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  • MAYHEM Weekly: June 19-25 (York)

MAYHEM Weekly: June 19-25 (York)

Summer officially begins this week, and York Region is celebrating with the sweetest start possible - strawberry picking season! Get ready for berry-filled adventures at local farms, plus an incredible lineup including the Markham Village Music Festival, Stuffed Food Festival in Vaughan, and multicultural celebrations. From automotive enthusiasts gathering for charity car shows to families enjoying free outdoor movies and Indigenous storytelling, there's something magical happening every day as we welcome the longest days of the year.

In today's newsletter:

🍓 Strawberry picking season opens at local farms
🎵 Music festivals, multicultural celebrations & live entertainment
🍕 Food festivals, BBQs & community gatherings
🚗 Charity car shows & automotive celebrations
👶 Family activities, library programs & outdoor fun

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!

STRAWBERRY PICKING & FARM FUN

🍓 Want more strawberry farms? For our full 2025 strawberry picking guide 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 guide!

Applewood Farm
Friday, June 20 | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Applewood Farm, Stouffville | $15 admission for 4 years & up, Children under 3 FREE

Strawberry picking season opens! Admission includes a 2-litre basket of pick your own strawberries, plus the farm provides a complimentary basket free of charge. Perfect start to summer berry adventures for the whole family.

🔥 HOT TIP: Weekday hours are 9:00am-6:00pm, but weekend hours change to 8:00am-5:00pm!

Pick Your Own Strawberries - Robintide Farms
Various times | Robintide Farms, King City | $14-$22 for strawberry picking baskets

Fresh strawberry picking at this family farm! Last entrance to the field is 30 minutes before closing, and no pets are allowed at the farm for safety reasons.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

🎵 Markham Village Music Festival
Friday-Saturday, June 20-21 | Friday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Main Street Markham | FREE admission

Free admission and free parking! Kids Zone on Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm features face painting, crafts, and a special dreamcatcher "make 'n take" workshop with Indigenous artist Naomi Peters—spots are limited, so reserve early! Enjoy an all-ages street dance party and browse the bilingual market while listening to live music performances throughout both days. Event happens rain or shine.

🌍 Turkuaz Multicultural Festival
Saturday, June 21 | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM | North Thornhill Community Centre, Vaughan | FREE

Live music & dance performances, Turkic cuisine, artisan crafts, cultural activities and fun contests for kids. A celebration of multicultural diversity perfect for families.

🎨 Summer Kick Off - Booths, Beats, & Brews
Sunday, June 22 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Sweet Dutchess Kitchen + Cafe, Aurora | FREE

Vendor event with special performance by Murray Drive from 1-2pm. Great way to kick off summer with local vendors and live music.

FOOD FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

🍕 Stuffed Food Festival
Saturday-Sunday, June 21-22 | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Assembly Park, Vaughan | Free entry Saturday + Sunday, $10 entry for featured events

The ultimate destination for food lovers! Live cooking demos, local chef competitions, and stuff-themed food trucks over this amazing 2-day festival.

🍖 Noble Customer Appreciation BBQ & Tradeshow Event
Friday, June 20 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Noble, Vaughan | FREE

Meet Hockey Hall of Famer and 9-time NHL All-Star Jeremy Roenick! Autographs & photos from 11:30am-1:30pm, plus all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch, ice cream truck, music, prizes & giveaways.

🥕 Village Market at Waldorf
Saturday, June 21 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Toronto Waldorf School, Thornhill | FREE

Organic farmers market featuring fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Perfect for families looking for healthy, sustainable food options.

AUTOMOTIVE & CHARITY EVENTS

🚗 Steering for Steer Friends Automotive Festival
Saturday, June 21 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Markham Fairgrounds | $10 spectator admission, Children under 12 FREE

Fifth annual festival uniting car enthusiasts, families, and community for horsepower and heart! Premium show cars, live entertainment, food trucks, industry vendors, local artisans, and kids zone supporting individuals with disabilities.

🔥 HOT TIP: Enter from McCowan Road entrance just north of Elgin Mills Road. All proceeds support registered charity Steer Friends!

