Friday, Jan. 31
Lunar New Year Celebration: The Newmarket Public Library will be onsite at Upper Canada Mall to 4 p.m. hosting Lunar New year activities such as colouring the Chinese Zodiac signs and an accordion snake craft. Books will be on site for guests to read about the Lunar New Year and snakes at their leisure, and library representatives will help guests identify and learn more about their own Chinese Zodiac Sign.
Annual Spring Fling: Enjoy food, drinks, and live music while connecting with fellow members of the community, with fun, games, and activities for all ages, at 5 p.m. at the Aurora Community Centre.
The Melville Boys, to Feb. 1: Theatre Aurora presents Norm Foster's The Melville Boys at Factory Theatre, 150 Henderson Dr., Aurora. Tickets $25, $23 senior (65+), $10 student online or 905-727-3669.
All My Sons, to Feb. 8: Curtain Club Theatre presents the Arthur Miller drama All My Sons at Curtain Club, 400 Newkirk Rd., Richmond Hill. Tickets $24
at 905-773-3434.
Aurora Bridge Club: Play duplicate bridge weekly with the Aurora club at the Newmarket Veterans Association, 406 Millard Ave., from 12:15 to 4 p.m., open games Wednesdays and Fridays, Thursday 0-500. Price $6 to $10.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Black History Month Reception & Ujamaa Marketplace, Saturday, Feb. 1: Kick off Black History Month in Newmarket with the annual reception at 11:30 a.m. featuring a panel of distinguished experts. Experience live performances and the unveiling of our gallery exhibition highlighting this year’s theme “I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destiny”. Browse the popular Ujamaa Marketplace to meet and support local Black-owned businesses offering unique cultural products and services from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St. Registration is not required but encouraged. Learn more.
Black History Month Art Exhibit, Feb. 1 to 28: Stop by Newmarket Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., and the Elman W. Campbell Museum, 134 Main St. S., for a gallery exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2025. Through powerful visuals, artifacts and storytelling, you will explore the journeys of trailblazers who ruled their destinies and broke barriers in politics, science, arts and education. This exhibition invites you to reflect on the interconnectedness of individual triumphs and collective progress, honouring the legacy of those who shaped history and continue to uplift the community today.
Micah Sings Leonard: Aurora Cultural Centre presents Micah Sings Leonard at 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Town Square Performance Hall, 50 Victoria St. Tickets $40. Recording Artist Micah Barnes salutes Montreal’s favourite son in an intimate concert of Leonard Cohen classics. Micah’s rich baritone voice brings a new perspective to Leonard Cohen’s powerful lyrics- honouring the intricacy of the storytelling and the depth of musicality in these much-celebrated songs. Join Micah (vocals, piano) and his quartet of top flight musicians including guest vocalist Rique Franks on a magical journey though Leonard’s world.
LOL at Hungry Brew Hops: Enjoy a night full of laughs with SinBin Comeday from 8 to 10 p.m., upstairs at 211 Main St. South, Newmarket. Tickets $25.
Newmarket ComiCon: Vendors selling comic books, toys, video games, sports cards, jewelry and pretty much anything geeky cool from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Optimist Youth Centre, 55 Forhan Ave., Newmarket. Admission $5 adults, no charge for children 12 and under. Special guests Alyson Court of the Big Comfy Couch and puppeteer Fred Stinson. More details here.
GCW Wrestling: Live wrestling comes to Newmarket from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Optimist Youth Centre, 55 Forhan Ave. Tickets from $15.
MINTY Gold and Silver Exchange: MINTY Gold and Silver Exchange holds a pop-up the first Saturday of every month at The Millionaire's Daughter, 40 Engelhard Dr, Aurora, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to test and weigh your precious metals, provide education on the value of your items and recycling process. Have your unwanted or broken jewelry, watches, coins, bullion, sterling silverware, and other gold and silver items evaluated and have the option to sell for fair market value. All evaluations are complimentary and there is no pressure to sell.
The Melville Boys: Theatre Aurora presents Norm Foster's The Melville Boys at Factory Theatre, 150 Henderson Dr., Aurora. Tickets $25, $23 senior (65+), $10 student online or 905-727-3669.
All My Sons, to Feb. 8: Curtain Club Theatre presents the Arthur Miller drama All My Sons at Curtain Club, 400 Newkirk Rd., Richmond Hill. Tickets $24
at 905-773-3434.
Connon Nurseries Winter Farmers Market: Connon Nurseries, 1870 Davis Dr. West, King, holds a food and artisans market with an array of vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until March 20.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Goblets & Goblins Community Games Day: Gather your friends or bring your family in a day full of fun, laughter, and games from noon to 9 p.m. at Goblets & Goblins, 17766 Leslie St, Newmarket. Enjoy a wide selection of board games, card games, and more—all available to play at no cost. No tickets, no reservations—just come on in, find a game, and start playing.
