Durham Region Emancipation Day Celebration returns July 30

Join the Region of Durham and community partners on July 30 for its annual Emancipation Day celebration. The theme for 2025 is Rooted in Resilience: Embracing Empowerment.

This free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to connect and learn about emancipation, while looking toward the future we aspire to create for all members of our community. Attendees can expect live performances, food trucks, vendors, youth and children’s activities and more.

Event Details

  • Date: July 30, 2025
  • Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
  • Location: Esplanade Park, in Pickering
  • Performances by: DJ Dreadie Love, vocalist Leah Samuels, spoken word artists Judith Shaw and Lamoi, steel pan players, AFIWI Groove School and Riddim Cultural Arts!

View the 2025 Emancipation Day Celebration poster!


Accessibility statement

Please join us on Wednesday, July 30, for the Emancipation Day celebration at the Esplanade Park Pickering, located behind the Pickering Public library. The park is fully accessible. The closest intersection is Kingston Road and Glenanna Road. Parking is available at the City lot across from the library, Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Centre or the Pickering Town Centre. The park is also accessible via public transit. Use the Durham Region Transit (DRT) app or visit the DRT website to plan your trip.

This is an outdoor event. A limited number of chairs, facing the stage will be available. You can enter the park from Glenanna Road, or Valley Farm Road, using The Esplanade. Accessible washrooms are available at the library and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Centre. Four accessible portable toilets will also be available in the park.

For questions about other accommodations for this event, please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at accessibility@durham.ca or 905-668-4113 extension 2009.

Join the Region of Durham and community partners on July 30 for its annual Emancipation Day celebration. The theme for 2025 is Rooted in Resilience: Embracing Empowerment.

This free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to connect and learn about emancipation, while looking toward the future we aspire to create for all members of our community. Attendees can expect live performances, food trucks, vendors, youth and children’s activities and more.

Event Details

  • Date: July 30, 2025
  • Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
  • Location: Esplanade Park, in Pickering
  • Performances by: DJ Dreadie Love, vocalist Leah Samuels, spoken word artists Judith Shaw and Lamoi, steel pan players, AFIWI Groove School and Riddim Cultural Arts!

View the 2025 Emancipation Day Celebration poster!


Accessibility statement

Please join us on Wednesday, July 30, for the Emancipation Day celebration at the Esplanade Park Pickering, located behind the Pickering Public library. The park is fully accessible. The closest intersection is Kingston Road and Glenanna Road. Parking is available at the City lot across from the library, Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Centre or the Pickering Town Centre. The park is also accessible via public transit. Use the Durham Region Transit (DRT) app or visit the DRT website to plan your trip.

This is an outdoor event. A limited number of chairs, facing the stage will be available. You can enter the park from Glenanna Road, or Valley Farm Road, using The Esplanade. Accessible washrooms are available at the library and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Centre. Four accessible portable toilets will also be available in the park.

For questions about other accommodations for this event, please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at accessibility@durham.ca or 905-668-4113 extension 2009.

Page last updated: 18 Jul 2025, 01:58 PM