Markham, ON — This past weekend, Main Street Markham came alive with the sounds of summer as the 48th annual Markham Village Music Festival took over the historic downtown corridor from June 21–22, 2025. Drawing thousands from across the region, the free two-day festival featured five music stages, dozens of community zones, and a vibrant mix of family-friendly fun, food, and local pride.
🎸 Five Music Stages, Dozens of Acts
With five stages spread along Main Street — including the Main, Middle, Robinson, North, and South Stages — visitors enjoyed everything from indie pop and hip hop to salsa and folk. Headliners included Canadian pop star Jessia (Friday) and rock duo Dear Rouge (Saturday), both drawing major crowds to the main stage.
Local favourites and rising stars rounded out the lineup, including CJ Wiley, The Human Rights, J Rez, and Wayley. Between sets, audiences were treated to high-energy dance showcases — from Latin and hip hop to country line dancing.
👨👩👧👦 Family Zones & Interactive Activities
Saturday’s Kidz Zone was packed with families enjoying crafts, Taekwondo demos, face painting, and workshops. Meanwhile, the Dog Zone was a hit with four-legged friends and their humans, featuring hydration stations, vendors, and plenty of belly rubs.
A classic car show and community street dance kicked off the weekend Friday night, blending retro vibes with multicultural performances including Indigenous round dancing and Latin beats.
🧵 Artisan Markets & Indigenous Celebration
Festivalgoers browsed local artisans in the Village Market, while the Three Sisters Indigenous Craft Market featured handmade goods and cultural teachings. A standout workshop led by Indigenous artist Naomi Peters gave families the chance to create traditional dreamcatchers.
🚶♀️ A Street Festival with Heart
With no admission fee, the Markham Village Music Festival remained one of the GTA’s most accessible events. Streets were closed to traffic, allowing space for strollers, wheelchairs, and foot traffic to flow freely from Highway 7 to Bullock Drive. Shuttle services and public transit connections made it easy for festivalgoers from across York Region and Toronto to attend.
🎤 A True Community Celebration
“The artist lineup was so diverse — we loved discovering new music while the kids had a blast at crafts,” said one parent, who attended with her family on Saturday afternoon.
Now nearly 50 years strong, the Markham Village Music Festival continues to be a hallmark of early summer in York Region — a joyful celebration of music, multiculturalism, and local pride.
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