Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: Jan. 31 to Feb. 2

Winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation. Take in a theatrical performance that transports you to another world, lace up your skates for a free public skating session, or get creative with a hands-on art class.

Here’s what’s happening in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2:

January 31

Pickering: 

PA Days at Earthbound Kids

Earthbound Kids offers PA Day and School Break Camp programs for kids aged 4-12, featuring horseback riding, sports, BMX biking, arts & crafts, and winter activities like snowshoeing. The Saddle Club program provides riding lessons for ages 6-12, while the Treetop PA Day Camp offers a well-rounded outdoor experience. Before and after care available.

Where: 155 Uxbridge Pickering Townline (Earthbound Kids)
When: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Tamil Heritage Month Celebration

Celebrate Tamil Heritage Month and Thai Pongal with a showcase of Tamil arts, culture and traditions. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or cash donations for St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Community Food Bank.

Where: 1867 Valley Farm Rd. (Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Centre, West Salon)
When: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Whitby:

Dining For Dementia: January 2025

Participate in a month-long campaign supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias by dining at participating restaurants in Durham Region.
freestar

Where: Participating restaurants across Durham Region
When: 12 a.m. to 11:55 p.m. throughout January
Cost: Varies by restaurant

Oshawa:

The Neighbours Art Hive (Jan. 10 – Feb. 14)

Join the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the LivingRoom Community Art Studio for The Neighbours Art Hive, a welcoming drop-in art space where creativity and community come together. No experience is needed, and all are encouraged to participate, explore, and connect in this temporary studio space. Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided.

Where: 72 Queen St. (The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa)
When: 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

The Linda Ronstadt Show – Her Songs, Her Story

Presented by Blackrose Entertainment in association with CKDO 107.7 FM 1580 AM, this tribute show celebrates the legendary music and career of the “Queen of Rock,” Linda Ronstadt. Enjoy an evening filled with her iconic songs and the stories behind them.

Where: 50 King St. E.
When: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $51

The Moors by Jen Silverman

Durham Shoestring Performers presents The Moors, a saucy yet serious comedy about 1840(ish) women navigating life on the wild, isolated English (maybe) moors, strategizing to achieve the lives they are not supposed to have.

Where: 68 Centre St. S.
When: 2 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $20

February 1

Pickering: 

Mike Birbiglia: Please Stop the Ride

Comedian, storyteller, and filmmaker Mike Birbiglia brings his latest tour, Please Stop the Ride, to Pickering. Known for his sharp wit, Birbiglia delivers an unforgettable evening of comedy.

Where: 888 Durham Live Ave. (The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort)
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: Tickets from $66.25

Fulla Laughs Comedy Showcase

Enjoy a night of non-stop laughter with comedians Jay Martin, Crystal Ferrier and Cedric Newman as they bring their best jokes to the stage.

Where: 1211 Kingston Rd. (District Lounge)
When: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $22.63

Ajax: 

Faez Volleyball Winter 2025 Award Ceremony

Celebrate the top players and teams of the Faez Volleyball Winter 2025 season with an evening of awards, games, speeches, and family fun. Dinner will be provided for all guests, and all members and drop-ins are eligible for recognition.

Where: 400 Monarch Ave. #14
When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $27.96

February Kids Drawing/Drama (Feb. 1 to Feb. 15)

A fun-filled hour where kids split their time between collaborative drama games and guided sketching lessons.

Where: 250 Bayly St. W. Unit 7 (Arts on Fire)
When: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $70

Stay Connected (Feb. 1 to March 8)

Learn how to stay in touch with family and friends, explore great movies and books, and navigate technology with these 60-minute training sessions. Topics include using smart devices, Facebook, FaceTime, social media, and safe Zoom practices.

Where: 1955 Audley Rd. (Audley Branch)
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (appointments available at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 noon)
Cost: Free (registration required, max two sessions per month)

DCCC Seniors and Durham Happy Seniors Alliance (Feb. 1 to March 29)

Enjoy Chinese-style games, dance, Tai Chi, and more at this engaging program. Languages spoken: Cantonese and Mandarin. Presented in partnership with the Durham Chinese Canadian Culture Centre.

Where: 55 Harwood Ave. S. (Main Branch)
When: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

The Next Ten: 18th Annual Black History Month Celebration

Cultural Expressions for CHANGE presents The Next Ten: Preparing the Next Generation, an event dedicated to activating a new decade of change and recognition of the Black experience. The celebration begins with community networking at 4 p.m. and a formal program at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

Where: 1355 Harwood Ave. N. (J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate)
When: 4 p.m.
Cost: Free (Registration Required)

Whitby:

Learn to Crochet Beginners Workshop

Join a 90-minute crochet workshop for beginners and learn the basics, including handling the hook, making a foundation chain, and crocheting rows. All materials are provided and the session is open to anyone 10 years and up.

Where: 1380 Hopkins St. Unit 5 (The Maker’s Hub, Whitby)
When: 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Cost: $50 + HST

Spirit and Hearts 2025

The 3rd Annual Heart & Stroke Fundraiser features an open floor reading by Psychic Medium Cathy Chafe, followed by an evening of dancing with a DJ, karaoke and a finger food buffet. A cash bar is available, and over $2,000 in door prizes will be given away.

Where: 117 Byron St. S. (Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112, Whitby)
When: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Oshawa:

 Malanka 2025

Celebrate the new year Ukrainian-style with the Lviv Dance Ensemble at Malanka 2025, featuring live music from Zirka. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, entertainment, zabava, a late-night buffet, a champagne toast and a cash bar.

Where: 38 Lviv Blvd.
When: 6 p.m.
Cost: $130 per person

Paint Nite: Kiss From A Rose

Join artist Liesl for a fun-filled paint-along event at Gomoku Restaurant and Bar in Oshawa. This step-by-step session includes all the materials needed to create your own masterpiece in a relaxed setting. A full food and drink menu is available at an additional cost.

Where: 1812 Simcoe St. N. Unit 3 (Gomoku Restaurant and Bar, Oshawa)
When: 6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person

Free Skate Sessions sponsored by Midway Nissan

Enjoy free public skating sessions at the Donevan Recreation Complex Arena on the first Saturday of each month, running until March 2025.

Where: 171 Harmony Rd. S.
When: 1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
Cost: Free

February 2

Ajax: 

Sundays Are for Makers

Explore fun projects in the Makerspace, tackle challenges, or DIY something new. February sessions include Valentine’s Day Coding, Robotic Arms and more.

Where: 95 Magill Dr. (Makerspace @ McLean Branch)
When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free

Oshawa:

Harlem Globetrotters

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters bring their world-famous basketball show to Oshawa. Expect mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling, slam dunks taken to new heights, and plenty of laughs in this unforgettable fan experience.

Where: 99 Athol St. E. (Tribute Communities Centre)
When: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: $22.60 (Special pricing: $20 for Durham College students, $25 for student guests)

Improv under Hypnosis

This comedy show stars Whose Line Is It Anyway? legend Colin Mochrie and world-renowned hypnotist Asad Mecci, blends hypnosis and improv for an unforgettable night of laughter.

Where: 50 King St. E.
When: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $85