👋 I know… even mentioning the f-word “fall” might feel a little triggering when we’re still soaking up summer ☀️. But registration for fall recreational programs is opening this week! From swimming lessons to art classes, spots can go fast — so check out what’s happening in your neighbourhood and secure your place early.

Oh, and there are plenty of free events happening this week—check them out below. Wishing you a wonderful week soaking up summer with your little ones!

-Mayhem Mamas

📅 Mark Your Calendar – Fall Program Registration Opens Soon!

• Ajax - Residents: Aquatics Aug 19, 7:00 AM | Programs Aug 21, 7:00 AM | Non-residents: Aug 27, 7:00 AM

• Clarington - Residents: Sep 3, 7:00 AM | Non-residents: Sep 10, 7:00 AM

• Oshawa - Swimming: Aug 19, 9:00 AM | General Programs: Aug 21, 9:00 AM

• Pickering - Residents: Fitness/Leisure Aug 14 | Aquatics Aug 21 | Non-residents: Fitness/Leisure Aug 21 | Aquatics Aug 28

• Scugog - Aug 18, 7:00 AM

• Uxbridge - Registration Fair: Aug 26, 7:00-9:00 PM at Uxbridge Arena Community Centre

• Whitby - Aquatics: Aug 19, 9:00 AM | Recreation: Aug 21, 9:00 AM | Non-residents: Aug 27, 9:00 AM

Have a great week enjoying summer with your littles!

-Mayhem Mamas

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

🧸 Teddy Bears Under the Stars | AJAX
Thursday, August 14 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: McLean Branch, Ajax Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Kids & Families
🔗 Event Details
Bring your teddy (or other stuffed friend!) for books, crafts, and a picnic under the stars. Perfect for winding down those summer evenings with the little ones!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Meet-up (Drop-in) | BROCK
Thursday, August 14 | 6:00 PM–7:30 PM
Location: Sunderland Branch, Brock Township Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Families
🔗 Event Details
Drop-in family fun with crafts, playdough, building sets, LEGO, DUPLO, board games, and card games. No registration needed!

🎵 Waterfront Concerts - Front Row (Country) | PICKERING
Thursday, August 14 | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Millennium Square
Cost: FREE | Age: Family-friendly
🔗 Event Details
Live country music by the waterfront! Bring lawn chairs and enjoy a beautiful evening of family-friendly entertainment.

🦎 World Lizard Day Celebration | WHITBY
Thursday, August 14 | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Location: Central Library, Whitby Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Meet Toasty, our friendly leopard gecko ambassador! Visit the children's department for his favourite books, gecko stickers, and colouring pages. While Toasty can't be held, there's a plushie Toasty ready for photos! Also happening Friday August 15, 10-5 at Rossland Branch.

🎬 Whitby Movie Night: Trolls Band Together | WHITBY
Thursday, August 14 | 7:30 PM
Location: Whitby Public Library (Celebration Square)
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Free face paint and games start at 7:30 PM, movie at dusk. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for this outdoor family movie night!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

🍦 TAC Presents: Frozen Treats & Book Crafts | AJAX
Friday, August 15 | 3:00 PM–4:30 PM
Location: Audley Branch, Ajax Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Tweens & Teens (ages 13-19)
🔗 Event Details
Perfect for older kids! Cool treats and creative book-themed crafts designed especially for the teen crowd.

🎬 Ajax Movies in the Park: Inside Out 2 | AJAX
Friday, August 15 | Starts approximately 8:15 PM
Location: McLean Community Centre Miller's Creek Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Giant inflatable movie screen magic! Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and bug spray. Rain location: MCC Gymnasium. No registration required.

🛍️ Bowmanville Annual Sidewalk Sale (Day 1/2) | CLARINGTON
Friday, August 15 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Bowmanville
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Great deals and special offers from unique businesses lining the streets with extended hours! Also runs Saturday.

📚 Family Story Time | OSHAWA
Friday, August 15 | 10:15 AM–10:45 AM
Location: McLaughlin Branch, Oshawa Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages, Kids 0-5
🔗 Event Details
Drop-in family program with stories, activities, and songs. Perfect for little ones! Also happening Saturday at the same location and Monday at Jess Hann Branch.

🍖 Oshawa Ribfest (Day 1/3) | OSHAWA
Friday, August 15 | 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Location: Lakeview Park Oshawa
Cost: FREE, donations welcome | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
FREE Kids Zone with activities, live entertainment, and delicious food vendors! Over 30,000 people attend this beloved community event. Runs Friday-Sunday.

🎵 Rick Johnson Memorial Park Concerts - The Wanted (Folk & Alt-Country) | PICKERING
Friday, August 15 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
Location: Rick Johnson Memorial Park
Cost: FREE | Age: Family-friendly
🔗 Event Details
Live folk and alt-country music in a beautiful park setting. Bring your blanket and enjoy the tunes!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

🌍 Multicultural Festival Durham | AJAX
Saturday, August 16 | 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Ajax Village Arena
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Live performances, global cuisines, cultural showcases, and giveaways! Free registration helps with planning and enters you into prize draws.

🌿 Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue Open House | CLARINGTON
Saturday, August 16 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM OR 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue
Cost: $5 +HST per person (required for anyone aged 2 and up) | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Meet animal ambassadors and learn about wildlife conservation! Activity tickets available for face painting, cotton candy, games (3-10 tickets each). Two session options available.

