This is a big one. The weekend of May 22–24, 2026 brings two of the most significant community moments Markham has seen in years: the official reopening of Main Street Unionville following its year-long heritage restoration, and the launch of the Varley Art Gallery's 2026 Summer Exhibitions. Add outdoor patios, Toogood Pond, Milne Dam trails, and the best farmers' markets in York Region, and this long weekend delivers something for every age, every interest, and every pace of life.
The Weekend at a Glance
May 22–24, 2026 — Weekend Snapshot
Markham · Ontario
Friday May 22
Farmers' Market opens — Main Street Markham
Patio season fully underway across Unionville & Downtown Markham
Evening walks at Toogood Pond — golden hour
Milne Dam trails & nature spotting
Saturday May 23 ⭐
Main Street Unionville Reopening Celebration — 10:30 AM–2:30 PM
Varley Art Gallery Summer Exhibitions open — 10 AM
Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception — 2–4 PM
Olympic athletes Paul Poirier & Piper Gilles honoured
Live music, inflatables, family activities — free
Sunday May 24
Markham Museum grounds & heritage village exploration
Rouge River trails & Milne Dam Conservation Park
Brunch on the newly restored Main Street Unionville
Varley Art Gallery — drop-in all day, free
Pacific Mall — Asia's largest indoor shopping centre
Weather
19–22°C
Partly sunny — ideal outdoor conditions all weekend
Highlight Event
Sat
Main Street Unionville Grand Reopening — free, all-ages
Free Events
7+
Major events this weekend with no admission cost
Family Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the best family weekends of the 2026 season
May 23
9 AM
Morning
Free
Farmers' Market · Weekly
Main Street Markham Farmers' Market
Guardian Pharmacy Lot, Main Street Markham · 9 AM–1 PM
Markham's beloved Saturday market kicks off the weekend. Local produce, baked goods, honey, preserves, and seasonal spring flowers from York Region growers and artisan makers. One of the best reasons to be up early in Markham on a weekend.
All Day
Sunrise–Dusk
Free
Outdoor · Nature
Milne Dam Conservation Park — Trails & Rouge River
Milne Dam Conservation Park, Markham · Open Daily
Markham's largest greenspace — 305 acres along the Rouge River — is at its absolute best in late May. The 2.3-km trail network winds through forest and across bridges, with excellent migratory bird spotting, red-tailed hawks, and fishing with an MNR licence. Picnic areas available; some reservable for groups. Debit and credit only at the gate on weekends; children 15 and under always free.
All Day
Dawn to Dusk
Free
Park · Stroll · Patio Pre-Game
Toogood Pond Park — Unionville's Crown Jewel
Toogood Pond, Unionville · Behind Varley Art Gallery
The pond, boardwalk, and surrounding parkland behind the Varley Art Gallery is Unionville's most beloved green space. Late May means full leaf canopy, the splash pad is open, and the walking path around the pond is one of the prettiest 30-minute strolls in the GTA. End at one of the Main Street Unionville patios — all of which reopen to full capacity this weekend.
Eve
From 5 PM
Dining · Patio Season
Patio Season Kicks Off — Main Street Unionville & Downtown Markham
Main Street Unionville · Downtown Markham
With the Main Street Unionville restoration now complete, patios along the historic strip are back at full scale — and the newly repaved streetscape makes them look better than ever. Friday evening is the ideal time to grab a patio table before Saturday's crowds. See our dining picks below for top recommendations.
10:30 AM
to 2:30 PM
Free
⭐ Headline Event of the Weekend · Historic Occasion
Main Street Unionville Grand Reopening Celebration
📍 Main Street Unionville · Official Ceremony at 11:00 AM · Road Closures 7 AM–5 PM
After more than a year of major infrastructure restoration work — the most significant transformation of Main Street Unionville in a generation — Markham's most beloved heritage street is officially reopening this Saturday. The free, family-friendly celebration runs from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with the official ceremony at 11:00 AM. The event features the honouring of Markham's own Bronze Olympians and world champion ice dancers Paul Poirier and Piper Gilles, as well as beloved retired TSN sportscaster Joe Bowen and other hometown heroes. Activities for all ages include live entertainment, free children's inflatables (Fire Engine Slide — 14' single lane; Toy Town — for little ones), and family-friendly programming throughout the morning. Road closures from Carlton Road to the Laneway, and Fred Varley Drive from Fonthill Blvd to Main Street, will be in effect from 7 AM to 5 PM. Come early, stay long, and witness one of the most significant community moments in Markham's recent history.
