Craft Your Own ‘Practical Magic’-Inspired Weekend Near Toronto This Fall

The Owen Sisters may be cursed from finding love, but that won’t stop you from falling in love with the magic of Durham Region. Although the movies are set in Massachusetts, we’re “practically” neighbours—and with the long-awaited sequel released this September, there’s no better time to get your coven together and recreate your own Practical Magic adventure. After all, there’s a little witch in all of us.

Channel Your Inner Witch

Hold onto your broomsticks, because Durham Region has plenty of magic to help you channel your inner witch this season. Shop crystals and cards at Odyssey Books & Gifts in Ajax or explore local artisan vendors at Markets Ontario in Bowmanville. Enjoy Fortune Teller Fridays at Coffin Creek Coffee in Courtice, and sip on freshly brewed coffee while you shop. In the mood for a wellness day? Check out the Salt Room Whitby for sound baths and reiki, or the Rooted BeauTEA Head Spa in Oshawa for scalp massages with tarot readings and tea. And if that's not enough, mark your calendar for these witchy events:

• September 12: Magic at the Museum: Potions Class
• September 12: Magic at the Museum: Spell Book Workshop
• September 19: Psychic Readings at Coffin Creek Coffee
• October 2 and 3: Myth & Moonlight: An After Dark Experience
• October 17: Dine with the Dead Psychic Medium at Jester's Court
• October 23: Fleetwood Mac Mania
• October 24: The Gathering: Through the Cellar Door

Fall In Love At The Farmers’ Market

Farmers' Market season is in full swing in Durham Region, and as Sally would attest, it's the perfect place to fall in love (so long as you don't have a lingering family curse to worry about). Discover a variety of local produce, meats and freshly baked sweets at one of the 12 farmers' markets across the region. Most markets run until mid-to-late October. It's a great opportunity to meet farm animals, enjoy live entertainment and support local businesses. Plus, farm festival season has also begun. With countless farm festivals and events to enjoy, the Witch's Lair at Knox's Pumpkin Farm is a must!

Eat Chocolate For Breakfast

While Aunt Frances and Jet are notorious for chocolate-filled breakfasts, Durham’s delicious chocolatiers can be enjoyed any time of day. Try the flavourful bonbons or bars from One More Cocoa in Whitby, the signature truffles from The Nutty Chocolatier in Port Perry, a loaded brownie from Cakes & Co. in Ajax, or grab a slice of chocolate cake from their neighbours at Biscuits to Baskets. The bakery also has make-your-own boxes to add all sorts of different cakes or chocolates to the mix. If just a slice won't do, then grab your spoons and feast your eyes on the viral cake bucket from MacKay's Bakery in Pickering. Yes, you read that right. Cake, in a bucket.

Make Midnight Margaritas

Flip the switch and let the cauldron bubble with some of Durham’s most insta-worthy margaritas. The Pink Jaguar at Chúuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar, the Spicy Pineapple Marg at BOND|ST Snack Bar and the Fuego at Surf Kitchen & Bar will have you singing “put the lime in the coconut and drink ‘em both up.” Feel like mixing up your own margarita? Check out Crafted Art Bar's whimsical cocktail classes and mobile art bar at upcoming events across Durham Region this season.

Shop Botanicals

Just like Sally’s botanical shop, Durham is home to amazing local makers like Aide Bodycare. With two locations in Oshawa and Whitby, Aide handcrafts one-of-a-kind soaps and body products using ethical, sustainable ingredients—no assembly lines, just real ingredients and real people bringing each product to life. Situated along the rolling hills of Enniskillen, Timeless Essentials is another great option for thoughtfully handcrafted soaps, essences, and other natural products. Shop their botanicals and make a day trip out of it with stops along A Country Path in Clarington.

Meet The Walking Dead

While the Owen Sisters bring Gilly's ex back from the dead, there's no telling what spirits and creatures you'll see in Durham Region this season. With Halloween around the corner, there's no shortage of frightful events to enjoy—from the Cannington Haunted Attraction in Brock to the indoor Fear Forest in Oshawa. Check out these upcoming paranormal events for even more spooky vibes:

• September 10 to October 29: Paranormal Tours at the Pickering Waterfront
• September 26 and 27: Scenes from the Cemetery
• September 26: Scugog Shores Museum After Dark: Paranormal Seekers
• October 8 to 31: Ghost Walks at Pickering Museum Village
• October 9 to 30: Beyond the Village Veil: Spirit Seeking
• October 16 and 23: Dine with the Dead at Volt Raceway
• October 17: Paranormal Seekers at Oshawa Museum 

Tour Historic Mansions & Victorian Homes

Nothing screams "Practical Magic" more than a whimsical, historical home in a picturesque setting—and luckily, Durham Region is home to plenty of those. Nestled in the heart of downtown Bowmanville, step inside the Waverly Place Museum for a tour of the lavish Edwardian interior, lush gardens and greenhouse. Surrounded by 11 acres of gardens, Parkwood Estate in Oshawa is another must-visit destination that will transport you back in time. The grounds are free to roam before 5 p.m., and the estate offers guided tours of the mansion and greenhouse by appointment. Plus, throughout September, don't miss your opportunity to tour the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site, the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, on weekends or by appointment on weekdays.

Master Your Craft

Feel like getting a little crafty? While Sally and Gilly practice spells and potions, businesses across Durham Region offer plenty of opportunities to bring ideas to life. Craft & Gather Studio recently opened its doors in downtown Bowmanville as a gathering place for creatives. The studio hosts workshops and welcomes walk-ins seeking guidance to hone your craft with a variety of high-quality tools and materials. Want to try your hand at pottery? Check out Whitby Art Studio for clay wheel sessions and craft series. Or, for a more seasonal experience, save your seat at The Sunflower Farm's floral workshops in Beaverton to create and bring home your very own pumpkin bouquet.

Where To Watch

Wrap up your witchy weekend with tickets to see the new Practical Magic 2 at The Roxy Theatre in Uxbridge! This charming, full-service movie theatre offers nostalgic cinema vibes with new and old movies screening seven days a week, including matinees on weekends and holidays. Grab your popcorn, drinks and other goodies from the retro concession stand, and sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Ciders and craft beers are also available for purchase.