Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: Oct. 18 to Oct. 20

With Halloween just around the corner, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa are buzzing with seasonal excitement. From spooky ghost walks and pumpkin-themed events to live shows and creative workshops, there’s plenty to do for everyone!

Here’s what’s happening from Oct. 18 to Oct 20

October 18

Pickering:

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

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: 3550 Greenwood Rd. (Concession Rd. 6)
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $23.50 plus tax per person

Whitby:

Ghost Walks of Whitby at Centennial Building

Explore the spooky side of downtown Whitby with Ghost Walks of Whitby, guided by Beech Street Theatre Company. Hear spine-tingling ghost stories and enjoy live re-enactments at nine sites while walking through the town’s haunted history. The tour covers 2.6 km and promises a chilling experience for all.

Where: 416 Centre St. S.
When: Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (also available Oct. 21, 22, 23, and 25)
Cost: Tickets $10

Oshawa:

Chuck Byrn Comedy Shows at Yuk Yuk’s Oshawa

Catch Chuck Byrn, a seasoned comedian with decades of experience, performing live stand-up comedy at Yuk Yuk’s Oshawa. With over 25 years of national touring experience, Chuck brings his adaptable humor to the stage, ensuring a night of laughs for all.

Where:
When:

• Oct. 18—8 p.m.
• Oct. 19— 8 p.m.

Cost: $25 plus applicable taxes

October 19

Pickering:

Fall Fling at Millennium Square

Join the City of Pickering and local businesses from Nautical Village for Fall Fling at Millennium Square. Enjoy a local vendor market, miniature train rides, live music, autumn decorations and giveaways along Pickering’s waterfront.

Where: 505 Liverpool Rd.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

Ajax:

Pumpkinville at Greenwood Conservation Area

Join the fun at Pumpkinville on Saturday, October 19, at the picturesque Greenwood Conservation Area. The event features live stage performances, children’s games, interactive experiences, community displays, a sensory zone, and a haunted house. Don’t forget to trick-or-treat at exhibitor booths and grab a free pumpkin at Steve & Amanda’s NoFrills Pumpkin Patch (while supplies last). Kids are encouraged to come in costume!

Where: 2290 Greenwood Rd.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission (Nominal fees for food and beverages)

Durham Distillery Autumn Cocktail Class – Series 5

Join Durham Distillery for a 90-minute cocktail class where you’ll learn essential techniques to craft three autumn cocktails using locally made, award-winning spirits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mixologist, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Must be 19+ to attend.

Where: 25 Mill St.
When: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: From $61.07

Improv Showcase at St. Francis Centre

Join the Canadian Improv Showcase at St. Francis Centre for a night of unscripted comedy and audience participation. Celebrating over 25 years of performing, this multi-award-winning troupe specializes in interactive short-form improv with a Canadian twist. Enjoy concessions and a cash bar while experiencing the hilarious spontaneity of improv at its finest.

Where:  78 Church St. S.
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $28 per person

Whitby:

Learn to Crochet Beginners Workshop at The Maker’s Hub

Join Toni for a 90-minute crochet workshop designed for beginners. Learn the basics of crochet, from handling the hook and making a foundation chain to crocheting rows. No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided. This small class ensures personalized attention, making it a fun and engaging way to start a new hobby.

Where: 1380 Hopkins St. Unit 5
When: 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Cost: Admission details not provided

Oshawa:

Durham Craft & Gift Show at Durham College —Oct. 19 to Oct. 21

Join the Durham Craft & Gift Show, a three-day event showcasing a wide range of handmade, one-of-a-kind items and creative decorations to make your home sparkle.

Where: 2000 Simcoe St. N.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Staring from $6

Pumpkin Plunge Fun Swim at Delpark Homes Centre

Make a splash at the Pumpkin Plunge Fun Swim! Children 13 and under, along with their family and friends, can enjoy swimming with pumpkins and take one home at the end of the swim.

Where: 1661 Harmony Rd. N.

• Oct. 19—4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 20— 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cost: Admission not specified

October 20

Pickering:

Easy Like Sunday Morning The “Indoor/Outdoor” Event

Close out the season at District Lounge with Durham’s best Sunday vibe at Easy Like Sunday Morning. Enjoy classic grooves ranging from pop and soft rock to soul, R&B, reggae and more. Rain or shine, this indoor/outdoor event promises a relaxing and fun evening.

Where: 1211 Kingston Rd.
When:  4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Admission details not provided

Whole Home Safety with OAFC at RONA Store

In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs is partnering with First Alert and RONA stores to host free fire safety events. The demonstrations will be interactive and aimed at educating families on fire safety and protecting their homes from smoke, fire and carbon monoxide threats.

Where: 1899 Brock Rd.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free

Ajax:

Free Robotics Workshop for Kids at Hilton Garden Inn

Let your child dive into the excitement of a free robotics workshop, hosted by Moonpreneur. The workshop is designed for children aged 7-14. This hands-on, engaging event introduces robotics and coding through interactive exercises and fun activities. Parents can also join for networking, refreshments and to learn more about the program.

Where: 500 Beck Crescent

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (various time slots by age group)
Cost: Free admission

Ajax Environmental Action Days – Native Wildflower Planting

Join the Ajax Environmental Action Days for a day of native wildflower planting at Greenwood Conservation Area. Help strengthen the area’s ecological health and take home wildflower seeds to add to your garden next spring. High school students can earn community service hours for participating.

Where: 2290 Greenwood Rd. (parking lot)
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

Whitby:

GCW: Whitby Live Wrestling

Live wrestling comes to Whitby! Join GCW for an action-packed charity event featuring wrestling superstars from across Ontario. Stick around for the intermission to meet your favorite wrestlers, pick up exclusive merchandise and enter a raffle with food donations to support the local food bank.

Where: 589 Water St.— Heydenshore Pavilion
When: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost:

• General Admission Adult: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
• General Admission Kids 12 and under: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
• Front Row reserved seats: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
• VIP tickets: Add $20 for a gift bag

Oshawa:

Tea & Talk: Reflections of Oshawa at Guy House

Join the Oshawa Museum for the Tea & Talk series and learn about the last 100 years of Oshawa’s history, shared by those who have called the city home.

Where: 1450 Simcoe St. S.
When: 1 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person ($5 for members) – includes unlimited tea and one scone with jam and cream.