Recent Updates

Winter Wonders Royal Botanical Gardens

Date: December 15, 2024 - January 7, 2025 (Open Thursday to Sunday)

Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Event Description:

Experience the magic of the season at the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders! Hendrie Park transforms into a captivating winter wonderland, where dazzling lights, festive installations, and enchanting displays create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. Stroll along scenic pathways adorned with millions of twinkling lights, while the sounds of festive music fill the air. Enjoy the warmth of holiday treats as you wander through the illuminated gardens, guided by the glow of stars and twinkling lights.
Indoors, the magic continues as the Mediterranean Garden and Breezeway come alive with seasonal décor and vibrant plant displays that offer a burst of colour and warmth against the winter chill. The highlight of the event is the whimsical Botanical Train Display, where model trains wind their way through beautifully crafted scenes of iconic Canadian landmarks, from coast to coast.
Be sure to stop by the RBG Gift Shop, where you’ll find unique seasonal treasures, perfect for gifts or personal keepsakes. Whether you're enjoying holiday treats, exploring festive displays, or finding the perfect gift, Winter Wonders offers something for everyone in a truly enchanting setting.

Ticket Information:

Adult $20 (+HST & $1 Service Fee)
Child (age 3 to 12) $16 (+HST & $1 Service Fee)
Infant / Toddler (age 0-2) FREE

Timed-tickets required. This is a time-ticketed experience. Upon registration you will be required to select an entry time.

Join us for an evening of seasonal cheer and festive magic at Winter Wonders – an experience you won’t want to miss!

The CPKC Holiday Train 2024 is on the move!

The CPKC Holiday Train will be making a stop at the train tracks near the intersection of Richmond Street & Piccadily Street in London, Ontario, on November 24th, from 8:30 PM - 9 PM! Join in the festivities, bring a food donation, and help support a worthwhile cause!

The 2024 CPKC Holiday Train will tour Canada and the US from Nov 21, 2024 to Dec 20, 2024, raising money, food, and awareness to support food banks across the continent. Professional musicians, including American Authors, Alana Springsteen, Tyler Shaw and more are playing free concerts from the train in this year, adding to the festivities at each stop.

CPKC donates to the local food bank at each stop and encourages all attendees to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation. This is the 26th anniversary of the festive Holiday Train spreading holiday cheer and making a difference to a worthwhile cause. Be a part of this important holiday tradition!

To learn when this special holiday train might be visiting a community near you, please check out the CPKC Holiday Train website.

Looking for some family-friendly fun this holiday season? Christmas at the Village is a great way to kick off the holiday season with some family-friendly fun at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Explore the decorated heritage village, participate in outdoor winter games, try your hand at festive holiday crafts, and learn about the cherished traditions of the past. Who knows? You may even bump into jolly old St. Nick!

Admission: Adults: $12
Seniors/students: $10
Children: $7 (ages 4-16)
No pre-registration

This is an outdoor event, so please dress warmly!

Free One-Day Provincial Park Access is on Friday, July 19th at 75 Parks in Ontario Canada.

The Ontario government is offering free day-use access on Friday, July 19, to mark Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote the incredible health benefits of getting outside in nature.
As the largest provider of outdoor recreational opportunities in the province, Ontario Parks offers programs and facilities to enjoy
nature year-round – in most parks, you can go hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming and more.
The Ontario government is enhancing those recreational opportunities by building 300 new campsites and bringing electrical services to
800 existing campsites at several parks throughout the province, the largest addition of new and electrified campsites in Ontario Parks’ history. Since 2018, the province has invested $55.4 million to help maintain and build more facilities including roofed accommodations in provincial parks to help meet the demand of the province’s growing population, while ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Throughout the summer, Ontario Parks offers numerous ways to engage with nature including:
In-park Discovery Programs allow kids and adults to gain confidence in nature and wildlife through guided
hikes to explore a new trail and other educational programs.
The 30x30 Nature Challenge encourages people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during August.
Take a Hike Day on August 10, providing guided hikes at provincial parks around the province. Visitors can join in on one of the many
events happening across the province.
To guarantee access to Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days
before the celebration, at no charge, for the 75 parks that offer this service.

