👋 SLOOOW down summer. August is flying by but there is still plenty of summer left and family fun to be had. If you're in town this week, there are free events happening across Durham Region to help you make the most of these last precious weeks of summer.

Things I'm loving this week:

1. The Canada Strong Pass - we'll be cashing this in for a trip to Ottawa next week. Children travel free on VIA Rail! (Note: it's not a physical pass you purchase, just visit participating Parks Canada sites, national museums/galleries and VIA Rail to benefit from free admission or discounts).

2. This Tick Check and Remover Kit I picked up for an upcoming camping trip. Hopefully we don't have to use it, but it includes a helpful tick identification card.

FREE events I’m checking out this week:

🎪 DurhamFest with rides & music, ⛵ Waterfront Festival in Pickering,🚛 Touch-a-Truck with 40+ vehicles, 🍔 Mayor’s BBQ with free swimming, 🚗 Kars on King, 🐕 Bow Wow Palooza. 💸 Plus 16 other FREE events happening this week!



- The Mayhem Mamas

⚠️ Quick reminder: Registration for fall recreational programming across Durham Region opens this week! Check out last week's newsletter for direct links to your municipality's programming and registration timing.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

🎉 Oshawa Library Bon Voyage Bash | OSHAWA
Thursday, August 21 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Oshawa Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Celebrate all the incredible places you've travelled to through summer reading! Fun-filled afternoon of games, activities, and special surprises. Drop in program.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

🔍 Back to School Escape Room | AJAX
Friday, August 22 | 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Ajax Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Kids and families
🔗 Event Details
There's no escaping the end of summer...but with wits, skill, and a little bit of luck, maybe you can solve the puzzles and escape the room! Drop in program - no registration required.

🥘 Mommunity Mommypilates | AJAX
Friday, August 22 | 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Location: Ajax Waterfront Park
Cost: $10/ticket | Age: Moms and babies
🔗 Event Details
Join us for a morning of postpartum specific pilates with Coach Amelia followed by a picnic. All ticket sales donated to The Denise House. Arrive by 10:20am - bring sunscreen and hats for this outdoor class!

🚗 Kars on King | OSHAWA
Friday, August 22 | 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Oshawa
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
A classic car show featuring live entertainment, culinary options, and a family fun zone in Memorial Park with a Zoo to You exhibit, inflatables, and the "Touch a Truck" experience (4-8pm).

🎪 Oshawa Touch-a-Truck | OSHAWA
Friday, August 22 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Tribute Communities Centre
Cost: FREE (donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters appreciated) | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Get up close and personal with more than 40 vehicles of all shapes and sizes! Face painting and BBQ available for nominal fees. Perfect hands-on event for curious kids.

🎬 Movie Night in the Park: Coco | PICKERING
Friday, August 22 | 5:30 PM
Location: Rick Johnson Memorial Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Enjoy a family movie under the stars with FREE concessions, face painting, live DJ, and bubble machine! First 25 guests get a special Pickering 25th anniversary giveaway. Bring blankets or chairs!

🍕 Scugug Park & Play Pizza Day in the Park | SCUGOG
Friday, August 22 | 1:00 PM
Location: Blackstock Pioneer Park
Cost: FREE | Age: Ages 4 - 12
🔗 Event Details
You dough not want to miss out! FREE pizza served to children ages 4 to 12, sponsored by Scugog Mechanical. Part of the Park & Play summer program.

🌱 Forsythe Family Farms Fantasy Garden | UXBRIDGE
Friday, August 22 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Forsythe Family Farms
Cost: $45 ticket (includes child + accompanying adult) | Age: Kids 5+
🔗 Event Details
Let your imagination bloom! Create your own miniature garden in a fun Make & Take workshop. Farm admission included - welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Second child just $30 extra.

🎮 Whitby Library: International Games | WHITBY
Friday, August 22 | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Rossland Branch, Whitby Public Library
Cost: FREE | Age: Grades 3-6
🔗 Event Details
Demonstrate sportsmanship while learning games from other countries. No registration required - just drop in for international fun!

