The last weekend before Halloween week is one of the best on Markhamās fall calendar. Leaves are still colourful along Toogood Pond, the community events are family-sized, and the evenings glow thanks to Pumpkins After Dark at the Markham Museum. Sundayās Halloween on Main in Unionville is the daytime highlight, and Saturday evening offers two candlelight concerts for anyone after a quieter night out.
Michael John Lau, a REALTORĀ® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, puts this guide together for families who live here and for those getting to know Markham before a move.
Forecast as of October 23. Check Environment Canada before you head out.
A favourite Halloween tradition fills the Markham Museumās heritage grounds every night through October 31 with thousands of illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins. Expect walk-through displays, seasonal food and drinks, and plenty of photo spots. There are no actors and no jump scares, so it works for all ages. Entry is by timed ticket, and Saturday nights tend to be busy, so book ahead.
A free 30-minute guided tour of the galleryās current exhibitions. Public tours run Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM; confirm with the gallery.
A candlelit string performance of a classic. Confirm tickets and seating with the organizer.
A late-evening candlelight set of pop hits, listed from about $51. Confirm details with the organizer.
A family-friendly magic and wonder show is listed for Saturday at 5 PM. Confirm tickets with the box office.
More Saturday Stops
Late-season colour around the pond, a short walk from the cafĆ©s of Main Street Unionville. The Markham Farmersā Market finished its 2026 season on October 10.
Listed on Visit Markham through October 31. Confirm hours and admission with Reesorās.
Families are invited to dress up and spend the afternoon on one of Markhamās prettiest heritage streets. Face painting runs from 1 to 4 PM ($5), and Halloween entertainment with Dan the Music Man runs from 2 to 4 PM. With a mild forecast, it is the weekendās best daytime outing.
The same free 30-minute exhibition tour runs again on Sunday at 3 PM, right on Main Street Unionville.
A fall open house is listed for Sunday morning, handy if you have a student in the family. Confirm the program with York University.
A calmer end to the weekend. A singles social is also listed at the museum for Sunday at 7:30 PM (about $38).
Costa Sorrento hosts a Sunday-evening live music night. Confirm the performer and hours with the restaurant.
Halloween Week Preview
The next seven days are the busiest of the season. Here is what to pencil in:
Where to Eat on Main Street Unionville
Heading to Halloween on Main or the Varley tour? Main Street Unionvilleās walkable strip is one of Markhamās best-known dining stretches, with heritage houses turned into restaurants. Expect lineups on Sunday after the event, so book ahead.
A brunch favourite with a seasonal dinner menu, craft beer and cocktails.
A polished sit-down dinner before or after an evening out.
A heritage-house setting with house-made pastas and wood-fired pizza.
Traditional and contemporary dishes in a comfortable dining room.
Restaurant hours and menus change, so check ahead on busy weekends.
How to Plan Your Weekend
Sun: Halloween on Main in Unionville, then dinner on Main.
What a Pre-Halloween Weekend Says About Living in Markham
Few cities in the Greater Toronto Area pack this much into a single fall weekend: a heritage museum that turns into a Halloween destination, a historic main street with its own community events, a public art gallery with free tours and a full calendar of family events within a short drive of each other.
For anyone weighing a move, late October is a useful time to visit. The streets are lively, the weather is manageable and you can see how neighbourhoods actually feel on an ordinary fall weekend. If a weekend like this has you thinking about what comes next, the Kaizen Real Estate Team is happy to talk it through.
Markham This Weekend: Frequently Asked Questions
Pumpkins After Dark runs nightly at the Markham Museum from 6:30 to 11 PM. Saturday brings free Varley Art Gallery tours at 3 PM and two candlelight concerts at the Toronto Marriott Markham. Sunday features Halloween on Main in Unionville from 1 to 4 PM, with face painting and live entertainment.
General admission is listed at $24.95 for adults and $21.95 for youth ages 3 to 13, with maze add-on tickets at $31.95 and $28.95. Daily VIP tickets start at $36.95 and an Any Day Pass is $89.95. Tickets are timed and sold online; confirm current pricing at checkout.
The street event on Sunday, October 25, from 1 to 4 PM is free to attend. Face painting is $5, and Halloween entertainment with Dan the Music Man runs from 2 to 4 PM.
Yes. Free 30-minute guided tours run on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM. Confirm the schedule with the gallery before you go.
As of October 23, Saturday looked dry with a high near 15Ā°C and Sunday milder at about 18Ā°C, with overnight lows near 1Ā°C. Check Environment Canada for the latest forecast, and bring a jacket for evening events.
No. The Markham Farmersā Market on Main Street Markham ran from May 9 to October 10 in 2026. For pumpkins and fall produce, try Reesorās or other local farm markets.
If a fall weekend in Markham has you thinking about a move, Michael can walk you through neighbourhoods, recent sales and the full cost of owning, at no charge. Licence #4784577.
Neeraj can connect what you enjoy about Markham this weekend to the neighbourhoods and streets that fit the life you want here.