The City of Markham’s Award-Winning Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival Returns for 2026

MARKHAM, ON – September 8, 2026 – The City of Markham is excited to announce the return of the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival, presented by Tim Hortons. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, one of the largest annual children’s festivals in Ontario will bring the community to life with free family-friendly activities, interactive experiences, and live entertainment.

Taking place from 10 AM to 6:30 PM outside of the Aaniin Community Centre, the festival will be a fun-filled celebration of childhood. Some of the day’s activities and experiences include:

• Live entertainment on the Main Stage throughout the day, including an Interactive DJ; Educational Animal Show; Mad Science Show; Magic Show; Miss Maia Bubble Show; CCAA performance; Circus Drummer; and Global Dance Party with Chris McKhool.
• Welcome Ceremony at 1 PM on the Main Stage.
• Activities and interactive experiences such as inflatables, sensory tables, STEM activities, and mini putt.
• The City of Markham’s mascot, Mille the Butterfly.
• A variety of vendors offering delicious food and beverages for purchase.

“The Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival is an annual tradition filled with fun, excitement and the chance to create unforgettable family memories,” said City of Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “It’s an opportunity for families to connect, and for kids to enjoy themselves and celebrate all that makes Markham a vibrant and welcoming community.”

In addition to the free activities and experiences, Play-All-Day passes are now available for purchase for unlimited access to giant inflatables, carnival games, the trackless train and more. The Play-All-Day pass is available online for only $10 (+ HST). The price will increase to $15 (+ HST) on the day of the festival. 

Also available while supplies last is the Millie Doll and Play-All-Day Bundle, which includes a play-all-day wristband and a Millie plush toy. This bundle is $30 (+ HST) with an advance purchase online, and $20 (+ HST) on the day of the festival.

Reminders for Festival Attendees:

• Families are encouraged to review height restrictions that apply to select activities on the festival website, or on signs that will be located at each attraction.
• Don’t forget your reusable water bottle! Water refill stations will be available outside at the event site and inside Aaniin Community Centre.
• There will be no public parking at Aaniin Community Centre on September 12, with the exception of designated accessible parking spots. Free parking will be available at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library (7600 Kennedy Road), where attendees can access a free shuttle service to the event site at Aaniin Community Centre (running every 30 minutes). Limited free parking will also be available at Middlefield Collegiate Institute (525 Highglen Ave). Space will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Road closures and traffic disruptions will be in effect during the festival on September 12, from 9 AM to 7 PM:
  • 14th Avenue and Vanni Avenue: One-way traffic only with vendor and resident access
  • Vanni Avenue to Middlefield Road: One-way traffic only with resident access
  • Mumbai Drive and Middlefield Road: No left turn permitted

For more information about the event, including the main stage schedule and details about activities, visit the Children's Festival event page.

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media@markham.ca. 

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 370,000residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

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