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May 2024

 
 
Keith Lee, food critic, with desserts from Biscuits to Baskets in Ajax, Ontario

Visit This Keith Lee-Reviewed Backyard Café In Ajax 

TikToker Keith Lee has sent Canadians into a frenzy of excitement over his recent trip to Toronto. He asked his audience for their recommendations for authentic mom-and-pop shops that he should check out during his family trip. The second stop on Lee’s Toronto Food Tour was just east of the city at Biscuits to Baskets in Ajax.


If you want to check out this true hidden gem for yourself, here are the tips and tricks you need to know to ensure a successful visit to this now viral café.

Plan your visit to Biscuits to Baskets
 
 
Chuuk restaurant in Pickering, Ontario

Enjoy These Authentic Mexican Dining Experiences On Cinco De Mayo

Tacos and margaritas—shall we even say more? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5 with an authentic Mexican dining experience in Durham Region! Enjoy delicious, authentic cuisine in a beautiful atmosphere, paired with handcrafted cocktails and good vibes, at Los Cabos Cantina & Grill, Chúuk, or Surf Kitchen & Bar.



Looking for more tropical restaurant recommendations? We've compiled a list of local restaurants with a delicious menu and unbeatable atmosphere.

Explore more restaurants in Durham Region
 
 

Don't Miss Free Comic Book Day At World's Collide

On May 4, head to Worlds Collide in downtown Oshawa for Free Comic Book Day, and pick up a copy of issues one and two of The Displaced—a comic book about Oshawa, written by Oshawa native, and DC Comics and Marvel Comics writer, Ed Brisson.


Worlds Collide is Durham Region’s longest serving comics retailer and has a deep appreciation for the art form of comics.

 
Learn more about Free Comic Book Day
 
 

Make This Mother’s Day Extra Special For Mom

This Mother’s Day, treat mom to one of these relaxing wellness experiences in Durham Region! Whether it’s quiet solitude, spa treatments, or therapeutic healing and yoga, there are many unique experiences that mom will love.

Find relaxing experiences

Looking for a gorgeous bouquet or new plant to surprise mom with on May 12? Explore this list of flower farms, florists and markets in Durham Region. We hope thistle encourage you to #ShopInDurham to find the perfect blooms for mom!

Pick the perfect blooms
 
 

Celebrate World Cocktail Day With These Insta-Worthy Cocktails

On May 15, raise your glass and cheers to World Cocktail Day with one of these Insta-worthy cocktails in Durham Region.



Whether you’re meeting friends for happy hour, looking for a great place for appetizers and drinks, or want to find your new favourite cocktail, we’ve created this list of totally Insta-worthy cocktails in Durham Region’s downtowns to help you plan the perfect night out. 

For more inspiration, follow us on social media at @DurhamTourism, or tag us on your adventures.

Find Insta-worthy cocktails to try
 
 

Mark Your Calendars

 

On May 4, explore maple treats and local syrup producers at Bowmanville Maplefest! Stroll along four city blocks to explore unique items from craft and food vendors, and browse the many independent shops and restaurants in historic downtown Bowmanville. Learn more about the Downtown Bowmanville Maplefest

The countdown to the Durham Craft Beer Festival spring event is on! Enjoy food trucks, live music, a collectable souvenir serving glass, sampling tokens to try delicious local brews, entertainment, games and more on May 11 in Oshawa! Tickets are on sale now. Learn more about the Durham Region Craft Beer Festival.

On May 11, follow the self-guided driving tour in the scenic countryside of Leaskdale (Uxbridge) for Leaskdale Loop Day, and discover unique destinations just minutes from each other. Explore farm market fare, cideries, local artisans, historical sites, vintage barns, and more. Learn more about Leaksdale Loop Day.

Don’t miss the 2024 Bike for Health on June 2! In partnership with the Lakeridge Health Foundation and the Region of Durham, hundreds of riders, volunteers and community supporters will raise much needed funds for the Lakeridge Health hospitals. Challenge yourself on Durham's beautiful terrain! Learn more about Bike for Health.

