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Durham Tourism is giving residents and visitors a new way to experience the region's rural communities with Railway Roots—an augmented reality journey through Durham’s railway heritage. 

Developed in partnership with Central Counties Tourism, the experience combines local storytelling with immersive technology to bring history to life in a new and engaging way. 

Using a mobile device and downloaded app, visitors meet Conductor Bradley at seven locations and learn about the people, places and events that helped shape the region’s communities, while also uncovering some of the unexpected stories from Durham’s past. 

By connecting history with modern technology, Railway Roots is designed to inspire people to discover more about the region by visiting the museums, historic sites, attractions and businesses that make each community unique.

The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) returns in October, marking a decade of bringing filmmakers and audiences together. To celebrate this milestone, a limited number of three-day Festival Passes are on sale until September 14. 

The Festival Pass grants access to all DRIFF events for $35 (plus applicable fees)—that’s a $20 savings. 

DRIFF’s 10th anniversary lineup will be announced September 15, with events taking place October 22 to 24 in Whitby, Ajax and Oshawa. DRIFF showcases local and international films and offers red carpet photo opportunities, filmmaker Q&As, behind-the-scenes workshops, live music and a local culinary showcase. 

Up to $10,000 in funding could be available for rural businesses in Durham Region. The next intake opens August 17 for the Business Development Stream of the Rural Ontario Development Program.

Eligible businesses with one to 20 employees could receive funding covering 35 per cent of project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000. Funding can support projects such as market development, enhancing cyber security, succession planning or accessibility improvements. Applications close October 1.

Applications are open until August 21 for the first-ever DREAMS! Music Micro-Grant Program. 

Funded by Invest Durham, through a partnership with DREAMS! Incorporated (Durham Regional Excellence in Arts, Music and Sound), the funding opportunity is designed to support the growth of Durham Region's music industry by transforming creative ideas into career-building projects.

The program features three micro-grant streams that provide financial support for projects focused on recording, music production, marketing, professional development and career advancement. Grant streams include: 

• Creative Spark Grant – $500
• Artistic Growth Grant – $1,000
• Career Accelerator Grant – $1,500

Applicants will be asked to demonstrate how the funding will support a clearly defined project and contribute to their artistic and professional development. 

 Recruit Student Talent At The Side Hustle Shuffle

Connect with Oshawa students and find your future workforce through the Side Hustle Shuffle. The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is inviting local businesses to participate in this new initiative. 

Taking place September 15 to 17 from 9 a.m. to noon as part of the Oshawa Orientation Experience, participating businesses can promote employment opportunities directly to new and returning students, and host on-the-spot interviews. It's a great way to fill seasonal, part-time, or entry-level roles quickly with candidates who are excited to work locally.

The DREAMS! Music Awards presented by Invest Durham take place September 18 at the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa. 

DREAMS! brings together artists, industry leaders, supporters and music fans from across the region, with awards handed out for live performance, recording, songwriting, production, music video and music industry leadership. 

The evening will launch this year's Convergence Music and Art Festival, running September 19 and 20 in downtown Oshawa. The all-ages festival offers both free community and ticketed events with more than two dozen performances.

Twelve years ago, Deanna and Marc Walsh launched Whitby Art Studio (a 4Cats partner studio) after seeing an opportunity to combine their love for creativity with the needs of Durham Region's growing number of young families. Their small business has now grown into a creative space that serves families, schools and community organizations, while creating valuable first-job opportunities for young people. Explore Whitby Art Studio's entrepreneurial journey. 

Just outside Newcastle, Docville has become one of Durham Region's most distinctive film assets. Created by Steve "Doc" Holliday, the purpose-built Old West town features wooden storefronts, a weathered saloon and dusty streets. It's been the backdrop for countless films, television productions and music shoots, helping showcase Durham Region as a unique and versatile filming location. Read more about the making of Docville.

Don't miss the chance to be part of Picks and Giggles' Classic Holiday Market. Vendor applications are only being accepted for a limited time, and those interested are encouraged to apply now. Returning to Kingsway College in Oshawa on December 13, the annual event connects nearly 100 local businesses with a large holiday shopping audience. Apply to be a vendor.

Current News & Trends

Tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver, with Canadian and international visitors spending $140.5 billion across Canada in 2025. Explore the latest data from Statistics Canada and Destination Canada. 

New markets could soon open for local beverage alcohol producers. Ontario has signed an agreement supporting direct alcohol sales across provincial borders. Find out what this could mean for the industry. 

The Ontario government has expanded free day-use access to provincial parks for Veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who live in Ontario. Learn more about eligibility and how it works. 

New and improved community spaces are coming to the Bowmanville Library. Explore the proposed improvements. 

Locally-loved and visitor-approved—Irish-born content creator Jamie Harkin highlighted some of Durham's most buzzworthy stops on his summer road trip. Find out which local businesses made the itinerary. 

The attention doesn't stop there. Travelling from Toronto by GO train, influencer Metro Eats Official explored transit-friendly food finds in Durham Region. Check out the featured stops in Ajax, Pickering and Whitby. 

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.