Looking for things to do this weekend in Durham Region? The last weekend of August is packed with events across the region, from the Uxbridge Autofest Nationals car show to farmers markets in Port Perry, Oshawa, and Bowmanville, live music in Pickering and Whitby, and a full slate of community events for the whole family. Here is your weekend guide for Friday August 28 through Sunday August 30, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Uxbridge Autofest Nationals fills Elgin Park on Saturday and Sunday with classic cars, custom builds, and family activities from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Port Perry Lakefront Farmers' Market runs Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM at the waterfront with 70+ vendors offering fresh produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods.
- Free summer concerts in Pickering wrap up with the final Friday show at Rick Johnson Memorial Park and the final Sunday show at Esplanade Park.
- Scugog Arts Juried Show continues at 175B Queen Street in Port Perry with free admission through September 6, featuring original works from regional artists.
- Farmers markets across the region on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday including Oshawa, Bowmanville, Whitby, Uxbridge, and Newcastle.
Friday, August 28
Kick off the weekend with a full day of markets, music, and community events across Durham Region.
Farmers Markets on Friday
The Oshawa Centre Farmers' Market runs from 8 AM to 2 PM in the south parking lot of the Oshawa Centre. Expect fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, and artisan vendors. It runs weekly through October 23.
The Bowmanville Farmers Market sets up at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex (2440 Durham Regional Highway 2) from 9 AM to 2 PM. Fresh local produce, flowers, and prepared foods are available from area growers and makers.
The Whitby Waterfront Summer Artisan, Craft and Food Market runs from 10 AM at Kiwanis Heydenshore Park (589 Water Street). Browse handcrafted goods and enjoy the waterfront setting.
Free Concerts and Evening Events
The Pickering Summer Concert Series presents its final Friday show at Rick Johnson Memorial Park from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This long-running free series draws families and music lovers to the waterfront park for outdoor performances. The rain date is September 5.
Kids in the Square in Ajax runs from 7 to 8 PM, presented by TD Bank Group. A free family-friendly event at the town square with activities for children.
The Scugog Arts Space at 175B Queen Street in Port Perry stays open until 8 PM on Fridays. Drop in to see the Annual Juried Show "Shifting Perspectives" featuring original artwork from regional artists. Free admission with pay-what-you-may donations accepted. The show runs through September 6.
Saturday, August 29
Saturday is the big day with the Uxbridge car show, the Port Perry market, and plenty more across the region.
Uxbridge Autofest Nationals
The Autofest Nationals 2026 takes over Elgin Park (180 Main Street South, Uxbridge) from 9 AM to 5 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. This major car show features classic cars, custom builds, restoration projects, and family activities. In-person registration is also available Friday from 1 to 5 PM. If you are exploring the Uxbridge community, this is a great weekend to visit.
Port Perry Lakefront Farmers' Market
The Port Perry Lakefront Farmers' Market runs from 8 AM to 3 PM at the waterfront (081 Water Street). With roughly 71 vendors, it is one of the largest and most popular markets in Durham Region. Shop for fresh seasonal produce, farm-fresh eggs, artisan cheeses, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts, and prepared foods. The market runs every Saturday from May 9 through October 10. Pair a market visit with a stroll through historic downtown Port Perry and a meal at a local restaurant like Marwan's Global Bistro on Queen Street.
More Saturday Markets and Events
The North Oshawa Farmers' Market runs from 8 AM to 12:30 PM at the Oshawa Legends Centre South West Parking Lot (1661 Harmony Road North). Fresh produce, meats, and handmade goods.
The Bowmanville Farmers Market is at Central Public School (120 Wellington Street) downtown from 9 AM to 2 PM.
The 1st Annual Canadian Black Literary Festival starts at 10:30 AM at the McLean Community Center in Ajax. A day celebrating Black Canadian writers and storytellers.
Evening Entertainment
For live music, The Bull Pub & Grill in Whitby features NLB performing at 9 PM. In Oshawa, the BOND|ST Event Centre (Twotwotwo) hosts "Basement Sessions" starting at 10 PM.
Art and Culture
The Scugog Arts Juried Show is open from 11 AM to 5 PM at 175B Queen Street, Port Perry. The Brock Township Heritage Museums (Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society and Cannington Museum) are open from 1:30 to 4 PM, offering a glimpse into rural Durham history. And Willowtree Farm on Durham Regional Road 21 near Port Perry is a lovely stop for fresh local produce, baked goods, and family-friendly farm visits.
Sunday, August 30
Wrap up the weekend with a free concert, the Uxbridge market, and a relaxed Sunday across Durham Region.
Pickering Summer Concert Series Finale
The final Sunday concert of the summer takes place at Esplanade Park Gazebo near Pickering City Hall from 2 to 4 PM. Free admission. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the last outdoor performance of the season. Rain date is September 6.
Uxbridge Sunday Events
The Uxbridge Farmers' Market runs from 9 AM to 2 PM at The Second Wedge Brewing Co. (14 Victoria Street). With 30-plus vendors offering local produce, artisan foods, crafts, and prepared goods, it is a perfect Sunday morning stop. The Autofest Nationals continues at Elgin Park from 9 AM to 5 PM for day two of the car show. And the Uxbridge Historical Centre hosts a free "Sunday Funday" drop-in family workshop at 1 PM.
More Sunday Options
The Clarington Farmers' Market in Newcastle runs from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Newcastle Memorial Arena (103 Caroline Street West), celebrating 21 years of local vendors.
The Scugog Arts Juried Show is open 11 AM to 5 PM in Port Perry. The Oshawa Markets indoor flea market (555 Simcoe Street South) is open from 10 AM to 6 PM with 250-plus vendors. The Retro Fest Vendor Market runs from 10 AM at Parkwood Estate National Historic Site (270 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa).
The Brock Township Heritage Museums are open 1:30 to 4 PM for those looking to explore local history in Beaverton and Cannington.
Plan Your Weekend
Whether you are heading to the Uxbridge car show, stocking up on produce at the Port Perry market, enjoying free music in Pickering, or exploring the art scene in downtown Port Perry, there is plenty to do across Durham Region this weekend. For a deeper look at what makes each community special, explore our Port Perry community guide and our complete guide to moving to Port Perry.
As always, we are here to help with any questions about buying, selling, or relocating in Durham Region. Have a wonderful weekend, and we hope to see you out and about in our beautiful community.
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Curated by Keith Williams
Broker, community advocate, and proud Port Perry resident. I share the best of what Durham Region has to offer every weekend.
Ready to find your place in Durham Region?
Call today to talk about your next move! Call Lisa or Keith at 905-985-9898.
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