Things To Do in Durham Region and the GTA - Saturday October 3 to Friday October 16, 2026

Fall is officially here, and the next couple of weeks bring plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Durham Region and the GTA.

From fall colours, farm fun and a community tree planting to live music, ghost walks, Halloween lights and an all-night Toronto arts celebration, there’s a little something for just about everyone.

Here are 10 things to do from October Saturday 3 – October Friday 16, 2026.

Lynde Shores Wetland Opening — Whitby

A new way to explore one of Durham Region’s favourite natural areas

Saturday, October 3
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Lynde Shores Conservation Area, 623 Halls Rd. S., Whitby
Free

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and Ducks Unlimited Canada are celebrating the completion of a new wetland restoration project at Lynde Shores Conservation Area.

The morning includes the official opening of a new boardwalk and lookout platform, along with educational exhibits, interactive activities and opportunities to explore the outdoors. It’s designed for all ages and is a great way to spend a fall morning close to home.

GOLDEN: A K-Pop Kids Party — Oshawa

A family-friendly dance party for young K-Pop fans

Saturday, October 3
Doors: 10:30 a.m.
Show: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Biltmore Theatre, 39 King St. E., Oshawa

If you have a young K-Pop fan in the family, this one could be a fun Saturday outing.

GOLDEN is an all-ages dance party featuring remixes inspired by familiar soundtracks, K-Pop songs and pop anthems. Costumes and dancing are encouraged, and children under three are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

Nuit Blanche Toronto — Toronto

An entire night of contemporary art across the city

Saturday, October 3–Sunday, October 4
7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Various locations throughout Toronto
Free

Nuit Blanche celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, transforming Toronto into an all-night contemporary art exhibition.

More than 70 projects from local, national and international artists, institutions and community partners will be featured throughout the city. This year’s theme, Tomorrow’s Memories, looks back at two decades of Nuit Blanche while exploring how memories are created, preserved and reimagined.

It’s one of those Toronto experiences that really is unlike anything else on the fall calendar.

Community Tree Planting at Conlin Meadows Park — Oshawa

Spend a fall afternoon outdoors while helping grow Oshawa’s urban forest

Sunday, October 4
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Conlin Meadows Park, 1091 Ormond Dr., Oshawa
Free — registration required

Here’s an outing that combines fresh air, community involvement and a chance to make a lasting contribution.

Join LEAF for a family-friendly afternoon planting native trees and shrubs at Conlin Meadows Park. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and the event runs rain or shine.

For high school students, participation can also count toward secondary school volunteer-hour requirements.

FALL FUN THROUGHOUT THE TWO WEEKS

Pumpkins, apples, wagon rides, a corn maze and plenty of fall treats

October dates throughout our two-week period
Pick-Your-Own, Orchard & Playland: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Wednesday–Sunday
Pingle’s Farm Market, Hampton

For a classic Durham Region fall outing, Pingle’s Harvest Festival offers plenty to fill a day.

Explore the corn maze, visit the farm animals, take a wagon ride and, depending on crop availability, pick your own seasonal produce. There are also plenty of fall favourites to eat, including apple cider treats, warm doughnuts and other seasonal food.

If you have younger children, there’s even a smaller Mini Maze designed to give them their own version of the experience.

Spooktacular Light Show — Ajax

A Halloween drive-through filled with lights, music and family fun

October 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 16 during this edition
Evening time slots beginning at 7:15 p.m.
462 Kingston Rd. E., Ajax

Halloween fun gets underway early this year with the Spooktacular Light Show in Ajax.

Stay in the comfort of your vehicle for an approximately 30-minute drive-through experience filled with colourful lights, music and Halloween surprises. There’s also a designated trick-or-treat stop where the kids can hop out for a quick photo and some candy.

It could be an easy Halloween outing for families who want something festive without making it too scary.

Explore Durham Region’s Trails

Sometimes the best fall activity doesn’t require a ticket

Any day — weather permitting
Trails throughout Durham Region

Not every fall outing needs to be a scheduled event.

October is a great time to explore some of the trails, conservation areas and natural spaces found throughout Durham Region. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely family walk, a longer hike or simply somewhere to enjoy the changing leaves, there are options across the Region.

Durham Region’s Trails Guide can help you discover somewhere new for your next fall walk.

Kensington Market ‘Taste the World’ Food Tour — Toronto

Explore one of Toronto’s best-known neighbourhoods one bite at a time

Available throughout the fall, except Tuesdays
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Kensington Market, Toronto

Here’s something a little different for a day trip into Toronto.

The Kensington Market ‘Taste the World’ Food Tour takes guests beyond the better-known stops to explore family-run shops, hidden counters and the multicultural foods that have helped make Kensington Market one of Toronto’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.

The guided experience combines tastings with stories about the neighbourhood’s history, people and changing cultural influences. Come hungry because the tastings are designed to add up to lunch.

Pickering Ghost Walk — Pickering

Discover the darker side of Pickering’s past by lantern light

Thursday October 15, 2026
Pickering Museum Village, 2365 Concession Rd. 6, Pickering

With Halloween getting closer, this is an especially fitting time to discover some of Pickering’s spookier stories.

The Pickering Ghost Walk leads visitors through historic Pickering Museum Village by lantern light while sharing stories connected to paranormal investigations and the Village’s past.

Simply Queen Live — Oshawa

Saturday, October 10
8:00 p.m.
Regent Theatre, 50 King St. E., Oshawa

Queen fans can spend part of Thanksgiving weekend revisiting the music of one of rock’s most recognizable bands.

Simply Queen is a live tribute show fronted by Freddie Mercury impersonator Rick Rock, recreating the music and visual energy associated with Queen’s legendary live performances.

Expect an evening built around many of the songs that have kept Queen’s music popular across generations.

MAKE THE MOST OF FALL IN DURHAM REGION & THE GTA

Whether you’re picking pumpkins, walking through the fall colours, enjoying live music, discovering a new food spot or getting an early start on Halloween, there’s plenty happening around Durham Region and the GTA over the next couple of weeks.

As always, event schedules, availability, admission prices and other details can change, so I recommend checking directly with the organizer before heading out.

And if getting out and exploring different communities has you thinking about where you’d like to live next, I’d be happy to help.

THINKING ABOUT MAKING A MOVE?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply wondering what homes are selling for in your neighbourhood, my team and I are here to help.

With more than 35 years of experience helping buyers and sellers throughout Durham Region and the GTA, we can provide the local knowledge and straightforward advice you need to make an informed decision.

Call us at 905-683-7800 and let’s talk about your situation and your plans.

Have a great couple of weeks,

Thanks For Reading Today’s BLOG!

Brian Kondo
Sales Representative / Team Leader
The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team
Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
905-683-7800 office
905-426-7484 direct
brian@briankondo.com
www.BrianKondo.com
www.BrianKondoTeam.com


If you or anyone you know is considering making a move in the next little while, give me a call or pass on my number ... 905-683-7800 (Office) or 905-426-7484 (Direct).

If you would like to see any of my previous blog posts, please click here!