🎬 Movies Under the Stars: The Princess Bride | WHITBY
Friday, August 22 | 8:00 PM (dusk)
Location: Whitby Civic Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
A free outdoor movie screening of "The Princess Bride" on a large screen with concert-quality sound. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for this classic family adventure!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

🎪 DurhamFest 2025 (Day 1/2) | AJAX
Saturday, August 23 | 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Ajax GO Station Parking Lot
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Bring the whole family for an unforgettable weekend! Enjoy music, games, thrilling rides, and so much more at the Family Fun Zone. Free parking available.

📚 Brock Libraries Kids Summer Reading Party | BROCK
Saturday, August 23 | 10:45 AM
Location: Beaverton Town Hall
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
Celebrate the end of summer reading with a magic show by Peter Mennie and door prize draws! Note: Event is at Town Hall, NOT the library - they want space for everyone!

🐕 Bow Wow Palooza! | CLARINGTON
Saturday, August 23 | 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Orono Veterinary Hospital
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages + dogs
🔗 Event Details
A fun, educational, dog-friendly community event raising money for the OSCAR Fund. Great raffle prizes, bake table, Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream and lunch available from Island Grill.

⛵ PARA Marine Waterfront Festival | PICKERING
Saturday, August 23 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Millennium Square
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Annual summer celebration brings music, food, nautical programs, family fun, and an open-air market to the Pickering Waterfront. Perfect day by the lake!

🔥 The OutPosts Fire Fighter Fundraiser Event | SCUGOG
Saturday, August 23 | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: The OutPost
Cost: $20/person, kids and dogs are free! | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Support local heroes! Delicious smoked food, drinks, fire safety demonstrations, Dunk the Firefighter, cornhole tournament, free kids games & face painting!

🚗 Autofest Nationals (Day 1/2) | UXBRIDGE
Saturday, August 23 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Elgin Park
Cost: $15/adult, kids under 12 are free | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
A classic car show with family-friendly entertainment, vendors, and food. Perfect for car enthusiasts and families looking for weekend fun!

🎠 Zephyr Family Fun Day | UXBRIDGE
Saturday, August 23 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Zephyr Hall
Cost: FREE admission, some events/attractions have a nominal fee | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Affordable family fun! Pony rides ($5), carnival games, antique tractors, races, ice cream truck, vendors and more!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

🎪 DurhamFest 2025 (Day 2/2) | AJAX
Sunday, August 24 | 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Ajax GO Station Parking Lot
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Second day of unforgettable family fun! Music, games, thrilling rides, and Family Fun Zone activities continue. Free parking available.

🍔 Mayor’s Community Barbecue | CLARINGTON
Sunday, August 24 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Orono Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All ages
🔗 Event Details
BBQ lunch served by Mayor Foster & Council, FREE swimming at Orono Park Pool, meet & greet with officials, plus inflatables, games, scavenger hunts & entertainment. Free parking at Orono Fair Grounds!

🥩 Corn Roast at Maple Grove Orchards | CLARINGTON
Sunday, August 24 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Maple Grove Orchards
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
FREE corn roast, tractor & wagon rides, children's explore area, Pick-Your-Own strawberries & tomatoes, BBQ & activities! Please visit website to sign up.

🏺 Scugog Heritage Day | SCUGOG
Sunday, August 24 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Scugog Shores Museum Village and Archives
Cost: Adults $6.52+tax, Children 5-12 $3.04+tax, child 0-4 free | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Discover the rich history of Scugog throughout the centuries! Learn about lake development and early settlers. Try hands-on crafts and activities exploring diverse local history.

🚗 Autofest Nationals (Day 2/2) | UXBRIDGE
Sunday, August 24 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Elgin Park
Cost: $15/adult, kids under 12 are free | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Final day of the classic car show with family-friendly entertainment, vendors, and food. Don't miss the last chance to see amazing vintage cars!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

🥁 Culture Pop-Ups: Rhythms of Africa | WHITBY
Tuesday, August 26 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Rotary Sunrise Lake Park
Cost: FREE | Age: All Ages
🔗 Event Details
Join Fit and Dance Dimensions for a vibrant journey through Africa! Captivating performances, interactive dance sessions, and freeform dance jams. Rain date: Wednesday, August 27.

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