Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: Oct. 25 to Oct. 27
Published October 25, 2024 at 11:06 am
For Halloween lovers across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa, the final round of spooky events is here to thrill!
From family-friendly trick-or-treat trails to unique costume parties and cultural festivities, this weekend is packed with opportunities to enjoy the season before the holiday rush.
Here’s what’s happening from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27:
October 25
Pickering:
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
Inked Circus Tattoo Expo
Celebrate tattoo culture at the Inked Circus Tattoo Expo, where live tattoo sessions with world-renowned artists bringing body art to life.
Where: 888 Durham Live Ave.
Show Times:
- Friday, Oct. 25 — 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 26 — 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 27 — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $33.50
Ajax:
Durham Region International Film Festival – Day 2
Explore an evening of international cinema, industry insight and local culinary delights. Highlights include a culinary showcase, a workshop on music and sound design, screenings of international short films, and the feature All the Lost Ones, followed by Q&A sessions with select filmmakers.
Where: 78 Church St. S.
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.
Cost: General Admission $23
Whitby:
Bethel Music Worship & Ministry Nights
Experience an uplifting night of worship and ministry led by Bethel Music’s Jenn Johnson, John Wilds, David Funk, Zahriya Zachary and special guest Aodhán King.
Where: 300 Water St.
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $21.36 (50% discount applied)
Halloween Social
Join friends for a lively Halloween Social with a new DJ and refreshments. Dress up in your best costume for a chance to win a prize!
Where: 801 Brock St. S (55+ Recreation Centre, Upper Activity Room)
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 (Pre-registration required)
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
October 26
Pickering:
Diwali Celebration at George Ashe Library
Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, at the George Ashe Library. Families can enjoy arts, crafts and sensory activities with a cultural twist including a special storytime and Bollywood dancing. Supplies will be provided.
Where: 470 Kingston Rd.
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free (registration required)
Halloween at Pickering Museum (Oct. 26 to 27)
Explore Pickering Museum Village and trick-or-treat through history with Halloween-themed activities. Fun for all ages!
Where: 3550 Greenwood Rd.
Time: Timed entries from 10:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (every 30 minutes)
Cost: $42.23 + tax per group (up to 6 people)
Spooktacular Family Costume Party (Ages 0-12)
Enjoy thrills, chills and plenty of fun with a spooky storytime, crafts and activities. Costumes encouraged but not required—supplies will be provided.
Where: 1 the Esplanade (Central Library Auditorium)
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free (Registration required; limited seats)
After Breast Cancer: Living Breast Cancer Ribbon Flash Mob
Join After Breast Cancer for a powerful display of solidarity in support of breast cancer awareness. Bring family and friends to participate in this meaningful event, honouring survivors, fighters and supporters. Registered participants receive a gift bag. Attendees are encouraged to dress in pink tees, blue jeans and comfy shoes. Pink shirts will be available for those who need one.
Where: City of Pickering, 1 The Esplanade
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free (Registration required)
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:
ART NIGHT
Join Arthur Murray Dance Centre for an evening of painting and dancing! Begin with a guided painting session led by Malini’s Art Studio, followed by a beginner-friendly partner dance class.
Where: 299 Kingston Rd. E.
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Cost: $61.50
Young Queens Pajama Party | Ages 13-17
Calling all Black and racialized teen girls in Durham! Join the Durham Family & Cultural Centre for an empowering afternoon filled with cozy vibes, fun activities, and meaningful conversations. Wear your favourite PJs or a comfy outfit to connect with others, enjoy games, a movie and self-love discussions.
Where: 487 Westney Rd. S., Unit 9
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Spook-tacular Snapshots!
Step into a haunted portrait experience perfect for kids aged 0-10, with a Halloween-themed digital background and spine-chilling effects to capture this festive season. Limited spots are available.
Where: 270 Kingston Rd. E.
Time: Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: All Images – $169.48; 10 Images – $112.98; 4 Images – $90.38
Whitby:
CDRO at Bone and Biscuit Brooklin
This spooktacular Halloween event brings all to support dogs in need. Proceeds from goodies purchased go directly toward the care of sanctuary dogs.
Where: 5560 Baldwin St. S. (Unit #7)
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission (donations encouraged)
Whitby Farmers’ Market
Discover fresh, local finds at the Whitby Farmers’ Market in Municipal Lot 9. The market features an array of produce, artisanal goods and unique creations.
Where: 3 Vipond Rd
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Oshawa:
Servants’ Tours (Oct. 23 to Oct. 27)
Experience the lives of household staff through a guided tour at Parkwood Estate, exploring spaces where they lived and worked during the 55 years the McLaughlin Family resided there. As a National Historic Site, Parkwood shares stories of the people who worked at the estate from 1917 to 1972. Note: The tour includes access to multiple floors, requiring the use of staircases.
Where: Parkwood Estate, Oshawa
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (limited spots available)
Cost: $22 general admission
ALDO presents A TASTE OF AFRICA
Experience Africa’s vibrant culture and flavours with ALDO’s “A Taste of Africa.” Enjoy freshly brewed Ugandan tea and explore the AKATALE Market, which features Ugandan crafts, jewelry, and artwork made by students. This event supports ALDO’s Amazing Love School, which transforms lives in rural Uganda through education and community development.
Where: 245 Simcoe St. S.
Time: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified
Durham Region International Film Festival – Day 3
Experience the final day of DRIFF with industry events, screenings and a closing awards ceremony. Start the day with a free public session on VFX and immersive media, followed by a ticketed lineup of short films, a feature presentation and behind-the-scenes workshops.
Where: 39 King St. E. —The Biltmore Theatre
Time: 2:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free public access 10:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.; ticket required from 2:30 p.m. onward
Clothing Carousel Event
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at the Clothing Carousel! Join us for our first-ever gently used clothing sale at the Delpark Homes Branch. Proceeds will support OSCC55+ programs and services. Enjoy browsing unique pieces, plus snacks and beverages at the on-site café.
Where: 1661 Harmony Rd. N.
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (VIP shopping 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for donors)
Cost: Free admission
October 27
Pickering:
Halloween Pumpkin Painting
Pickering families are invited to get creative this spooky season with pumpkin painting at Amberlea Park! Enjoy a festive atmosphere, costumes encouraged and take home your own painted pumpkin. Supplies provided; one pumpkin per child.
Where: Amberlea Park, 510 Braeburn Crescent
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free (RSVP required)
Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary Yard and Book Sale
Support the sanctuary’s mission to provide care and find forever homes for cats and kittens. This final yard sale of the year features small appliances, art, records, CDs, DVDs, seasonal decorations and more. The popular book tunnel will also be available with all proceeds benefiting the sanctuary’s animals.
Where: 2060 Concession Rd. #7
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Oshawa:
Trunk or Treat Halloween Event
Join the Optimist Club of Oshawa and Coldwell Banker R.M.R Whitby for a festive afternoon featuring treats, a bake sale and Halloween fun. Wear your best costume and bring a bag or bucket for collecting goodies!
Where: 475 Salisbury St.
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
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