Town of Ajax Festivals & Events

The Town of Ajax hosts inclusive and innovative events throughout the year to celebrate the richness and diversity of our community. Visit often for information about upcoming Town events and to learn more about our wide range of community events.

St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts & Culture

Image of a microphone

Our exciting 2023-2024 line-up features amazing concerts, live theatre, variety shows, and fun family-friendly performances. TIFF movies are back as well!

The St. Francis Centre has quickly become a destination for arts, culture, and heritage in Ajax, and the 2023/2024 season has it all!

Purchase Tickets and Find Out More

Ajax Family New Year's Eve Party - December 31, 2023

Join us to ring in the New Year at the Ajax Community Centre from 6 – 9 p.m. Families can celebrate the start of the New year with children’s activities, games, live entertainment, interactive experiences, face painting, ice skating, and a DJ. Party favours are included as participants gather on the ice rink for the special countdown and balloon drop at 9 p.m. It’s a great way to ring in the New Year!

There is only one entrance into the event -- Pad 4 entrance. There is no re-admission once you leave.

This year, Lexy the Rap Dad will be performing two shows in the HMS Room at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Doors open 15 minutes prior to each performance. Entrance to the HMS Room is located on the main floor next to the Customer Service Desk. Max Capacity of 180 people per show, so make sure to get your seat right away!

Please stay tuned for more details about our 2023 event.

Winterfest - Family Day 2024

11:00am – 4:00pm

It’s fun. It’s free. It’s on Family Day. It’s Winterfest!

Celebrate your Family Day with us at Audley Recreation Centre! Families can participate in several winter-themed activities including inflatables, ice/snow painting, face painting, crafts, live entertainment, s’more making, ball hockey, and local vendors. Don’t forget to grab a free hot chocolate while you are exploring the event!

Stay tuned for details about the 2024 event!

Movies in the Park 

People watching a movie on an inflated screen outdoors

Enjoy a unique, outdoor, family cinema experience projected on a giant inflatable movie screen. Admission is free (registration not required) and movie goers are encouraged to bring their own snacks, a chair, blanket and bug spray! #AjaxMovieNight

Please stay tuned for more details about our 2024 event!

Trailfest - June 2024 

Photo 1: People on bikes on an outdoor trail, photo 2: a family biking outdoors, photo 3: a family walking on an outdoor trail

Ajax Trailfest offers 3 fun ways for the community to get out, get active and experience the beauty of Ajax’s extensive trail system.  Ride with the Mayor offers a 40-45 km ride throughout Ajax for more experienced riders, while Tour d’Ajax offers a 15-20 km ride more suitable for families and not-as-experienced single riders. There’s also guided trail hikes and strolls, as well as cycle repair clinics, giveaways, and community displays. 

Registration for Trailfest opens in the spring.

Please stay tuned for more details about the 2024 event!

Canada Day - July 1, 2024

A beaver and a moose wearing Canadian flags

2:00pm – 10:00pm

This free admission event is a great way to celebrate our Nation’s birthday. Activities include children’s activities, games, inflatables, live entertainment, interactive experiences, cultural performances, crafts, food trucks, displays from local community organizations, and so much more for the entire family. The event ends with a fantastic fireworks display. Free shuttle bus service is provided.

Please stay tuned for more details about the 2024 event!

Summer in the Square - Presented by TD Bank Group

Animation of a crowd of people gathered at Pat Bayly Square

Pat Bayly Square (75 Bayly Street W.), Ajax’s downtown urban hub, brings a vibrant energy to the community this summer with free family-friendly concerts, children’s performances and Zumba®. 

Please stay tuned for details about our 2024 Summer in the Square events.

Presenting Sponsor: 

TD Bank

 

Music in the Square

Pat Bayly Square is your Tuesday night free entertainment destination. Music in the Square features professional entertainment for all ages with genres ranging from classic rock to pop. Each week, enjoy delicious food from vendors in the square and/or a beverage from a local Durham brewery.

Leading Sponsor:

Amica Taunton Leading Sponsor Logo & Link

Kids in the Square

Pat Bayly Square is your kid-friendly Tuesday night free entertainment destination. Kids in the Square features interactive and engaging fun for the whole family. The snack bar will be open, offering frozen favourites for everyone!

Zumba in the Square

Come celebrate the summer and enjoy energizing, outdoor Zumba® dance parties! All ages and levels welcomed, no previous dance experience required. Wear your brightest athletic clothing, and get ready to sweat and smile! Registration is free but required.

Spirit Walk - Fall 2024

People listening to a spirit walk guide
Take a step back in time and discover Ajax's rich history. Join us for a guided walking tour and learn about local history from various “spirits” along the way.

Registration for the Ajax Spirit Walk opens in the summer.

Please stay tuned for more details about the 2024 event!

Pumpkinville - Presented by TD Bank Group

Jack-o-lantern
Pumpkinville is one of our most popular events in the Town of Ajax. There are a variety of activities for the entire family including a live stage, children’s games and activities, horse & wagon rides, interactive experiences, community displays and exhibitors, sensory zone, and our infamous haunted house.

