Friday, Feb. 14
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. 15
Flag Day Celebration: The Town of Newmarket is celebrating Canadian pride amid rising patriotism in the country with a special celebration to mark Flag Day beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Riverwalk Commons on Doug Duncan Drive featuring a live DJ playing Canadian music, buskers and Canadian-themed roaming characters, complimentary birthday cake, hot chocolate, maple taffy and mini-Canadian flags. For more details, visit newmarket.ca/canadaflagday.
Black History Celebration 2025: Titled: Cultural Legacy and Innovation: The Firm Voice is hosting a two-day event celebrating Black excellence, creativity, and visionary leadership while empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Featuring keynote speakers, interactive workshops and community engagement. Runs Feb. 15 and 22 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free tickets and information available on Eventbrite.
Main Street Music Hall presents Improv Night: The talented performers from Bent Fork Improv will create hilarious scenes on the spot based on suggestions. Doors at 140 Main St. S. will open 7:30 p.m. with show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets available via Eventbrite.
Town of Aurora's Arctic 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.
Kattam and his Tam-Tams: The Aurora Cultural Centre brings you a family performance with percussionist Kattam at Aurora Town Square, 50 Victoria St., from 2 to 3 p.m. With the lively beats of the n’goni, balafon, djembe, naffar, derbouka, and dhol, Kattam brings the magic of Africa, the Middle East, and India to life through rhythm, song, and dance. Accompanied by his playful monkey, Takoum, Kattam creates an unforgettable experience that captivates audiences and promises a perfect family adventure. Tickets $25.
York Symphony Orchestra Valentine's Concert: York Symphony Orchestra presents Symphonic Valentines at Trinity Anglican Church, Aurora at 8 p.m. Tickets here.
Black History Month Art Exhibit, to Feb. 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.
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.
Monday, Feb. 17, Family Day
Town of Newmarket Family Day Fun: 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.
Town of Aurora's Arctic Adventure: Celebrate Family Day at Aurora’s Arctic Adventure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Park, 49 Wells St., with 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, visit aurora.ca/ArcticAdventure.
Coming Up:
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.
Girls Inc. Snow Ball, Friday, Feb. 28: Step into a magical evening fit for royalty at the inaugural Snow Ball, a heartwarming father-daughter dance to celebrate the special bond between fathers and daughters while supporting the mission of Girls Inc. of York Region from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eventmrkt (352 Doug Duncan Dr #1, Newmarket. Tickets $100 one father, one daughter.
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.