July 3-9 (York)

Summer weekends in York Region just got a whole lot tastier! This week brings major food festivals including Markham Ribfest with North America's best rib teams and Vaughan's Filipino Fiesta Extravaganza. Music lovers can catch Fresh Horses (Garth Brooks tribute) at Richmond Hill's Mill Pond Park and Practically Petty Nicks in Newmarket. Plus Pokemon collectors, discovery seekers, and splash pad enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.

In today's newsletter: 

  • 🍖 Markham Ribfest weekend with live music and kids zone

  • 🎉 Vaughan's Festival Fiesta and International Music Festival

  • 🎵 Free outdoor concerts in Richmond Hill and Newmarket

  • 🎮 Pokemon collectibles show with 100+ vendors

  • 💧 Lake Wilcox splash pad spotlight

Have feedback, suggestions, or know of an event we missed? Simply reply directly to this newsletter - we read every message and love hearing from our community!

FOOD FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS

🍖 Markham Ribfest 

Friday, July 4 | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday, July 5 | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Sunday, July 6 | 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Downtown Markham | $5 admission, Children 10 & under FREE

4 of North America's best Rib Teams plus Kids Zone, face painting, marketplace, and live music all weekend long! Free parking, free concert with admission, and pet friendly.

🔥 Hot Tip: You can purchase tickets online or upon arrival. Free parking and concerts included with admission!

🎉 Vaughan Fiesta Extravaganza 

Friday, July 4 | 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday, July 5 | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday, July 6 | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 1441 Clark Ave W, Vaughan | FREE

Non-stop entertainment, mouthwatering Filipino food, and a celebration of culture and heritage! Free parking available.

MUSIC & CONCERTS

🎵 Concerts in the Park 

Thursday, July 3 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Mill Pond Park, Richmond Hill | FREE

This week: Fresh Horses (Garth Brooks tribute)! Join in each week from July 3 to August 28 to enjoy the sweet sounds of summer.

🔥 Hot Tip: Parking is limited. Additional parking available at Mackenzie Health East Parking Lot starting at 6 PM.

🎵 Newmarket Music Series 

Thursday, July 3 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket | FREE

Opening night features Practically Petty Nicks (Tribute to Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks)! Bring your own lawn chair.

🔥 Hot Tip: Timothy Street will be closed from Doug Duncan Drive to Cedar Street each Thursday for concert prep.

🎵 Vaughan International Music Festival 

Friday, July 4 | 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday, July 5 | 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Assembly Park (SOUTH VMC), Vaughan | FREE

Extraordinary lineup of local artists with mesmerizing musical performances, diverse dance acts, cultural workshops, international cuisine, beer and wine garden, and Family Activity Zone with engaging activities for all ages to enjoy!

FAMILY ACTIVITIES & DISCOVERY

💙 Bluey Playtime Party Saturday, July 5 | 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM | Participating locations in Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket | $5

Join the fun as Bluey's world comes to life with toy demos, temporary tattoos, and storytime! Ages 3+. All registered participants receive a $5 gift card.

🔥 Hot Tip: Must reserve a space to attend. Spaces are limited and reservations are non-refundable. Doors open 30 minutes before show time.

🔍 Discovery Day 

Saturday, July 5 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Stouffville Library | FREE

Enjoy a day of hands-on fun, surprises, and adventure for all ages! Explore interactive stations, uncover hidden clues with scavenger hunts, and discover new ways to laugh, learn, and connect together. Family activities with indoor and outdoor booths.

🎊 Official Opening of the Carville Community Centre 

Sunday, July 6 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Carville Community Centre, Vaughan | FREE

Join the fun for the official opening! Highlights include glitter tattoos, balloon artist, DJ-led family dance, gym games, cupcake decorating, and free ice cream! Formal ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by free recreational swim until 4:00 PM.

GAMES & COLLECTIBLES

🎮 Collectors Clash Pokemon, TCG, Sports and Collectibles Show 

Saturday, July 5 | 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Thornhill Community Centre, Markham | FREE General Admission

Whether you're a seasoned collector, casual hobbyist, or just getting started, this is the ultimate destination to buy, sell, and trade Pokemon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh!, sports cards, memorabilia, and vintage finds! 100+ vendors from across the region.

🔥 Hot Tip: Early Entry tickets (9:30 AM) available online for $6.66 - limited quantities!

MARKETS & SHOPPING

🛍️ Bello's Summer Market 

Saturday, July 5 | 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Sunday, July 6 | 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Langham Square, Markham | FREE Entry

Over 70+ amazing vendors offering handmade treats, crafts, art, accessories, and more! Plus free gifts for attendees.

SPLASH PADS & OUTDOOR FUN

💧 Lake Wilcox Park - Splash Pad 

Open 7 days a week Daily | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM | Lake Wilcox Park, Richmond Hill | FREE (Parking $5)

Lake Wilcox Park has a lot to offer! Waterfront promenade and boardwalk, splash pad, youth area with skate park, beach volleyball courts, multi-sports court, playground, washrooms, and picnic areas.

🔥 Hot Tip: Slip-resistant footwear recommended. Pay parking in effect until September - $5 for parking.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK (JULY 10-16)

  • 🎬 Night at the Museum 

    Offered 4 Fridays during summer Thursday, July 10 | 9:30 PM - 12:00 PM | Markham Museum | FREE

  • 🎵 Vaughan Concerts in the Park 

    Wednesday evenings Wednesday, July 9 | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Carville District Park, Vaughan | FREE

  • 🎪 The Big Bounce Canada 

    July 11-13 | 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Markham Meadow | $32-$49

  • 🇱🇦 Vaughan Latin Festival 

    Saturday, July 12 | 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM | Mackenzie Glen Park, Vaughan | FREE

  • 🦆 Duck Races and Festival on High 

    Saturday, July 12 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | High Street, Sutton | FREE

  • 🍽️ Stouffville Fusion Fest Taste of the Mediterranean 

    Saturday, July 12 | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Memorial Park - Stouffville | FREE

  • 🎉 Youth Day 2025 

    Sunday, July 13 | 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket | FREE

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