🏃 5K Run & Walk for Autism
Saturday, June 21 | 9:30 AM - early afternoon | Richmond Green Park | Adults $35, Children $20

Family-friendly walkathon supporting therapy programs for children with autism. Each ticket includes race kit with T-shirt, drink & snack, plus booths, activities, giveaways, and prizes for the whole family.

ARTS & CULTURE

🎭 Inspired Hands - Mill Pond Gallery Student Show
Saturday-Sunday, June 21-22 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Mill Pond Gallery, Richmond Hill | FREE

A joyful art show by kids ages 6-12 featuring BEEROX students' artwork. Perfect family outing to appreciate young artistic talent with free parking available.

🪶 Aurora's Indigenous Peoples Celebration
Saturday, June 21 | 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Aurora Town Park | FREE

Discover the living heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples with Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley sharing Indigenous storytelling at 10:30am and 11:30am. Learn about cultural diversity and traditional knowledge.

🎖️ Military Day
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Georgina Military Museum, Keswick | Adults $15, family rates available, VETERANS & ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBERS FREE

Browse war memorabilia displays, restored WW2 trucks and equipment, and experience re-enactments from 1812 to WW2. Grab a bite at the Kinsmen tent while learning about military history.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES & LIBRARY PROGRAMS

🎮 Family Fun Night
Tuesday, June 24 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | East Gwillimbury Public Library - Holland Landing | FREE

Board games, Nintendo Switch, and crafts at the library! Perfect weeknight family activity to beat the summer heat.

🎬 Sunday Movies
Sunday, June 22 | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Stouffville Library | FREE drop-in

Movie: Inside Out (Rated G) in the Children's Program Room B. Perfect family-friendly entertainment for a Sunday afternoon.

🏢 Oak Ridge's Community Centre Open House
Sunday, June 22 | 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Oak Ridge's Community Centre, Richmond Hill | FREE

We're celebrating June as Recreation and Parks month with a FREE Open House! Come with your family, bring a friend to try out sample classes, meet our enthusiastic staff and instructors, and enjoy interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities. Perfect opportunity to explore what the community centre has to offer.

MOM/PARENT MEET-UPS

🚶‍♀️ Stroller Walk - Parenting From Within
Friday, June 20 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Fairy Lake, Newmarket | FREE

Connect with other parents while enjoying a beautiful stroller-friendly walk around Fairy Lake. Sign up to receive details and any changes to the walk schedule.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

🥢 Taste of Asia
Friday-Sunday, June 27-29 | Friday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM/5:00 PM | Kennedy & Steeles, Markham | FREE

Over 150 food vendors and cultural performances! Use GO Transit to Milliken Station as parking is limited. Some vendors may be cash-only.

🍓 Strawberry Festival - Stouffville
Friday-Sunday, June 27-29 | Friday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Memorial Park, Stouffville | FREE

Festival market, live entertainment, food zone, pancake breakfast, Sandy Stronach Red Berry Café, and Picnic in the Park in the heart of Stouffville.

📚 TD Summer Reading Club Launch Party
Friday, June 27 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Richmond Hill Public Library - Central Branch | FREE

Activities, crafts, treats, and more to kick off summer reading! Caregivers asked to stay with children during the event.

🍖 School's Out BBQ
Saturday, June 28 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Crossroads Chiropractic Clinic, Newmarket | FREE

Complimentary BBQ, games, activities, raffles, giveaway prizes, and free posture checks by the clinic.

🎵 Music in the Streets
Saturday, June 28 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Georgina Village Museum, Keswick | FREE

Free public event showcasing live music from local students, instructors and musicians. Enjoy music, kids' entertainment, vendors and food.

🍖 MPP Laura Smith - Canada Day BBQ 2025
Sunday, June 29 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Dufferin Clark Community Centre, Thornhill | FREE

Community BBQ with music, family fun, and delicious kosher food! Registration required. Food and snacks are first come, first serve.

CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS (July 1st): 🇨🇦 King Township, Aurora, Vaughan, Newmarket, Georgina, Richmond Hill, and Markham all hosting FREE Canada Day celebrations with parades, fireworks, food vendors, and family activities!

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