IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the postponement of Saturday's Autism Fun Fair. Due to circumstances beyond our control the Abilities Centre was unable to honour our facility reservation. After much discussion it is clear that the best option is to postpone the event to a date and time when we have access to a facility that will support the event logistically and provide an accessible space for our community.
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We will provide an official statement from the Abilities Centre, but we felt it necessary to notify our community as soon as possible. All sponsors and vendors have been communicated with and all 530+ attendees who RSVP'd have been sent a communication via email. Sponsors and Donors to the event will be eligible to receive a refund if they choose.
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We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from those impacted by our event and we sincerely appreciate all the kindness and patience as we navigate this turn of events. As soon as we have a logstics determined we will notify you all of the revised event. We look forward to hosting you all at a wonderful Autism Fun Fair. Thank you.
XRFit has stepped up to offer a FREE VR experience this Saturday and Sunday to our wonderful community. Learn more and Book a slot by clicking below.
2026 Autism Fun Fair: Inclusive Fun, Hands-On Workshops, Community Connection & Supporting #ABAforAll
Join Lake Ridge Community Support Services for Durham Region’s favourite inclusive celebration! Enjoy free admission, live entertainment, interactive workshops, fire trucks, lacrosse games, virtual reality, local vendors, and more.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Abilities Centre — 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby, ON
🎟️ Admission:FREE (RSVP & Donations Welcome)
🎉 What to Expect
Whether you’re stopping by for an hour or staying all afternoon, there is something for everyone to enjoy in an environment designed with comfort, fun, and accessibility in mind!
🚒 Vehicles, Sports & High-Tech Fun (All Day)
🚒 Whitby Fire Department & Fire Safety: Meet autism advocate & fire safety expert Terry von Zuben along with Higbee the Fire Pup! Explore a real Whitby Fire Dept pump truck up close.
🚂 CN Rail Safety Train "Little Obie": Take a ride and learn railway safety with CN’s beloved scale train.
🥽 XRFit Virtual Reality Experience: Step into active, immersive virtual worlds designed for fun and fitness.
🎨 Arts & Crafts Zone: Creative station with guided, accessible art activities for all ages.
🏰 Classic Carnival Fun: Bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting, henna, and live music.
🍔 Food & Treats: Delicious local food truck options and an ice cream truck on-site (💳 accepted).
🧠 Sensory Space by Snooze Room (Sponsored by Monarch House): Need a break from the noise and crowd? Step into a quiet, low-stimulation environment designed to help guests recharge at any point during the event.
💃 Neuro-Friendly Dance Workshop: Fun, fully inclusive movement sessions tailored for all abilities and comfort levels by We Dance
✈ Neuro-Affirming Travel Advice: Gain insights into booking travel as an autism family with SoJourney.
📸 FREE Professional Headshots (by Mil Photography): Stop by our photo booth for a complimentary professional headshot—perfect for self-advocates, professionals, and family keepsakes!
🎟️ Raffle & 50/50 Draw: Enter for a chance to win incredible prize packages generously provided by Y001 Distribution Centre (Amazon)!
Checkout Past Events View the Gallery
🎭 Live Workshops & Performances
💃 WeDance Adaptive Dance Workshops: Inclusive, modified movement sessions tailored for all abilities (11:45 AM & 1:30 PM).
🧳 SoJourney Collective Travel Workshops: Expert guidance and strategies for navigating travel with neurodivergent family members (12:00 PM & 2:00 PM).
📚 Nanny Wind’s Story Toolbox: Engaging, interactive story workshops designed to inspire young imaginations (11:30 AM, 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM).
🎤 Live Music by Gucci Boy: Special live musical performance by talented disabled artist Gucci Boy(Family-friendly PG set).
😁 Comfort, Marketplace & Amenities
🧠 Sensory Space by Snooze Room (Sponsored by Monarch House): A calm, quiet, low-stimulation environment available all day for attendees needing a sensory break.
📸 FREE Professional Headshots (by Mil Photography): Complimentary professional portraits offered first-come, first-served (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
🍔 Food & Refreshments: Savory favorites from the Road Grill Food Truck and sweet treats from the Santa of Summer Ice Cream Truck! 🍦
🛍️ Local Marketplace: Shop goods and services from small businesses, and community allies and neurodivergent creators.
🏰 Classic Favorites: Bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting, henna, and 50/50 & raffle draws sponsored by Y001 Distribution Centre (Amazon)!
🤝 Become a Sponsor
Make a Lasting Impact in Durham Region Partner with LRCSS to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and neurodiversity. Our sponsorship packages offer high-visibility branding before and during the event, direct engagement with hundreds of local families, and the opportunity to champion affordable therapy services across our community.
Sponsorship Opportunities Include:
High-impact logo placement across event signage, digital campaigns, and social media.
Dedicated activity or space sponsorship (such as Activity, Entertainment, or Refreshment areas).
Complimentary vendor booth in our high-traffic marketplace.
Recognition in post-event impact communications reaching thousands of local supporters.
🛍️ Join the Marketplace
Support Local & Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs! This year, we are excited to feature a vibrant marketplace celebrating neurodivergent-owned businesses, supportive local makers, community service organizations and local businesses. It’s the perfect place to shop unique goods, discover local resources, and support inclusive commerce.
Want to showcase your business or organization? Vendor tables are available for neurodivergent creators, small businesses, and community allies. Gain direct visibility with hundreds of Durham Region families while supporting a great cause!
💙 Why We Fundraise
All proceeds from ticket donations, raffle entries, sponsorships, and marketplace fees go directly to Lake Ridge Community Support Services' #ABAforAll initiative.
#ABAforAll is a specialized fundraising campaign that directly reduces the out-of-pocket costs of needs-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs for children, youth, and adults with autism or intellectual disabilities in Durham Region.
Help us spread the word. Share our event on social media.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners
Venue & Activity Sponsors
Event Supporters
Experiences
Marketplace Vendors
❓ Plan Your Visit
Event Logistics & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Yes! Admission, games, dance workshops, headshots, and access to the Sensory Space are completely free. Food, raffle tickets, and marketplace vendor items are available for purchase.
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Free accessible parking is available directly on-site at the Abilities Centre (1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby). Additional parking is available at Iroquois Park and the nearby Go Station.
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Absolutely. The Abilities Centre is a fully accessible facility designed to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility aids.
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Item descriptWe have a designated quiet Sensory Space hosted by Snoeze Room (Sponsored by Monarch House). You are welcome to step inside at any point during the event to enjoy low lighting, calm seating, and sensory tools.ion
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While drop-ins are welcome, reserving your free ticket online helps us plan activities and ensures you get event updates and prize drawing reminders!
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Tickets are not required but you can RSVP for FREE at https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2026-autism-fun-fair
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This year’s event will be indoors at the Abilities Centre. There may be some elements outdoors but the vast majority of the event will be held withing the building.
Fun Fair Gallery