10 AM
Opens · Reception 2 PM
Free
⭐ Headline Event · Season Opening · Two New Exhibitions
Varley Art Gallery — 2026 Summer Exhibitions Open & Opening Reception
📍 216 Main Street Unionville, Markham · Tue–Sun 10 AM–5 PM · Free Admission Always
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham — one of the finest municipal galleries in Ontario — launches its 2026 summer season this Saturday with two new exhibitions: "What Holds Us Together" and "Sketching the Past", both exploring themes of identity, belonging, and York Region's creative community. The gallery reopens after being closed since May 4 for installation of the new shows. The 2026 Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception runs from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on May 23 — free, no registration required. Meet the exhibiting artists and curator, enjoy a live sound healing performance, take part in interactive activities, and light refreshments will be served. The summer exhibitions run until September 7, 2026, but there's no better time to experience them than the opening day, when the artists are present and the energy of a new season is in the air.
All Day
Walk-In
Free
Heritage · Culture · History
Markham Museum — Heritage Village Grounds & Exhibits
16260 Hwy 48, Markham · Open Weekends
Markham Museum's outdoor heritage village, a collection of 30+ original 19th-century buildings relocated to the site, is at its best in late May, with the grounds in full green and seasonal programming underway. Explore the historic structures, interact with costumed interpreters, and understand how Markham's agricultural past shaped the city it became. A genuinely exceptional free destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.
All Day
10 AM+
Shopping · Culture · Experience
Pacific Mall — Asia's Largest Indoor Shopping Centre
4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham · Daily 11 AM–8 PM
For a completely different Saturday experience, Pacific Mall delivers on every visit. Over 500 independently owned shops span electronics, fashion, beauty, Asian snacks, bubble tea, fresh dim sum, and the most interesting array of niche retail in the GTA. Weekend afternoons are lively, with street food stalls, live demonstrations, and a genuine cross-cultural energy that is one of Markham's most distinctive experiences.
PM
Afternoon–Evening
Dining · Patio · Celebration
Post-Celebration Dinner on Newly Restored Main Street Unionville
Main Street Unionville · Fully Open & Restored
After the morning festivities wrap at 2:30 PM, Main Street Unionville transitions into one of the most pleasant dinner destinations in York Region. The restored streetscape, new paving, heritage lighting, and pedestrian-friendly layout, makes the evening promenade feel genuinely special. Tables will be in high demand Saturday evening; book ahead if you can. See our dining picks below for standout options.
Saturday logistics note: Main Street Unionville will be closed to through traffic from Carlton Road to the Laneway, and Fred Varley Drive from Fonthill Blvd to Main Street, from 7 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, May 23. Plan to park on surrounding streets or use the Toogood Pond lot and walk in. It will be busy, arrive by 10:30 AM if you want a comfortable spot for the 11:00 AM official ceremony.
Morning
10 AM–5 PM
Free
Art · Gallery · Drop-In
Varley Art Gallery — New Summer Exhibitions (Day 2)
216 Main Street Unionville · Free Always · No Booking Required
If the Saturday Opening Reception was too busy for a quiet look at the new exhibitions, Sunday is the better gallery day. "What Holds Us Together" and "Sketching the Past" both open fresh this weekend and will reward a slow, attentive visit. The gallery's permanent collection, including works by Group of Seven painter Frederick Varley, for whom the gallery is named, is always available alongside the featured exhibitions.
Morning
From 10 AM
Brunch · Celebration · Heritage Village
Brunch on Restored Main Street Unionville
Main Street Unionville · Newly Restored Streetscape · Fully Open
Sunday brunch on the newly restored Main Street Unionville is the perfect way to absorb the weekend's transformation at a relaxed pace. The street is now back to its full pedestrian-friendly character, with the heritage buildings, restored lamp posts, and new pavement giving the village a quietly elevated feel. Walk the length of the street, stop into the local shops, and take in one of the most photogenic streetscapes in the GTA.
