pack a picnic and head to one of the parks in Whitby like Brooklin Kinsmen Park, for a day full of fun.
85. Acres of Fun Summer Camp
This children’s summer camp runs from the beginning of July until September and includes various activities like animal interaction, outdoor games and trail exploration.
86. Ajax Sports Courts
Check out some of the many sports courts in the Ajax area including Lexington Park for basketball and Forest Ridge Park for pickleball or tennis.
87. Whitby Marina
Enjoy a day at Port Whitby Marina and go paddling, fishing, enjoying a sunset, walking the Waterfront Trail or picnicking at Kiwanis Heydenshore Park.
88. Go horseback riding
Learn to horseback ride this summer at Belle Wood Equestrian. They offer camps and lessons based on different riding capabilities.
89. Fishing in Durham Region
Check out some of the best fishing spots in the Durham region with this extensive guide including descriptions of great fishing places, a fishing map and a short breakdown of fishing in each season.
90. Geocaching
Try out this treasure hunt like experience for a day full of family fun. Chances are there are some geocaches near you. Create a free account to get started. Visit their website for more details.
91. Escape Room
Spend an evening working together as a family solving puzzles, finding clues and attempting to escape from a locked room with a limited amount of time.
92. Clarington Honey Festival
Celebrate honey harvest, learn about the benefits of raw honey and the importance of all pollinators to the local agricultural industry during the annual Clarington Honey Festival.You can also explore Kendal Crown Lands and their numerous walking trails.
There will be numerous cooking demonstrations, gardening workshops, beekeeping workshops in the classrooms, local artisans’ wares and more!
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ Kendal Community Centre,6742 Newtonville Rd, Orono
93. Sky Zone
Spend the day jumping around at this trampoline park. Try the foam zone, freestyle jump, dodge ball, sky slam and much more.
94. Trans Canada Trail
Check out the longest recreational trail in the world that offers a variety of different activities through various landscapes. Why not start with exploring the Durham Region Trans Canada Trail.
95. Downtown Brooklin
Explore the village of Brooklin. Downtown Brooklin is a designated heritage conservation district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.
96. McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve
This is a great place for hiking some easy trails and there are also great opportunities to spot wildlife. Time will fly when you are bird watching and enjoying the sunset.
97. Enniskillen Country Store
Check out one of the Oldest General Stores in Canadathat showcases local home décor items, cottage décor, unique drinks, candies and more.
98. Visit Courtice Flea Market
Explore this indoor and outdoor market that provides shoppers with a great selection of new and vintage, collectibles and farm-fresh produce. Stop by the food court to refuel as you visit over 100 vendors.
Outdoor Farmers Market: Every weekend from May to the end of November
Summer Corn Festival & Jamboree – Sunday, August 11th
99. Horseback Riding
Enjoy over 225 acres of breathtaking tranquil forest trails on a horseback trail ride at Pathways on PleasureValley located at 2499 Brock Rd, Uxbridge.
100. Welcome Fall on A Country Path
Meet a Pumpkin Farmer, Organic Beef Farmer, Country Herbalist, Local Potter, Miller by the pond, Cider Maker & a Wine Maker as you drive or cycle across Clarington.
Please remove 2018 activities from this site. Can’t find 2019 summer activities it’s all 2018 summer activities.
We will try to update all Ontario articles by next weekend.