Take part in a special one-day celebration, Healthy Parks Healthy People, on July 19th, when Ontario Parks will welcome visitors with free entry. Enjoy a complimentary day pass to explore your local Ontario Provincial Park, use the facilities, and participate in fun events until 10 pm.

Please note that while general park access is free, fees for camping, equipment rentals, and swimming pool use at Bronte Creek and Earl Rowe provincial parks will still apply.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Ontario's parks!

There's a new film festival on the Edmonton scene this year. YIKES! Film Festival is two days of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, and mystery short and feature films. The vibe is less of the stuffy red-carpet type and more of a casual night hanging out with friends. In fact, YIKES! promises to be a terrifying fun time and a hit on the Alberta horror, sci-fi, thriller and mystery movie scene.

In addition to the carefully curated film schedule that focuses on creating the ultimate moviegoer experience, YIKES! has exclusive spooky vendors, merchandise, and giveaways. There are opportunities built into the schedule to grab something to eat and a drink. Each evening caps off with live music preformed by a local band.

Independent Filmmakers from Canada and abroad submitted their works for consideration by the festival. Their hope, to win their category grand prize of $100.00 CAD and to take home the coveted Hands of Horror trophy!

Tickets are $12 a day and include:
- Access to the Festival
- Film Screenings
- Live Music
- Exclusive Event Vendors
- Exclusive Event Merchandise

Thursday Nov 16 6pm - 10:30pm with music by the comedy band, Success 5000
Friday Nov 17 6pm - 10:30pm followed by live music the Spanish Flies

The detailed film schedule is broken into two blocks each about 2 hours long. The blocks are made up of films that very from as shorts as just under a minute to almost 2-hours. The length and genre of each show is listed so festival goers can choose which films they want to see.

Celebrate Christmas & Filipino culture at the 2023 Simbang Gabi Night Market in Toronto, Ontario. Support small businesses & enjoy festive fun!

We are delighted to invite you to the 2023 Simbang Gabi, Filipino Christmas Night Market hosted by Pinay Tayo. As a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Filipino women small business entrepreneurs, we are thrilled to bring this cherished Filipino Christmas tradition to the historic Artscape Wychwood Barns in Toronto, Canada.

Artscape Wychwood Barns, with its rich history and cultural significance, is the perfect venue for the 2023 Simbang Gabi, Filipino Christmas Night Market. The barns have been transformed into a vibrant community cultural hub, preserving the architectural integrity of the original buildings while incorporating sustainable design features.

During the event, you can expect live music, cultural performances, traditional Simbang Gabi Filipino food, local artisans, activities for all ages, and a meet and greet with Santa. It will be a celebration of Christmas and an opportunity to support Filipino small business entrepreneurs and showcase their talents and products.

Banksyland is an immersive experience that celebrates the world's most elusive artist, Banksy. This 22-city international touring exhibit includes salvaged street works, original and studio works as well as never-before-seen immersive installations. Banksyland is produced by Lumino Studio and One Thousand Ways that aims to inspire social change by bringing Banksy's art to the people that it is intended to reach.

Who is Banksy? Well, no one really knows for sure. Banksy’s identity is a mystery. However, Banksy is one of the most sought-after artists of our time.

What we do know - Banksy is a street artist, a political activist, and a film director. Banksy's works inspire social change by addressing war, violence, and oppression.

Accessible and Inclusive - Banksyland is ADA compliant. Audio guides are available for those with visual impairments and text-based guides are available for those with hearing impairments. This experience is open even to those who cannot afford to pay the price of admission. Banksyland has a 'means based ticket' that is available at low or no cost.

