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- MAYHEM Weekly: June 19-25 (Durham)
MAYHEM Weekly: June 19-25 (Durham)
Summer is officially here in Durham Region! From the Ajax Trailfest exploring scenic trails to monster truck excitement and outdoor movie magic, families have so many options for weekend fun. Strawberry picking season has begun with multiple farms offering sweet summer treats, while FREE community celebrations including Pride festivities and safety education bring neighbourhoods together. Durham's June Recreation and Parks Month continues with more FREE passport activities perfect for active families!
🚗 HOT TIP: The 407 East from the 115 to Brock Road is now FREE which makes attending Durham events more affordable for families that live East of Toronto!
In today's newsletter:
🚴♂️ Ajax Trailfest with Mayor's Ride & family-friendly routes
🍓 Strawberry picking season at multiple Durham farms
🚛 Monster Trucks All Out & Sesame Street Live entertainment
🎬 Outdoor movie night featuring Despicable Me 4
🏊♀️ FREE June passport activities & community celebrations
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!
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
🚴♂️ Ajax Trailfest
Sunday, June 22 | Registration starts 8:30 AM | 1955 Audley Road, Ajax | FREE (registration required)
Durham's premier trail exploration event featuring three exciting options! Join the Ride with the Mayor (9:45 AM start), tackle the Tour d'Ajax (10:00 AM start), or enjoy the Family Walk/Run (10:15 AM start). All participants must register individually, including children ages 3 and up, and download the Ride with GPS App prior to event day.
🔥 HOT TIP: Don't forget to bring your own bikes, locks, helmets and equipment! Registration closes Thursday, June 19 at 11:59 PM.
🛍️ Summer Pop-Up Market and Family Fun Day
Sunday, June 22 | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 1955 Audley Road, Ajax | FREE admission
5th annual celebration featuring 60+ vendors from black-owned businesses, live music, delicious food, and family activities. This community celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 1000 visitors expected! Perfect way to end your Ajax Trailfest day.
🎪 Optimist Day in the Park
Saturday, June 21 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 475 Salisbury St, Oshawa | FREE with donation of non-perishable food items
Day filled with positive vibes featuring exciting races, carnival games, face painting, entertainment, and music. Support a great cause while enjoying family fun with games, activities, and community spirit.
ENTERTAINMENT SPECTACULARS
🎬 Outdoor Family Movie Night: Despicable Me 4
Friday, June 20 | 7:00 PM | 2 Princess St, Orono | FREE (RSVP requested)
Enjoy the latest Despicable Me adventure under the stars at Orono Fairgrounds! Bring blankets, chairs, and snacks for a perfect family movie night. The fun starts at 7 PM with the movie beginning at dusk.
🚛 Monster Trucks All Out
Saturday, June 21 | 3:15 PM - 5:15 PM | 99 Athol St E, Oshawa | Tickets starting at $39.25 adults, $27.25 children
High-octane family entertainment featuring massive monster trucks in action! Perfect for thrill-seeking families who love big engines and bigger excitement. Infants under 24 months may sit on a ticket holder's lap.
🎭 Sesame Street Live
Tuesday, June 24 | 6:00 PM | 99 Athol St E, Oshawa | $45.25-$71.25
Beloved Sesame Street characters come to life in this live musical adventure! Perfect for families with young children who love Elmo, Big Bird, and the gang. Guests 12 months and older require tickets.
STRAWBERRY PICKING SEASON
For our full list featuring 10 pick-your-own locations and 2 strawberry festivals across the GTA, with farm opening dates, rates, operating hours, locations and insider tips, check out our complete 2025 strawberry picking guide!
🍓Maple Grove Orchards: Pick Your Own Strawberries
Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 3700 Maple Grove Rd, Bowmanville | FREE admission, $7/quart, $20 for 3L basket
Family-friendly farm featuring a new sandbox area for kids and fresh farm market. All pick-your-own sales are prepaid before entering fields. Minimum 1 quart purchase per person ages 2 and up.
🔥 HOT TIP: New sandbox area for kids plus a farm market full of fresh produce!
🍓 Watson Farms: Pick Your Own Strawberries
Weekends 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 2287 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Bowmanville | Adults $5, Children $3, Under 2 FREE, $7/litre
Weekend strawberry picking with the added fun of tractor rides available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Great value pricing for families looking for authentic farm experience.
🚜 HOT TIP: Tractor rides available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
ACTIVE MOM & TOT PROGRAMS
💃 Mini Me & Mom Moves Hip Hop Line Dancing
Mondays, June 23 - July 28 | 6-week program | 117 Lakeview Park Ave, Oshawa | $60
Fun, beginner-friendly hip hop line dancing program designed for moms and their babies! This baby-carrier-friendly outdoor class lets you move, groove, and connect in a supportive setting. Perfect for getting active while bonding with your little one. Open to dads and caregivers too!
