What's On This Weekend: Holiday Markets, Diwali and Remembrance Across South & Central Ontario (Nov 6–8)

Nadia and Rafael moved into their first home in Keswick this summer, just a few weeks before their son Leo was born. Last week Nadia sent me a message: "Jenn, my sister is coming up from Mississauga with her two kids this weekend, Leo is four months old, and Biscuit the beagle needs a long walk. What's on?"

That's a lot of people to plan for: a baby, an eight-year-old, a ten-year-old, a visiting aunt and an energetic dog. So I made Nadia a list, and it turned into a good snapshot of what's happening across South and Central Ontario this weekend, Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, 2026. It's the first big weekend of holiday markets, Diwali celebrations are happening across York Region, and many communities are holding Remembrance services ahead of November 11.

Friday night: lights, fairs and festivals

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto. The Royal opens Friday, November 6, and runs until November 15 at Exhibition Place. Weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Kids can visit the petting farm and the Farm and Play Zone, and watch the SuperDogs and border collies herding sheep in the Animal Theatre. There's also a new Holiday Market. Rodeo shows need a separate ticket. Event details

Diwali at Aurora Town Square, Aurora. Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. at 50 Victoria Street. This free family celebration starts with a Bollywood dance workshop and diya lighting in Brevik Hall. From 6 p.m. there are crafts, a henna artist, a photo spot and samosas (while they last). Event details

ARTISANity Show and Sale, Peterborough. Friday, noon to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the lower level of Peterborough Square (360 George Street North). It features handmade work by artisans from Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Admission is free. Event details

Saturday morning: a run with the dog and the first holiday markets

Holiday Hustle Fun Run, Horseshoe Valley. Saturday at 10 a.m. at Horseshoe Valley Resort (1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, just north of Barrie). It's a relaxed, untimed run or walk of about 3 km, mostly flat and paved. Kids, strollers and leashed dogs are all welcome, and festive sweaters are encouraged. You register ahead with a $25 donation to Gift-a-Family, which helps local families at Christmas. The resort's Holiday Market is open afterward. Event details

Club 55 Keswick Marketplace, Georgina. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 130 Gwendolyn Boulevard, Keswick. Browse local vendors with free admission, and buy light refreshments on site. Event details

ODAS Park Holiday Market, Orillia area. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ODAS Park (4500 Fairgrounds Road, Severn), just outside Orillia. The fairgrounds ask visitors to leave pets at home. Event details

Festival of Trees and Holiday Market, Whitby. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Abilities Centre (1 Jim Flaherty Street). This fully accessible indoor event has more than 90 artisan vendors, decorated trees, family activities and visits with Santa. Buy tickets in advance. Event details

Innisfil Autumn Art Show and Sale, Innisfil. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library (967 Innisfil Beach Road). Meet local and regional artists and find one-of-a-kind gifts. Admission and parking are free. Event details

For the kids: crafts and stories

Diwali Storytime and Craft, Stouffville. Saturday, 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. in the children's area of the Stouffville Library (2 Park Drive). It's free, drop-in and open to all ages, with stories, music and activities celebrating the Festival of Lights. Event details

Making History: Poppies, Newmarket. Saturday, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South). Kids aged 6 to 12 learn some history and make a poppy craft to take home. It's $6.69 per child, and you need to register ahead. Event details

Remembering together

Remembrance Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, and several communities are holding services this weekend. These are a gentle, meaningful way to introduce kids to why we wear a poppy.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 547 Remembrance Day Service, Innisfil. Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Innisfil Legion Hall (1017 Robinson Street). Event details

Markham District Veterans Association Remembrance Day Service and Parade, Markham. Saturday. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. at 7 Washington Street, the parade to Veterans Square (6031 Highway 7) starts at about 10:30 a.m., and the ceremony and wreath-laying is at 11 a.m. Event details

Sutton Remembrance Day Service, Georgina. Sunday, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. at the Sutton Cenotaph (36 High Street). Expect a moment of silence, wreath laying and remarks from local dignitaries. Event details

Sunday: one more market

Annual Holiday Marketplace, Aurora Seniors Centre. Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 90 John West Way. More than 40 local vendors and artisans, a silent auction and a cozy tea room. Event details

What Nadia's family picked

In the end, Rafael is taking Biscuit and the older cousins to the Holiday Hustle on Saturday morning, ugly sweaters and all. Nadia, her sister and baby Leo will meet them for lunch, then stop by the Club 55 Marketplace on the way home. On Sunday afternoon, the whole family is heading up the road to the Sutton Remembrance service, then grabbing hot chocolate by the lake.

Nadia told me what surprised her most was how much there is to do within half an hour of her new front door. I hear that a lot. When families ask me where they should live, I often ask, "Where do you want to spend your weekends?" From Keswick and Newmarket to Innisfil, Orillia, Whitby and the Kawarthas, there's a great answer almost everywhere in South and Central Ontario.

Thinking about a move?

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Event details were checked on each organizer's official page and can change, so please confirm times, tickets and weather before you head out.

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