There is a high sell out risk for this event so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. There are a limited number of tickets available for each time slot ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

Ticket Prices
General Admission - $36
VIP Experience - $69
Student (With valid ID) - $26

Guests are invited to stay as long as they like during operational hours.
Photography is encouraged throughout the exhibit so long as no flashes are used. When sharing photos online please use #banksyland
Yes, there is a gift shop too!

The Abandoned Village 2023, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, London Ontario Canada

Are you willing to brave the ghosts and ghouls by entering a haunted house this Halloween? How about visiting five haunted houses in a single night?

Fanshawe Pioneer Village and ByronScaryHouse are hosting another performance of The Abandoned Village in 2023. Between October 13 and October 31, 2023 Fanshawe Pioneer Village will be transformed into a haunted attraction that features five spine-chilling haunted houses. Legend has it that when the abandoned village was first discovered back in 1899 a diary was found among the ruins ... do you dare to read it? Will your Halloween nightmares come alive as you walk among the Heritage Village buildings after dark?

Dates and Times for Entry into the Village:
Thursdays: 7-10pm
Fridays -Sundays and Halloween Night: 7 - 11 pm

Cost: $30 including tax.
Purchase your tickets in advance to make sure you don't miss out, or check the website daily to see if any walk-up spots are still available. Advance ticket sales end at 5:30 pm each night.

Age Guidelines:
Event is suitable for youth 14 years of age and older. Historical re-enactments contain scenes of gore, violence, and graphic content. Youth under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.

Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival Newfoundland Canada 2023 is an event that really excites me and is hosted at The Anchor Inn Hotel and Suites Twillingate. My love of film and digital arts runs deep and this festival features talented artists from NL in a place where we can create, share, celebrate and learn. Featured workshops at the digital arts festival include presenters including local television producer and director Dan Warren, Digital Creator James March, Musician/Photographer/Graphic Designer Richie Perez and world-renowned outdoor adventurer Dr. TA Loeffler.

Dan Warren will be offering a 3 part workshop where you’ll learn the art of unscripted storytelling using elements of both digital arts and TV production. Part 1 serves as an introduction to the topic while Part 2 is all about having fun and capturing content which takes place during “Treat on the Trail”. Part 3 concludes with editing and final production. “Treat on the Trail” transforms the workshop into a delicious culinary experience and features local Top Chefs including Roary McPherson, Shaun Hussey, Michelle Leblanc, Christopher Mercer, Stephen Quinton and Baker/Cake artist Catherine Sansome.

Furthermore, Content Creator James March talks about the latest developments in AI and explores new creative possibilities. Well known Photographer Richie Perez features a session on improving photography skills as either a beginner or expert. The workshop focuses particularly on the skillful art of slow-exposure flash photography. When the work is done relax, have some fun and enjoy a traditional Newfoundland kitchen party featuring island bands “The Split Peas” and headliners “Those Beautiful Ugly Sticks”. Additionally, don’t miss out by performances by musicians Adam Baxter, Jared Waterman and Shelby Maye.

On Saturday night don’t miss the soirée at Captains Pub in Twillingate where you can be guaranteed a good evening with a performance by talented NL artist Sherman Downey. And finally, don’t miss the opening night reception at St. Peter’s Church were festival goers can snack on finger foods, mingle and enjoy the beautiful music and fiddle playing of ECMA nominated artist Rosemary Lawton. On Sunday up tie up your hiking boots and finish off the arts festival with a guided hike on the coastal RockCut Twillingate Trail. Don’t forget to spend some time appreciating the work of local Newfoundland and Labrador artists at the Digital Art Exhibit showcasing artists Anne Troake, Bruce Pashak, Joseph Kisusi and Rhonda Pelley. On Sunday up tie up your hiking boots and finish off the arts festival with a guided hike on the coastal RockCut Twillingate Trail.

Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival 2023 - check out the website for more information and ticket purchase information and accommodations.

The United Way's 'ClimbUp for Community' at Toronto's CN Tower is back in 2023!