🍖 Oshawa Ribfest (Day 2/3) | OSHAWA
Saturday, August 16 | 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Location: Lakeview Park Oshawa
Cost: FREE, donations welcome | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Day 2 of the big event! FREE Kids Zone with activities, live entertainment, and amazing food vendors.

🔧 Toy Repair Café | OSHAWA
Saturday, August 16 | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: Delpark Homes Centre Branch, Oshawa Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Adults, Kids, Seniors
🔗 Event Details
Bring those broken toys! Skilled repair team helps fix torn teddies and tired toy cars. Drop-in program, no registration needed.

🎨 2025 Artist Pop-Up Market and YART Sale (Day 1/2) | SCUGOG
Saturday, August 16 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Scugog Arts, West parking lot
Cost: FREE | Age: Everyone welcome
🔗 Event Details
Handmade goods from local artists plus a "YART Sale" with gently used art supplies! Great for finding unique treasures and craft supplies. Also runs Sunday.

🌽 Willowtree Annual Customer Appreciation Corn Roast | SCUGOG
Saturday, August 16 | 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: Willowtree Farm
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
FREE roasted corn, live music, face painting, outdoor games, and hot deals on corn by the dozen! BBQ available for additional cost.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

👸 Tiaras and Teacups | AJAX
Sunday, August 17 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM or 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Location: Party On A Budget Event Space
Cost: $90 (morning) or $95 (afternoon) for one adult and one child ticket | Age: Recommended for children aged 2-10 years
🔗 Event Details
Join Belle, Elsa and Rapunzel for a royal afternoon of songs, stories, dancing, and sweet treats! Follow @tiaras.teacups on Instagram for updates.

🧱 LEGO! | AJAX
Sunday, August 17 | 12:00 PM
Location: Ajax Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Drop-in LEGO building fun for all ages! No registration needed - just show up and start creating.

🍖 Oshawa Ribfest (Day 3/3) | OSHAWA
Sunday, August 17 | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Lakeview Park Oshawa
Cost: FREE, donations welcome | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of this amazing community festival! FREE Kids Zone with activities, live entertainment, and delicious food.

🎨 2025 Artist Pop-Up Market and YART Sale (Day 2/2) | SCUGOG
Sunday, August 17 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Scugog Arts, West parking lot
Cost: FREE | Age: Everyone welcome
🔗 Event Details
Final day for handmade treasures and art supply deals! Perfect for stocking up on creative supplies.

🚗 Port Perry Brits on the Lake | SCUGOG
Sunday, August 17 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Port Perry
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Queen Street lined with stunning classic British cars against the beautiful Lake Scugog backdrop! Check out boutique stores and popular eateries while you're there.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

🎵 Kids in the Square: Taylor Swift Tribute | AJAX
Tuesday, August 19 | 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Location: Pat Bayly Square
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
All performances take place rain or shine! If weather is bad, moves indoors to Ajax Community Centre HMS Room (180 capacity, first come first served). Check Town of Ajax social media after 5 PM for updates.

🎨 Paint Your Own Pottery for Kids (SRC) | CLARINGTON
Tuesday, August 19 | 6:00 PM–7:15 PM
Location: Courtice Library
Cost: $12 plus HST | Age: Grades 1-6
🔗 Event Details
Choose a decorative heart or star to paint and make it uniquely yours! Caregivers of children under 10 must be present; registration required.

🧠 Sensory Zone | OSHAWA
Tuesday, August 19 | 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: McLaughlin Branch, Oshawa Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages, Kids 0-5
🔗 Event Details
Drop-in family program offering sensory-friendly stories and activities. Perfect for children who benefit from sensory accommodations.

🌿 OPG Tuesdays on the Trail - Traditional Teachings | PICKERING
Tuesday, August 19 | 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
Location: 700 Sandy Beach Rd
Cost: FREE | Age: Suitable for families
🔗 Event Details
Learn about Mother Earth through traditional teachings and crafts, presented by Durham Community Health Centre. Beautiful outdoor setting!

🧒 Little Explorers | WHITBY
Tuesday, August 19 | 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Location: Rossland Branch, Whitby Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Ages 2-4 with caregiver
🔗 Event Details
Designed to engage young children in exploration and learning with their caregiver. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers! This event also takes place at the Brooklin Branch on Thursdays from 10:30-11:30.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

🎈 Park Playdates | AJAX
Wednesday, August 20 | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: Playground at The Jerry Coughlan Building
Cost: FREE | Age: Everyone welcome
🔗 Event Details
Drop-in playdate with bubbles, music, games, and inclusive, accessible, sensory play features. Check social media for theme and cancellation updates!

🎒 The Shops at Pickering City Centre: Back to School Bash | PICKERING
Wednesday, August 20 | 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
Location: The Shops at Pickering City Centre
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Get ready for school with creativity! Kids can personalize their own small backpacks and join the school supply swap. Perfect timing for back-to-school prep!

🎨 Global Paper Crafts | WHITBY
Wednesday, August 20 | 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Location: Rossland Branch, Whitby Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Ages 5-16
🔗 Event Details
New paper craft activity each week! Great creative outlet for school-aged kids.

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