Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: March 21 to March 23
Published March 21, 2025 at 2:02 pm
With sunshine and warmer temperatures finally here, it’s a great weekend to get outside and explore. Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa are brimming with events. From self-guided art walks and a movie premiere to musicals, big band socials and comedy shows, there are plenty of reasons to step out and make the most of the pleasant weather!
Here’s what’s going on from March 21 to March 23:
March 21
Ajax:
Coming Home: The Musical
A powerful production celebrating the legacies of Nina Simone, Josephine Baker, and Jessye Norman through jazz, blues, classical, and opera. Starring Precious Osarenkhoe, KhaRå Martin, and Christina Smith, this show explores their fight against racism and their rise to international acclaim. Suitable for ages 16+ or under 16 with a parent or guardian.
Where: 78 Church St. S. (St. Francis Centre for the Arts)
When:7 p.m. (Doors at 2 p.m.)
Cost: $49.26
Whitby:
Ladies Night at iFLY Whitby
Join iFLY Whitby for a special night featuring stretching activities, five minutes of indoor skydiving flight time, and food and drinks. All participants are welcome.
Where: 75 Consumers Dr. (iFLY Whitby Indoor Skydiving)
When: 9 p.m. (arrival at 8 p.m.)
Cost: $74.99
Oshawa:
Oshawa Mural & Art Walk
Check out “Stop and Smell the Flowers” by @aceovkeyz at 18 Celina Street, part of Oshawa’s downtown mural collection. Take a self-guided art walk using the online map and explore more public art in the area.
Where: 18 Celina St. (Downtown Oshawa)
When: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Texas King with Special Guests
Presented by 94.9 The Rock, MODO-LIVE, and Biltmore Theatre, Texas King takes the stage with special guests.
Where: 39 King St. E. (Biltmore Theatre, Oshawa)
When: 7:30 p.m. (Show at 8:30 p.m.)
Cost: $15
Jeff Leeson – Joke’s On You Comedy Tour
Presented by Barodge Entertainment, nationally touring comedian Jeff Leeson brings his off-the-cuff, improvisational stand-up to Oshawa.
Where: 50 King St. E. (Regent Theatre, Oshawa)
When: 8 p.m.
Cost: $41
NU METAL NIGHT
It is a night dedicated to the raw energy and heavy sound of nu metal. Get ready for a late-night throwback packed with high-intensity vibes and aggressive beats.
Where: 44 Bond St. E.
When: 9 p.m.
Cost: $16.76
March 22
Pickering:
Rang Barse Durham Holi 2025
Celebrate the festival of colours with music, food, dancing, and vibrant energy at Holiday Gardens in Pickering. Enjoy a heated venue, live belly dancer performances, DJ music, free food, and a live cash bar. Organic Holi colours will be available for purchase on-site.
Where: 3315 Balsam Rd. (Holiday Garden)
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified
Ajax:
Afro 101 HIIT
High-intensity interval training meets Afro-dance in this energetic 50-minute workout. Rotate through five dynamic stations with full-body movements inspired by popular Afro styles. All equipment provided.
Where: 513 Westney Rd. S. Unit 1A (CCPAC)
When: 3 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Cost: $20
Marching for Mark
This charity walk honours Mark, a beloved family member lost to suicide in 2022. Participants will walk approximately 40 km from Ajax GO Station to Union Station along the Toronto Waterfront Trail. The event supports Mental Health Research Canada, raising awareness and funds for mental health support.
Where: 100 Westney Rd.S. (Ajax GO Station to Union TTC Station)
When: 7 a.m.
Cost: $30
The Stranger Premiere
Get ready for the ultimate movie night with the premiere of The Stranger, a short film debut by J.R. Fountain. This family-friendly event includes a chance to mingle with the cast and crew, hear insights from the director and win prizes.
Where: 78 Church St. S. (St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts and Culture, Ajax)
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: $15
Whitby:
Ramadan Storytime
Hosted in partnership with Muslim Women of Durham Region, this drop-in program features stories, crafts, henna, and colouring for children and families to learn about Ramadan and Eid—exploring the lunar calendar, the month of fasting and how Eid is celebrated around the world.
Where: 405 Dundas St. W. (Whitby Public Library – Central Library)
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of maple syrup production at Purple Woods Conservation Area with a self-guided tour through the sugarbush. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, games, activities, a modern evaporator demo and pancakes with real maple syrup.
Where: 38 Coates Rd. E. (Purple Woods Conservation Area)
When: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Not specified
Soapstone Carving Workshop with Peter Martin
Hosted by the Whitby Historical Society, this two-part workshop introduces participants to the art of soapstone carving. Choose to sculpt a loon or an Inukshuk. All supplies included.
Where: 900 Brock St. S. (Lynde House Museum, Whitby)
When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $30
Oshawa:
Show and Tell with Christina Leslie: Photo Emulsion Transfers and Gallery Representation
Part creative workshop, part career conversation—this how-to session led by artist Christina Leslie explores photo emulsion transfers and discusses strategies for gallery representation.
Where: 72 Queen St. (Civic Centre)
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
March 23
Pickering:
55+ Big Band Event
Enjoy an afternoon of live music and dancing with entertainment by the George Lake Big Band. This social gathering is designed for adults 55+ and features a lively atmosphere and light refreshments.
Where: 1867 Valley Farm Rd (CHD Recreation Complex Arena)
When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $8.25
Crochet ‘n Reggae
Learn the art of crochet while enjoying authentic Jamaican food and vibing to chill reggae tunes at Beryl’s Pepper Pot in Pickering. The class includes a crochet kit and your choice of one dinner with fruit punch. No experience is necessary; just bring good vibes!
Where: 1101 Kingston Rd Unit 3 (Beryl’s Pepper Pot, Pickering)
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Doors at 3:45 p.m.)
Cost: $49.26
Ajax:
Sundays Are for Makers
Explore creative hands-on activities at the Makerspace, from DIY projects to robotics. March features Robotic Hands challenges—drop in and discover something new.
Where: 95 Magill Dr. (Makerspace McLean Branch)
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Oshawa:
Making a Mini Forest Screening
Making a Mini-Forest explores the global movement of planting dense, native forests in small urban spaces to restore biodiversity and combat climate change. The documentary is based on Hannah Lewis’ book Mini-Forest Revolution and narrated by the author herself.
Where: 50 King St. E. (Regent Theatre, Oshawa)
When: 2 p.m.
Cost: Free for children under 12; ticket required for ages 2+
Tea & Talk: Historic Authors of Oshawa
Join the Oshawa Museum for tea, scones, and a special World Storytelling Day edition of the Tea & Talk series. This session explores the lives and works of historic authors from Oshawa.
Where: 1450 Simcoe St. S. (Oshawa Museum)
When: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person ($5 for members of the Oshawa Historical Society)
Coin-A-Rama
Hosted by the Oshawa & District Coin Club, this one-day show features paper money, coins, tokens, medals, books, supplies, a mini-auction at 2 p.m., and multiple prize draws throughout the day.
Where: 35 Lviv Blvd. (Lviv Ukrainian Pavilion Hall)
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
—Cover photo via oshawaartassociation.com (Photo taken by Mary Cook Photography)