We've officially arrived at the final week of school!

If your house is anything like mine, emotions are running high. The kids seem completely tapped out and ready for a change of routine.

We've got both a Pre-K and an SK graduation in our house this week. My 4-year-old was upset that I wouldn't let him wear his Catboy costume to graduation. His argument? "All the girls are dressed like princesses." He was convinced it was a costume party. 😂 Gosh, I love this age.

Whether you're celebrating a graduation or surviving the last few days of lunches, I hope you take a moment to appreciate everything you've accomplished this year.

Canada Day falls on a Wednesday this year, which makes for a bit of an unusual week. I've included a roundup of Canada Day events in this issue for those planning ahead. I'll also be sending another newsletter on Monday with even more Canada Day activities, plus events happening over the July 4th weekend.

Here's to summer adventures and slower mornings!

P.S. I’m looking for a Durham parent to join the Mayhem team! If you're active in local Facebook parenting groups and looking for flexible part-time work (4-6 hours a week), reply to this email — we'd love to hear from you!

🎭 $10 Off Theatre Camp — Great Big Theatre Company (
Great Big Theatre Company is offering $10 off camp registration for the first 30 families — use code MAYHEM-2026 at checkout! Acting, drama, and musical theatre programs for kids ages 6–14, with outdoor activities, games, and every program wrapping up with a real public performance.

🏛️ Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre Now Open!
Pickering's newest community centre brings together a community centre, museum, and the new Greenwood Heritage Library. Worth a visit!

🍓 Strawberry Picking Season is Here!
Durham Region is loaded with pick-your-own options this season. Some favourites: Pingles Farm Market, Linton's Farm Market, Willowtree Farm, Watson Farms, and Maple Grove Orchards. Want to try something new? Head to Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm for haskap berry picking — opening day is June 27!

🏊 FREE Swim Lessons at Rotary Park Pool — Oshawa Residents
For the 2026 season, all swim lessons and drop-in programs at Rotary Park Pool are FREE for Oshawa residents! Request your season pass now.

10 free Canada Day events in Durham on Wednesday, July 1

Canada Day in Ajax — AJAX
Wednesday, July 1 | 2:00 PM–10:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Ajax Fairgrounds
Cultural performances, children's games, live entertainment, sensory zone, food vendors, and fireworks at 10 PM. Car-free event — free shuttles from Ajax Town Hall and GO lots from 1:45 PM.

2026 Cannington Canada Day Festival and Car & Truck Show — BROCK
Wednesday, July 1 | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM • FREE • All ages
MacLeod Park, Cannington
Classic car & truck show, inflatables, live music, Lions BBQ, beer tent, escape room, and fireworks at dusk. Parking at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre.

Canada Day in Clarington — CLARINGTON
Wednesday, July 1 | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex
Community-wide celebration with live entertainment, OPG activities, and fireworks at 10 PM. One of Durham Region's biggest Canada Day nights.

The City of Oshawa's Canada Day Celebration — OSHAWA
Wednesday, July 1 | 2:00 PM–10:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Lakeview Park
Live music, food trucks, games, laser maze, rock wall, and a synchronized fireworks display over Lake Ontario at 10 PM. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Canada Day 2026 in Pickering — PICKERING
Wednesday, July 1 | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM (Esplanade Park) • 7:00 PM–10:00 PM (Kinsmen Park) • FREE • All ages
Esplanade Park & Kinsmen Park
Afternoon fun and live entertainment at Esplanade, then evening concert and fireworks at Kinsmen. Free accessible shuttles from Pickering GO Station from 5:30 PM.

Celebrate Canada Day at Baitul Mahdi Mosque — PICKERING
Wednesday, July 1 | 1:00 PM–3:30 PM • FREE (RSVP requested) • All ages
Baitul Mahdi Mosque
Community Canada Day celebration hosted by the Durham Chapters of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Canada, with BBQ lunch and a formal ceremony. RSVP: 289-608-9954.

Canada Day Celebrations at Palmer Park — SCUGOG
Wednesday, July 1 | 10:30 AM–10:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Palmer Park, Port Perry
Vettes for Vets parade at 10:30 AM, then live performances, Kids' Zone, artisan vendors, free pizza at 2 PM, and Durham Region's best fireworks over Lake Scugog at 10 PM.

Canada Day Celebrations at Elgin Park — UXBRIDGE
Wednesday, July 1 | Gates open 5:00 PM • FREE • All ages
Elgin Park
Family activities, face painting, food trucks, and fireworks at dusk. Enter via Elgin Park Dr. gate — no parking near the Main St. bandshell due to fireworks safety.

Country Fest at Trail Hub — UXBRIDGE
Wednesday, July 1 | 12:00 PM–6:00 PM • Daytime FREE / Evening $30 (19+) • All ages welcome daytime
Trail Hub
Live country music, local vendor market, family line-dancing, BBQ, and face painting set in 6,000 acres of forest. Evening Country Night (7 PM–midnight) is ticketed and 19+.

Canada Day in Whitby — WHITBY
Wednesday, July 1 | 5:30 PM–10:30 PM • FREE • All ages
Victoria Fields
Food trucks from 5 PM, live music through the evening, and Durham Region's largest fireworks display at dusk. Bring a blanket and grab your spot early.

Thursday, June 25

Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

Monday, June 29

Thanks for reading! See you back here, Monday ✌️

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