Durham Tourism Visitor E-newsletter

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October 2023

Gather at the farm in

Durham Region this fall

From pumpkin patches and wagon rides to gathering farm-fresh ingredients for your fall feast, join in as Durham Tourism celebrates Durham Farm Fresh's 30th Anniversary this October.

For a list of fall farm events and activities visit DurhamTourism.ca/gather.

Apple Picking Adventures in Durham Region

By: Shaun Bernstein, The Write Stuff Agency

Move over, pumpkin spice—we’re officially entering apple season.

From a hot cup of apple cider to a warm piece of apple pie (with ice cream of course!), or even just that first juicy bite—Ontario apples have their time to shine each fall.

Of course, you could grab your apples from a grocery store or produce market, but there’s nothing quite like going out and picking your own. Not only does apple picking mean you’re getting the freshest product possible, but it also makes for a great day out in nature and is a perfect activity for the whole family.

Thankfully some of the best apples in Ontario are grown right here in Durham Region, and with a simple twist of the wrist they can easily be yours!

So, where can you go pick your own apples this season and what do you need to know before you venture out? We’ve got you covered.

View the full blog post at DurhamTourism.ca.

A Gamers Guide to

Durham Region

Gamers unite! Durham Region has a growing gaming scene for your next night out. From trivia nights to gaming cafés, and arcades to escape rooms, there are endless opportunities in Durham Region to get your game on. Explore this list of game night hot spots to plan your next adventure in real life!

If you’re looking to add some extra adventure to your game day, check out the Durham Region Apple Adventure. From farm fresh orchards, to tap rooms and local bakeshops, Durham Region has curated a list of experiences with your tastebuds in mind to keep you fuelled up for fun.

View the full blog post at DurhamTourism.ca.

The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) takes place October 19 to 21

Promoting arts, culture, creativity and community, DRIFF showcases inspiring films that represent the distinctive voices of independent filmmakers. This fall festival will bring an exciting film experience to audiences in Durham Region—nurturing community connections with a peek at the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, while supporting the development of local and international talent.

From opening night and VIP gala reception, to the final day that includes a free special DRIFF series, we welcome you to our three wonderfully unique locations: the Centennial Building in Whitby; St. Frances Centre in Ajax; and, the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa.

This event offers three days of thoughtful, curated, in-person programming from around the globe, with a focus on Canadian and Durham Region productions. In addition to screenings of short and feature-length films, check out the interactive film workshops and industry panels that were designed to engage a diverse network of audiences, filmmakers, and collaborators through a shared love of film.

Enjoy DRIFF’s 2023 selection of films as you learn about a filmmaker’s key responsibilities, challenges, and excitement while capturing their vision for the screen. Be part of the audience who determines the best film at the festival, while enjoying the delicious local food and beverage showcase. Come to DRIFF and let the films open your heart, transport you to a new world, educate you or inspire you!

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit DRIFF.ca.

Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm, Sunderland

It's Corn Maze Season in Durham Region

Do you love fall adventures? Durham Region has some a-maze-ing experiences for you! Are you all ‘ears’?! It’s CORN!... maze season in Durham Region.

Are you ready to embrace the crisp air and warm sunshine while taking on the full corn maze experience this season? Whether you are into some family fun in the sun or a spooky experience with friends, Durham’s corn mazes have got you covered!

September, through to the end of October, is a great time to get outside and let your country side shine! Corn mazes are open and ready to put your mind to the test. Some of Durham’s farms have been challenging us with their twisting and turning mazes for more than 10 years!

View the full blog post at DurhamTourism.ca.

The Book Drunkard fall festival is back with an inspiring schedule this fall

This much-loved literary extravaganza runs now until November 15, and takes place in diverse venues across the Uxbridge area. With an outstanding lineup of more than 25 brilliant Canadian and international authors—as well as an impressive team of interviewers—this year's festival promises to be an unmissable celebration of literature and storytelling.

Headlining the festival is none other than Brent Butt, the renowned creator of Corner Gas, making his writing debut with an intense, gritty psychological thriller called HUGE. The story follows three comedians on a rough run of shows through a remote stretch of rural countryside, as their priorities shift from getting laughs to fighting for their lives.

Closing the festival is the legendary Canadian icon, Rick Mercer, who will share the inside story of his stupendous success following, "This Hour Has 22 Minutes." His memoir, “The Road Years” takes audiences on a thrilling ride through countless joyous and reckless assignments.

Tickets for individual events are available, or attendees can take advantage of bundle pricing.

Do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of literature at the Book Drunkard Fall Festival, where unforgettable stories and cherished memories await!

For the full schedule and ticketing information visit BookDrunkard.com.

Discover Durham with the Durham Tourism

Discovery Guide

Discover all of the urban excitement and country charm that Durham Region has to offer with the Durham Tourism Discovery Guide!

The guide features unique experiences on every page—centred around tourists near and far with a love for the people, places and businesses in Durham Region. Find exciting new culinary adventures, adrenalin-filled activities, and more.

Download your free guide at DurhamTourism.ca/guides.

More October events across Durham Region

There is so much to do in Durham Region this month! Here is just a snapshot of events taking place in October.

📍: Jeremy Hotz – Up Close and Miserable - Regent Theatre, Oshawa

🗓️: October 6

📍: Batty Cross 2023 - Trail Hub, Uxbridge

🗓️: October 6 and 7

📍: Dizzy - Biltmore Theatre, Oshawa

🗓️: October 14

📍: Applefest - Downtown Bowmanville

🗓️: October 14

📍: DRIFF - Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa

🗓️: October 19 to 21

📍: Cannington Haunted Attraction - MacLeod Park, Cannington

🗓️: October 20 to 28

📍: Fall Fling - Millennium Square, Pickering

🗓️: October 21 and 28

📍: Camp X Tours - 1240 Phillip Murray Avenue, Oshawa

🗓️: October 28

For more details and events, visit DurhamTourism.ca/events.

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.