All Day
Dawn–Dusk
Free
Trails · Nature · Family
Rouge River Trail System — Milne Dam to Bur Oak
Multiple Access Points · Milne Dam, Bur Oak, Reesor Road
The Rouge River trail system weaving through Markham is at peak spring beauty in late May. The Rouge Park section accessible from Milne Dam Conservation Park connects to broader trail networks offering longer hikes for those wanting a deeper woodland experience. Look for great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, and the first of the summer's dragonflies along the river edges.
All Day
Open Daily
Farm · Experience · Family
Reesor Farm Market — Fresh Produce & Farm Experience
11424 Ninth Line, Markham · Open Daily in Season
Reesor Farm Market is one of Markham's most cherished local institutions — a working farm and market that has served the community for generations. In late May, the market carries spring greenhouse produce, local baked goods, preserves, and seasonal flowers. The farm setting on Ninth Line makes for a genuinely restorative Sunday morning outing before or after the Unionville activities. A completely different side of Markham from the heritage village, and equally worth your time.
Afternoon
2 PM+
Recreation · Families
Markham's Community Recreation Centres — Pools, Arenas & Fitness
Angus Glen, Centennial, Aaniin · Multiple Locations
Markham's world-class recreation infrastructure — including the Angus Glen Community Centre and Centennial Community Centre — are open throughout the long weekend with public swim sessions, skating, and drop-in fitness programming. Check the City of Markham's recreation registration portal for Sunday public swim times and drop-in availability. An excellent option for families wanting structured activity in a controlled environment.
Outdoor Activities & Neighbourhood Walks This Weekend
Beyond the headline events, Markham's parks, trails, and distinct neighbourhood streets are at their best in late May. Here are the outdoor experiences worth building into your weekend.
Toogood Pond — Splash Pad & Boardwalk
The splash pad opens for the season in late May — one of the best free outdoor water features in York Region for young children. The boardwalk around the pond is equally lovely for an evening walk. Connects directly to the Varley Art Gallery and Main Street Unionville.
Free · Open Daily · Behind the Varley Art Gallery
Angus Glen — Neighbourhood Walk & Park System
One of Markham's most beautifully designed communities, Angus Glen's park network and the land surrounding the Angus Glen Golf Course make for a genuinely lovely late-May walk. The community design, mature trees, and well-maintained parks reflect what Markham urban planning does at its best.
Free · Accessible Daily · Near 16th Ave & Kennedy
Markham's Trail Network — Cycling Weekend
The long weekend is ideal for a cycling day on Markham's extensive multi-use trail network. The Lake to Lake Cycling Route and the Rouge Park connections both offer car-free riding with excellent spring scenery. Rent or bring your own — most trail access points have bike parking.
Free Access · Multiple Trailheads
Golf — Angus Glen, Coppinwood & More
Late May is peak golf season in Markham, with Angus Glen Golf Club (host of the Canadian Open) and a dozen other courses in the region booking up fast for weekend tee times. Book well in advance for any desirable tee time this weekend — long weekend slots at premier courses tend to fill within hours of release.
Book Ahead — Long Weekend Demand is High
Heritage Walk — Main Street Unionville (Newly Restored)
The completion of the Main Street Unionville restoration makes this the best possible weekend for a heritage photography walk. The street's 19th-century commercial buildings, new heritage-character street furniture, and lush spring planting create one of the most photogenic streetscapes in Ontario. Golden hour on Friday or Sunday evening is ideal.
Free · All Weekend · Newly Restored
Flato Markham Theatre — Check the Current Program
Flato Markham Theatre regularly programs productions in collaboration with local and touring companies across the spring season. Check the theatre's website for any performances scheduled for this specific weekend — they are often excellent and range from children's programming to full theatrical productions and concert performances.
Tickets Required · markhamtheatre.ca
Where to Eat & Drink This Weekend in Markham
Markham's dining scene spans from some of the GTA's best Chinese, Korean, and South Asian restaurants to heritage village patio dining and farm-to-table brunch. Here are the standout options this weekend — across different budgets, cuisines, and settings.