🏃♀️ Summer Stroller Fit at Pingle's Farm
Tuesdays, July 8 - August 12 | 9:35 AM session | 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton | $89 for 6 weeks (HST included)
Get active in the fresh air with your baby or toddler in this all-levels friendly group fitness program! Designed for babies 6 weeks to toddler tots, with siblings welcome. Strengthen, socialize, and enjoy the beautiful farm setting during this 40-minute outdoor workout.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS & PRIDE
🏳️🌈 Scugog Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 175 Water St, Port Perry | FREE admission
Celebrate love, diversity, and community at Palmer Park! Family-friendly Pride celebration featuring activities, entertainment, and community connections in beautiful waterfront setting.
🚒 Oshawa Community Safety Day
Saturday, June 21 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 1550 Harmony Rd N, Oshawa | FREE admission
Educational family event featuring safety demonstrations, equipment displays, and community resources. Includes FREE BBQ lunch provided by Harvey's while supplies last!
🚗 All American Motors Car Show
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 16210 Island Road, Port Perry | Adults $6.52, Ages 5-12 $3.04, Under 4 FREE
Classic car enthusiasts will love this annual show and swap meet at the historic Scugog Shores Museum Village! Features children's activities, heritage demonstrations, and BBQ.
FREE JUNE PASSPORT ACTIVITIES
🎯 HOT TIP: Durham Region is celebrating June Recreation and Parks Month with FREE events and the chance to win a brand-new bicycle! Use the Recreation and Parks Month Passport as your guide to activities throughout the month. Many events in this newsletter are part of the passport program - grab your family and get moving in Durham this June!
🏊♀️ Free Public Swim
Saturday, June 21 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 1 Parkside Drive, Uxbridge | FREE admission
Cool off with FREE swimming at Uxpool! Perfect way to beat the heat while staying active.
🏊♀️ Orono Park Pool Opening Weekend
Saturday-Sunday, June 21-22 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 61 Princess St, Orono | FREE admission
Celebrate the opening of Orono Park Pool with FREE swimming all weekend! Perfect family activity to kick off summer swimming season.
👨👩👧👦 Families in the Park
Sunday, June 22 | 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM | 61 Princess St, Orono | FREE (Ages 4-12)
Family fun activities in beautiful Orono Park during pool opening weekend! Perfect combination of park activities and swimming.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
🌳 LEAF Community Stewardship Event
Saturday, June 21 | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | 265 Rosedale Dr, Whitby | FREE (registration required)
Make a positive environmental impact while teaching kids about nature stewardship! Family-friendly volunteer opportunity in beautiful Rosedale Park. Children under 16 must be accompanied by adults. Event runs rain or shine.
🔥 HOT TIP: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring gardening gloves if you have them - extras will be provided!
🎭 Port Perry Academy Year-End Showcase
Sunday, June 22 | 2:30 PM & 5:30 PM | 302 Queen St, Port Perry | $25/ticket
Celebrate local young talent at this year-end performance showcase featuring students from Port Perry Academy of Performing Arts. Two show times available for your convenience.
LIBRARY ADVENTURES & LEARNING
📚 Italian Heritage Month Storytime
Saturday, June 21 | 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | 163 Church St, Bowmanville | FREE admission
Celebrate Italian culture through stories and songs! No previous knowledge of Italian required - all families welcome to enjoy this multicultural learning experience.
👶 Peekaboo Drop In: Storytime, Songs and Free Play
Friday, June 20 | 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM | 9 Toronto Street South, Uxbridge | FREE (Babies under 16 months)
Perfect for your littlest family members! Interactive storytime with songs and free play designed specifically for babies under 16 months.
🐱 Therapy Cats for Teens
Tuesday, June 24 | 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM | 1 The Esplanade S, Pickering | FREE (Ages 13-18, registration required)
Stress relief and relaxation with therapy cats! Perfect for teens looking for a calm, therapeutic experience. Registration closes at 4:30 PM on event day.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
🇨🇦 Canada Day Celebrations Across Durham (FREE)
Canada Day in Ajax - July 1, 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Ajax Downs Racetrack
Canada Day in Whitby - July 1, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Victoria Fields Park (Largest fireworks show in Durham!)
Canada Day in Newcastle: Street Festival - July 1, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Downtown Newcastle
Cannington Canada Day Festival & Classic Car Show - July 1, 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM | MacLeod Park
Canada Day in Clarington - July 1, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex
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