July 7, 2026

Town Directory Whitby Newsletter: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 · Issue #9

The big one this weekend: Whitby Ribfest PLUS kicks off Friday at Victoria Fields and runs through Sunday, July 12. Saturday and Sunday are free admission with Kidsfest, live entertainment, award-winning rib vendors, and a full family atmosphere. Also on Friday morning, Landmark Cinemas is hosting a Sensory Friendly Movie Morning screening of Minions 3, a genuinely great option if you have a child who benefits from a calmer cinema environment.

Looking a bit further ahead, the Town's Culture Pop-Ups series returns to the waterfront at Rotary Sunrise Lake Park on July 15, including a line dancing session with Cheatin' Hearts. That still fits this issue's window, and so do the market, Ribfest, and weekend picks below. Full listings are at towndirectory.ca/whitby/calendar.

Special Events

Upcoming Unique Events

See all events →

Whitby Ribfest PLUS

Free Sat & Sun Friday Concert $49

Fri, July 10 – Sun, July 12, 2026
Victoria Fields, Whitby

One of Durham Region's biggest summer festivals returns for a full weekend. Saturday and Sunday are completely free: Kidsfest for the kids, award-winning rib vendors, live entertainment, and local vendors. Friday night is a ticketed outdoor concert headlined by The Trews (tickets $49+). Hosted by the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise.

Sensory Friendly Movie Morning: Minions 3

See link for pricing

Fri, July 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Landmark Cinemas, 75 Consumers Dr, Whitby

A sensory-friendly screening of Minions 3, with adjusted sound and lighting to make the experience more comfortable for kids with sensory sensitivities. A thoughtful Friday morning option before the Ribfest weekend kicks off.

Culture Pop-Ups: Boots & Beats

Free

Wed, July 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM (series continues July 16 & July 29)
Rotary Sunrise Lake Park, 269 Water St, Whitby

The Town's free summer Culture Pop-Ups series is back at the waterfront. July 15 features Boots & Beats, a lively line dancing session with instructors from Cheatin' Hearts right on the harbour. More pop-ups follow on July 16 and July 29. Great for kids who love to move.

Day Trips & Nearby

Just Outside of Whitby

The Amazing Museum Race

From $36.67

Sat, July 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Pickering Museum Village, 2365 Concession Rd 6, Pickering

A race-style adventure through Pickering Museum Village. Think Amazing Race but set in a historic village. Great for active kids who love exploring and a bit of friendly competition.

Kids Cookie Club

From $20.57

Thu, July 9 & Sun, July 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Pickering Museum Village, 2365 Concession Rd 6, Pickering

Kids get hands-on baking time at the historic Pickering Museum Village. Two chances to catch it this week: Thursday morning and again Sunday morning. A tasty way to spend a summer morning just down the road.

Family Movie Afternoon & Craft: Moana 2

Free

Fri, July 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Central Library, 1 The Esplanade S, Pickering

A free Friday afternoon with Moana 2 on the big screen plus a craft activity for kids ages 5–12 at Pickering's Central Library. A perfect rainy-Friday backup given the forecast.

July 8–15, 2026

This Week's Featured Scheduled Events

Here are three drop-in and recurring programs happening this week. We rotate featured picks each issue so you see different options over time.

Brooklin Farmers' Market

Free Admission

Sat, July 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (every Saturday through Oct 10)
Municipal Lot 9, 3 Vipond Rd, Brooklin

The Brooklin Farmers' Market is in full summer swing, right across from the Brooklin Library and Community Centre. Fresh produce, local treats, and one-of-a-kind makers. A relaxed Saturday morning errand that feels like an outing.

Whitby Civic Recreation Complex: Pool

Drop-in fees apply

Wed July 8, Thu July 9 (multiple sessions daily)
Whitby Civic Recreation Complex, Whitby

Recreational Swim runs Wednesday evening (7:30–9:00 PM) and Thursday afternoon (1:30–3:30 PM), open to all ages with no advance registration. Kids 6 and under need a parent within arm's reach. Lane Swim (ages 14+) is also available Thursday morning and midday. Full schedule and rates at whitby.ca.

Lavender Local Market (Tranquility Trails Farm)

Free Admission

Sat, July 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (every Saturday in July)
Tranquility Trails Farm, 5240 Lakeridge Rd, Ashburn (Whitby)

Local vendors set up among blooming lavender fields at Tranquility Trails Farm in Ashburn every Saturday this July. Free to walk around; you pay vendors directly. A beautiful summer morning out, especially with kids who love animals and open space.

There are always more scheduled events. See the full calendar at towndirectory.ca →