All About YOU: Find connection, community, self-attunement and inspiration at this event, surrounded by beautiful works of art at the Royal Rose Gallery in Aurora, from 1 to 4 p.m., $89. Hosts Heather Di Santo, DiSH Events, and Rinat Moshe-Solnik, Paint Align, invite you to join them and other like-minded participants who are excited to connect to their body, mind, and soul. A safe and nurturing circle to express love, explore your point of view, and your creativity. To learn more, see All about YOU - Embrace the LOVE within
All My Sons, to Feb. 8: Curtain Club Theatre presents the Arthur Miller drama All My Sons at Curtain Club, 400 Newkirk Rd., Richmond Hill. Tickets $24
at 905-773-3434.
Coming Up:
Mayor’s Celebration of Youth Arts 2025 Pre-Opening Reception, Friday, Feb. 7: The Mayor’s Celebration of Youth Arts 2025 holds a pre-opening gala and public reception prior to the Feb. 8 opening. Aurora’s graduating class of Grade 12 visual artists have responded to the open call with the largest-ever submissions to the popular annual showcase, with six high schools, 53 students, 167 artworks. All welcome, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., remarks at 7 p.m. at Aurora Town Square.
Sip and Paint for HER, Friday, Feb. 7: Royal Rose Art Gallery, 15210 Yonge St., Aurora hosts an event raising funds for women in our community from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The event will be led by Rosa Calabrese, founder and owner of Royal Rose, artist and advocate for women’s empowerment. Savour hand-picked wines and delicious snacks, unleash your inner artist in an inspiring and supportive environment, and connect with like-minded women and support a vital cause. Visit ccsyr.org for more information and tickets.
Blues Brunch, Saturday, Feb. 8: Kick off the month of February with a Blues Brunch at 11:30 a.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket featuring Jeese Kawat and The Coin Collection featuring classic R&B, soul and modern funk music. Food will be provided by A Million Mouthfuls Catering and a cash bar will be available (seats are $45+ tax).
Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre Cupcake Day Bake Sale,Saturday, Feb. 8: Join the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre for a sweet celebration in support of animals in need. The Pawsitively Sweet bake sale celebrates Cupcake Day and raises much needed funds to care for the animals at the centre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 16586 Woodbine Ave., Stouffville (on Newmarket's border.)
Aurora Community Band Concert, Sunday, Feb. 9: Aurora Community Band presents its Annual Pops Concert with Borealis Big Band at Aurora Town Square Performance Hall at 2:30 p.m.
York Symphony Orchestra Valentine's Concert, Saturday, Feb. 15: York Symphony Orchestra presents Symphonic Valentines at Trinity Anglican Church, Aurora at 8 p.m. Tickets here.
Town of Aurora's Artic Adventure, Feb. 15 and 17: Celebrate Family Day weekend at Aurora’s Arctic Adventure; two days of free family fun, packed with activities for all ages. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria St., enjoy skating, workshops for the whole family, ice carving and pottery demonstration, an interactive show by Marquee Theatrical Productions and wildlife show from Speaking of Wildlife. Then on Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Park, 49 Wells St., there are lumberjack shows and fire-juggling performances, wildlife shows, creative crafts and workshops, ice carving displays, and inflatable games and classic outdoor winter activities. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. For more information or to register for the workshops, visit aurora.ca/ArcticAdventure.
Town of Newmarket Family Day Fun, Monday, Feb. 17: Enjoy free drop-in programs on Family Day at the Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Dr. and the Recreation Youth Centre & telMAX Indoor Skate Park,56 Charles St., for a day full of free activities sponsored by Farm Boy. Programs include swimming, group fitness, public skating and more. Full schedule here.
27th Annual Newmarket Voice Festival, Feb. 18 to 22: Applications are open for the annual festival at the Old Town Hall in Newmarket, with many scholarships available to be won. Visit www.newmarketvoicefestival.com for more details and entry forms, or Irene Ilic, director, at 905-830-6932. Application deadline for amateur singers/actors is Jan. 31. Winners will perform at the Concert of the Stars, Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall.
Operation: Oblivion, Friday, Feb. 21: Operation: Oblivion brings to light an overlooked chapter of Second World War history, Operation: Oblivion, a covert special forces unit composed of Chinese-Canadian soldiers. In a compelling documentary and presentation, discover how this unit helped shape the history of Canadian military and racial narratives. Filmmaker Keith Lock will present his acclaimed documentary, and scholar Eunice Der will deliver an award-winning presentation. This Aurora Town Square event is an exclusive opportunity to engage with both the film and discussion, offering fresh insights into how historical narratives evolve, particularly regarding marginalized communities. Book your tickets by Feb. 7 to save 20 per cent with code TOWNSQUARE20 at aurora.ca/whatsOn.
Ice Lounge on Main, Feb. 21 to 23: Ice Lounge on Main presented by Mercedes-Benz Newmarket returns, transforming historic Main Street Newmarket into an outdoor winter wonderland. From Water Street to Park Avenue, Main Street will become a pedestrian zone where visitors are invited to enjoy food, drinks, shopping live performances, and more. New this year are more family-friendly daytime features. Full event details coming soon.
WinterFresh 2025, Friday, Feb. 28: York Region Food Network hosts its 10th annual WinterFresh Trivia Night that raises funds for community food programs from 5 to 10 p.m. at Stonehaven Banquet Hall, at 63 Eric T Smith Way, Aurora. Includes a three-course meal, live auction, prizes and raffle. Tickets here.