There will be trick-or-treating at the community display and exhibitor booths and an opportunity pick up a free pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch. You won't want to miss it.

Please stay tuned for details about the 2024 event!

Presenting Sponsor

TD Bank

Leading Sponsor

Julia Seaton 

Santa's Spectacle of Lights - Town of Ajax Santa Claus Parade - November 25, 2023

Santa Claus and his reindeer
Santa is coming to Town on Saturday, November 25! From 6 – 7:30 p.m. Ajax residents and visitors are invited to participate in a family-friendly evening of fun and entertainment!

Sponsors

Leading Sponsor:
ElexiconOntario Power Generation

Supporting Sponsor: 

Ajax MazdaBattlefieldGlobal Pet FoodsJulia Seaton

Friend Sponsor: 
Christian Faith Outreach Centre
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Ajax

Route Information

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 Achillies Rd.).

Immediately following the parade, you are invited to join us for a special tree lighting ceremony and after party at Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.) and the Ajax Public Library – Main Branch.

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 and all bylaws and rules should be adhered to. 

Road Closures

Please be advised that the following roads will be closed for a portion of the day on Saturday, November 25 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 4:30 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.

Get Involved

Get involved in the TOA community! We rely on a network of entertainers, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers to make our festivals and events great! 

Become an Entertainer at our 2023 Festivals and Events - Apply Now! 

Now accepting entertainer applications for all 2023 Festivals and Events. Whether you are a band, solo artist or children's entertainer, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now!

Become a Vendor or Exhibitor at our 2023 Festival and Events - Apply Now! 

Now accepting vendor and exhibitor applications for all 2023 Festival and Events. Whether you are a food vendor, exhibitor, community group or not-for-profit we want to hear from you!

Apply Now! 

Become a Sponsor at our Festivals and Events! 
Become a sponsor of our upcoming Virtual and In-Person events. Please call 905-619-2529, ext. 7248 or email events@ajax.ca  for more information.
Volunteer at our Festivals and Events! 

Become a volunteer for one of our upcoming festivals or events. To learn more about our volunteer program visit our volunteer page.

Apply Now! 

Truth & Reconciliation

The Town recognizes that true reconciliation requires sustained space for truth and action based on recognition of rights, respect and partnership. An important step in rebuilding relationships with Indigenous communities is to reflect and learn more about Indigenous history as we move forward with acknowledgement and kindness as an inclusive community.  

Mayor & Council Annual Holiday Toy & Food Drive November 20 - December 6

Toy and Food drive

Help make spirits bright with the Town this holiday season! From November 20 – December 6, residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to participate in the annual Mayor & Council Toy & Food Drive. All donations will help support local Ajax charities and families in need during the holidays.

We are accepting donations from November 20 – December 6 at five facilities (see accordions below).

Benefitting Charities:

The Salvation Army Ajax

Herizon House

Durham Youth Services (Joanne’s House)

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD)

Suggested Donations
  • Unopened, non-perishable food items, such as tuna and salmon, children's individually wrapped school snacks, pancake mix, hot chocolate, instant coffee, instant noodles, kraft dinner, meal kits, rice, oats, cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, pancake mix & syrup, canned beans, canned vegetables, soup, crackers, granola bars, peanut-free school snacks, peanut butter, flour and sugar.
  • New, unwrapped toys/items for pre-teens (ages 10-13) and teens (ages 14-17).
  • New items for young adults (ages 16-24).

Items not accepted:

Baby furniture/equipment

Large furniture

Used clothing

Used toys

Expired or opened food items

Drop-off Locations & Hours

Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Avenue South)

  • Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Ajax Community Centre (75 Centennial Road)

  • Monday - Friday 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday  7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

McLean Community Centre (95 Magill Drive)

  • Monday - Friday 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Audley Recreation Centre (1955 Audley Road North)

  • Monday - Friday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ajax Public Library - Main Branch (55 Harwood Avenue South)

  • Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Toys for Tickets Campaign

Toy donations will only be accepted at Ajax Town Hall until Monday, December 6. Tickets must be eligible for payment.  

Only new toys and toys must be unwrapped and in its original packaging. Gift Cards will not be accepted. 

Drop-off Location & Times:

Ajax Town Hall | 65 Harwood Ave. S.
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Guidelines

  • The toy’s receipt and the parking violation must be presented at the time of payment.
  • The value of the toy(s) must be equal to or more than the amount owing on the ticket (early payment if applicable). For example, if the ticket amount is $25.00, then the total value of the toy must be equal to or exceed $25.00 (including taxes).
  • Donations of more than one toy are accepted as long as the total cost is equal to or more then the ticket amount.

Hanukkah Event - December 12, 2023

Join Town of Ajax and Rabbi Tzali Borenstein from the Chabad Jewish Centre of Durham Region for a special program in celebration of Hanukkah! The event will take place on December 12, 2023 at Ajax Town Hall, Council Chambers from 5 - 7 p.m.

Date: December 12, 2023

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Location: Town of Ajax Town Hall - Council Chambers (65 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, ON)

Registration required. Register here.

 Check Out Upcoming Town of Ajax Corporate Festivals & Events

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