Young Minds Explore & Grow Expo
A day of learning, creativity and play for Durham Region families: over 30 local vendors and service providers, a grand magic show, stage performances, free art workshops and more than 5,000 happy guests.
A community that showed up
Learning, creativity and play, all under one roof
The Young Minds – Explore & Grow Expo brought local businesses, educators, performers and families together for an afternoon built around children. Parents discovered classes, summer camps and services close to home; kids discovered robotics, abacus maths, performing arts, crafts and a whole lot of magic.
Thank you to every family who came, and to the more than 30 vendors and service providers who set up their stalls and welcomed our community.
Wide eyes, big gasps, and a hall full of cheering kids
The free magic show was the star of the afternoon: Mantrix the Magician and his Ultimate Kids Magic Show had children and parents captivated, with umbrellas appearing out of nowhere, a packed audience and plenty of laughter.
Magic show proudly sponsored by Kumon Ajax Taunton
Young performers, big talent
Classical dancers, young singers and tiny movers with colourful scarves took the stage while the audience cheered them on.
Crowns, masks and face painting
Young artists filled the long blue tables with crayons, markers and masks, made their own crowns, and queued for free face painting. Clay miniatures, art classes and hands-on demos kept little hands busy all afternoon.
Free to everyone, and a favourite with families.
Over 30 local businesses, a thousand conversations
Education, health, legal, finance, arts and family services set up stalls throughout the hall, giving parents a chance to meet the people behind the businesses in their own community.
Learning
Abacus mental maths, robotics and coding, tutoring and kids' classes.
Arts & performance
Performing arts schools, art classes, crafts and clay miniatures.
Family services
Eye care, legal, financial education and summer camps.
What made the day special
Good to know
What is the Young Minds – Explore & Grow Expo?
A free kids and family expo organized by Luminous Events, bringing together local vendors, educators, performers and families for an afternoon of learning, creativity and play in Ajax, Durham Region.
When was the expo held?
The 2026 edition took place on May 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 PM at J Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax. It was a grand success, with over 5,000 attendees and more than 30 local vendors and service providers.
Was it free?
Yes. Entry was free, along with the magic show and the art workshop.
Will there be another expo?
Follow @luminousevents11 on Instagram and check this website for announcements about future Luminous Events celebrations.
Can my business exhibit or sponsor?
Yes. We would love to hear from local businesses, educators and community organizations. Get in touch about exhibitor and sponsor opportunities.
With gratitude to our supporters
Magic Show Sponsor
Featured Exhibitors
Thank you, Durham Region. See you at the next one.
Follow us for news of the next Luminous Events celebration, or exhibit and partner with us to be part of it.