Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: Oct. 11 to Oct. 14
Published October 11, 2024 at 9:32 am
With the Thanksgiving long weekend here, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa are packed with seasonal activities. From refreshing outdoor runs and festive cookie-decorating sessions to lively concerts and community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out what’s happening from Oct. 11 to Oct. 14:
October 11
Pickering:
Tokyo Police Club – The Final Tour
Catch Tokyo Police Club on their final tour at Pickering’s Casino Resort. The band, hailing from Newmarket, Ontario, has delivered two decades of energetic indie rock with hits spanning five albums and acclaimed performances from Coachella to The Late Show with David Letterman. Joined by Born Ruffians, this show promises a night of nostalgic indie pop with the band’s signature infectious energy.
Where: 888 Durham Live Ave.
When: 8 p.m.
Cost: $35.50 – $59.50 plus fees
Badminton Indoor Games in Pickering
Enjoy a fun badminton session at Ecole Ronald-Marion every Friday. With three courts available, attendees of all skill levels are welcome. Secure your spot with a $5 payment for two hours of gameplay or opt for a permanent slot at $75 for 10 weeks.
Where: 2235 Brock Rd.
When: 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Cost: $5 per session; $75 for a 10-week package
Ajax:
Family Craft & Movie Morning
Join the Ajax Public Library’s Main Branch for a fun morning featuring a family craft activity followed by a movie screening. Each event is free, with a different film featured each month, so families can enjoy a mix of creativity and entertainment together.
Where: 55 Harwood Ave. S. (Main Branch).
When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Whitby:
Songwriters Showcase
Experience an afternoon of stories and music at the Songwriters Showcase hosted at Boston Pizza Whitby North. Drop by to enjoy great music, share stories and have a slice of pizza every Friday.
Where: 20 Taunton Rd. E.
When: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Summer Mobile Food Market
Community Care Durham hosts a weekly mobile food market at the 55+ Recreation Centre. This initiative offers fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers at affordable prices every Friday through Oct. 11.
Where: 801 Brock St. S.
When: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Oshawa:
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Experience a spine-chilling musical evening by candlelight at The Biltmore Theatre, where classic Halloween tunes come alive in an enchanting live performance. Under flickering candlelight, audiences will be transported through eerie classics like Thriller, The Exorcist theme, and Danse Macabre, all performed by a talented string quartet in this 60-minute, immersive concert experience.
Where: 39 King St. E.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $65
October 12
Pickering:
New Wave Invasion Concert
Enjoy a night of iconic New Wave hits as Tala Entertainment presents New Wave Invasion, featuring A Flock Of Seagulls, Strangelove – The Depeche Mode Experience and Per Sorensen, the voice of Fra Lippo Lippi. Don’t miss this high-energy lineup bringing back the sounds that defined a generation.
Where: 888 Durham Live Ave.
When: 6 p.m.
Cost: $78 – $180 plus fees
Pickering Ghost Walk (Oct. 3 to Oct. 30)
Discover the supernatural with the Pickering Ghost Walk, a guided lantern-lit tour through the Pickering Museum Village. Dive into eerie tales, paranormal investigations and the darker histories that haunt the village. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Where: Concession Rd. 6
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $23.50 plus tax per person
VOODOO Pawn Shop at Hy-Hope Farm
Get ready for an energetic blues/rock performance with VOODOO Pawn Shop, returning to Hy-Hope Farm. This Uxbridge-based quartet, founded in 2015, brings a unique mix of blues stylings and rock rhythms sure to get your toes tapping.
Where: 5450 Lake Ridge Rd.
When: 12 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Ajax:
La La Land Gala – 3rd Annual Event
Dress to impress at the 3rd Annual La La Land Gala, a night of celebration and awareness for mental health in African and Caribbean communities. Hosted at Victorian Garden Banquet Hall, the event includes music, keynote speakers and Black-owned vendors, supporting a cause dedicated to breaking stigmas around mental health.
