Things to do this weekend in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa: March 28 to March 30

If reality’s feeling a little dull this weekend, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa offer a welcome escape. From mind-bending magic and soulful concerts to captivating plays and vibrant cultural celebrations, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and have some fun!

Here’s what’s going on from March 28 to March 30:

March 28

Pickering: 

Champions of Magic

Experience jaw-dropping illusions, mind-bending mentalism, and spectacular stage magic with the internationally acclaimed Champions of Magic.

Where: 888 Durham Live Ave. (The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort)
When: 8 p.m.
Cost: $39.50 to $79.50

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

Tallawah Youth Conference

This full-day youth empowerment event invites participants aged 12 to 29 to explore identity, leadership, mental health, and cultural pride. Featuring breakout sessions, performances, workshops and a youth vendor market, the conference is organized by Ifarada: Center for Excellence and Kujipenda Cultural Centre. Meals are catered and attendees receive a $20 voucher for the market. Volunteer hours and certificates provided.

Where: 1955 Audley Rd. N. (Audley Recreation Centre)
When: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free 

Oshawa:

2025 CFC Marriage Retreat

Reignite connection and deepen your bond at the Canadian Family of Churches’ Marriage Retreat. This weekend retreat offers couples an opportunity to grow together through guided workshops, heartfelt discussions and meaningful moments.

Where: 1011 Bloor St. E. (Harmony Event Centre)
When: March 28 at 7:30 p.m. – March 30 at 1 p.m.
Cost: $150 per couple

Sam Hyde and Million Dollar Extreme comedy show

Join Sam Hyde, Nick Rochefort, and Charls Carroll of Million Dollar Extreme for a night of edgy, boundary-pushing comedy.

Where: 504 Simcoe St. S. (504 bar)
When: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: From $70.56

Oshawa Little Theatre presents “Guys and Dolls”

Enjoy this timeless tale filled with unforgettable characters, show-stopping numbers, and a whole lot of charm.

Where: 62 Russett Dr. (Oshawa Little Theatre)
When: 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Cost: $30–$40

March 29

Pickering: 

Chand Raat Bazaar in Pickering

Celebrate the spirit of Ramadan at this all-day indoor market filled with shopping, food, and fun. Explore traditional and modern items, enjoy delicious treats and check out family-friendly activities —all while supporting local and women-led businesses.

Where: 1867 Valley Farm Rd. (Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex)
When: 11:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Spring Sports Users Open House

Explore a wide range of local sports leagues and programs at this community open house, featuring groups like the Glendale Tennis Club, Pickering Dragon Boat Club, Ajax-Pickering Ringette Association and more.

Where: 1867 Valley Farm Rd. (Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex)
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Free

Ajax: 

Feed The People: Fundraising Gala Dinner

Support the cause of homelessness awareness at the first annual fundraising gala dinner hosted by Feed the People. The evening includes dinner, community connection and charitable giving to help those in need.

Where: 75 Centennial Rd. (Ajax Community Centre)
When: 6 p.m.
Cost: $54.58

DCCC Seniors and Durham Happy Seniors Alliance

Enjoy an engaging afternoon of Chinese-style games, dance, Tai Chi and more. This program is presented in partnership with the Durham Chinese Canadian Culture Centre and is offered in Cantonese and Mandarin.

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

Spring Indoor Planter

Add a pop of spring colour to your home with a custom 12″ planter featuring pansies, spring bulbs, tropical foliage and more. Choose your own plant and container colour combinations and take home a vibrant creation to enjoy through the season.

Where: 588 Lake Ridge Rd. S. (Vandermeer Nursery & Garden Centre)
When: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $61.68

Whitby: 

Farm Boy Sugar Shack

Celebrate maple season at Farm Boy’s Sugar Shack event in Whitby. Enjoy free samples of maple-themed products, including freshly poured maple taffy.

Where: 360 Taunton Rd. E. (Farm Boy Whitby)
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free

The Rockin Krolik: Live at Banter and Co.

Catch The Rockin Krolik live at Banter & Co. Brewing for a night of music, brews and good vibes.

Where: 66 Baldwin St., Suite 100
When: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cost: Unspecified

Charm Bar Drop-In for Kids

Create your own custom charm bracelet in this drop-in workshop led by Jessica from Jaydee Handcrafted. Choose from a stainless steel chain and a variety of fun charms. No experience required. Suitable for ages 8+ (a parent or guardian must accompany children under 12).

Where: 1380 Hopkins St. Unit #5 (The Maker’s Hub)
When: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $28.25

Soapstone Carving Workshop

Learn the basics of soapstone carving in this two-part workshop with carver Peter Martin. Choose to carve a Loon or an Inukshuk—two iconic Canadian symbols. All supplies included. Pre-registration is required.

Where: 900 Brock St. S. (Lynde House Museum)
When: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $30

Oshawa:

Resound Choir presents: In Queer Company

Celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ composers in this uplifting performance by Resound Choir. The concert highlights music by both historical and contemporary queer composers, including Phinot, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, Stuart Beatch, Jennifer Higdon and Sydney Guillaume.

Where: 44 Bond St. E. (Bond|st Event Centre)
When: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Adult $35, Post-secondary $15, Youth (under 18) $5

Songs of Soul – The Music of Marvin Gaye, Etta James & Otis Redding

Presented by Qster Productions in association with Songs of Soul, this captivating concert breathes new life into timeless soul classics while sharing the history and stories behind the music.

Where: 50 King St. E., Oshawa
When: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $46

Words that Dance: A Celebration of Indigenous Languages

Celebrate National Indigenous Languages Day with stories, songs, and hands-on activities that highlight Indigenous languages and culture.

Where: 250 Beatrice St. E. (Oshawa Public Libraries, John Aker Northview Branch)
When: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free

Excuses Excuses

Biltmore Theatre presents Excuses Excuses live with special guests The Crease Rule, Nitetime Drive and Plz Respond.

Where: 39 King St. E. (The Biltmore Theatre)
When: Doors open at 7 p.m. Show begins at 8 p.m.
Cost: $19.95

March 30

Ajax: 

Sound Bath Meditation

Relax and rejuvenate during this Reiki-imbued sound bath meditation led by Camille of Cenèji. Enjoy the calming tones of crystal bowls and chimes in a welcoming space designed for inner peace and balance. No experience is needed.

Where: 190 Station St.(Oxygen Yoga & Fitness)
When: 3 p.m.
Cost: $49.26

Monthly Shiai

This under-16 judo competition is open to all judoka. Weigh-in and registration begin at 9 a.m., with matches starting at 10 a.m. End time is approximate, based on the number of participants.

Where: 49 Centennial Rd. (Ajax Budokan Judo Club)
When: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $25

Whitby: 

Zumba Class at the Avalon Lounge

Zumba lakeside with a 270-degree view of the water from the Avalon Lounge. Dance to merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaetón, pop, retro and hip hop in this lively session. Participants must complete a waiver prior to class. An adult must accompany kids under 18.

Where: 301 Watson St. W. (Port Whitby Marina – Avalon Lounge)
When: 11:10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $10

Oshawa:

Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival

Celebrate 50 years of maple syrup making at Purple Woods Conservation Area. Explore the sugarbush on a self-guided tour, visit the evaporator, and enjoy wagon rides, games and activities. Guests will also get to dig into pancakes topped with real maple syrup.

Where: 38 Coates Rd. E. (Purple Woods Conservation Area)
When: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Not specified

—Cover photo via ticketmaster.ca