Pickering Village is coming alive this weekend as JAMFest returns for another year of live music, local vendors, food, and community celebration.
The annual festival, held throughout the historic Pickering Village district in Ajax, brings together musicians, artists, local businesses, food vendors, and visitors for a weekend of entertainment and shopping.
Visitors to the event can enjoy live bands performing throughout the day and into the evening while exploring the village’s unique shops, restaurants, and vendor booths. Food trucks and local restaurants are serving a variety of options, while artisans and craft vendors line the streets with handmade goods and specialty products.
Many of Pickering Village’s independent businesses are also joining in the festivities. Visitors can browse unique local shops such as Odyssey Books & Gifts, known for its eclectic collection of books, gifts, crystals, and spiritual items, while other longtime village businesses including The Pickering Village Ice Cream Shoppe and local restaurants throughout the district welcome festival-goers throughout the weekend. The event provides an opportunity not only to enjoy the entertainment, but also to discover the small businesses that help give Pickering Village its distinctive character.
While strong winds made for a challenging start to the weekend, vendors remained optimistic, noting that attendance often increases later in the day and throughout the remainder of the festival.
JAMFest has become a longstanding tradition in Pickering Village. Originally launched as the Pickering Village Jazz Festival, the event evolved into JAMFest in 2011 and has now been celebrating music and community for well over a decade. The festival has grown from a small local music event into one of Durham Region’s most recognizable community festivals.
The festival continues on Sunday, offering residents and visitors another opportunity to experience live entertainment, local shopping, food, and the welcoming atmosphere that has made Pickering Village a destination for community events year after year.
Admission is free.
For more information and a full lineup of performers, visit the official JAMFest website.