2 DAYS | 1,776 STEPS | 1 GOAL
Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd, 2023

The United Way's 'ClimbUp for Community' at Toronto's CN Tower is back in 2023! During this event participants climb 1,776 steps to the top of Toronto's CN Tower - the tallest free-standing building in the Western Hemisphere. Not only that, they step up to raise money for people in communities throughout Peel, Toronto, and York Region who are struggling to meet basic needs like food, affordable housing, and support for mental health challenges.

Do you have what it takes to step up for your community? If you are over 13 years of age, register today to find out! You can climb individually, or team up with friends, family, or colleagues. There is a registration fee of $25 for adults and $10 for youth (13-17 years old) and a minimum fundraising amount of $100 for adults and $60 for youth to participate.

Show your support by stepping #UP4Community!

Come on out to Harvest Lights at the Calgary Farmyard!

Open Fridays and Saturdays 5:00PM - 9:30PM Sept 15-Oct. 30


Enjoy ALL of the fun of the Farmyard! The whole farm remains open while being lit with thousands of colourful lights under the prairie evening sky.

Find your way around the huge CornMaze- featuring 2 phases. It is kept dark for extra excitement!

Find the animals under the harvest lights- including goats, cows, llamas, pigs and more! Enjoy the huge playground and rope area, the massive inflatable jumping bubbles, barn basketball, gem mining, zip-lining, mini-putt and so much more!

Come hungry! With delicious menu items you'll be sure to find something for everyone. Including mini donuts.

Pumpkins are available too of course!

A great way to enjoy the fun of the Farmyard in a casual setting with lights and colours you only see this time of year.

The whole farm is lit up in an amazing display - except the corn maze of course! That remains dark to give the added challenge to find your way through with your flashlights. *Don't forget your flashlights! *

Pumpkin and fall displays are scattered throughout the farm for your perfect fall photoshoot!

Ages 2 and under FREE, ages 3 and up require admission.

Lots of parking available at the farm.

Located just outside of Calgary at 284022 Township Rd 224, Alberta T1X 0J6

Purchase tickets online or at the farm. Cash debit and credit are all accepted.

Welcome To Pumpkins After Dark in Calgary Alberta

Starting September 22 at 7:45pm and running every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus Halloween Monday until October 31, 2023


GET READY!
Tickets on Sale Now! New for 2023, the flexpass!

Pumpkins After Dark is Canada’s award-winning outdoor Halloween event. Featuring over 6,000+ hand-carved pumpkins, this one-of-a-kind walk-through experience is the must-see event of the fall season.

Explore the magical pathway of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, with music, sounds and special effects. With classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, movie and pop culture icons – this family friendly event has something for everyone. Make Pumpkins After Dark your new annual tradition!

Come join us in Calgary this fall!

Tons of brand new displays!

Celebrate all things Halloween

Live pumpkin carving demonstrations

Fall treats & sweets from food trucks and vendors

Fun for the entire family!

Instagram worthy photo ops are found everywhere around the park

Pumpkins After Dark Calgary is located at Winsport, Canada Olympic Park. The main entrance is located at the Festival Tent. Public parking and public transit options available.

Tickets are available for online purchase only. No on-site ticket sales.

Please note that tickets are date and time specific. Please ensure you are purchasing the ticket for the correct date. New for 2023, the flexpass. Allows you 1 admission without having to book a time slot

Happy Halloween Calgary!

All Torontonians are invited to join in welcoming newcomers in Toronto with activities and entertainment at this showcase of Toronto’s diverse communities. First proclaimed in 2015, Toronto Newcomer Day is an annual event held in May that welcomes newcomers to Toronto, helps them understand and access a wide range of services, and celebrates their contributions to the city. The event features a number of activities including a formal stage program, a citizenship ceremony for new Canadians, a Newcomer Marketplace, and an Information Fair.

Event Highlights:

Entertaining performances
Colouring for children
Free Tim Hortons beverages
Food Trucks
Interactive activities
Information Fair
Newcomer Marketplace
Newcomer food fair
Prizes and giveaways
Henna artist
HistoricTO Neighbourhood Walking Tours

Join Our Kitchen Party!