Unionville Main Street Patios
Heritage Village · Patio Dining
The newly restored Main Street Unionville is lined with restaurants and cafés with patio seating. This weekend marks the first full patio season on the restored street — a genuine Markham milestone. From brunch spots to dinner restaurants, the strip covers casual to mid-upscale, all with the heritage village atmosphere.
Book Friday or Saturday dinner well ahead — will be busy this weekend.
Markham's Chinese Restaurant Row
Authentic Dim Sum · Cantonese · Sichuan
Markham has one of the most concentrated and authentic Chinese dining scenes outside of mainland China. Weekend dim sum on Kennedy Road and Steeles — particularly at large banquet-style restaurants — is a Markham institution that draws families from across the GTA. Arrive early (10–11 AM) for peak dim sum service.
No reservations typically; arrive early on weekend mornings.
Downtown Markham Restaurants
Contemporary · International · Patio
The mixed-use Downtown Markham development has brought a growing restaurant and café scene to the Birchmount/Hwy 7 area. More modern and urban in character than Unionville, it offers a broader range of international cuisine options and tends to be slightly easier to get a table this weekend given the focus of crowds on Main Street Unionville.
Good alternative when Unionville is at capacity.
Korean BBQ & Hot Pot — Markham's Best
Korean · Japanese · Hot Pot
Markham's Korean restaurant community, centred along Highway 7 and in the Unionville plaza area, offers some of the best Korean BBQ outside of Koreatown. Long weekend dinner is a perfect time for the full tabletop experience — ideal for groups of four or more who can share multiple courses. Reservations strongly recommended on Saturday evening.
Reservations essential Saturday evening — book 48–72 hours ahead.
Reesor Farm Market Café
Farm-to-Table · Local · Casual
The market café at Reesor Farm uses seasonal produce from the farm in a simple, fresh menu. Weekend brunch here is a peaceful counterpoint to the Unionville activity — a genuinely local, unhurried experience on one of Markham's last working farm properties. Worth the drive down Ninth Line.
Cash and card accepted · 11424 Ninth Line, Markham
Pacific Mall Food Court
Pan-Asian · Street Food · Bubble Tea
If you're at Pacific Mall, the food court and surrounding stalls are as much an experience as a meal. Rotating selections of Taiwanese street snacks, Hong Kong-style BBQ, Vietnamese bánh mì, Japanese ramen, and an overwhelming choice of bubble tea. Affordable, authentic, and busy — the best value food experience in the GTA.
No reservations · Walk-in only · 4300 Steeles Ave E
Michael John Lau & Neeraj Moolchandani, Kaizen Real Estate: "Main Street Unionville reopening this weekend is a genuinely significant moment for this community — and for the value proposition of living in Unionville specifically. The school catchment premiums this neighbourhood commands are real, and a fully restored, more beautiful Main Street only reinforces them. If you've ever considered what it's like to live within walking distance of all of this, this weekend is the perfect time to walk those streets and feel it for yourself."
What's Coming to Markham This Summer
The May 22–24 weekend is just the opening act of what is shaping up to be Markham's best summer events season in years, with the newly restored Main Street Unionville as the central stage for everything that follows.
Unionville Festival — On Main Street, Full Scale
The Unionville Festival returns to its full historic footprint on the newly restored Main Street for the first time since the restoration began. Live music, local artisans, food vendors, and the beloved community parade. One of Ontario's most charming summer street festivals.
Coming Summer 2026 · Main Street Unionville · Free
Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham
Elite motorsport comes to Downtown Markham — one of the most ambitious sports and entertainment events the city has ever hosted. Street racing at the highest level, with the fan festival and entertainment programming surrounding the race weekend.
August 14–16, 2026 · Downtown Markham
TD Markham Jazz Festival
Live jazz and blues on outdoor stages on Main Street Unionville — with the newly restored street serving as the backdrop for one of the GTA's most beloved free music festivals. Three stages, professional musicians, gourmet food, and a magnificent Unionville summer evening.
August 21–23, 2026 · Main Street Unionville · Free
AppleFest at the Markham Fairgrounds
Markham's beloved fall tradition — live music, family entertainment, local artisans, and fresh apple cider pressed on-site. One of the signature small-town-in-the-big-city experiences that defines what makes Markham different from anywhere else in the GTA.
October 1–4, 2026 · Markham Fairgrounds