Where: 570 Westney Rd. S.
When: Cocktail hour at 6 p.m., dinner to follow
Cost: Early Bird: $100, General Admission: $150, Group Table: $1,200, Sponsor a Ticket: $150
Ontario Tech Coding Workshop
Introduce youth to the fundamentals of coding with Ontario Tech University’s free workshop, hosted at the Ajax Public Library’s Audley Branch. Designed for grades 5-8, this beginner-friendly program includes engaging activities to help students gain confidence and interest in coding.
Where: 1955 Audley Rd.
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Pickering Village Community 5k
Enjoy a free and friendly 5k event at Duffins Trail in Ajax, where participants can walk, jog, or run. Volunteers and spectators are also welcome. Registration is required to obtain a barcode, which is simple to do via the website.
Where: Kingston Rd. W. & Elizabeth St., Ajax
When: 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Cost: Free admission
Whitby:
Canadian Food Expo
Celebrate the royal food and culture of Hyderabad at the Canadian Food Expo in Whitby. This two-day event offers an immersive experience into Hyderabad’s rich culinary heritage, perfect for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Where: 1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified
Thanksgiving Weekend 1/2 Marathon & 10K Run
Gather with friends to run either a half marathon (21.1k), a 10k, or any distance you like along the scenic Waterfront Trail in Whitby. Starting from Town Brewery, this laid-back event offers a perfect chance to stay in training shape without medals, fees or pressure.
Where: 75 Consumers Dr.
When: Half marathon runners start at 10 a.m.; 10k runners join at 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Explore fresh produce, unique creations, and tasty treats at the Whitby Farmers’ Market, happening every Saturday. A perfect opportunity to shop local and support community vendors.
Where: 3 Vipond Rd. (Municipal Lot 9)
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Oshawa:
Cuff The Duke Live at Frére Du Nord
Enjoy an intimate evening with Cuff The Duke as they perform live in-store at Frére Du Nord in Oshawa. A portion of the ticket sales and proceeds from an auction of signed test pressings of their new album will benefit Refuge Outreach.
Where: 45 Prince St.
When: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $40 per person
Halloween Cookie Decorating
Get into the Halloween spirit with a beginner-friendly cookie decorating class hosted by Kelsey from Kelso’s Bake Shop. You’ll learn techniques like flooding, wet-on-wet designs, and icing transfers to create five beautifully decorated Halloween-themed vanilla sugar cookies with royal icing. All supplies are provided.
Where: 270 Simcoe St. N. (Parkwood Estate National Historic Site)
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
October 13
Ajax:
Makerspace DIY Challenges
This event invites participants to learn something new each week in the Makerspace. On Oct. 6 and Oct. 13, projects will focus on designing fire escape routes, offering a fun and interactive way to engage with essential safety skills.
Where: 95 Magill Dr.
When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Whitby:
FREE Ladies Self Defense Class and Certification
Kickstart your self-defense journey with a free, ladies-only class at Judokaa Martial Arts. Gain valuable skills in a supportive and fun environment, designed to boost confidence and potentially save lives.
Where: 165 Garrard Rd.
When: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Oshawa:
Cram the Cruiser
Kingsview Church is hosting a “Cram the Cruiser” event, supported by the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), to collect food donations for Feed the Need in Durham Region. Bring your items to the church’s food box to help fill the cruiser and support local families in need.
Where: 505 Adelaide Ave. E.
When: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free admission
October 14
Ajax:
Canadian Sign Languages Exhibit (Oct. 9 to Oct. 14)
Discover the rich diversity of Sign Languages used across Canada at this traveling exhibit from the Canadian Language Museum. Explore the history, unique characteristics, and cultural significance of six Sign Languages through engaging maps, videos and illustrations. Languages featured include American Sign Language, Langue des signes québécoise, Plains Indian Sign Language, Inuit Sign Language, Maritime Sign Language, and Oneida Sign Language.
Where: 55 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax
When: 9 a.m.
Cost: Free admission
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