Come celebrate the launch of Little East Coast at Little Canada in Toronto, Ontario! Explore the wonder of our newly opened Little East Coast Destination and marvel in the many little stories of Canada’s East Coast! Dance the night away to a live show from Atlantic Canada’s favourite, Signal Hill! Enjoy entertainment from the East Coast with performances by Highland Dancers and a Bagpiper.

Doors open at 7:30 PM

All ages welcome.

Included in your ticket price:

Live performance from Signal Hill!
Entertainment from highland dancers and bagpiper
Admission to Little Canada
Atlantic inspired little bites + signature welcome drink – The St. John’s Sunrise

$99 + HST

Lobster Boil in Bauline Newfoundland Canada 2023

This June join the friendly folks in the Town of Bauline Newfoundland Canada for a traditional island boil up. Featuring the finest and freshest seafood straight out of the North Atlantic Ocean, the seaside event is sure to impress. In fact, NL is well known around the world for its delicious crustaceans. Foodies will love this cultural food event in a small rural town.

The event starts at 6 pm and there will also be salads and desserts provided. For those with seafood allergies there is a beef option if requested. Tickets are 50$ each and available by contacting Dianne at (709) 682-9540 or Carol at (709) 682-2734.

Gros Morne Paddle Fest 2023 will be taking place June 23 - June 25 in scenic Norris Point, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with access to fjords and rivers for all paddling disciplines. The paddling festival was developed to share knowledge of the outdoor activity and to collaborate with local partners to give participants a memorable experience in Gros Morne National Park.

There will be clinics and events for sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, flat water and moving water canoeing. Furthermore, there will be skills clinics with Paddle Canada certified instructors for beginners, youth and experienced paddlers. Local tour operators will have custom tour offerings for Paddlefest participants and the regions growing culinary and craft beer scene will be on display for maximum enjoyment.

Each May, Doors Open Toronto — presented by Great Gulf — invites you to explore the city’s most-loved buildings and sites, free of charge. The event provides rare access to buildings that are not usually open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee. Since its inception in 2000, it has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 700 unique locations. It remains the largest event of its kind in Canada.

Lists of featured sites are available on the website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/

Share your Doors Open experience on social media using #DOT23.

“The Creston Valley Bird Festival exists to foster awareness of birds and their habitats in the Creston Valley” There are speakers and events scheduled throughout the 3 day event like kayaking, walking tours, winery, bus tours, bird bingo, star gazing, a birdothon and birding and birdwatching tours and guides of course. The Creston Valley Bird Festival is where birders meet in May.

Explore the wonders and flavours of Thailand at this one-day-only Thai pop-up market inside one of Toronto’s beloved restaurants this month.

PAI will transform into a special Thai market that is inspired by those found on the streets of Thailand – Songkran Market. Join them on Saturday, April 15, and enjoy an afternoon of shopping from the best local vendors and trying some delicious Songkran treats from the PAI kitchen.

You can expect to find local artisans and retailers selling vintage clothing, jewellery, handmade soaps, candles, caricature drawings, and more. As for the food, expect to find Jackfruit Salad, Yum Kanom Jin (Rice Noodle Salad), Khao Kha Moo (Braised Pork Hock on Rice), Khao Mun Gai (Thai-Style Chicken Rice), and Papaya Salad.

Along with that, check out the exciting display of Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai boxing, demonstrated by Canada’s first Muay Thai school Siam No.1. Looking for something a little more relaxing? Experience a traditional Thai massage at the pop up too!

With International Earth Day on April 22, 2023, The St. John’s Farmers Market is having a market to highlight all the vendors and organizations doing great things to reduce the impact on our planet. Vendors include eco-friendly, natural, sustainable, vintage, thrifted, upcycled goods and repurposed items.

Vendors are asked to consider the environmental impact through the life cycle of their products, including production of the materials, types of packaging, shipping distances, lifespan/use of the product and its disposal.