Don't miss Springtide Music Festival with headliners Begonia, MONOWHALES, and Good Lovelies in Uxbridge! From June 6 to 8, enjoy this annual three-day celebration of community and music, featuring more than 60 Canadian acts in a variety of venues. Grab your tickets now! Learn more about Springtide Music Festival

Save the date for the 20th annual Oshawa Peony Festival on June 8 and 9! This free event displays 300 types of peonies throughout the beautiful Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens. Explore artisan vendors, community displays, delicious food, live entertainment and a prestigious judged peony competition. Learn more about the Oshawa Peony Festival

Explore more upcoming events in Durham Region
 
 

Page’s Platefuls: Chimichurri Pork Chops with Spicy Carrot Frisée Salad

This month, let’s take some time to cook for all of the amazing mothers out there! With Mother’s Day on the horizon, Chef Alex Page created a Chimichurri Pork Chops with Spicy Carrot Frisée Salad recipe with ease in mind—so we can spend more time around the table pampering mom.


Purchasing ingredients from local boutiques and farms—such as pickles, salad dressings, condiments and marinades—often contain local farm-to-table ingredients, with minimal to no preservatives or mystery ingredients. In this case, the Bistro ’67 Pantry and Hy-Hope Farm Market, are well stocked with these ingredients and worth checking out. You may even want to treat mom to lunch at the Bistro while you pick up your ingredients for dinner!

 
View the full recipe
 
 

Plan The Ultimate May 24 Weekend With These Exciting Experiences

Heading out with friends over for the long weekend? Check out a local brewery for a sip on the patio, or bring a six-pack up to the lake for a weekend away. Scratch these local breweries off your bucket list.

Nothing screams long weekend more than a delicious food truck meal. To help plan your next foodie adventure, we’ve curated this list of the best food truck stops to crush your cravings in Durham Region

Spend the long weekend sipping away on delicious cider at one of Durham Region’s local cideries! Explore this guide to cideries in Durham’s northern communities.

 
Discover more long weekend fun in Durham Region
 
 

Upcoming Events

May 2: Classic Movie Night at Regent Theatre

May 2 Drink and Draw in the Loft at The Second Wedge

May 3: Clarington’s Got Talent Youth Showcase

May 3: Stephen Fearing Presented by Music by the Bay Live

May 4: Doors Open Oshawa

May 4: Jane’s Walk

May 4 to 5: Lake Scugog Studio Tour 25th Anniversary

May 4 to 5: Minii Adventures Season Roll-Out Skills Jam

May 5: 7th Annual Autism Acceptance Run and Walk

May 5: Wall Art and Candle Making Workshop at Unique Town Boutique

May 9: Beer and Cheese Pairing at The Second Wedge

May 9: Marc Jordan and Amy Sky Concert at Regent Theatre 

May 10 to 11: Quilt Show: Port Perry Patchers Still Stitching Together

May 15: Durham College Artist Talks at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery

May 16: Live Music Bingo at The Second Wedge

May 23: Family Fun Thursday at Scugog Shores Museum Village

May 24 to 26: Ajax Rotary Ribfest

May 25: Creators and Classics Event at Orono Fairgrounds

May 25: May Bliss Market

May 25: Monster Trucks All Out Northern Lights Party

May 26: Vital! Circus Cabaret at Biltmore Theatre

May 29: 150th Anniversary of Lucy Maud Launch Event at Uxbridge Music Hall

May 30: 28th Annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic

May 30 to June 2: 113th Brooklin Spring Fair

May 31: Southport Live at TwoTwoTwo

 
Find more events in Durham Region this month
 
 

In Case You Missed It

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also put a damper on your outdoor fun. There’s no need to stay stuck inside when spring fever hits—because there are so many exciting, weather-proof activities to enjoy in Durham Region that will help you beat the rainy-day blues! Find beautiful indoor museums and galleries to explore, arcades to game the day way, and delicious ideas for a meal out. Plan your rainy day adventure.

Looking to take a moment to yourself in a cosy café? We’ve got you covered with our list of totally Insta-worthy coffees, lattes and cafés in Durham Region’s downtowns. Whether you’re catching up with a friend, warming yourself up during a day of shopping, or wanting to find the perfect little coffee shop for a moment alone, there are plenty of amazing options to choose from just east of Toronto. View this list of Instagrammable cafés and coffee shops

With so many local businesses just a simple Google search away, we created this guide for those looking to take the road less travelled. To help give you the ultimate experience, we’ve compiled a list of places that are well-known and well-loved by residents. After all, who better to trust when exploring a new city or town than the people who live there? Explore A Local’s Guide To Durham Region: Visit Like A Non-Tourist.

Read the latest updates on our blog
 
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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.