Our Community
Places we love in Uxbridge
The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario in Leaskdale (10 minutes north of Uxbridge) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the beloved author of Anne of Green Gables who lived in Leaskdale from 1911-1926.
The Society operates the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site and the Historic Leaskdale Church, the former St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church where Lucy Maud Montgomery’s husband, Ewan Macdonald, was the minister from 1910 to 1926. The Society offers tours, programming and events dedicated to preserving the history and literature of the beloved Lucy Maud Montgomery.
In 1935, former Mayor of Toronto Thomas Foster had a memorial temple constructed between Leaskdale and Uxbridge, known as the Foster Memorial Temple, as a tribute to his late wife and young daughter.
The temple was designed by Foster with the help of architects H.H. Madill and James H. Craig, drawing inspiration from the Taj Mahal and Byzantine architecture. The beautiful structure features solid bronze doors, handmade stained glass windows and terrazzo floors with marble mosaics, making it a sight to behold. The Foster Memorial plays host to the popular “Fridays at the Foster” concert series that runs every Friday from May – September.
York-Durham Heritage Railway is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Canadian railways of South-Central Ontario. The railway plays host to numerous train-themed events throughout the year, including the popular Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express.
For over 155 years, the Uxbridge Fall Fair has celebrated the rural life and agriculture of Uxbridge. During the first weekend after Labour Day, families can enjoy the midway rides, tractor pulls, demolition derby, livestock shows and tons of exhibits in beautiful Elgin Park. Combined with delicious farm-fresh and fair food options from local vendors, it’s easy to understand why the Uxbridge Fall Fair is the most popular event in Uxbridge!
The Blackstock Agricultural Society hosts an annual agricultural fair the last weekend of August and a Tractor Pull the first weekend of July. The fair includes a demolition derby, beef and dairy shows, an amazing horse show, homecraft exhibits, 4H achievement days, kids’ world, and a variety of musical entertainment.
The Sunderland Fall Fair, the oldest fair in Durham Region, is and always has been a mid-week fair that focuses greatly on our youth. It originated as the Sunderland Rural Fair with the first day dedicated to the children. Today, the Fair opens at 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon and continues throughout the day on Wednesday. We still enjoy strong participation on Wednesday from our local schools. The two elementary schools participate in the parade and vocalize their “School Cheers” in front of the Grandstand while the high school band provides the Parade’s musical entertainment.
The Sunderland Fall Fair, the oldest fair in Durham Region, is and always has been a mid-week fair that focuses greatly on our youth. It originated as the Sunderland Rural Fair with the first day dedicated to the children. Today, the Fair opens at 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon and continues throughout the day on Wednesday. We still enjoy strong participation on Wednesday from our local schools. The two elementary schools participate in the parade and vocalize their “School Cheers” in front of the Grandstand while the high school band provides the Parade’s musical entertainment.
The Uxbridge Historical Centre preserves the history and heritage of Uxbridge Township through artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the history of the area.
Consisting of more than 6,000 artifacts, 10 buildings and a 5-acre site overlooking the beautiful Uxbridge Valley and Oak Ridges Moraine, the Uxbridge Historical Centre gives its visitors a glimpse of the lives of the early settlers of Uxbridge, the Quakers.
Our Favourite Local Events
Art in the Park: since 1995
Elgin Park, Uxbridge
For over 20 years The Uxbridge Lions Club has hosted Art in the Park in Elgin Park the third weekend in August. This is the 26th year that Art-in-the-Park has been held in Elgin Park, Uxbridge. Come stroll through the beautifully wooded park. Enjoy fabulous works, with some of Ontario’s finest artists artisans/craftspeople. Talk with the artists and watch as some will be demonstrating their talent. Take the children to the children’s play/art and performance area. All this, with FREE admission and parking. Donations at the gates are gratefully appreciated. Funds from the Silent Auction going entirely to the Dog Guides Program. This event is a fundraiser sponsored by the Uxbridge and District Lions Club. This will help the Lions in supporting many worthwhile community and district projects.
Fantasy of Lights
Elgin Park, Uxbridge, Ontario
For over fifteen years, the Uxbridge Optimist Club has hosted this brilliant event. It is now one of the largest Christmas light displays in Canada and showcases over 85 unique light displays from community groups, businesses, schools, churches, families, etc. from all around the Uxbridge area. No ticket or fee required but donations are appreciated.
Sunderland Lions Music Festival: Since 1958
The Sunderland Lions Music Festival is intended to promote higher standards of musical awareness and achievement in our community by providing young musicians with opportunities for public performance and professional assessment. Throughout our 60 plus year history, literally tens of thousands of students have graced our stages. From its early beginnings, the Sunderland Lions Music Festival has grown to the point where it now runs for 2 weeks during which participants are judged in all levels of piano, voice, strings, instrumental and choral including special band clinician and choral workshops for elementary and secondary level students. Our “Stars of the Festival” concerts run during the evenings of the 3rd week at which time participants receive their class awards and other special awards and trophies.
Santa Claus Parade
The parade takes place on the 3rd Saturday of November each year – Downtown Uxbridge.
Uxbridge Bruins Junior C Hockey Club
Friday night is Hockey Night in Uxbridge – come out and see your team play – www.uxbridgebruins.com
Messiah
This unforgettable seasonal tradition is presented by the Uxbridge Messiah Singers, a volunteer organization which exists solely to bring Handel’s much-loved oratorio to area music lovers every two years. The production is conducted by Thomas Baker, with a chorus of 85 voices from around the Durham and York regions, with a 15-piece professional orchestra. Over 1200 people enjoyed the live concert in 2018 and many tuned into the virtual event, An Evening With The Uxbridge Messiah Singers, in 2020.
The Living Nativity
The Living Nativity, a free gift to the community from Uxbridge Baptist Church, has been a Christmas Tradition since 1974. The show is presented every two years. The outdoor performance depicts the birth of Christ with a cast of more than 125 people. Centennial Park.
Light & Life - HOPE TODAY
Light & Life Programming will produce spiritually refreshing and encouraging programs of music and teaching that will benefit those who will listen through various media forms including YouTube. The Biblical message will be about God’s love and provision of his salvation and eternal life to all who will accept the free gift.