Festivals and Events

1. Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.)
2. GO Parking off of O'Brien Court
3. McLean Community Centre (95 Magill Dr, Ajax, ON L1T 4M5)

First shuttle pick-up is 10:45 a.m. and the last shuttle will leave Audley Recreation Centre at 4:15 p.m. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes (approximately) and may vary due to unexpected circumstances, traffic and weather.

Accessible busses are available upon request (onsite at shuttle locations).

Please note that all locations are for parking purposes only. Entry to the buildings are not available and are closed on Family Day. 

What is Winterfest?

Winterfest is a Family Friendly event filled with lots of indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family! Some activities include arts & crafts, stage shows and entertainment, free swimming and more.

Where is the event being held?

This year, we will be back at the Audley Recreation Centre. The entire indoor building as well as parts of the outside will be utilized.

Why does the event keep moving back and forth from MCC and ARC?

Due to construction, we had to run the event at MCC. Now that construction is complete, Winterfest should be run at ARC for the foreseeable future.

What time does the event run?

The event will run from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Is this a ticketed event?

No, this event is free of charge to attend. Nominal fees will apply for food, beverage and business vendors.

Is there ATM’S at ARC?

No, unfortunately there are no ATM’s available at ARC. Please bring cash to use at our marketplace ($) and / or food vendors. Select vendors will have card payment options.

Can I bring my pets?

Due to the nature of the event, pets are not permitted at this event. Service Pets are permitted and proper documentation may be requested.

Will there be food and beverage options available on-site?

Yes, we will have Sunny’s Hotdogs, Cheese Headz, Red Mill Maple and True North Lemonade Co onsite and food / beverages can be purchased for a minimal fee.

Are there Halal food trucks?

No, unfortunately there is no halal food trucks but there are vegetarian options available.

What type of activities will be available?

Indoor:

• Arts & Crafts

• Community & Business Marketplace ($) and True North Lemonade

• Free swims from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. AND 2 - 4 p.m.
• Mighty Mike Strongman Stage Show (Community Hall Stage – 12:15 and 2 p.m.)
• Remax Connect Cookie Giveaway
• Public Library and Makerspace Activities
• Sensory Zone
• SkinFX Air Brushing Tattoos
• Zena Sbeity Activity Zone (Airbrushing, Hair braiding, Cotton Candy and Pizza giveaway)

Outdoor:

• Hockey Circus Show at 11:30 a.m., 1:15 and 3 p.m.
• Food Vendors (Cheese Headz, Sunny’s Hot Dogs, Red Mill Maple Syrup)
• Smore’s Station – While supplies last.
• Road Hockey
• Horse & Wagon Rides – 12 – 4p.m.
• Snowshoeing*
• Snow Painting*
• Yeti Snow Making Stations*

*Weather permitting

Note: Activities are subject to change without notice.

Are activities going to be indoor or outdoor?

Activities will be available both indoor and outdoor, so please dress accordingly for the weather conditions.

Why is the Horse and Wagon ride only available from 12 – 4 p.m.?

Due to the safety of the horses, they are only able to be outdoors 4 hours at a time.

Is there public swimming available?

Yes, there is free public swimming available from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. AND 2 – 4 p.m.

Are the fitness classes still running?

Regularly scheduled classes at ARC will be cancelled, however, please stay turned to ajax.ca/Winterfest as there may be some family Zumba classes added.

Who are the sponsors of this year’s event?

The following business’ are proud sponsors of this year’s event:

-        Ontario Power Generation

-        Remax Connect

-        Zena Sbeity Realty

-        Steve and Amanda’s NoFrills

Where can I park?

Extremely limited parking will be available onsite Audley Recreation Centre. If parking in the surrounding area, please ensure that parking rules are followed as they will be fully enforced.

Please consider taking the shuttle from 1 of our 2 convenient locations.

Is there a shuttle for this event?

Take the shuttle from 1 of 3 convenient locations:

1. Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S)
2. GO Parking off of O'Brien Court
3. McLean Community Centre (95 Magill Dr.)

First shuttle pick-up is 10:45 a.m. and the last shuttle will leave Audley Recreation Centre at 4:15 p.m. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes (approximately) and may vary due to unexpected circumstances, traffic and weather. 

