Petapolooza is an annual event that brings together pet owners and enthusiasts within our community. It gives our community the opportunity to meet industry professionals, rescue groups, and others in the pet industry.

Last years  Petapolooza Pet Festival saw a record breaking attendance of over 4,500 people and brought in $36,000 ($11,729.45 in donations from the day of).

Petapolooza is Animal Services largest fundraiser with all proceeds going towards building Pickering a permanent animal shelter and/or for the day to day care of animals housed at the shelter, including unforeseen medical costs.

Sunday Afternoon Blues Series presents Jack de Keyzer 2X JUNO Award Winner 7X Maple Blues Awards Winner

Come celebrate the beginning of National Indigenous History Month in Canada with a variety of energetic performances, storytelling, spoken word artists, traditional dancing, hand drumming, and interactive workshops led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis presenters and storytellers.

The Indigenous Cultural Celebration in Oshawa is a powerful event that honours and celebrates the rich heritage of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Held in June to kick off Indigenous History Month, the event features traditional teachings, presentations, and interactive activities, including water and strawberry teachings by Elders and drumming sessions. Visitors will enjoy Indigenous food and vendors while learning from local Indigenous leaders and presenters. Held at the culturally significant Ed Broadbent Park, this event fosters education, cultural awareness, and community connection, offering a meaningful opportunity for reconciliation and celebration of Indigenous traditions.

The Festival Duo with violinist Sadie Fields and pianist Ken Gee return to Grace United Church for their annual spring concert in Thornbury. Beethoven “Spring” Sonata for piano & violin No. 5 in F major, Op. 24; Lili Boulanger Two Pieces for violin & piano (Nocturne, Cortège); Mozart Sonata for piano & violin No. 21 in E minor, K. 304; Tchaikovsky Souvenir d’un lieu cher (Méditation, Scherzo, Mélodie). Saturday May 30 at 3:30 pm at Grace United Church, 140 Bruce St S, Thornbury

We look forward to welcoming competitive and recreational runners and walkers alike for our 4th annual Stouffville Main Street 5K and Kids 1K Dash benefitting the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.

Celebrate Canada Day 2026 in Pickering!

Join us for a full day of celebration featuring live entertainment, a variety of food vendors, and family-friendly activities as we come together to honour Canada’s birthday. Daytime and evening programming will offer something for everyone, from lively performances to festive community experiences.

Two venues:

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Esplanade Park

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Kinsmen Park

Join us for free family-friendly concerts all summer at Midland's Little Lake Park!

Santa Claus is coming to Pickering! With extravagant floats from Pickering businesses and community groups, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself, the Santa Claus Parade is the spectacle to kick off everyone’s holiday season. The parade will begin at Dixie and Glenanna and end in Pickering’s City Centre.

Join us for a delightful holiday experience at the Annual Santa's Village & Market, a family-friendly event open to all ages. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Christmas in the beautiful downtown of Essex Centre, in the middle of Essex County. Join us for a delightful holiday experience at the Annual Santa's Village & Market, a family-friendly event open to all ages. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Christmas in the beautiful downtown of Essex Centre, in the middle of Essex County. This enchanting one-day event brings Christmas magic alive for everyone! Come and join in the festivities as you decorate scrumptious cookies and create magical reindeer food. Delight in the melodious tunes of live music while exploring a variety of food vendors offering freshly made donuts, cotton candy, and more. Discover a wide array of crafts and merchandise vendors, offering unique treasures for all. Don't forget to pay a visit to Santa's Workshop for a cherished photo opportunity and a special gift. And as the day unfolds, prepare to be amazed by our spectacular Santa Claus Parade, commencing at 6:30 PM! After the parade, come back into the village as the fun continues providing joy for all including grabbing that special Christmas gift before you head home! This is an event you wouldn't want to miss, a must-visit for families to kick off the Christmas holiday season with joy and wonder. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the event date. Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of December each year in the picturesque downtown of Essex. You can find us conveniently located at the corner of Talbot and Victoria in the Heritage Gardens area, next to the Essex Historic Train Station!