Accessible busses available upon request (onsite at shuttle location).

How can I sponsor the event?

Please contact Poonam Swift, Festivals and Events Coordinator at 905-619-2529 ext. 7248 or events@ajax.ca

How can I apply to be a food vendor at the event?

Please note that the food vendors for the event are full. If interested in future events, please visit ajax.ca/GetInvolved to fill out the vendor/exhibitor application for our other events.

How can I apply to be a vendor/exhibitor at the event?

Please note that the vendor/exhibitor spots for the event are full. If interested in future events, please visit ajax.ca/GetInvolved to fill out the vendor/exhibitor application for our other events.

How can I apply to be an entertainer at the event?

Please note that the entertainers for the event are full. If interested in future events, please visit ajax.ca/GetInvolved to fill out the entertainer application

To learn more about the Ride with GPS app and how to download, please check out the How to Guide.

On-site parking is limited. Take the shuttle from one of three convenient locations:

1. GO Parking off of O'Brien Court
2. Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.)
3. TBD

First shuttle pick-up is 1:45 p.m. and the last shuttle will leave Audley Recreation Centre at 10:45 p.m. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes (approximately) and may vary due to unexpected circumstances, traffic and weather. 

The Sensory Zone is a designated space where others and their individual needs are respected.

We ask all Sensory Zone patrons to respect the following:

• Be mindful of loud and sudden noises
• Know that all activities require parent/guardian supervision and
• Know patrons of all ages are allowed to play and enjoy the activities offered

This space will be equipped with sensory-focused activities including a colouring station, inflatables and games, sensory equipment, a sheltered area, a changing station and a seating area.

Noise cancelling headphones will be available for rent on site. 

Zumba in the Square

Come celebrate the summer with FREE outdoor fitness! Get ready to sweat and smile while moving to the rhythms of Zumba® in the Square. All ages and levels welcomed, and no previous dance experience required.

Stay tuned for the 2026 dates in the Square! 

On-site parking is limited. Take the shuttle from 1 of 3 convenient locations:

GO Parking (off of O'Brien Court)

Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.)

Audley Recreation Centre (1955 Audley Rd. N.)

First shuttle pick-up is 10:45 a.m. at each location and the last shuttle will leave Greenwood Conservation Area at 5:15 p.m. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes (approximately) and may vary due to unexpected circumstances, traffic and weather. 

We ask all Sensory Zone patrons to respect the following:

• Be mindful of loud and sudden noises
• Know that all activities require parent/guardian supervision and
• Know patrons of all ages are allowed to play and enjoy the activities offered

This space will be equipped with sensory focused activities including a colouring station, inflatables and games, sensory equipment, a sheltered area, a changing station and a seating area.

Noise cancelling headphones will be available for rent(free) onsite. 

Santa’s Spectacle of Lights parade will begin at the intersection of Bayly St. and Mackenzie Ave., proceeding east along Bayly St. and will continue north on Harwood Ave. S. concluding at Ajax Town Hall (Harwood Ave. and Achilles Rd.).

Parking at Town Hall is limited and patrons are encouraged to park at the Ajax Plaza Harwood Shopping Centre or Baywood Centre. Please note all parking rules will be in effect, therefore all bylaws and rules should be adhered too. 

Please be advised that the following roads will be closed for a portion of the day on Saturday, November 22 to accommodate Santa’s Spectacle of Lights Parade.

Bayly St. W. (Finley Ave. to Salem Rd.) from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Harwood Ave. S.  (Birch Cres. to Emperor St.) from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Mackenzie Ave. (Bayly Ave. to Clements Rd. W.) from 4 to 8 p.m.

Achilles Rd. (Harwood Ave. S. to Salem Rd.) from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Times are subject to change without notice. 

Location: Commodores Room               

In this area we ask all patrons attending the sensory zone to abide by the following:

• Be mindful of loud and sudden noises
• Know that all activities require parent/guardian supervision and
• Know patrons of all ages are allowed to play and enjoy the activities offered

This space will be equipped with sensory focused activities including a colouring station, games, sensory equipment and more!

Noise cancelling headphones will be available for rent on-site by the entrance of the event and sensory zone. This space has a capacity of 50 patrons at one time and will be available on a first come, first served basis.